Some adventures begin with a search for something precious, and others emerge when the world suddenly becomes unrecognizable. In ‘Issuing the Trace,’ author Ki Jaeger combines both experiences through the story of a young man desperate to save his sister. Published by Swanstra Fen Books, this debut fantasy novel introduces the Trace Trilogy through a captivating premise involving supernatural ancestry, dangerous enemies, and a society struggling with the discovery of magical beings.
An Ordinary Existence With Extraordinary Roots
Imagine growing up knowing that your ancestry connects you to a world most people believe exists only in legends. For Stanza Tóth, this unusual reality has always been part of his life. Half táltos and a quarter fae, he carries a remarkable heritage while maintaining a comfortable existence among humans. His outgoing personality and natural confidence have made adapting to everyday society surprisingly enjoyable, allowing him to appreciate the familiar routines surrounding him. Published on November 1, 2026, the book is available in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover editions on Amazon.
Stanza’s circumstances become considerably more complicated when his father is no longer present. The responsibility of looking after his younger sister, Melody, now rests on his shoulders, introducing demands that challenge his previously carefree approach to life. Caring for someone else requires attention, patience, and difficult decisions, particularly when the surrounding world contains dangers that ordinary people rarely encounter. This shift in responsibility provides an emotional foundation for the challenges that follow.
The arrival of the Dark Fae’s War Lord brings a devastating change to the siblings’ lives. Melody is taken away, leaving Stanza facing the frightening possibility of losing the person he has been entrusted to protect. His only apparent path forward involves traveling into the dark realm, a place associated with powerful supernatural forces and considerable danger. The mission establishes a compelling question that draws readers into the story: how far can someone go when the safety of a loved one is at stake?
A World That Suddenly Fears Its Hidden Inhabitants
The supernatural elements of ‘Issuing the Trace’ extend far beyond its central rescue mission. While Stanza struggles with his personal crisis, governments around the world have discovered that non-human beings exist. Their response is alarming, with authorities attempting to capture these individuals and confine them in cages. The development creates an atmosphere of growing uncertainty, especially for supernatural beings who have spent years living quietly alongside ordinary people.
This broader conflict gives the novel an interesting contemporary dimension. Questions surrounding fear, unfamiliar identities, and the treatment of vulnerable communities become relevant within a fictional setting shaped by magic. Readers can recognize the emotional significance of these concerns while exploring a world governed by extraordinary possibilities. Ki uses the premise to establish challenges that could affect entire communities, making the stakes surrounding Stanza’s journey feel increasingly substantial.
The combination of human institutions and supernatural societies also creates an appealing foundation for an extended fantasy series. With magical beings facing threats from multiple directions, the setting offers opportunities to examine complicated relationships between different groups. Stanza’s mixed ancestry makes him a particularly interesting character through whom readers can consider these tensions. His familiar human surroundings and inherited supernatural connections place him at the intersection of two increasingly uncertain worlds.
At the center of this imaginative premise is a protagonist whose personal circumstances remain easy to understand. Stanza wants to protect his sister and preserve whatever remains of their family stability. His confidence and sociable personality give him a distinctive starting point, while the responsibilities placed upon him create opportunities for meaningful character development. Readers who appreciate fantasy protagonists facing difficult emotional decisions may find his situation especially engaging.
The novel’s premise also benefits from the contrast between its intimate family concerns and its expansive supernatural setting. Melody’s disappearance provides a clear emotional motivation, while the Dark Fae and government persecution introduce additional layers of uncertainty. These elements establish an intriguing direction for the Trace Trilogy without requiring readers to understand an elaborate magical system before becoming invested in the characters. The result is an accessible invitation into a larger fictional universe.
About the Author
Trained as a secondary educator, Ki Jaeger once taught high school students English, AP Government, and AP U.S. History. After several years in education, she moved into her current role at a music school, where she coordinates teacher staffing and scheduling across multiple locations. She first sketched the Trace Trilogy as a college student and returned to it on and off for years. Her sister, Theo, eventually invited her to navigate the publishing process together, encouraging Ki to bring her creative project to publication.
The Beginning of a Larger Fantasy Experience
‘Issuing the Trace’ presents an intriguing starting point for readers who enjoy magical worlds shaped by recognizable emotions and difficult circumstances. Through Stanza’s determination to find Melody, Ki establishes a story with meaningful personal stakes and exciting possibilities for future installments. Its combination of supernatural folklore, family devotion, and societal uncertainty makes this debut a promising addition to contemporary fantasy fiction.
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 has 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 your time 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 you 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!
