Jon Cronshaw's Blog, page 15

Battle Royale in Fantasy: Why Survival Contests Grip Our Imagination

There’s something primitively compelling about survival contests in fantasy.

Strip away society’s rules, force characters to fight to the death, and we can’t look away.

But why?

What makes sequences like the Threshing in my novel Guild of Assassins so gripping isn’t just the violence – it’s what these contests reveal about human nature.

The Structure of Survival Contests

Consider how the Threshing is structured.

Ten recruits are trapped on a derelict ship, forced to kill until only two remain.

It’s a premise we’ve seen before – from The Hunger Games to Battle Royale – yet it continues to captivate.

Perhaps it’s because it strips away civilisation’s veneer to reveal what lies beneath.

The Psychological Horror of Survival Contests

The psychological horror of the Threshing comes not from the violence itself but from watching characters we’ve grown to know face impossible choices.

Soren and Alaric’s decision to stand together rather than turn on each other becomes powerful precisely because we understand the cost.

Every moment of loyalty is bought with blood.

Character Growth Under Extreme Pressure

These contests work because they force character growth through extreme pressure.

When Soren confronts Kierak during the Threshing, it’s not just a physical battle but the culmination of his transformation.

The person who steps off that ship isn’t the same one who boarded it.

Like the best survival contests, the Threshing shapes its participants irreversibly.

Examining Primal Questions from a Safe Distance

But there’s another layer to our fascination.

These scenarios let us explore primal questions from a safe distance.

What would we do to survive?

How far would we go?

Would we maintain our humanity or embrace savagery?

Through characters like Soren, we can examine these uncomfortable questions without having to actually face them.

The Role of Isolation in Survival Contests

The setting itself becomes crucial.

The derelict ship creates perfect isolation – no escape, no outside help, no rules except survival.

Like the arena in The Hunger Games or the island in Battle Royale, it becomes a microcosm where society’s laws no longer apply.

This isolation forces characters to reveal their true nature.

Testing Loyalty as Well as Combat Skill

Yet the best survival contests aren’t just about physical prowess.

The Threshing works because it tests loyalty as much as combat skill.

When Soren and Alaric face their final confrontation with Kierak, their victory comes not just from fighting ability but from their choice to stand together.

The contest reveals character through choices, not just action.

Controlled Violence as a Tool of Transformation

These scenarios also expose how institutions use controlled violence to shape their members.

The guild doesn’t just want survivors – it wants killers who’ve proven themselves through blood.

Like the best survival contests in fantasy, the Threshing serves as both test and transformation.

It’s not just about who lives, but what they become.

The Psychological Elements That Keep Us Hooked

The psychological elements grip us most.

Watching alliances form and break, seeing how different characters handle extreme pressure, observing how survival instincts war with moral principles – these human elements make the violence meaningful rather than gratuitous.

We’re not just watching people fight; we’re watching them choose who they become.

Forced Moral Compromises

Perhaps most compelling is how these contests force moral compromise.

When Soren kills during the Threshing, each death marks another step away from who he was.

Like the best survival scenarios, it shows how circumstance can make monsters of anyone.

The real horror isn’t the violence but how understandable each choice becomes.

Why Survival Contests Fascinate Us

This is why survival contests continue to grip our imagination.

They’re not just about action or violence – they’re about human nature under extreme pressure.

Through scenarios like the Threshing, we explore fundamental questions about survival, morality, and what we’d be willing to sacrifice when pushed to our limits.

Satisfying Darker Curiosities

They also satisfy something darker in our psyche – the part that wonders how we’d fare in such a contest.

Would we be Soren, maintaining some fragment of humanity through loyalty?

Or would we become Kierak, embracing brutality as a means of survival?

The answers may disturb us, but the questions fascinate nonetheless.

Survival Contests and Primal Human Nature

In the end, survival contests endure in fantasy because they speak to something primal in human nature.

They strip away civilisation’s constraints to reveal what lies beneath.

Through characters like Soren and Alaric, we explore our own capacity for both nobility and savagery when survival demands choosing between them.

Your Thoughts

What are your favourite survival contests in fantasy?

How do you think they illuminate human nature?

Share your thoughts below.

The post Battle Royale in Fantasy: Why Survival Contests Grip Our Imagination first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Santa Versus Zombies! (A Zombie Comedy Christmas Story)

When zombies crash the mall’s Christmas festivities, a jaded mall Santa must trade his gift list for a weapon and lead a ragtag group of survivors to safety.

Facing hordes of techno-infected undead and malfunctioning decorations, Frank discovers that sometimes the greatest Christmas magic comes from believing in yourself—even if you’re wearing a polyester beard.

Read for free.

The post Santa Versus Zombies! (A Zombie Comedy Christmas Story) first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

This week on Patreon (December 16-22, 2024)

Here’s what’s new for both paid and free members:

For Paid Members:

Chapters 15 and 16 of Forged in Blood (Guild of Assassins, Book 2).Chapter 7 of Hunters, my space Western side project.Chapter 7 of Niamh’s Journey (Punks Versus Zombies side story).

For Free Members:

The Mediocre Maverick—a satirical short story.Santa Versus Zombies!—a festive undead tale to get you in the spirit.My weekly author diary video with updates and behind-the-scenes insights.

Special Offer:

Get 50% off your first month on any tier with the promo code RAVENGLASS at checkout!

Sign up today to unlock early chapters, exclusive stories, and more.

Join me on Patreon now!

Thank you for reading and supporting my work!
– Jon

The post This week on Patreon (December 16-22, 2024) first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Knight and the Rebel – Coming January 30, 2025

I’m thrilled to announce that The Knight and the Rebel, the third book in the Ravenglass Legends series, will be released on January 30, 2025.

The book is now available for pre-order on Kindle.

In this instalment, we follow Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane as they walk opposing paths in their fight to save their homeland.

While Ragnar plays a dangerous game in the Imperial court as Knight Protector, Maja leads a desperate rebellion against Imperial rule.

Each believes they’re doing what’s necessary to protect their people, but their choices will have far-reaching consequences for both their family and their world.

This book delves deeper into themes of power, identity, and the cost of both resistance and collaboration.

Through Ragnar and Maja’s parallel journeys, we explore how good people can find themselves on opposing sides of history, each believing they’re doing what’s right.

For readers who’ve followed the series, you’ll see familiar faces and watch ongoing plotlines reach pivotal moments.

For newcomers, I’d recommend starting with The Fall of Wolfsbane to get the full impact of the characters’ journeys.

Pre-order now to have the book delivered directly to your Kindle on release day.

The paperback edition will be available shortly before the ebook release—I’ll announce those details as soon as they’re finalised.

Order HERE.

Thank you to all my readers for your continued support. I can’t wait to share this next chapter of Ravenglass Legends with you.

The post The Knight and the Rebel – Coming January 30, 2025 first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

🏰 Slow Progress, Winter Blues, and Exciting News | Author Diary – December 20, 2024 📚✨

In this week’s Author Diary, I share the challenges of making slow progress on The Ravenglass Throne while navigating the struggles of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

On a brighter note, I’ve received edits back for my upcoming novel, The Knight and the Rebel (Ravenglass Legends, book 3), and I’m thrilled to announce its release date: January 30, 2025! This story blends adventure, rebellion, and political intrigue, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Join me as I discuss the ups and downs of the creative process, upcoming releases, and how I’m managing writing during the darker months.

pre-order the knight and the rebel.

The post 🏰 Slow Progress, Winter Blues, and Exciting News | Author Diary – December 20, 2024 📚✨ first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Best Fantasy Books with Intrigue, Rebellion, and Conflict

There’s something undeniably compelling about fantasy that delves into the darker side of human nature.

In gritty political and military fantasy, the stakes are high, the conflicts are complex, and the characters often walk a razor’s edge between right and wrong.

These stories invite readers into worlds where power is rarely pure, and survival often demands impossible choices.

Whether it’s the brutal realities of war, the intricate dance of political manoeuvring, or the personal sacrifices made for the greater good, this subgenre challenges readers to think deeply while delivering action-packed, emotionally charged narratives.

The books in this list exemplify the best of what political and military fantasy can offer.

They combine intricate worldbuilding, morally ambiguous characters, and high-stakes conflict to craft stories that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

If you love tales where ambition collides with loyalty, and where every victory comes at a price, these works are sure to captivate you.

1. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy sets the standard for grimdark fantasy.

Packed with gritty battles, political machinations, and morally grey characters, this series is a masterclass in showing the complexities of power and war.

get your copy.2. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War draws heavily on Chinese history to craft a tale of war, colonialism, and identity.

Through Rin, a young woman with extraordinary power, Kuang explores the devastating cost of ambition and the trauma of military conflict.

get your copy.3. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

The first book in A Song of Ice and Fire needs little introduction.

Martin’s masterpiece is renowned for its brutal realism, political scheming, and sprawling cast of morally complex characters.

get your copy.4. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

This epic standalone fantasy offers a refreshing perspective with its focus on female agency and diverse cultures.

Shannon weaves intricate politics, rich worldbuilding, and military strategy into a tale of dragons and rebellion.

get your copy.5. The Dandelion Dynasty Series by Ken Liu

Ken Liu’s series, beginning with The Grace of Kings, combines epic battles with sharp political intrigue.

Blending fantasy with elements of Chinese history, Liu explores revolution, loyalty, and the cost of power.

get your copy.6. The Broken Empire Trilogy by Mark Lawrence

Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire trilogy is not for the faint of heart.

Told through the eyes of Jorg Ancrath, an antihero driven by vengeance, this series delves into the darker corners of military and political ambition.

get your copy.7. The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

Inspired by Indian history and mythology, Tasha Suri’s The Jasmine Throne features a rebellion brewing in an empire rife with oppression.

With powerful prose and unforgettable characters, Suri delivers a story of power, betrayal, and resistance.

get your copy.8. The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

Seth Dickinson’s The Traitor Baru Cormorant is a brilliant examination of imperialism and political manoeuvring.

Baru, a young savant, rises within the ranks of an oppressive empire while secretly plotting its downfall.

get your copy.9. The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga, starting with Jade City, blends gritty urban fantasy with family drama and political power struggles.

With its mix of gang wars, military strategies, and complex characters, this series is a modern fantasy classic.

get your copy.10. Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

Rebecca Roanhorse’s Black Sun, inspired by Pre-Columbian civilisations, offers a richly diverse world of prophecy, power, and conflict.

With unforgettable characters and intricate political dynamics, this book is a standout in contemporary fantasy.

get your copy.Bonus : The Fall of Wolfsbane by Jon Cronshaw

If you’re looking for a gripping mix of rebellion, perilous politics, and ancient magic, The Fall of Wolfsbane is the perfect starting point.

The first book in the Ravenglass Legends series introduces Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane, siblings navigating the upheaval of empire, rebellion, and destiny.

With its blend of high stakes, richly crafted worldbuilding, and complex characters, The Fall of Wolfsbane is a must-read for fans of gritty political and military fantasy.

Start your journey into Ravenglass Legends today—you won’t want to put it down!

get your copy.

The post Best Fantasy Books with Intrigue, Rebellion, and Conflict first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Moral Ambiguity in Fantasy: Why Readers Love Complex Characters

Remember when fantasy was simple?

Heroes wore white, villains wore black, and you could spot the evil one by their conveniently twisted features.

But modern readers crave something messier, more honest.

We want characters who live in the shadows between right and wrong, because that’s where real people dwell.

Soren’s Journey in Guild of Assassins

My novel Guild of Assassins illustrates this perfectly through Soren’s transformation.

He begins seeking justice for his father’s murder – a classic hero’s motivation.

But his path leads him to join an assassins’ guild, train in killing arts, and eventually participate in what amounts to ritualised murder during the Threshing.

Is he still a hero?

Was he ever?

The Appeal of Moral Complexity

This moral complexity hooks us because it reflects truth.

Most of us aren’t purely good or evil – we’re bundles of contradictions making compromises to survive.

When Soren learns to craft poisons from Tamasin or master manipulation from Elysia, we understand his choices even as we recoil from them.

His gradual corruption feels real precisely because it’s built on understandable decisions.

Antagonists Beyond Simple Categorisation

Even the story’s antagonists resist simple categorisation.

Kierak initially appears as a straightforward bully, but his brutality stems from the guild’s brutal culture.

The masters who train the recruits aren’t cackling villains – they’re professionals doing their jobs with varying degrees of cruelty and kindness.

Like real people, they contain multitudes.

The Rise of Moral Ambiguity in Modern Fantasy

This is why modern fantasy increasingly embraces moral ambiguity.

Look at George R.R. Martin’s work, where yesterday’s villain becomes tomorrow’s hero through shifting perspective.

Or Joe Abercrombie’s characters, who do horrible things for understandable reasons.

These stories resonate because they acknowledge that morality isn’t binary – it’s a spectrum we all navigate daily.

The Guild as a Symbol of Ambiguity

The guild itself represents this ambiguity perfectly.

It’s an organisation of professional killers, yes – but one with strict codes of conduct, formal training, and complex traditions.

Its members aren’t moustache-twirling villains but professionals practising a dark craft.

Like any real institution, it contains both corruption and honour, cruelty and loyalty.

Friendship in the Grey Areas

Soren and Alaric’s friendship demonstrates how moral ambiguity adds depth to relationships.

Their loyalty to each other is admirable, but it also enables their descent into darkness.

Are they saving each other’s humanity or helping each other lose it?

The answer isn’t clear because real relationships rarely have simple moral implications.

Revenge and Ambiguity

Even the revenge plotline gains complexity through moral ambiguity.

Soren’s quest for justice becomes increasingly hard to distinguish from simple vengeance.

Like the best morally grey narratives, it forces us to question not just the character’s choices but our own assumptions about right and wrong.

Training and Transformation

This complexity extends to the training sequences.

Each lesson learned, each skill mastered, carries both empowerment and corruption.

When Quillon teaches anatomy, is he sharing knowledge or teaching students to see humans as targets?

When Varus enforces discipline through violence, is he building strength or breaking humanity?

The answer is both – and that’s what makes it interesting.

Moral Ambiguity in Conflict

Moral ambiguity also creates better conflicts.

When Soren faces Kierak during the Threshing, it’s not a simple hero-versus-villain showdown.

It’s a clash between two people shaped by the same brutal system, each fighting for survival.

Their conflict matters precisely because neither is purely right or wrong.

Asking Deeper Questions

Perhaps most importantly, moral ambiguity allows fantasy to ask deeper questions.

Through Soren’s journey, we explore how survival demands compromise, how violence transforms its practitioners, how institutions shape morality.

These questions resonate because they don’t have easy answers.

The Rejection of Simple Narratives

This is why readers increasingly reject simple good-versus-evil narratives.

We know life is more complicated.

We want characters who reflect that complexity – characters who make mistakes, who compromise, who sometimes choose wrong for the right reasons and right for the wrong reasons.

Seeing Ourselves in Complex Characters

The best morally grey characters, like Soren, show us ourselves.

Their struggles with right and wrong mirror our own daily moral negotiations.

Their compromises feel familiar.

Their corruption becomes understandable, even as we hope we’d choose differently.

Embracing Complexity in Fantasy

In the end, moral ambiguity doesn’t weaken fantasy – it strengthens it.

By embracing complexity, stories like Guild of Assassins transform from simple adventure into nuanced exploration of human nature.

They remind us that the most interesting stories happen not in black and white, but in shades of grey.

Your Thoughts

How do you feel about moral ambiguity in fantasy?

Do you prefer clearly defined heroes and villains, or characters who blur the lines?

Share your thoughts below.

The post Moral Ambiguity in Fantasy: Why Readers Love Complex Characters first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

This week on Patreon! (December 9-14, 2024)

Here’s what’s new on Patreon this week:

For Paid Members:

Chapters 13 and 14 of Forged in Blood (Guild of Assassins, Book 2) are now live.Episode 6 of Hunters, my space Western side project.Episode 6 of Niamh’s Journey (Punks Versus Zombies side story).

For Free Members:

As the Gravity Flipped—a sci-fi story about a cleaner caught in a rebellion on a space station, now with an audio version available!My weekly author diary video, offering insights into my writing process and updates.Coming this weekend: The Mediocre Maverick, a satirical story you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a free or paid member, there’s plenty to enjoy this week. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of this creative journey!

Join me on Patreon now!

Jon

P.S. Use the promo code RAVENGLASS to get 50% off your first month’s subscription!

The post This week on Patreon! (December 9-14, 2024) first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Mediocre Maverick (A Satire)

Meet Millie, the self-proclaimed queen of mundane who preaches the gospel of mediocrity to her devoted followers.

But behind her carefully curated beige existence lies an adrenaline junkie with a secret—and she’ll do anything to keep it.

When a chance encounter threatens to expose her double life, Millie discovers that maintaining her brand of boring might be the most thrilling challenge of all.

read for free.

The post The Mediocre Maverick (A Satire) first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Guild of Assassins is free today!

Are you ready to step into the shadows? 

For a limited time, you can download Guild of Assassins, the dark fantasy novel readers are calling “gritty, intense, and impossible to put down,” absolutely free on Kindle.

But hurry—this offer vanishes December 17. 

In Guild of Assassins, you’ll meet Soren, a young sculptor turned trainee assassin, whose pursuit of vengeance takes him into the depths of a brutal guild.

As he uncovers secrets, faces deadly challenges, and questions his very humanity, one thing is certain—mercy has no place in the guild. 

Grab your free copy now and begin your journey into the heart of darkness.

Happy reading!

Jon

get your free copy.

P.S. Can’t wait to continue the adventure? *Forged in Blood* (Book 2) is now available on Patreon. Use the promo code **RAVENGLASS** to get 50% off your first month on any tier. Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor.

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