What happens when a carefree young man discovers that protecting his family could mean entering a dangerous supernatural realm? In ‘Issuing the Trace,’ author Ki Jaeger introduces readers to a fascinating fantasy adventure where ancient magical identities, family loyalty, and growing threats collide. Published by Swanstra Fen Books, this debut novel launches the Trace Trilogy with an intriguing world filled with mystery, danger, and emotional stakes.
A Hidden Identity and a Life Turned Upside Down
Stanza Tóth has spent much of his life navigating two very different worlds. As someone who is half táltos and a quarter fae, he possesses a supernatural heritage that sets him apart from ordinary humans. He has learned to blend into human society remarkably well, developing a confident, outgoing personality and enjoying the freedom of an everyday existence. His ability to adapt has allowed him to build a comfortable life alongside the unusual circumstances surrounding his identity. Swanstra Fen Books has released it, and readers can buy it in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover editions on Amazon.
Everything changes when his father disappears from the picture, leaving Stanza responsible for his younger sister, Melody. The responsibility introduces an unexpected challenge for someone accustomed to approaching life with confidence and a carefree attitude. Suddenly, his decisions carry greater consequences, and his sister’s safety becomes his most important concern. Ki establishes this emotional foundation early, giving readers a compelling reason to care about Stanza’s journey and the difficult choices awaiting him.
The situation becomes increasingly frightening when the Dark Fae’s War Lord takes Melody away. Stanza must venture into the dark realm to rescue her, entering territory where familiar expectations offer little reassurance. The disappearance transforms his personal struggle into a dangerous mission, with the bond between brother and sister providing the story’s emotional driving force.
Dark Fae, Ancient Heritage, and a World Facing Uncertainty
One of the novel’s most appealing elements is its imaginative combination of supernatural folklore and contemporary society. The presence of táltos and fae introduces fascinating possibilities for readers who enjoy fantasy worlds shaped by distinctive magical traditions. Stanza’s mixed heritage also creates an intriguing character dynamic, suggesting that identity and belonging may become important themes throughout the trilogy. These details give the setting a sense of depth while leaving plenty of room for discovery.
Meanwhile, the wider world is experiencing a dramatic transformation. Governments have discovered that non-human beings exist, and their response threatens the freedom and safety of supernatural communities. Authorities are actively attempting to capture these individuals and imprison them, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. This development expands the novel’s scope considerably, introducing questions about prejudice, power, and the consequences of treating unfamiliar beings as threats.
For Stanza, these developments make an already dangerous situation even more complicated. His immediate priority remains rescuing Melody, and the changing political environment raises concerns about what awaits them afterward. Ki brings these personal and societal pressures together in a premise that encourages readers to consider how quickly a familiar world can become hostile. The combination promises an engaging reading experience for fantasy enthusiasts who appreciate emotional storytelling alongside supernatural adventure.
As the opening installment of the Trace Trilogy, ‘Issuing the Trace’ introduces a central character whose personality makes his circumstances especially interesting. Stanza’s confidence and sociable nature provide a distinctive starting point for a protagonist facing extraordinary challenges. His journey invites readers to follow someone confronting responsibilities that demand courage, determination, and an increasingly serious understanding of the world around him.
The novel’s emphasis on family also gives its fantasy premise an accessible emotional connection. Readers can understand Stanza’s determination to protect Melody even without sharing his supernatural experiences. With a dangerous realm ahead and human authorities creating additional uncertainty, the story establishes several compelling questions that can carry readers into the larger trilogy. For those seeking a new fantasy series featuring magical heritage, sibling loyalty, and high-stakes adventure, Ki’s debut offers an inviting starting point.
About the Author
A former classroom teacher of English, AP Government, and AP U.S. History, Ki Jaeger trained in secondary education. Today her day job is at a music school, where she handles who teaches where and when at its many branches. Her creative journey began during college, when she started developing the Trace Trilogy and continued working on it periodically over the years. Encouraged by her sister, Theo, to explore the publishing process together, Ki eventually brought her long-running writing project to readers through her debut novel.
A Promising Journey Into the Trace Trilogy
‘Issuing the Trace’ welcomes readers into a fantasy world where extraordinary heritage meets deeply human concerns. With Stanza’s devotion to his sister at its heart, Ki creates an appealing foundation for a larger adventure filled with uncertainty and discovery. Fantasy readers looking for a fresh trilogy to explore will find an intriguing beginning in this debut.
We had the privilege of interviewing Ki Jaeger. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today! Could you please introduce yourself and tell us what you do?
My name is Ki Jaeger, and I studied secondary education. I taught English, AP Government, and AP U.S. History for a few years, but I now work for a music school, where I manage staffing and scheduling of our teachers at our many locations.
Could you tell us the story or journey behind your work?
I’ve always enjoyed writing and started the Trace Trilogy back in college. I’ve worked on it off and on throughout the years and always thought it would be very cool to publish, but I never considered it seriously until my sister, Theo, reached out to me and asked if I wanted to go through the process with her. Having someone to learn the ropes with made it seem much more doable, and this past summer and fall have been consumed with getting our books ready for publishing. Even though it was a bit frustrating at times, we’ve actually had a lot of fun!
What strategies or principles have helped you?
I don’t know if I would call myself successful yet! Honestly, just having the finished product on my bookshelf is a success in itself. I think all writers worry a bit that their works won’t be received with enthusiasm, and it’s easy to compare ourselves to other debut authors, but the truth is that there’s an audience for pretty much anything. You just have to find your people. I hope to find mine.
As far as strategy, I don’t know if I have any words of wisdom. Just believing the time you put into creating something is actually worth it, and being willing to take a chance on yourself is the most important thing. I’d be lying if I said I wrote so many words a day or followed a strict timing plan, as I’m far too Type B for that, but I’m willing to learn new things, and I’m quite stubborn, so I believe that helps in the moments where I feel unsure.
What is your message for readers?
If you like adventure, fantasy creatures, and have a soft spot for found family, I do hope you’ll give Issuing the Trace a chance! I’ve had readers say they’d recommend this to someone who likes slow trust-building with genuine family themes right alongside real danger, where the ending feels earned rather than easy. If this sounds like you, and you enjoy series that raise the stakes with each book, then this may be a series you enjoy.
Thank you so much, Ki, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!