Jon Cronshaw's Blog, page 13
January 7, 2025
Upcoming Patreon Release Schedule
Here’s what you can expect from my Patreon over the coming weeks:
The Ravenglass Throne (epic fantasy serial): New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.Blade of Sorrows (Guild of Assassins, book 3): Raw manuscript chapters posted every Tuesday and Thursday.Hunters (space Western side project): New episodes every Sunday.Short Stories: Occasionally posted on Saturdays.Weekly Author Diary Video: Uploaded every Friday.It’s a packed schedule with something for everyone. Thank you for your incredible support—I can’t wait to share these stories with you!
– Jon
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The Dark Mentor: How Tough Teachers Shape Fantasy Heroes
The wise, benevolent mentor figure is a fantasy staple.
Think Gandalf or Dumbledore.
But modern fantasy increasingly embraces darker mentors, those who shape protagonists through trauma rather than wisdom.
These harsh teachers don’t guide heroes toward the light.
They push them into darkness to forge them into something new.
Dark Mentorship in Guild of AssassinsMy novel Guild of Assassins explores the concept of dark mentorship through its array of guild masters.
Each embodies a different shade of harsh instruction.
Varus breaks bodies with systematic brutality.
Quillon strips away humanity through clinical detachment.
Tamasin poisons minds as readily as bodies.
Elysia shapes souls through manipulation.
Together, they don’t just teach skills – they remake their students entirely.
The Devil’s Choice: Transformation BeginsThis transformation begins with Raz, who offers Soren and Alaric a devil’s choice: join or die.
It’s a moment that exemplifies dark mentorship – not guidance freely given, but corruption imposed through impossible choices.
Like the best dark mentors, Raz doesn’t just teach; he forces fundamental transformation.
Trauma Bonds and Psychological ManipulationThe psychology behind these relationships fascinates because it mirrors real trauma bonds.
When Varus breaks his students then praises their recovery, when Tamasin poisons then provides antidotes, they create dependency through calculated abuse.
It’s reminiscent of how Durzo Blint shapes Azoth in the Night Angel trilogy or how the Pale Woman moulds Fitz in Robin Hobb’s works.
Cruelty That Proves EffectiveWhat makes dark mentors compelling isn’t just their cruelty, but how their methods prove horrifyingly effective.
Each brutal lesson, each psychological breakdown, strips away weakness and builds capability.
When Soren faces the Threshing, it’s their harsh teachings that enable his survival.
Like the best dark mentors, they create strength through trauma.
Not Just Villains, But ProfessionalsBut these relationships carry deeper complexity.
The guild masters aren’t cartoon villains revelling in cruelty.
They’re professionals practising tested methods.
Their brutality serves a purpose.
Even their abuse follows codes and traditions.
Like the best dark mentors, they believe in their methods’ necessity.
The Dark Truth About MentorshipThis reflects a darker truth about mentorship itself – that sometimes growth requires breaking.
When Quillon forces recruits to dissect bodies, when Elysia teaches them to manipulate emotions, they’re not just teaching skills but reshaping worldviews.
The best dark mentors don’t just instruct; they transform.
Mentorship as Part of a SystemThe institutional aspect adds another layer.
The guild masters don’t act alone but as part of a system designed to break and rebuild.
Their different approaches – physical, psychological, emotional – create a comprehensive transformation programme.
Like the best dark mentor narratives, it shows how institutions systematise trauma as a teaching tool.
Brutality That Achieves ResultsPerhaps most disturbingly, these relationships often work.
Under the masters’ harsh tutelage, Soren develops capabilities he never imagined possible.
Each brutal lesson, each psychological wound, shapes him into something stronger.
Like the best dark mentors, they achieve results that justify their methods – at least in their own minds.
Conflicted Feelings Towards MentorsThis creates compelling psychological complexity.
Students often develop conflicted feelings toward their harsh teachers.
Hatred mixed with grudging respect, fear tangled with a desire for approval.
When Soren masters a lesson, when he earns rare praise, we understand both his pride and his shame at valuing a tormentor’s validation.
Dark Mentors as Mirrors for ProtagonistsDark mentors also serve as mirrors showing protagonists what they might become.
Each guild master represents a possible future for their students – different flavours of the monster they’re creating.
Like the best dark mentors, they force protagonists to confront uncomfortable truths about their own transformation.
Raising Uncomfortable QuestionsThese relationships raise uncomfortable questions.
Does the end justify the means?
Can positive change come through negative methods?
Is there wisdom in brutality?
Through characters like the guild masters, we explore how teaching and trauma intertwine, how growth can require destruction.
Why Dark Mentors ResonatePerhaps this is why dark mentors resonate so deeply.
They acknowledge that real transformation often comes through pain rather than gentle guidance.
They show us that sometimes we must be broken to become stronger.
That wisdom can come wrapped in cruelty.
That growth often requires darkness.
Your Thoughts on Dark MentorsWho are your favourite dark mentors in fantasy?
How do you think they differ from more traditional mentor figures?
Share your thoughts below.
The post The Dark Mentor: How Tough Teachers Shape Fantasy Heroes first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.
January 6, 2025
The Ravenglass Throne is here – the epic fantasy adventure begins now!
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve now started posting chapters of my new epic fantasy serial, The Ravenglass Throne, on Patreon!
Set centuries before the events of Ravenglass Legends and The Ravenglass Chronicles, this story follows three sisters thrust into a deadly game of politics and power after their father’s assassination.
Meet Irmin, the military commander determined to find her father’s killers at any cost; Adelinde, the scholar who discovers a terrifying threat to the magical foundations of the Kingdom; and Elana, the diplomat navigating treacherous political waters while dealing with her visual impairment.
When their father, the King, is murdered during a public ceremony, these three very different sisters must unite to uncover a conspiracy that threatens not just their family, but the entire Kingdom.
Someone is corrupting the ravenglass—the mysterious substance that powers their civilisation’s bond with wyverns.
As external enemies circle and internal treachery spreads, each sister must use her unique skills to prevent their world from shattering.
Expect political intrigue, complex family dynamics, magical mysteries, and of course, wyverns!
While The Ravenglass Throne stands completely on its own, readers familiar with my other Ravenglass stories might spot some interesting connections and answers to long-standing questions.
The first chapter is available now, with new chapters releasing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Patreon.
Come join us as we unravel the mysteries of The Ravenglass Throne!
start reading here!The post The Ravenglass Throne is here – the epic fantasy adventure begins now! first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.
The Ravenglass Throne is here- the epic fantasy adventure begins now!
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve now started posting chapters of my new epic fantasy serial, The Ravenglass Throne, on Patreon!
Set centuries before the events of Ravenglass Legends and The Ravenglass Chronicles, this story follows three sisters thrust into a deadly game of politics and power after their father’s assassination.
Meet Irmin, the military commander determined to find her father’s killers at any cost; Adelinde, the scholar who discovers a terrifying threat to the magical foundations of the Kingdom; and Elana, the diplomat navigating treacherous political waters while dealing with her visual impairment.
When their father, the King, is murdered during a public ceremony, these three very different sisters must unite to uncover a conspiracy that threatens not just their family, but the entire Kingdom.
Someone is corrupting the ravenglass—the mysterious substance that powers their civilisation’s bond with wyverns.
As external enemies circle and internal treachery spreads, each sister must use her unique skills to prevent their world from shattering.
Expect political intrigue, complex family dynamics, magical mysteries, and of course, wyverns!
While The Ravenglass Throne stands completely on its own, readers familiar with my other Ravenglass stories might spot some interesting connections and answers to long-standing questions.
The first chapter is available now, with new chapters releasing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Patreon.
Come join us as we unravel the mysteries of The Ravenglass Throne!
start reading here!The post The Ravenglass Throne is here- the epic fantasy adventure begins now! first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.
January 4, 2025
This week on Patreon (December 28, 2024-January 4, 2025)
Three exciting short stories are now live:
To Grip the Bright White Chains—the story that inspired my Wasteland series.Lord Sidebottom and the Clockwork Cadavers—a steampunk zombie mash-up full of adventure.Artificial—a sci-fi tale exploring the boundaries of AI.Whether you’re catching the conclusion of Forged in Blood or enjoying some short fiction, there’s plenty to dive into this week.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
Jon
The post This week on Patreon (December 28, 2024-January 4, 2025) first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.
January 3, 2025
🏰 New Year, New Chapters: Updates on The Ravenglass Throne | Author Diary – January 3, 2025 📚✨
Happy New Year! I’m back at work on The Ravenglass Throne and making great progress—Book 5 is nearly complete, and Book 1 has returned from the editor. I’ve gone through the edits, and I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll start posting episodes on Patreon starting Monday!
This fast-paced epic fantasy series, set in the Ravenglass Universe, will have new episodes releasing every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It’s an exciting time, and I can’t wait to share this story with you.
On the reading front, I’ve been diving into Doppelganger by Naomi Klein—a fascinating and thought-provoking book that’s giving me plenty to reflect on.
If you want early access to The Ravenglass Throne episodes, be sure to follow me on Patreon for exclusive updates and content!
join the Patreon community.The post 🏰 New Year, New Chapters: Updates on The Ravenglass Throne | Author Diary – January 3, 2025 📚✨ first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.
January 2, 2025
Blind Gambit is FREE until January 4!
Hello from Morecambe!
I hope this message finds you well as we move into the New Year! I’m thrilled to share an exciting opportunity with you: Blind Gambit, my gripping tale of resilience, friendship, and identity, is FREE on Kindle until January 4!
If you haven’t yet immersed yourself in Brian’s journey through the virtual reality world of Gambit, now is the perfect time.
Here’s what Blind Gambit is about:
Brian’s vision is fading, but a revolutionary implant offers him a second chance—a life where he can see again in the virtual reality game, Gambit.
But when a hacker threatens to destroy the game, Brian discovers he’s immune to the damage, making him the only person who can stop the chaos. As he battles in Gambit, Brian meets Rebecca, a blind girl who inspires him to confront the real world with a new perspective.
Caught between two realities, Brian faces challenges that will push him to his limits. Can he save the game and himself, or will the line between virtual and real blur forever?
Don’t miss this thrilling read. Download your FREE copy of Blind Gambit HERE.
But wait—there’s more! The story continues in Blind Reset, the action-packed follow-up, which is just 99c/99p for a limited time. Both books are also available in Kindle Unlimited if you prefer to borrow them.
Get your copy of Blind Reset HERE.
Whether you’re a gamer, a fan of heartfelt storytelling, or just looking for an engrossing adventure, these books are sure to keep you turning the pages.
Thank you for your support—it means the world to me. If you enjoy the books, I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your reviews!
Happy reading and wishing you a fantastic start to 2025!
Take care,
Jon
The post Blind Gambit is FREE until January 4! first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.
The Spectrum of Magic Systems: Science Meets Mysticism
Magic systems are the backbone of many fantasy worlds.
They shape the rules, conflicts, and characters of the story.
Whether governed by strict logic or cloaked in mystery, magic defines the boundaries of what is possible.
This article explores the spectrum of magic systems, from the scientific and structured to the mystical and enigmatic.
Examples are included to highlight the unique contributions of each type to fantasy literature.
What Is a Magic System?A magic system is the framework within a fantasy world that dictates how magic functions.
It answers key questions such as who can use magic, what are its limitations, and how does it affect the world.
Magic systems are broadly classified into two types: hard magic and soft magic.
Hard Magic Systems: The Scientific ApproachHard magic systems operate with clear rules and limitations.
They often resemble a science in their logic and structure.
These systems help readers understand how magic works.
They create tension and opportunities for problem-solving.
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series is a prime example.
In Mistborn, Allomancy is governed by precise laws.
Characters consume metals to gain specific abilities, such as enhanced strength or heightened senses.
The limits of Allomancy—like running out of metals—add stakes and drive the plot forward.
Patrick Rothfuss’s The Kingkiller Chronicle is another example.
In this series, Sympathy, a form of magic, relies on physical principles like energy transfer.
This scientific approach makes the magic feel grounded.
It engages readers who appreciate logical consistency.
Soft Magic Systems: The Mystical ApproachSoft magic systems are less defined.
They leave much to the imagination.
These systems create wonder and highlight themes of mystery and the unknown.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings features a soft magic system.
The true nature of magic in Tolkien’s world remains elusive.
Characters like Gandalf wield immense power, but the mechanics are never fully explained.
This approach reinforces the sense of awe and otherworldliness.
Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series is another example.
In Earthsea, magic is tied to names and balance, blending the mystical with philosophical themes.
The vagueness of soft magic allows authors to focus on narrative over rules.
Hybrid Magic Systems: Balancing Science and MysteryMany fantasy authors blend elements of hard and soft magic.
This creates a balance between clarity and wonder.
George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is a notable example.
In this series, magic starts as a faint and mysterious force.
As the story progresses, magic gains more structure and context.
The reanimation of the dead and the abilities of greenseers illustrate this balance.
Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse also uses a hybrid system.
The magic of Grisha follows scientific principles yet retains an air of mystery.
This blend appeals to readers who enjoy both logical systems and the allure of the unknown.
Cultural and Thematic Influences on Magic SystemsMagic systems often reflect the cultural and thematic underpinnings of their worlds.
In N.K. Jemisin’s The Broken Earth trilogy, orogeny (magic) is deeply tied to themes of oppression and control.
The rules of orogeny reflect the harsh realities of a world where power comes at a cost.
Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher series provides another example.
In The Witcher, magic is influenced by Eastern European folklore and superstition.
The blend of cultural roots adds depth and authenticity to the magic systems.
This enriches the world-building and the reader’s experience.
Why Magic Systems Matter in FantasyMagic systems do more than create fantastical powers.
They shape the tone, stakes, and themes of a story.
A well-constructed system gives characters meaningful challenges.
It ensures the world feels immersive and believable.
In Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive, the complex mechanics of Stormlight enhance the epic scale of the story.
Conversely, in magical realism like Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, the undefined nature of magic reflects its seamless blending with reality.
Building Your Own Magic SystemIf you’re a writer, consider several factors when creating a magic system.
First, define its source: is it natural, divine, or technological?
Second, establish its rules and limits: what can and cannot be done?
Third, link magic to your world: how does it influence culture, politics, or daily life?
Finally, decide its purpose: will it inspire wonder, drive conflict, or solve problems?
By answering these questions, you can craft a unique and integral magic system.
The Spectrum of Magic Systems in FantasyMagic systems in fantasy range from the scientific precision of hard magic to the ethereal mystery of soft magic.
Both approaches offer unique storytelling opportunities.
They can create tension, inspire wonder, or explore deeper themes.
From Sanderson’s logical frameworks to Tolkien’s mysterious enchantments, magic systems remain a cornerstone of the genre.
Understanding how magic operates in fantasy helps readers and writers alike appreciate the depth and creativity of these enchanting worlds.
Out now: The Fall of Wolfsbane
When the Ostreich Empire shatters his world and enslaves his people, Ragnar Wolfsbane vows to fight back.
Thrust into a dangerous game of imperial intrigue, Ragnar must learn to navigate a world of forbidden magic and hidden agendas.
But as the true power of ravenglass emerges, Ragnar’s choices could lead to salvation or ruin for those he holds dear.
Immerse yourself in a vivid fantasy realm where the lines between hero and villain blur.
Will Ragnar rise to become the leader his clan needs, or will the Empire’s machinations crush his resolve?
Find out in The Fall of Wolfsbane, a character-driven high fantasy novel.
The post The Spectrum of Magic Systems: Science Meets Mysticism first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.
December 31, 2024
Why Modern Fantasy Assassins Are More Complex Than Ever
Fantasy’s love affair with assassins has come a long way from silent killers lurking in shadows.
Modern fantasy has transformed the archetype from simple dealer of death into something far more complex.
It’s now a lens through which we examine mortality, morality, and the price of power.
Guild of Assassins: A Perfect Example of EvolutionMy novel Guild of Assassins represents this evolution perfectly.
When Soren enters the guild, he encounters not just killers, but professionals practising a dark craft.
Each master embodies different aspects of the trade.
Varus demonstrates martial prowess, Tamasin teaches the poisoner’s art, Quillon embodies clinical precision, and Elysia masters manipulation.
Like the best modern assassin fantasy, it presents killing as a multifaceted discipline requiring both physical and psychological transformation.
Shifting Away from Traditional Fantasy AssassinsThis marks a significant shift from traditional fantasy assassins, who often relied on almost supernatural stealth and combat abilities.
Think of Fritz Leiber’s Gray Mouser or early D&D representations – assassins as merely thieves with deadly skills.
Modern fantasy recognises that killing is as much about psychology as it is about physical capability.
The Lineage of the Assassin ArchetypeThe evolution becomes clear when we trace the lineage of assassin characters.
Early works like Raymond E. Feist’s Assassin’s Apprentice began exploring the psychological toll of killing.
Brent Weeks’ Night Angel trilogy expanded this by examining how institutions shape killers.
Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight delved deep into the culture and philosophy of assassination.
Each iteration added layers of complexity to the archetype.
Assassins: Made, Not BornGuild of Assassins continues this trend by focusing on how killers are made rather than born.
Through Soren’s training, we see how ordinary people become extraordinary killers through systematic breaking and rebuilding.
Each lesson strips away another piece of humanity while adding another lethal capability.
It’s a transformation that feels horrifyingly plausible.
Killing as a Transformation of PerceptionModern assassin fantasy also recognises that killing isn’t just about the act itself.
When Soren learns from Tamasin about poisons or studies manipulation with Elysia, he’s not just gaining skills.
He’s entering a different way of seeing the world.
Like the best contemporary takes on assassins, the story shows how the craft reshapes perception itself.
Complex Assassin InstitutionsThis complexity extends to institutions.
Gone are the days of lone killers operating in shadows.
Modern fantasy presents assassins’ guilds as complex organisations with their own cultures, traditions, and moral codes.
The guild in Guild of Assassins feels real precisely because it has bureaucracy, politics, and internal conflicts alongside its deadly arts.
Training Beyond Physical SkillsThe training sequences particularly highlight this evolution.
Earlier fantasy might have focused purely on physical skills – weapon mastery, stealth, poison craft.
Modern takes recognise that creating killers requires psychological conditioning.
The guild doesn’t just teach Soren how to kill; it teaches him to see killing as natural.
Evolving Relationships Among AssassinsRelationships between assassins have evolved too.
Where once they might have been depicted as lone wolves, modern fantasy explores how killers form bonds.
Soren and Alaric’s friendship, the complex dynamics between recruits, and the master-apprentice relationships all show how human connections persist even in inhuman professions.
Exploring Deeper Themes Beyond TechniquePerhaps most significantly, modern assassin fantasy has moved beyond simple questions of technique to explore deeper themes.
Through Soren’s journey, we examine how violence transforms its practitioners.
We see how institutions normalise atrocity and how survival demands moral compromise.
The assassination becomes a metaphor rather than a mere plot device.
The Threshing: A Crucible for TransformationThe Threshing sequence demonstrates this perfectly.
It’s not just a test of killing skill but a crucible that forces characters to confront what they’ve become.
Like the best modern assassin fantasy, it uses violence to illuminate character rather than simply advance plot.
Broader Changes in Fantasy LiteratureThis evolution reflects broader changes in fantasy literature.
As the genre has matured, it’s moved from simple adventure stories to complex examinations of human nature.
Assassins have evolved from plot devices into vehicles for exploring fundamental questions about mortality, morality, and the human capacity for transformation.
The Primal Appeal of Assassin StoriesYet something primal still draws us to assassin stories.
Perhaps because they embody both power and price – the ability to reshape reality through death, but only at the cost of one’s humanity.
Modern fantasy simply makes this exchange more explicit, more psychological, more real.
Guild of Assassins and the Future of Assassin TropesGuild of Assassins shows where the trope might go next.
Deeper into institutions, deeper into psychology, deeper into the fundamental questions of what it means to kill professionally.
It suggests that assassin fantasy’s evolution isn’t complete but is continuing into ever more complex territory.
Your ThoughtsHow do you think assassin tropes in fantasy have changed over time?
What’s your favourite take on fantasy assassins?
Share your thoughts below.
The post Why Modern Fantasy Assassins Are More Complex Than Ever first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.
December 30, 2024
Lord Sidebottom and the Clockwork Cadavers (A Steampunk Story)
When Professor Victor Stein promises to revolutionise science by conquering death itself, Lord Sidebottom, a gentleman inventor, expects an evening of scientific curiosity.
What he finds instead is a mechanical monstrosity—and a scheme more sinister than he could have imagined.
As reanimated corpses powered by steam and galvanic energy wreak havoc, it’s up to Sidebottom to stop Stein from unleashing an undead army upon London.
Witty, daring, and armed with ingenious contraptions, Sidebottom must match wits with a madman to save the day.
read here.The post Lord Sidebottom and the Clockwork Cadavers (A Steampunk Story) first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.
