The Thirteenth Hour Audiobook By Trudie Skies cover art

The Thirteenth Hour

The Cruel Gods, Book 1

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The Thirteenth Hour

By: Trudie Skies
Narrated by: RJ Bayley
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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. 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 listeners may find disturbing. For a full list of content warnings, visit Trudie Skies's website.

©2021 Trudie Skies (P)2022 Trudie Skies Action & Adventure Fantasy Fiction Gaslamp
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What a fantastic story of rebellion and fighting for freedom. Wow just wow. I cannot recommend highly enough

Amazing

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This is probably not the book for everyone...lots of trigger warnings, crude language and religious issues (not any real religion, but aspects can be likened to discussions in real-life religious debates). However, I love the dark, steampunk atmosphere and the characters who have such incredible depth and draw you into them either madly in love or wanting to throw them off the clock tower. The narrator is amazing with all of his different voices and he is exceptionally good at madness. 😆

Bioshock: by Guillermo del Toro

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The steam-powered city of Chime is ruled by incredibly cruel gods who demand unwavering worship and tribute from their mortal subjects. Kayl and her rebel group - called The Godless - have lost their faith in the gods. They dedicate themselves to protecting the city's vulnerable and lower social caste from the Gods' (and their police force) capricious whims. Kayl soon becomes the city's most wanted criminal. Quen, a sympathetic Warden, soon makes Kayl his primary target and reluctant partner to solve a rash of murders in the city.

I absolutely adored this book. Who doesn't love a plucky revolutionary teaming up with a sympathetic peacekeeper to forge a bond that transcends all expectations? I love gaslamp and steampunk fantasy and I thoroughly enjoyed the darker themes it explored. I love when the world-building is dark and the characters are complex and just doing their best. I also always enjoy when there are dark and meddling gods and when people hide behind piety and use it for manipulation of others.

The characters are exceptional and the found family aspect is wonderful. Kayl and Quen's dynamic is compelling (I LOVE these broken people) and their journey to uncover the truth is thrilling and emotional. The world-building is phenomenal and the plot has incredible stakes. I cannot wait to continue this series and see what happens next. This book is a must-read for fans of complex characters and intricate world-building.

AMAZING

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