This begins and ends with a traveling storyteller who is blind and disfigured. He survives by telling creepy, engrossing tales in villages. Listeners toss coins into his cup, or give them to the mechanical monkey who travels with him. In between and sandwiched around other appearances by the storyteller, is the tale of twin siblings, children of a king and queen. Ursula was born just before Albrecht and thus will inherit the throne. After her brother, who cannot change into a were creature, falls from a tree and breaks a leg, his outlook on things changes, souring by the day.
After the queen dies, the king makes a decision that changes everything and sets in motion a conflict that is extremely bloody. By the end, hardly anyone remains unscathed. This is definitely NOT a story for the squeamish, or faint hearted. For those who aren't affected by gore, violence and major unfair situations, it's a dandy read with a huge gotcha at the end. ( )