The King's Bastard — Rowena Cory Daniells

Byren never wanted the throne. It was destined for Lence, his twin brother, older by seven minutes and the rightful heir to Rolencia. But the royal heir resents Byren's growing popularity, and in the court of King Rolen, the shadows are thick with enemies plotting revolution.

Darkness stirs across Rolencia and untamed magic of the gods wells up from the earth's heart, twisting the minds of men with terrible visions. The touched must learn to control their gift â€" or die. Disharmony stirs within Rolen's household, and as magic, madness and political machinations threaten to tear Rolencia apart, King Rolen's children must do all they can to restore their father's kingdom...