The Cruel Gods Series by Trudie Skies

Welcome to Chime, the steam-powered magical city ruled by almighty gods! Whether you’re new to Chime or a regular visitor, this edition of the much beloved Handbook is your guide to our illustrious city, a city built from brick and brass. Home to mortals from across the twelve domains, Chime is full of opportunity for those seeking a new life away from the domains of the gods... moreWelcome to Chime, the steam-powered magical city ruled by almighty gods! Whether you’re new to Chime or a regular visitor, this edition of the much beloved Handbook is your guide to our illustrious city, a city built from brick and brass. Home to mortals from across the twelve domains, Chime is full of opportunity for those seeking a new life away from the domains of the gods. But entering Chime can be daunting for the wary tourist unused to engaging in polite society! And if you’ve never met a mortal with the body of a fish or a lion, then how would you address them?Don’t fear! The Traveler’s Handbook to Chime and Beyond will teach you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Chime and the mortals of the twelve domains, including queueing etiquette, how to board the trams and elevators, how to engage in small talk, the best places to eat and rest, and of course, where to pray and worship your god while you’re away!And that’s not all! This Handbook will also teach you how to make the crossing into the domains of the gods and keep your mortal head intact!Don’t delay! Grab your copy of the Handbook today! No sane mortal of Chime would leave their home without it!Publisher’s note: Part novella and part worldbuilding compendium, this Handbook will introduce you to the twelve domains of The Cruel Gods series. Set five years before the events of The Thirteenth Hour, the Handbook can be enjoyed before or after the main book. less

When the saints fail, the sinners step up.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... moreWhen the saints fail, the sinners step up.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. less

When the saints call, the sinners answer.Chaos stalks the steam-powered city of Chime and threatens the existence of the gods and their domains. Kayl swore to protect Chime's mortals from their gods' cruel whims, but when she agrees to represent the mortals of a god long thought dead, Kayl is thrust into a political role that goes against everything she's ever stood for... moreWhen the saints call, the sinners answer.Chaos stalks the steam-powered city of Chime and threatens the existence of the gods and their domains. Kayl swore to protect Chime's mortals from their gods' cruel whims, but when she agrees to represent the mortals of a god long thought dead, Kayl is thrust into a political role that goes against everything she's ever stood for.As the newly appointed ambassador to the god of time, Quen's goal is clear - protect Chime and the domains by any means necessary. But as the gods make their demands, Quen is caught between his loyalties and his conscience.To ensure a future for all mortals, Kayl and Quen must unite the gods against the threat of chaos and decide what they're willing to sacrifice for Chime - before the gods choose for them.For the gods are capricious and have their own divine plans.The Children of Chaos is the second 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. less

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... moreWHEN 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 new 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. For a full list of content warnings, visit Trudie Skies's website. less