The Chosen One Con is the first book in the Lost in the Aether duology—a queer gaslamp fantasy of industrial magic in a world of designer enchantments and celebrity-branded potions from the author of The Cruel Gods.
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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. View the full list of content warnings.
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.
Sound intriguing? Here’s some of the things you can look forward to in The Chosen One Con:
- Industrial magic origins!
- Potions and enchantments with various magical effects!
- Oi mate, you got a loicence for that magic?
- Magical TV shows!
- Celebrity mages who are (mostly) assholes!
- Characters that love to swear!
- An MC that really loves magic (and sex!)
- An MC that really hates magic (and sex?)
- A trans girl POV that is the most sensible character actually.
- A chosen one prophecy… but is it real??
- A contest featuring magical trials that don’t end well.
- Surprising deaths!
- Revolutionary plots!
- Who really killed the most powerful Archon of the city?
- What IS aether? Seems a bit… Eldritch…
- Drug-fuelled hallucinations of an old TV star!
- It’s queer as f**k, naturally!
The story, then, is about two working class young men, Max and Lyle, who enter the world of celebrity mages in order to join The Chosen One Show, a contest to find a prophesized chosen one that will unite Aefenhold against those who oppose magical progress.
The Chosen One Con is still in development, which means you have a chance to support and shape the final book! With your help, we'll fund the completion of this book as well as provide some magical goodies along the way.
What's more, The Chosen One Con is taking part in the Book Bazaar 2025 crowdfunding campaign on Backerkit to raise funds for multiple indie book projects. The more projects you back, the more rewards you'll get!
Don’t want to miss out? Then follow our page to be notified of the launch on November 12!
We’ll see you in Aefenhold soon!
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