Jon Cronshaw's Blog, page 25

The Lethal Allure of the Assassin’s Guild in Fantasy Fiction

In the darker corners of fantasy literature, where the moral compass spins like a weather vane in a storm, the Assassin’s Guild stands as a beacon of structured chaos.

This trope, beloved by authors and readers alike, serves up an irresistible concoction of secrecy, skills, and, more often than not, a side of sedition.

What Exactly Is an Assassin’s Guild?

Imagine a place where every cloak hides a dagger, and the air is thick with the scent of intrigue and whispered secrets.

An Assassin’s Guild is essentially a structured organization, often shrouded in mystery, where professionals of the lethal arts gather, train, and ply their trade.

These guilds are not just about managing contracts for killing (though, admittedly, that is a significant part of their business model); they are also about political power plays, maintaining a balance of fear and respect, and the occasional internal betrayal because, well, habits die hard.

The Appeal: Why We Love a Good Assassin’s Guild

The allure of the Assassin’s Guild in fantasy fiction is manifold.

Firstly, there’s the thrill of the forbidden—delving into the lives of those who operate from the shadows appeals to our baser instincts.

These narratives allow us to explore the darker sides of human nature from the safety of our favourite reading nooks.

Moreover, Assassin’s Guilds often come with their own richly detailed lore and codes of conduct, which can be as intricate as any magic system in fantasy literature.

The concept of honour among thieves (or killers, in this case) provides a fascinating backdrop against which complex characters are developed, and moral lines are blurred until they resemble the scribbles of a toddler with a crayon.

Why They Make for Fun Stories

Assassin’s Guilds are fertile ground for storytelling for several reasons:

High Stakes: When your protagonist is an assassin, every decision could be a matter of life and death—ideal for keeping those pages turning.Complex Characters: Assassins often have morally ambiguous natures and complex backstories. They’re not born in a guild; they end up there, and that journey is usually paved with drama.Rich World-Building: The guild itself provides a ready-made society with its own rules, hierarchy, and traditions.

This setting invites readers into a world where every shadow could hold a secret or a knife (sometimes both).

From Fantasy Pages to Your Bookshelf

Guilds offer more than just contracts and covert operations; they are a microcosm of society, a dark mirror that reflects the complexities of power, loyalty, and ambition.

For those enchanted by these dark bastions of intrigue, the trope provides a playground of narrative possibilities where characters face not just external enemies but also internal conflicts.

If this shadowy world captivates your imagination, you won’t want to miss Guild of Assassins.

The story draws you into the life of Soren, a sculptor’s apprentice who plunges into the depths of an assassin’s guild following his father’s murder.

His journey from artisan to adept assassin is fraught with danger, moral dilemmas, and the quintessential quest for vengeance.

As Soren navigates this cutthroat world, he must decide if the price of his quest is worth the slice of his soul.

For a tale that cuts to the heart of what assassin’s guilds are truly about, Guild of Assassins promises to be a thrilling addition to your fantasy collection, delivering all the intrigue and peril that make the Assassin’s Guild trope a beloved pillar of fantasy fiction.

order guild of assassins.

The post The Lethal Allure of the Assassin’s Guild in Fantasy Fiction first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Guild of Assassins – A Dark High Fantasy Novel | Official Trailer

I’ve been dying to share this with you for months, and the day has finally arrived. It’s my great pleasure to unveil the official book trailer for my upcoming epic fantasy novel, “Guild of Assassins”!

With this series. I wanted to create a tale that would transport you to a world of intrigue, where shadows hide secrets and danger lurks around every corner.

At the heart of “Guild of Assassins” is Soren, a young sculptor’s apprentice whose life is shattered when his father is murdered by a mysterious assassin.

 Driven by grief and a thirst for justice, Soren sets out to uncover the truth. But his quest takes a dark turn when he’s forced to join the very guild responsible for his father’s death.

As Soren navigates the cutthroat politics of the assassins’ guild and endures a training regimen that pushes him to his limits, he discovers a web of secrets that could bring an empire to its knees.

But to survive, Soren must embrace the way of the assassin and become the very thing he hates most.

This story is packed with pulse-pounding action, searing betrayals, and a deeply human story of loss, redemption, and the price of vengeance.

“Guild of Assassins” is perfect for fans of Robin Hobb, Mark Lawrence, and Michael J. Sullivan. If you love gritty, immersive fantasy tales that keep you turning pages late into the night, this book is for you.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the trailer…and of the story.

Drop a comment below and let me know what you think!

Until next time, cheerio.

Jon.

get your copy.

The post Guild of Assassins – A Dark High Fantasy Novel | Official Trailer first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

🚀 Launch Prep & Creative Ventures | Author Diary – June 7, 2024📚🎸

Preparing for “Guild of Assassins” Launch: The launch of “Guild of Assassins” is just around the corner, and preparations are in full swing. This phase is always thrilling as everything starts coming together—from final edits to marketing strategies. I’m eager to share this new installment with you all and hope it captivates and entertains.

Current Reading: This week, I’ve been engrossed in “Rip It Up and Start Again,” a fascinating book about the post-punk music scene. It’s an insightful exploration of the genre’s evolution and its impact, offering great inspiration and a break from the writing routine.

Writing Updates:

“Wyvern Rider”: I managed to draft a new chapter for “Wyvern Rider,” further developing the story’s complex world and deepening the characters’ journeys.“Punks Versus Zombies”: Additionally, I’ve written two new episodes for “Punks Versus Zombies.” Keeping the narrative fresh and engaging in this series is always a fun challenge.

As I balance book launch preparations with writing and reading, I look forward to the new insights and developments each brings. Stay tuned for more updates on the launch and my creative progress next week.

I’d love to hear what you’re reading or how you manage multiple creative projects. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights into my author’s life and journey through the worlds I create!

order guild of assassins.

The post 🚀 Launch Prep & Creative Ventures | Author Diary – June 7, 2024📚🎸 first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Explore the Dark Fantasy World of ‘Guild of Assassins’ – Available Now

Good news, everyone!

I am thrilled to announce the launch of the paperback edition of my dark high fantasy novel, Guild of Assassins.

It is now available for purchase on Amazon, ready for those of who prefer the feel of a physical book in their hands. Order HERE.

For those who enjoy the convenience of digital reading, Guild of Assassins is also available as an ebook on various platforms, including Apple, Google Play, Kobo, and Nook. Order HERE.

You can also request the book through your local library app, such as Overdrive or BorrowBox.

Kindle lovers, mark your calendars! The Kindle edition will go live on June 12th, and you can pre-order it right now to ensure it’s delivered to your device on the release day.

Here’s the blurb:

Soren never imagined that his quest for justice would lead him into the depths of the assassins’ guild.

Forced to undergo brutal training and bloody trials, he soon realizes that the line between vengeance and villainy is blurring with each passing day.

As he grapples with the moral consequences of his actions, Soren must decide whether the price of revenge is worth the cost of his humanity.

 Will he find the strength to stay true to himself, or will the guild’s twisted ways consume him?

Don’t miss out on this enthralling journey into a world of shadows, where the lines between good and evil are constantly tested.

 Get your copy of Guild of Assassins in paperback on Amazon, as an ebook on your preferred platform, or request it from your local library.

Happy reading!

Jon

order now.

The post Explore the Dark Fantasy World of ‘Guild of Assassins’ – Available Now first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Evolution of the Assassin Archetype in Fantasy Literature

In the shadowy recesses of fantasy literature, where danger and intrigue brew as richly as a witch’s potion, the assassin archetype has undergone a remarkable evolution.

From mere background dagger-wielders to complex main characters with their own moral compasses (however askew they might be), assassins in fantasy have truly come into their own.

From the Shadows to the Spotlight

Historically, assassins were often relegated to the role of the silent, faceless threat, lurking in the background of more ‘noble’ quests.

They were the convenient plot device—a dark blur in a cloak, a glint of steel, and then, quite suddenly, a vacancy in a royal lineage.

However, as readers’ appetites for morally grey characters and darker narratives grew, so too did the roles of these skilful killers.

The Rise of the Relatable Assassin

The modern fantasy assassin has moved far beyond being just a tool for political upheaval.

Authors like Robin Hobb with her Farseer Trilogy and Brent Weeks with his Night Angel Trilogy have spearheaded this shift, providing assassins with backstories that often involve tragic origins, heartbreak, and a touch of existential dread—because nothing says ‘relatable’ like being an orphan with a penchant for poison.

These characters are no longer just the means to a gruesome end.

Instead, they’re complex individuals, often battling internal conflicts and ethical dilemmas.

It appears that in fantasy literature, even cold-blooded killers have hearts, occasionally damaged, sometimes two sizes too small, but invariably beating.

A Moral Quandary Wrapped in a Cloak

The evolution of the assassin archetype in fantasy also reflects a shift in how morality is depicted.

No longer are we presented with a straightforward battle between good and evil.

Instead, the lines are blurred—much like the vision of a target after a particularly potent toxin takes effect.

Assassins now grapple with questions of loyalty, justice, and the ever-popular “Do the ends justify the means?”

In doing so, they offer readers a mirror to our own world’s ambiguities, except with more knives and a lot less bureaucracy.

Why Do We Cheer for the Killer?

There’s something undeniably appealing about a character who can navigate both the darkness of the world and the shadows of their psyche.

Perhaps it’s the thrill of vicarious villainy, or maybe it’s the layered complexity of their narratives.

After all, in a world teeming with dragons and dark lords, the human element of an assassin’s story—flawed, conflicted, but undeniably skilled—adds a compelling depth.

Moreover, there’s a certain satisfaction in rooting for someone who can solve significant political problems with the quiet snick of a blade, rather than endless council meetings.

It’s efficient, it’s effective, and let’s be honest, it makes for good reading on a dark and stormy night.

A Dance of Death and Development

The assassin archetype in fantasy literature has not just evolved; it has been reborn.

These characters bring shades of grey to worlds too often seen in black and white, offer a gritty realism to the fantastical, and remind us that everyone has a story—even the person lurking in the shadows with a dagger.

As fantasy literature continues to embrace complex characters and morally ambiguous plots, the assassin stands ready, always one step ahead in the dance of death that so enchants readers.

Whether you admire their lethal efficiency or their troubled consciences, one thing is certain: in the realm of fantasy, assassins are here to stay, and they’ve never been more alive.

Discover “Guild of Assassins”

Soren never imagined that his quest for justice would lead him into the depths of the assassins’ guild.

What began as a burning need to avenge his father’s murder transforms into an ordeal that tests the very fibre of his being.

Forced to undergo brutal training and bloody trials, he soon realizes that the line between vengeance and villainy is blurring with each passing day.

As he delves deeper into the guild’s dark corridors, each step forward is a step away from who he once was.

As he grapples with the moral consequences of his actions, Soren must decide whether the price of revenge is worth the cost of his humanity.

This internal battle is as fierce as any he faces in the shadows, challenging his resolve and questioning his motives.

Will he find the strength to stay true to himself, or will the guild’s twisted ways consume him?

In a world where every life taken could anchor him further into the darkness, Soren’s journey is not just about the targets he eliminates—it’s about the parts of himself that he must not surrender.

get your copy.

The post The Evolution of the Assassin Archetype in Fantasy Literature first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Fantasy Writing Lessons from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

In the labyrinthine world of fantasy writing, inspiration can bubble up from the most unexpected fountains.

Among these, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” might seem an unlikely muse, with its band of morally dubious characters and their often preposterous escapades.

Yet, beneath its chaotic surface, this series offers a trove of insights for the fantasy writer willing to look beyond the conventional.

Let’s delve into the grimy taverns and shadowy alleys of Philadelphia, drawing parallels to the murky depths of the fantasy realm.

Embracing Flawed Characters

At the heart of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is a quintet of characters who are as flawed as they come—selfish, cunning, and delightfully unheroic.

Fantasy writers can glean much from this portrayal, crafting protagonists who are not just the valiant heroes typical of the genre but are complex, fallible beings whose questionable morals drive the narrative.

This complexity adds layers to the story, making characters resonate with realism and unpredictability.

Rich, Layered Conflict

Conflict in “It’s Always Sunny” often arises from the characters’ own decisions, spiralling into situations as absurd as they are enlightening.

Fantasy writers can adopt this dynamic, letting their characters’ choices and flaws be the genesis of conflict.

This internal source of strife, rather than external forces like marauding dragons or evil sorcerers, can yield a plot that is intensely personal and compelling.

Unpredictable Plot Twists

The unpredictable nature of the plot in “It’s Always Sunny” keeps viewers on their toes.

Fantasy authors can take a leaf from this book, weaving narratives that take unexpected turns, thwarting the reader’s expectations and keeping the pages turning.

Whether it’s a sudden betrayal or an unlikely alliance, the element of surprise is a potent tool in the writer’s arsenal.

Subverting Genre Conventions

“It’s Always Sunny” thrives on subversion, turning typical sitcom scenarios on their head.

Similarly, fantasy authors can challenge and subvert genre conventions.

By twisting traditional tropes—perhaps a knight in shining armour is the villain or the damsel in distress saves herself—writers can offer fresh perspectives and keep the genre evolving.

Satire and Social Commentary

While not overtly political, “It’s Always Sunny” masterfully satirises societal norms and behaviours.

Fantasy realms, too, can be grounds for satire, reflecting our world through the distorted mirror of the fantastical.

By embedding social commentary in their tales, authors can make their fantasy worlds not just escapes, but reflections that prompt readers to think critically about the real world.

Maintaining a Cohesive Group Dynamic

The chemistry among the main characters in “It’s Always Sunny” is undeniable, driving much of the show’s appeal.

In fantasy writing, maintaining a cohesive group dynamic, even among characters with clashing personalities, can add depth to the interactions and drive the narrative forward.

This dynamic can become the core around which the plot and the character development revolve.

“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” with its darkly comedic lens and its penchant for the absurd, offers unexpected lessons for the fantasy writer.

By adopting its approach to character flaws, conflict, and plot dynamics, writers can craft stories that are not only enthralling and entertaining but also resonate with a truth that is often stranger than fiction.

So, fantasy writers, why not venture into the dimly lit corners of your imagination, guided by the gleeful anarchy of “It’s Always Sunny”?

Who knows what twisted tales await in the shadows?

Let’s raise a glass to the chaos and see where the wild stories lead.

join the writing craft facebook group.

The post Fantasy Writing Lessons from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

What Makes Assassin Fantasy a Must-Read?

In the darker corners of the fantasy genre, where morals are as grey as a stormy twilight, assassin fantasy carves out a niche that attracts readers with a penchant for the lethal dance of cloak and dagger.

This subgenre, steeped in the clandestine arts of stealth and murder, offers a thrilling escape into worlds where the deadliest characters are often the most compelling.

What Exactly Is Assassin Fantasy?

Assassin fantasy, a subgenre of fantasy literature, focuses on the lives and exploits of assassins, often entwining their fates with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and the gritty underbelly of society.

These narratives usually revolve around skilled protagonists who wield their deadly expertise not only to survive but to manipulate the balance of power around them.

Popular Examples That Cut to the Quick

Some shining examples in this shadowy genre include The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks, where the young street rat Azoth becomes the apprentice of Durzo Blint, a master assassin.

Then there’s Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb, which follows the bastard son of a prince, trained as an assassin in the royal court.

Not forgetting The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, featuring Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin fighting for her freedom and survival in a corrupt kingdom.

Tropes That Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats

Assassin fantasy thrives on a few key tropes that can be as predictable as they are delightful.

There’s the mentor-apprentice relationship, filled with hard lessons in bloody classrooms.

Secret identities and double lives add a layer of tension and intrigue, as characters navigate a world where anyone could be a target—or a threat.

Redemption arcs are common, with assassins often portrayed as tortured souls seeking salvation through their actions, whether they admit it or not.

Revenge plots are particularly juicy, thick with personal stakes and the inevitable question: will vengeance bring satisfaction or only more sorrow?

Then, of course, there’s the ever-popular lethal protagonist, a character who is as charismatic as they are capable of killing.

Why Do Readers Revel in Such Deadly Tales?

The allure of assassin fantasy lies in its exploration of the forbidden and the thrill of vicariously living through characters who operate outside societal norms.

Readers are drawn to the complexity of assassins—antiheroes who do the necessary dirty work, often motivated by a warped sense of justice or personal vendettas.

The high stakes and constant danger provide an adrenaline rush, while the strategic mind games and moral conundrums force readers to question their own values and the nature of right and wrong.

Essential read: Guild of Assassins

If your appetite for shadowy figures and sharp objects has been whetted, then you should definitely check out Guild of Assassins.

The story plunges you into the life of Soren, a sculptor’s apprentice who is swept into the dark world of an assassins’ guild after his father’s murder.

What starts as a quest for justice spirals into a gripping tale of vengeance, challenging the boundaries between right and wrong, and testing the strength of human resolve.

So, if you revel in tales where the scent of blood is often masked by the smell of rain on cobblestones, where figures lurk in the shadows ready to change the course of history with a single well-placed blow, then the world of assassin fantasy is waiting for you with open arms—and perhaps a hidden blade.

get your copy.

The post What Makes Assassin Fantasy a Must-Read? first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Roland Deschain: A New Type of Hero in Modern Fantasy

Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series stands as a monolith in the vast desert of fantasy literature.

Its sprawling narrative, which spans seven core books, a novella, and numerous connected works, has redefined what it means to embark on a fantastical quest.

It’s a journey that delves deep into the realms of horror, Westerns, and fantasy, blending them with the ease of a sorcerer mixing a particularly volatile potion.

Let’s explore how Roland Deschain’s relentless pursuit of the enigmatic Tower has reshaped fantasy literature, weaving through worlds as effortlessly as bullets fly in the Gunslinger’s wake.

A Darkly Woven Tapestry of Genres

At the heart of The Dark Tower‘s impact is its genre-defying nature.

King doesn’t just tip his hat to different genres; he commandeers them, creating a hybrid beast that refuses to sit neatly in any one category.

Fantasy literature, after its encounter with Roland and his ka-tet, has found itself freer to marry elements of the mundane with the mystical, the horrific with the heroic, proving that readers can handle more than elves and orcs—they crave gunslingers and doom-laden quests, too.

Character Complexity Beyond the Archetypes

King’s characters are not merely walking tropes.

They are deeply flawed, haunted by pasts as twisted as the paths they tread.

Roland himself, part knight errant, part antihero, challenges the clean-cut image of a protagonist.

His companions, too, bring shades of grey to the black-and-white morality often seen in fantasy narratives.

This complexity invites readers to explore the shadows within their heroes, rather than just cheering for their shining armour.

Narrative Architecture: A Tower of Stories

The structural ambition of The Dark Tower is something to behold.

King constructs a narrative that is as much a maze as it is a story, with doorways leading to different times and worlds.

Fantasy authors have taken note, pushing the boundaries of their own worlds’ architecture, inspired by King’s audacity.

The series encourages a narrative freedom where the universe is interconnected, time is mutable, and stories nest within stories like Russian dolls.

The Lingering Echo of Influence

King’s shadow looms large, and not just because of his knack for crafting towering tales.

His influence encourages a blending of genres, urging fantasy to flirt dangerously with horror, suspense, and even philosophical musing.

The Dark Tower demonstrates that fantasy can be a playground for the existential, the eerie, and the downright bizarre, and still be wildly compelling.

Beyond the Dark Tower

As Roland chases the Man in Black across deserts and through dimensions, King challenges writers to pursue their own creative horizons with similar relentlessness.

The landscape of fantasy literature, post-The Dark Tower, is one where the weird is welcomed with open arms, and stories are no longer bound by the traditional constraints of the genre.

In the end, as every reader of the series knows, the journey through King’s macabre and magnificent universe is about more than just reaching the Tower—it’s about the sprawling path we travel, the characters we journey with, and the worlds we discover along the way.

And in the landscape of fantasy literature, that path has become wilder, wider, and infinitely more interesting.

So, dear reader, in the spirit of King’s opus, may your fantasies be dark, your horizons broad, and your adventures perilous.

After all, what’s a little darkness in the quest for the extraordinary?

follow jon on Youtube.

The post Roland Deschain: A New Type of Hero in Modern Fantasy first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

📚 Exciting Launches & Creative Crossroads | Author Diary – May 31, 2024 🖋️✨

Writing New Short Stories:

This week, I penned two new short stories, “Hammer of Wolfsbane” and “The Mediocre Maverick.” These stories allowed me to explore different facets of my creative universe and refine my storytelling skills. You can read them both for free at joncronshawauthor.com

Launching “Guild of Assassins” & Expanding Distribution:

The launch preparations for “Guild of Assassins” are in full swing, and I’m thrilled about bringing this new adventure to readers.

Visit: books2read.com/guildofassassins

Additionally, “The Fall of Wolfsbane” is now reaching a broader audience as it becomes available on more eBook platforms including Apple, Nook, Kobo, Google Play, and Ream. It’s exciting to see my work accessible on such a diverse range of platforms.

Visit: books2read.com/fallofwolfsbane

Deciding What’s Next:

As I look to the coming week, I’m at a creative crossroads with several potential projects vying for my attention. These include continuing “Punks Versus Zombies,” further developing “Wyvern Rider,” diving into “Ravenglass Legends Book 3,” starting “Guild of Assassins 2,” or advancing “Dawn of Assassins 4.” Each project offers unique challenges and opportunities, making the choice both exciting and daunting.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how you prioritize multiple creative projects or which of these you’d be most excited to see progress. Your feedback is invaluable as I navigate these creative waters.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates from my author’s life, book launches, and the journey through the worlds I create!

check out Jon’s books.

The post 📚 Exciting Launches & Creative Crossroads | Author Diary – May 31, 2024 🖋️✨ first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Fall of Wolfsbane: Now Available on Multiple Ebook Platforms and at Your Local Library!

Good news, everyone!

I am thrilled to announce that my latest fantasy novel, The Fall of Wolfsbane (Ravenglass Legends, Book 1), is now available on a wide range of ebook platforms, making it easier than ever for you to dive into this epic adventure.

You can now find The Fall of Wolfsbane on:

Amazon KindleGoogle Play BooksBarnes and Noble NookApple iBooksKoboReamAnd many nore

I believe that everyone should have access to the magic of reading, which is why I’m excited to share that The Fall of Wolfsbane is also available through your local library.

You can borrow the ebook using popular apps like Overdrive and BorrowBox, ensuring that you can enjoy Ragnar Wolfsbane’s thrilling journey without any barriers.

The Fall of Wolfsbane marks the beginning of the Ravenglass Legends series, where ancient secrets, forbidden powers, and the unbreakable bonds of family intertwine in a world on the brink of change.

As Ragnar navigates the treacherous landscape of the Ostreich Empire, he must confront his own destiny and unravel the mysteries of ravenglass to protect those he holds dear.

So, head over to your preferred ebook platform or visit your local library’s digital catalogue to start reading The Fall of Wolfsbane today.

Embark on an unforgettable journey filled with magic, adventure, and the power of the human spirit.

Happy reading, and may Ravenglass Legends captivate your imagination!

order now.

The post The Fall of Wolfsbane: Now Available on Multiple Ebook Platforms and at Your Local Library! first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.