Trudie Skies is working on a new book and I get to share the cover with you already! The Chosen One Con is the first book in their new gaslamp fantasy Lost In the Aether duology. James T. Egan, who also did the covers Trudie’s for The Cruel Gods series, created this beauty. It really gives off the magical Peaky Blinders vibe, and I’m here for it.
The Chosen One Con is part of a big Book Bazaar that showcases a ton of upcoming crowdfunding campaigns. I highly suggest you check it out if you like supporting authors directly. You might even be able snag special editions or exclusive merch. And forget to sign up for Trudie’s campaign!
The Chosen One Con
Cover Art/Designer: James T. Egan of Bookfly Design
Release date: 2026
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Blurb
Magic is a rich man’s game.
Archons control magic in the great city of Aefenhold. Brand-name spells, addictive potions, and celebrity TV keep the poor entertained while they toil in the factories manufacturing magic. That should have been the fate of Max and his childhood friend Lyle, until a violent workers’ strike tears their lives apart, condemning Lyle to the aetherstone mines and leaving Max orphaned with no choice but to sell his labour to a brothel.
Life under the Archon’s rule has given Max a taste for magical narcotics, and left Lyle with aether dust in his lungs and a deep resentment for magic. So when Aefenhold’s rulers announce a televised contest to find the chosen one—a prophesized distraction to unite the city against its detractors—both Max and Lyle see an opportunity to con their way into the contest.
Where Max seeks to steal magic for his freedom, Lyle views magic as a tool of oppression to be destroyed. Their old friendship will be tested as they’re forced to become adversaries against famous rival mages in a series of magical trials. Whoever becomes the chosen one will change the shape of magic forever.
But magic is a rich man’s game, and should Max or Lyle be discovered as frauds, their deaths will be televised next.
The Chosen One Con is the first book in the Lost in the Aether duology—a gaslamp fantasy of industrial magic in a world of designer enchantments and celebrity-branded potions. This is an adult book containing strong language and mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. For a full list of content warnings, visit Trudie Skies’s website.
Character art by Aowna
About the author
Trudie Skies (they/them) is a non-binary author based in North East England, though they have been living inside fantasy worlds ever since they discovered books and 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.
Visit Trudie’s worlds at www.trudieskies.com
