You all know we love shouting about upcoming fantasy books. A unique one like this blend of gaslamp vibes, gritty rebellion, and magic-fueled mayhem sounds especially appealling!
So today we get to help reveal the stunning cover for the latest, hopefully just as weird and wonderful as the last, story from the awesome Trudie Skies: The Chosen One Con
This is the first book in their upcoming Lost in the Aether duology, and if you’re into morally grey characters, industrial fantasy, or reality-TV-style magical competitions (with deadly consequences), this book should absolutely be on your radar.
So let’s talk about the Book
Title: The Chosen One Con
Series: Book One of Lost in the Aether
Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy (Adult)
Release Date: TBC 2026
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.
And now… feast your eyes on this gorgeous cover, designed by James T. Egan of Bookfly Design:
How perfectly does this set the tone?
There’s also character art by Aowna, which look just fantastic. Trudie’s characters are always full of personality, and the art makes us all the more excited!
We already enjoyed Trudie Skies The Thirteenth Hour, and this new duology sounds like it’s going to be even darker, sharper, and more chaotic in the best way.
If this sounds like your kind of book (and honestly, how could it not?), make sure to:
- Add it to your Goodreads
- Follow the BackerKit page for launch updates
- Check out the content warnings if you need them
We’ll definitely talk more about this one as we get closer to 2026.
About the Author
- Author: Trudie Skies (they/them)
- Author’s Website
- Author’s Social Media:
Bio
Trudie Skies 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.
Jennie Ivins