The Quickening Series by Fiona McIntosh

For the sake of an imperiled kingdom, the line between "traitor"and "savior" must blur . . . and vanish.Though barely a teenager, Wyl Thirsk must now assume the role he has been destined for since birth: commander of the Morgravian army -- an awesome responsibility that calls him to the royal palace of the crown prince Celimus. Already a cruel despot who delights in the suffering of others, Celimus enjoys forcing his new general to witness his depraved "entertainments... moreFor the sake of an imperiled kingdom, the line between "traitor"and "savior" must blur . . . and vanish.Though barely a teenager, Wyl Thirsk must now assume the role he has been destined for since birth: commander of the Morgravian army -- an awesome responsibility that calls him to the royal palace of the crown prince Celimus. Already a cruel despot who delights in the suffering of others, Celimus enjoys forcing his new general to witness his depraved "entertainments." But a kindness to a condemned witch in her final, agonizing hours earns young Thirsk a miraculous bequest, while inflaming the wrath of his liege lord.With war looming in the north, Wyl must obey Celimus's treacherous dictates and undertake a suicidal journey to an enemy court -- armed with a mysterious power that could prove both boon and curse. For unless he accepts Myrren's gift, it will surely destroy him . . . and the land he must defend. less

A gift of life ...or a curse beyond death? The machinations of King Celimus have robbed Wyl Thirsk of almost everyone he held dear, and those few who have survived will bear the scars forever. Myrren's gift offers Wyl the opportunity to strike back, but at what price? His best friend is murdered, mercenaries pillage the land in the name of his beloved Legion, and now the mad king threatens the two women who are more precious to him than life itself. He cannot save both... moreA gift of life ...or a curse beyond death? The machinations of King Celimus have robbed Wyl Thirsk of almost everyone he held dear, and those few who have survived will bear the scars forever. Myrren's gift offers Wyl the opportunity to strike back, but at what price? His best friend is murdered, mercenaries pillage the land in the name of his beloved Legion, and now the mad king threatens the two women who are more precious to him than life itself. He cannot save both. The old seer's advice comes back to him: find the Manwitch. Only Myrren's natural father can help break the hold of the Quickening. But Wyl's heart pleads otherwise: Protect your loved ones. Once again, it seems, Wyl Thirsk faces an impossible choice. The path ahead diverges. Left and right. Head and heart. Blood and memory. A misstep here could cost him everything ... less

General Wyl Thirsk of Morgravia has died many times . . .But thanks to the miraculous gift bestowed upon him by the slain witch Myrren, Wyl lives on—though greatly altered and unrecognizable. Only by assuming Morgravia's throne will he be freed from the dark spell that has both cursed and sustained him.But Wyl's time is running out... moreGeneral Wyl Thirsk of Morgravia has died many times . . .But thanks to the miraculous gift bestowed upon him by the slain witch Myrren, Wyl lives on—though greatly altered and unrecognizable. Only by assuming Morgravia's throne will he be freed from the dark spell that has both cursed and sustained him.But Wyl's time is running out. His beloved Queen Valentyna will soon be wed to his most hated enemy, the savage despot King Celimus—and despite the impending nuptials, war between their nations looms ominously, while the dire threat from the Mountain Kingdom grows stronger by the day. Trapped in a body that is not his own, Wyl must walk his most dangerous path yet—straight into the brutal clutches of his sadistic foe‚ in a last, desperate attempt to save his land, his love, his life . . . and his soul. less