Hello bookworms! It is my pleasure to bring you another cover reveal today, in collaboration with Timy and Justine at Storytellers on Tour. You have met the author, Trudie Skies, a few times on the blog, most recently as part of the Indie Recommends Indie series. The Thirteenth Hour is the first book of the Cruel God series. The cover is absolutely breathtaking and I can’t wait to bring you the review of this book in the coming months. This is a more visual post than usual with lots of book art, aesthetic and more! Without much ado, let’s dive into the world of The Thirteenth Hour!
The Thirteenth Hour
by Trudie Skies
Series: The Cruel Gods (#1)
Publication Date: October 13, 2021
Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy
Cruel gods rule the steam-powered city of Chime, demanding worship and tribute from their mortal subjects. Kayl lost her faith in them long ago, and now seeks to protect vulnerable and downtrodden mortals from their gods’ whims. But when Kayl discovers powers that she didn’t know she had—and destroys a mortal’s soul by accident—she becomes Chime’s most wanted.
Quen’s job was to pursue sinners, until the visions started. Haunted by foreboding images of his beloved city’s destruction, Quen hunts soul-sucking creatures made of aether who prey on its citizens—and Kayl is his number one target.
To ensure Chime’s future, Kayl and Quen must discover the truth of Kayl’s divine abilities before the gods take matters into their own hands.
For a city that bows to cruel gods, it’ll take godless heathens to save it.
The Thirteenth Hour is the first 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. For a full list of content warnings, visit Trudie Skies’s website.
My Thoughts on The Thirteenth Hour
I can’t get enough of the cover! It hadn’t quite defined the genre of Gaslamp Fantasy in my mind but I knew The Thirteenth Hour to be that and now I will always associate the blue illumination, the magical waves coming from the clock at the back and old English feel with the genre! I am so ready to step into this world!!!
Thanks to the character aesthetic that Trudie and Storytellers on Tour shared, I was excited to put names to the characters on the cover – that’s Kayl and Quen – and you can meet the other characters below.
Last but not the least, I am adding in the domain map below. I am excited to explore the world alongside the characters!
About Trudie Skies
Trudie Skies has been living inside fantasy worlds ever since she discovered that reality doesn’t quite live up to the hype. Through the magic of books, she wishes to share these worlds of hope and heroes with other weary souls. Living in North East England, Trudie spends most of her free time daydreaming about clouds, devouring whatever fantasy books or video games she can get her hands on, and chasing after her troublesome dogs, who would like to reassure you they are very good boys.
Her debut YA fantasy series, Sand Dancer, was published through Uproar Books. Trudie is now writing adult gaslamp fantasy with her new series, The Cruel Gods.
Find Trudie on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and her website.
Thanks for hanging out until the very end of this post – I hope it was a feast for your eyes! Take a look at the Book Review Index for Fantasy recommendations and check out Trudie’s other posts on the blog about YA Fantasy and Indie favorites.
Graphics provided by Storytellers On Tour
Cover image: Photo by Jayme McColgan on Unsplash
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