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The Chosen One Con
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.
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.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
About the author
Trudie Skies
9 books156 followersTrudie 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 at www.trudieskies.com
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
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June 15, 2026Beta read this! I have bias to Trudie's books so I give it five stars and highly recommend it. But like I said, I'm biased.
But.
If you like The Cruel Gods, you'll love this one too.
But.
If you like The Cruel Gods, you'll love this one too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
I'd seen a lot about this book on BSKY, so when I saw it on Netgalley I figured I'd request, not knowing what exactly to expect except that it was queer and some sort of chosen one subversion (obviously).
The Chosen One subversion is not so much the focus of the story, but more a dressing up of what is happening. The main premise is that one of the archons (one of the high ranked mages who rule this country) dies, skilled mages are invited to join a competition to become the next archon, and the archon hosting this markets this as seeking a chosen one from a prophecy.
Our main characters, Max and Lyle, are both lower class people with no access to becoming the type of mage who could enter this competition. They con their way in anyway, and have to fake it til they make it with the trials.
The setting of this book is described as gaslamp, and I agree that it is a Victorian era inspired setting, with a particular emphasis on the industrial revolution. Magic is very industrialized and relies on certain ores, and depends on exploited laborers. However, there's also MagiVision which is essentially tv powered by magic. This is a very big part of the story, as the main plot focuses on them participating in a tv show, and many major characters are/were movie stars.
The industrialized magic approach with exploited laborers reminded me of Metal from Heaven, though the ultimate plot is quite different.
Max and Lyle both grew up in this labor class. When they are young, these laborers go on strike, causing both to lose family (Max still has his sister). While Max escapes unscathed himself, Lyle is arrested and sentenced to become a miner, separating the pair.
Years later, when the plot happens, Lyle has left the mines to become the apprentice/help of an old retired mage, whereas Max has become a sex worker to support his younger sister, who is studying to be a mage. Both are not in a good place exactly, with Max under a lot of control of the brothel owner while Lyle has a not so great relationship with the mage he works for.
When the Chosen One show is announced, both have a different reason for entering. Max hopes the renown this wins him might earn him more money and help free him from the control of this brothel owner. Lyle works for a group of anti-magic revolutionaries and hopes to take down the government from within once he wins.
I loved how nuanced the world building of this book was. Max loves magic, and thinks it is the ticket to a better life for himself and his sister. He sees only the benefits, downplays the harms, and tends to prioritize himself and his own family, wanting to escape his lower class status rather than ending this class division altogether. Max does not believe society can change for the better, and so he just tries to cope with it, turning to magivision shows as well as magical drugs, that actually allow him to do magic without needing to study to be a mage.
Lyle on the other hand hates magic. He sees only the harm magic production does to working class people like him, the exploitation necessary for mining and processing magic, but sometimes he misses that magic can also have benefits (in particular healthcare benefits).
I really like ending up with this situation where it's not all that straight forward, and you'd really need to balance the costs of producing magic and the costs of not having it at all.
The plot is complex, and this book is much longer than I initially expected, but it did keep me engaged throughout and there are certainly plenty of twists.
The characters are interesting and well developed. Max was trying at times with his narrow focus, naivety, and denial of his own addiction, but I think the addiction was written very well and given the weight it deserves. But he is also charming, and knows exactly how to perform for an audience, which he uses to his advantage on the Chosen One show. He can see the way this whole show is not about the trials or who is the best with magic, but is a performance.
Lyle's interiority was written in an accent which I am personally not a fan of, but his character was interesting. He is brash and speaks his mind, but does not possess all that much tact, which makes it difficult when you're on a televised show. He is not at all popular as a candidate, to no one's surprise, but I found him very compelling as a character. He's very angry, and desperate to make a difference, and do more than just spy on his old mage mentor.
There's a romance subplot between these two mains, which is a second chance romance. The pair were together when they were teenagers, but lost each other after the strike, both of them believing the other was dead. They recognize each other on the show, but both believe initially the other is a genuine candidate and has betrayed their origins, so they don't really have reason to trust each other. I liked seeing the feelings build from this.
Another major character who had the occasional POV was Hope, Max's sister who is much more competent than either of those boys. She is a mage in training, and poses as Max's maid to help him bullshit his way through the trials. She also shows a more positive side of magic, as she wants to become a healer. As a transgender woman, she also uses potions for her transition, showing another benefit of magic.
The villain of this book was really intriguing too. Thalia is the host of the Chosen One show, and she is a former actress who ultimately become an archon, and her being an actress is pretty significant to the story, as so much is about performance and tv ratings. I really liked the nuance of her character. She really sucks, but I can get behind some of her struggles as a woman in a male dominated society, and this book shows very well how she supports only some woman, and tends to neglect the lower classes. She believes magic is necessary to achieve gender equality, as women are as good at magic as men, and I found this an interesting perspective on magic too. Is it really necessary for equality, and is it worth the cost?
This book is first in a duology and I'm curious to read the sequel. Would recommend for people who enjoy a focus on class struggles and the performance and tv angle, with a side of queer romance.
I'd seen a lot about this book on BSKY, so when I saw it on Netgalley I figured I'd request, not knowing what exactly to expect except that it was queer and some sort of chosen one subversion (obviously).
The Chosen One subversion is not so much the focus of the story, but more a dressing up of what is happening. The main premise is that one of the archons (one of the high ranked mages who rule this country) dies, skilled mages are invited to join a competition to become the next archon, and the archon hosting this markets this as seeking a chosen one from a prophecy.
Our main characters, Max and Lyle, are both lower class people with no access to becoming the type of mage who could enter this competition. They con their way in anyway, and have to fake it til they make it with the trials.
The setting of this book is described as gaslamp, and I agree that it is a Victorian era inspired setting, with a particular emphasis on the industrial revolution. Magic is very industrialized and relies on certain ores, and depends on exploited laborers. However, there's also MagiVision which is essentially tv powered by magic. This is a very big part of the story, as the main plot focuses on them participating in a tv show, and many major characters are/were movie stars.
The industrialized magic approach with exploited laborers reminded me of Metal from Heaven, though the ultimate plot is quite different.
Max and Lyle both grew up in this labor class. When they are young, these laborers go on strike, causing both to lose family (Max still has his sister). While Max escapes unscathed himself, Lyle is arrested and sentenced to become a miner, separating the pair.
Years later, when the plot happens, Lyle has left the mines to become the apprentice/help of an old retired mage, whereas Max has become a sex worker to support his younger sister, who is studying to be a mage. Both are not in a good place exactly, with Max under a lot of control of the brothel owner while Lyle has a not so great relationship with the mage he works for.
When the Chosen One show is announced, both have a different reason for entering. Max hopes the renown this wins him might earn him more money and help free him from the control of this brothel owner. Lyle works for a group of anti-magic revolutionaries and hopes to take down the government from within once he wins.
I loved how nuanced the world building of this book was. Max loves magic, and thinks it is the ticket to a better life for himself and his sister. He sees only the benefits, downplays the harms, and tends to prioritize himself and his own family, wanting to escape his lower class status rather than ending this class division altogether. Max does not believe society can change for the better, and so he just tries to cope with it, turning to magivision shows as well as magical drugs, that actually allow him to do magic without needing to study to be a mage.
Lyle on the other hand hates magic. He sees only the harm magic production does to working class people like him, the exploitation necessary for mining and processing magic, but sometimes he misses that magic can also have benefits (in particular healthcare benefits).
I really like ending up with this situation where it's not all that straight forward, and you'd really need to balance the costs of producing magic and the costs of not having it at all.
The plot is complex, and this book is much longer than I initially expected, but it did keep me engaged throughout and there are certainly plenty of twists.
The characters are interesting and well developed. Max was trying at times with his narrow focus, naivety, and denial of his own addiction, but I think the addiction was written very well and given the weight it deserves. But he is also charming, and knows exactly how to perform for an audience, which he uses to his advantage on the Chosen One show. He can see the way this whole show is not about the trials or who is the best with magic, but is a performance.
Lyle's interiority was written in an accent which I am personally not a fan of, but his character was interesting. He is brash and speaks his mind, but does not possess all that much tact, which makes it difficult when you're on a televised show. He is not at all popular as a candidate, to no one's surprise, but I found him very compelling as a character. He's very angry, and desperate to make a difference, and do more than just spy on his old mage mentor.
There's a romance subplot between these two mains, which is a second chance romance. The pair were together when they were teenagers, but lost each other after the strike, both of them believing the other was dead. They recognize each other on the show, but both believe initially the other is a genuine candidate and has betrayed their origins, so they don't really have reason to trust each other. I liked seeing the feelings build from this.
Another major character who had the occasional POV was Hope, Max's sister who is much more competent than either of those boys. She is a mage in training, and poses as Max's maid to help him bullshit his way through the trials. She also shows a more positive side of magic, as she wants to become a healer. As a transgender woman, she also uses potions for her transition, showing another benefit of magic.
The villain of this book was really intriguing too. Thalia is the host of the Chosen One show, and she is a former actress who ultimately become an archon, and her being an actress is pretty significant to the story, as so much is about performance and tv ratings. I really liked the nuance of her character. She really sucks, but I can get behind some of her struggles as a woman in a male dominated society, and this book shows very well how she supports only some woman, and tends to neglect the lower classes. She believes magic is necessary to achieve gender equality, as women are as good at magic as men, and I found this an interesting perspective on magic too. Is it really necessary for equality, and is it worth the cost?
This book is first in a duology and I'm curious to read the sequel. Would recommend for people who enjoy a focus on class struggles and the performance and tv angle, with a side of queer romance.
August 9, 2026
There are a few things you know you're going to get when your read a book by Trudie Skies:
A detailed, functioning world full of its own strange quirks and dark undertones
Masterful foreshadowing that lets you think you've guessed the plot twist… But did you really think that was the whole thing? Hahahaha!
All the queerness you could possibly imagine
This tale of gaslamp madness is no exception. It starts slow, giving us a solid grounding in the world of the Arcanum where magic is everything. It's in food and drink, it powers your homes, it entertains you on the airwaves (or aetherwaves, rather). Oh, and it's pretty much the preserve of the rich. A poor Oldtowner might be able to swig a Vim & Vigor potion, but only after slaving away in the factories processing the aetherstone that powers everything.
In this world, we follow two unfortunate souls. Max is a sex worker who needs the money to provide for his sister and keep up the lifestyle he enjoys. He rather likes magic, particularly the entertainment shows broadcast to his "MV" and the magic-infused drugs. Lyle is his former friend, one who sacrificed himself so that Max could escape the punishment of being thrown in the mines. He's seen what magic proliferation did to his more simple way of life before being sucked into the city, and after it took everything from him, he'd be happier if magic didn't exist at all. They both come together in "The Chosen One Show", a once in a lifetime televised competition where mages vie to join the ruling council after a… Vacancy, shall we say, leaves the city one leader short. The how, the why; I'll leave that up to you to discover.
At first, this slow start and Max's abrasive way of expressing nonchalance felt a little grating to me. I didn't warm to him exactly, and I warmed to Lyle even less when he did everything with an "accent". But here's the thing: you gotta let Trudie Skies cook. It was the same in the exceptional Cruel Gods series. They can write a character that's telling you all the rude jokes and using all the profanity who starts off unlikable until you understand them. Trust me, these characters are never shallow shock-fodder. Side characters too feel more than just a thing playing their part.
Max's particular arc of being in denial about his life is probably the hardest part to read. Under the blithe assertions and romantic angsting, he's damaged by his past. It touches on a lit of big issues which may be triggering to some.
To be fair, this book hides a lot of big issues, from drug abuse and the taboo of prostitution, to how society turns a blind eye as long as there's something good on TV and the food keeps being filled with tasty, tasty additives that sure aren't there for the health benefits. There's a certain kind of satire nestled in the many layers.
The plot is also where this book shines. Maybe you're like me and have read a load of fantasy books. You know where to pick up on clues and what the usual outcome of these portended twists. You might even feel a tad smug having picked up on it so early… But you'd be wrong. Trudie Skies is a master of setting you up to expect one thing only to throw the rulebook out the window and go on a character-led narrative rampage. Part of you wanted the normal, satisfying, accepted story. But if you value originality in your tales, you can't ask for more than this beautiful chaos.
All in all it's a well-crafted book, self-contained in a first in series way (there's tension, but no killer mid-scene cliffhanger). The stakes are raised and the game is on. It's a chonker of a tome, but if you're looking for something original, challenging, and thought-provoking as well as entertaining, this adult gaslamp fantasy series starter certainly delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A detailed, functioning world full of its own strange quirks and dark undertones
Masterful foreshadowing that lets you think you've guessed the plot twist… But did you really think that was the whole thing? Hahahaha!
All the queerness you could possibly imagine
This tale of gaslamp madness is no exception. It starts slow, giving us a solid grounding in the world of the Arcanum where magic is everything. It's in food and drink, it powers your homes, it entertains you on the airwaves (or aetherwaves, rather). Oh, and it's pretty much the preserve of the rich. A poor Oldtowner might be able to swig a Vim & Vigor potion, but only after slaving away in the factories processing the aetherstone that powers everything.
In this world, we follow two unfortunate souls. Max is a sex worker who needs the money to provide for his sister and keep up the lifestyle he enjoys. He rather likes magic, particularly the entertainment shows broadcast to his "MV" and the magic-infused drugs. Lyle is his former friend, one who sacrificed himself so that Max could escape the punishment of being thrown in the mines. He's seen what magic proliferation did to his more simple way of life before being sucked into the city, and after it took everything from him, he'd be happier if magic didn't exist at all. They both come together in "The Chosen One Show", a once in a lifetime televised competition where mages vie to join the ruling council after a… Vacancy, shall we say, leaves the city one leader short. The how, the why; I'll leave that up to you to discover.
At first, this slow start and Max's abrasive way of expressing nonchalance felt a little grating to me. I didn't warm to him exactly, and I warmed to Lyle even less when he did everything with an "accent". But here's the thing: you gotta let Trudie Skies cook. It was the same in the exceptional Cruel Gods series. They can write a character that's telling you all the rude jokes and using all the profanity who starts off unlikable until you understand them. Trust me, these characters are never shallow shock-fodder. Side characters too feel more than just a thing playing their part.
Max's particular arc of being in denial about his life is probably the hardest part to read. Under the blithe assertions and romantic angsting, he's damaged by his past. It touches on a lit of big issues which may be triggering to some.
To be fair, this book hides a lot of big issues, from drug abuse and the taboo of prostitution, to how society turns a blind eye as long as there's something good on TV and the food keeps being filled with tasty, tasty additives that sure aren't there for the health benefits. There's a certain kind of satire nestled in the many layers.
The plot is also where this book shines. Maybe you're like me and have read a load of fantasy books. You know where to pick up on clues and what the usual outcome of these portended twists. You might even feel a tad smug having picked up on it so early… But you'd be wrong. Trudie Skies is a master of setting you up to expect one thing only to throw the rulebook out the window and go on a character-led narrative rampage. Part of you wanted the normal, satisfying, accepted story. But if you value originality in your tales, you can't ask for more than this beautiful chaos.
All in all it's a well-crafted book, self-contained in a first in series way (there's tension, but no killer mid-scene cliffhanger). The stakes are raised and the game is on. It's a chonker of a tome, but if you're looking for something original, challenging, and thought-provoking as well as entertaining, this adult gaslamp fantasy series starter certainly delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2026
The Chosen One Con is the first novel in a new duology by Trudie Skies, and is a story full of themes. In this world driven by magic, where the rich have everything and the poor toil themselves into the ground, there is manipulation via love potions, worker oppression, sex slavery, and exploitation. Among all of this gritty hardship, a love story blooms between two total opposites, flamboyant Max, who longs to become a rich mage and lives for the shows he watches religiously on the MagiVision, and down-to-earth socialist Lyle, who wants nothing to do with magic or the ruling classes. Opposites attract, and the two teenagers form a strong emotional bond, until a riot ends with Max’s father being killed and Lyle sent to the aether mines.
The story continues seven years later with Max believing Lyle to be dead and working as a prostitute named Magnolia to support his transgender sister, who needs food, rent, and hormonal medicine to support her transition.
A televised contest is announced to find the next Archon, “The Chosen One” who will act on the city’s ruling council, replacing the recently deceased Ignatius, a nasty piece of work, whose death is blamed on the Wrens, a group of anti-magic extremists. Lyle, now out of the mines and apprenticed to the mysterious ex-Archon, Warlock, decides to enter the competition to bring down the system from within.
Meanwhile, Max sees winning the contest as a way to escape his boss/slaver, Valerian Thorn, and finally live a free life.
As with Trudie’s other books, the worldbuilding is amazingly detailed and really brings the city to life in all its complexity. The city is powered by magic, and magic pervades everything, even food and drink, and makes addicts of people. The MagiVision shows are also a form of addiction, dumbing down the general populace and helping them to forget their woes. I loved the idea of a brothel named The Greenhouse with all of its workers named after flowers and run by Valerian Thorn, a real thorn amongst the roses.
All of the characters are well-thought-out and believable — even the secondary characters have many layers and detailed backstories, which add depth and richness to the world they inhabit. None of Trudie’s characters are ever fillers; they always have multiple layers and interesting quirks. Max and Lyle were both really great characters, so different from each other. I found myself visualizing Tom Read Wilson as Max, and Sam Heughan’s character Jamie Fraser from Highlander in the role of Lyle.
Everyone in The Chosen One Con is driven by desire. The poor long for money and a way out of their tormented lives; the rich desire perfection and take addictive potions for everything from appearance changes to knowledge of spells.
“The Chosen One” MagiVision show offers betterment for the winning contestant: a place on the ruling council of the city, but no one is aware of just how corrupt the Archon council is and who exactly is behind all of the manipulation. There are many surprising revelations throughout the story, but this one takes the cake!
The Chosen One Con was a really enjoyable novel that I found completely compelling. The layers of society reminded me of The Hunger Games, and it deserves to be made into a movie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story continues seven years later with Max believing Lyle to be dead and working as a prostitute named Magnolia to support his transgender sister, who needs food, rent, and hormonal medicine to support her transition.
A televised contest is announced to find the next Archon, “The Chosen One” who will act on the city’s ruling council, replacing the recently deceased Ignatius, a nasty piece of work, whose death is blamed on the Wrens, a group of anti-magic extremists. Lyle, now out of the mines and apprenticed to the mysterious ex-Archon, Warlock, decides to enter the competition to bring down the system from within.
Meanwhile, Max sees winning the contest as a way to escape his boss/slaver, Valerian Thorn, and finally live a free life.
As with Trudie’s other books, the worldbuilding is amazingly detailed and really brings the city to life in all its complexity. The city is powered by magic, and magic pervades everything, even food and drink, and makes addicts of people. The MagiVision shows are also a form of addiction, dumbing down the general populace and helping them to forget their woes. I loved the idea of a brothel named The Greenhouse with all of its workers named after flowers and run by Valerian Thorn, a real thorn amongst the roses.
All of the characters are well-thought-out and believable — even the secondary characters have many layers and detailed backstories, which add depth and richness to the world they inhabit. None of Trudie’s characters are ever fillers; they always have multiple layers and interesting quirks. Max and Lyle were both really great characters, so different from each other. I found myself visualizing Tom Read Wilson as Max, and Sam Heughan’s character Jamie Fraser from Highlander in the role of Lyle.
Everyone in The Chosen One Con is driven by desire. The poor long for money and a way out of their tormented lives; the rich desire perfection and take addictive potions for everything from appearance changes to knowledge of spells.
“The Chosen One” MagiVision show offers betterment for the winning contestant: a place on the ruling council of the city, but no one is aware of just how corrupt the Archon council is and who exactly is behind all of the manipulation. There are many surprising revelations throughout the story, but this one takes the cake!
The Chosen One Con was a really enjoyable novel that I found completely compelling. The layers of society reminded me of The Hunger Games, and it deserves to be made into a movie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 9, 2026
Well, how about that? I mean, this was one of THE BEST reads of the year, so far, I kid you not. The amount of times I broke out in laughter for probably the most innapropriate things is out of this world. But is this book a comedy? Not at all. This is a story of courage, of finding one's self, of changing the odds and proving the underdog can actually be much more than what they seem, if given half a chance. It's a tale of street smarts where the heart plays a bigger part, and to say I loved these characters is a misconstruction of the truth, because I totally ADORED them. Max, especially, and I will die on that hill, because Max was to me one of the most realistic and accurate renditions of addiction I've ever read - at least where it comes to my own experience. Max is flawed and does 'shitty' things, but so does Lyle, and so does Hope - loooooved her so much, too. And so do all the other characters, as this book tackles the subject of manipulation and gaslighting in such a delicious manner, so imaginative.
It wasn't my first Trudie Skies books - and def won't be my last - and I will reiterate what I said before: they know how to worldbuild, all right. Their worlds are always so detailed and at the same time so organic, there are no info dumps and no need for them, as a reader you dive right in and become familiar to it through the narrative, the stories, the characters in the most natural way. I loved this about the author, their world building always sweeps me off my feet. And this time, the characters did too: Max and Lyle and Hope, but also Bella and Thalia and Celestia - how I squealed as I was reminded of Eastenders and Paris Hilton all in the same book, omg! - Flynt and Benny and Nightingale, even Incendio, that twat! They were all so beautifully fleshed and so vivid it made this book an absolute pleasure to read. And make no mistakes, even if the tone seems light and adventurous and entertaining, I found that this book brought up deeper issues and addressed them in such a tremendlously well done manner. It's a book that had me pausing and thinking at several times, and one that I find so, so actual to the times we are living in.
One of the easiest 5 stars I ever gave.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy - my opinions are my own and this is a truly honest review.
It wasn't my first Trudie Skies books - and def won't be my last - and I will reiterate what I said before: they know how to worldbuild, all right. Their worlds are always so detailed and at the same time so organic, there are no info dumps and no need for them, as a reader you dive right in and become familiar to it through the narrative, the stories, the characters in the most natural way. I loved this about the author, their world building always sweeps me off my feet. And this time, the characters did too: Max and Lyle and Hope, but also Bella and Thalia and Celestia - how I squealed as I was reminded of Eastenders and Paris Hilton all in the same book, omg! - Flynt and Benny and Nightingale, even Incendio, that twat! They were all so beautifully fleshed and so vivid it made this book an absolute pleasure to read. And make no mistakes, even if the tone seems light and adventurous and entertaining, I found that this book brought up deeper issues and addressed them in such a tremendlously well done manner. It's a book that had me pausing and thinking at several times, and one that I find so, so actual to the times we are living in.
One of the easiest 5 stars I ever gave.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy - my opinions are my own and this is a truly honest review.
August 7, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Trudie Skies for the eARC
"The chosen one con" is the first book in a gaslamp fantasy duology, using magic as a power for revolution, in many ways. We follow Max and Lyle as their life is upended and reshaped by the powers in place and the impact of manufacturing magic. While Lyle works in the mines, seeking a way to destroy magic, Max has become a sex worker, seeking a way out of his bonds through magic. The first one is sick because of magic, the second is an addict.
Both of them will participate in the television contest searching for the chosen one, something that will put their already complicated friendships to the test. See, both of them were big friends seven years ago, but a strike with big repercussions pushed them apart
I was really curious to read this book, my first from the author. The writing is good, managing to keep a good pace and an ease of reading that was appreciable, considering the length of the book. There is quite a deal of worldbuilding, politically, magically and for the plot to work out as it has to. Everything is shared organically, avoiding heavy indo dumps by using the characters' pov to convey the informations when they are needed.
The characters are well rounded, enough to make them interesting I would say I sometimes had trouble differntiating which one was the POV character at first, and that they don't change as much as I would like to really get deep into their story, but they are compelling and work well for the story. And both have flaws, which the author isn't scared to showcase, which was deeply appreciable.
Quite a few shifts and turns plot wise, romance subplot and godly powers make a good mix here. Be aware that there are quite a few graphic bits, nothing too big but it is there, so if you are squeamish about such things, take care.
Curious to see what the next book will bring!
"The chosen one con" is the first book in a gaslamp fantasy duology, using magic as a power for revolution, in many ways. We follow Max and Lyle as their life is upended and reshaped by the powers in place and the impact of manufacturing magic. While Lyle works in the mines, seeking a way to destroy magic, Max has become a sex worker, seeking a way out of his bonds through magic. The first one is sick because of magic, the second is an addict.
Both of them will participate in the television contest searching for the chosen one, something that will put their already complicated friendships to the test. See, both of them were big friends seven years ago, but a strike with big repercussions pushed them apart
I was really curious to read this book, my first from the author. The writing is good, managing to keep a good pace and an ease of reading that was appreciable, considering the length of the book. There is quite a deal of worldbuilding, politically, magically and for the plot to work out as it has to. Everything is shared organically, avoiding heavy indo dumps by using the characters' pov to convey the informations when they are needed.
The characters are well rounded, enough to make them interesting I would say I sometimes had trouble differntiating which one was the POV character at first, and that they don't change as much as I would like to really get deep into their story, but they are compelling and work well for the story. And both have flaws, which the author isn't scared to showcase, which was deeply appreciable.
Quite a few shifts and turns plot wise, romance subplot and godly powers make a good mix here. Be aware that there are quite a few graphic bits, nothing too big but it is there, so if you are squeamish about such things, take care.
Curious to see what the next book will bring!
August 12, 2026
Well that was one heck of a read.
I think this might be by first gas lamp fantasy (or at least my first in a long time, and therefore my first adult gas lamp fantasy) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The world felt so fully thought out, through all the ways magic would influence society, from technology, to medicine, to entertainment, to class structure.
I found all the pov characters compelling and lovable in their own ways (even if I might have wanted to give them a good shake every now and then). At first, I was a little worried I'd find the dialect in the narration for Lyle's pov distracted, but I quickly got used to it and it felt natural, adding character and helping me always know who the pov character was.
I also loved how effortless the representation felt with gender, sexuality, disability etc. It was all just there, like it is in the real world. But even though it was done casually without a song and dance, it still serves to highlight elements of the world (e.g. the privileges of wealth).
I also wanted to say that I appreciated the nuanced depiction of sex work throughout.
My only teeny-tiny complaint was that I perhaps found the backstory in the prologue a little overwhelming at the time (given the prologue itself was also backstory), but I think if I went back and read it again now, knowing the characters and world, I'd appreciate it more.
Oh, and my other complaint is obviously that I have to wait for the next part!
I received an advance copy of this book, and am opting to leave my own honest review.
I think this might be by first gas lamp fantasy (or at least my first in a long time, and therefore my first adult gas lamp fantasy) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The world felt so fully thought out, through all the ways magic would influence society, from technology, to medicine, to entertainment, to class structure.
I found all the pov characters compelling and lovable in their own ways (even if I might have wanted to give them a good shake every now and then). At first, I was a little worried I'd find the dialect in the narration for Lyle's pov distracted, but I quickly got used to it and it felt natural, adding character and helping me always know who the pov character was.
I also loved how effortless the representation felt with gender, sexuality, disability etc. It was all just there, like it is in the real world. But even though it was done casually without a song and dance, it still serves to highlight elements of the world (e.g. the privileges of wealth).
I also wanted to say that I appreciated the nuanced depiction of sex work throughout.
My only teeny-tiny complaint was that I perhaps found the backstory in the prologue a little overwhelming at the time (given the prologue itself was also backstory), but I think if I went back and read it again now, knowing the characters and world, I'd appreciate it more.
Oh, and my other complaint is obviously that I have to wait for the next part!
I received an advance copy of this book, and am opting to leave my own honest review.
August 7, 2026
The Chosen One Con is the first book in Trudie Skies' Lost In Aether duology. This is not related to her Cruel Gods trilogy, but if you are a fan of that I think you'll really enjoy this as well. It is a dark book with glimpses of hope.
This is a world where magic provides miracles -- healing and technology are both powered by spells. But it also has an environmental and human cost. It is dangerous to mine and process, and it also destroys nature.
The two main characters are Max and Lyle. They were a couple as teenagers, but they got separated years ago. Max is now a sex worker with a magic drug addiction. Lyle, after years of hard labor, works for a retired mage. One of the big magic users that rule the city, an Archon, dies, and there is to be a reality show to pick the next Archon. With forged credentials and not knowing the other one is even still alive, Max and Lyle enter.
What could have been a fast paced action novel is instead a novel of layers. Max and Lyle are in over their heads to start with, and as the plot gets deeper and more convoluted, they struggle to protect their secrets, their lives, and their loved ones.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
This is a world where magic provides miracles -- healing and technology are both powered by spells. But it also has an environmental and human cost. It is dangerous to mine and process, and it also destroys nature.
The two main characters are Max and Lyle. They were a couple as teenagers, but they got separated years ago. Max is now a sex worker with a magic drug addiction. Lyle, after years of hard labor, works for a retired mage. One of the big magic users that rule the city, an Archon, dies, and there is to be a reality show to pick the next Archon. With forged credentials and not knowing the other one is even still alive, Max and Lyle enter.
What could have been a fast paced action novel is instead a novel of layers. Max and Lyle are in over their heads to start with, and as the plot gets deeper and more convoluted, they struggle to protect their secrets, their lives, and their loved ones.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
August 11, 2026
This is more of a high action, on the edge of your seat fantasy with a love story base.
This was my first Trudie Skies book and I am ready for more. In her acknowledgements she mentioned that ‘The Chosen One’ was meant to be a “palette cleanser” but turned into more. I am so glad she wrote this as not just a long form novel, but part of a series. I am ready for the next.
Max and Lyle are so incredibly believable as people. Yes, this is a fantasy, there is magic. But both of these men want safety, love, and acceptance. Skies created extremely detailed characters in a complex world. When I finished late last night, one of my first thoughts was that this could be a James Cameron movie. Skies imagery lit me up that much.
I wasn’t surprised to find myself frustrated by another cliffhanger. I actually though the author would leave the story earlier. I think her timing and choice was spot on.
All opinions are my own.
This was my first Trudie Skies book and I am ready for more. In her acknowledgements she mentioned that ‘The Chosen One’ was meant to be a “palette cleanser” but turned into more. I am so glad she wrote this as not just a long form novel, but part of a series. I am ready for the next.
Max and Lyle are so incredibly believable as people. Yes, this is a fantasy, there is magic. But both of these men want safety, love, and acceptance. Skies created extremely detailed characters in a complex world. When I finished late last night, one of my first thoughts was that this could be a James Cameron movie. Skies imagery lit me up that much.
I wasn’t surprised to find myself frustrated by another cliffhanger. I actually though the author would leave the story earlier. I think her timing and choice was spot on.
All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2026
I've been looking forward to this book for a while, and I was grateful to be approved for a review copy. It was a fun read, though the gore level was on the high side for my (very squeamish) taste. I think what kept it from being a five-star book for me is the fact that I didn't feel either of the MCs grew/changed all that much over the course of the story. The reader learned about them, and many things happened to them—and they did mature somewhat; I'm not saying there was none of that, but I'd have liked a bit more. That may be inherent in this being a planned duology, but it kept this volume from being entirely satisfying for this reader.
Quibbles aside, I'll be interested to see where the author takes this in volume two.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Quibbles aside, I'll be interested to see where the author takes this in volume two.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
August 21, 2026
What a great read. A new twist on magic, great characters, good story line and well paced action. Gave a good commentary on political corruption, abuse of power, separation of classes, controlling the population, and the desire for freedom. LGBTQ+ people portrayed as the real people they are. The further I got into the book, the harder it was to put down.
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