It’s Friday the 13th and it’s a special day because I’ve got two cover reveals and my thoughts on one of these books! Trudie Skies, SPFBO finalist, has been working hard to bring is more goodness from the Domains, and today is actually the release day of one of the projects, Tales from Across the Domains. If you signed up to their newsletter you might have already read a few of them but there are a few new ones too. My thoughts on the complete collection can be found below.
I also have the pleasure to finally share the cover for the third book, The End of Time, with you! But I’ll share that last, so be patient. All of the covers from The Cruel Gods series are excellent but I love Quen on this cover. He’s come into his own and grown a lot throughout these books. Kayl is still very much a lovable idiot. I can’t wait to read this.
Tales from Across the Domains
Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy, short story collection
Cover Designer: GetCovers
Blurb
Apostates, misfits, rebels, and sinners. What do they have in common? They all desire freedom to choose their own path in defiance of the gods who own their souls.
From an underwater domed city to perilous jungles, volcanic cabaret theaters, mushroom forests, and beyond, travel across twelve unique domains and learn of mortal life under the gods’ watchful eyes. Your journey begins in Chime, a steam-powered city that connects each domain through a magical portal that changes at the turn of the hour.
Wardens are on hand to guide you on your journey, but be careful—not all domains are safe to traverse, and not all are what they seem.
Tales From Across the Domains is a collection of fifteen short stories set within The Cruel Gods world—a gaslamp fantasy featuring magical portals, gothic cosmic deities, quaint Britishisms, and steampunk vibes. These short stories can be read at any point during the series and contain strong language and mature themes that some readers may find disturbing.
My thoughts
As I said before, most of the short stories first appeared in Trudie’s newsletter. I enjoyed them so much I saved all of them. And I don’t save many newsletters. Now that I can own I might clean out my inbox a little bit. Each domain has its own story, a look into the life of the people living there. We meet some of the characters from the books, and in one case, a god. Being familiar with them isn’t necessary but it will give you more feels knowing what the future holds for them.
It’s not a long book but Trudie manages to capture the wonder and danger of each of the domains in the limited amount of words perfectly. Be aware that some of the stories are dark. The word ‘cruel’ in the series name isn’t to be taken likely.
If you love the series, I know you’ll love these stories. If you’re not familiar with The Cruel Gods, this is an excellent starting point to see if you would like the series and world. You can read Tales from Across the Domains without having read the other books.
The End of Time
Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy
Cover Designer: James T. Egan of Bookfly Design
Release date: TBA, Early 2024
Blurb
WHEN THE SAINTS FALL, THE SINNERS RISE.
Calamity has befallen the steam-powered city of Chime as the gods declare war on each other, choosing Chime’s streets as their battleground. Kayl has the means to end their reign for good and create a new world free from their whims. But recruiting an army against divine beings is no easy task, and as her allies fall one by one, Kayl is left to shoulder her burden alone.
Finally free from his own god’s shackles, Quen is bound in service to Chaos, who only wants revenge against Quen’s former master. Torn between his desire for vengeance and justice, Quen is no stranger to the gods’ cruelty and will do whatever it takes to see Kayl’s vision through—even if it destroys his soul.
To ensure a better future, Kayl and Quen must unite mortals against their makers and decide the gods’ fate before time itself comes to an end.
For the era of gods is over.
The End of Time is the third and final book in The Cruel Gods series—a gaslamp fantasy featuring magical portals, gothic cosmic deities, quaint Britishisms, and steampunk vibes. This is an adult book containing strong language and mature themes that some readers may find disturbing.
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About the Author
Trudie Skies has been living inside fantasy worlds ever since they discovered books, and they refuse to return to reality. Within Trudie’s daydreams you’ll find SPFBO and BBNYA finalist The Thirteenth Hour, a gaslamp fantasy described as obnoxiously British and best read with a cup of tea.
When not conjuring new worlds, Trudie spends their free time exploring the realms of indie books and video games, staring at clouds, and chasing after their fluffy companions.
