Jon Cronshaw's Blog, page 43

Behind the Cloak and Dagger: The Psychology of Rogues

Around the darker places of fantasy literature, rogues flicker in the half-light, always on the edge of morality and society.

They’re the thieves, the spies, the assassins; the charming misfits of the shadows.

But what stitches the dark fabric of these characters together?

What psychological yarns are we pulling when we unravel the rogue’s alluring appeal?

The Lure of the Loner

Rogues often walk alone, and there’s something intrinsically appealing about that.

It’s the allure of self-reliance, the idea of the individual against the world.

In psychological terms, this taps into our need for autonomy.

Deep down, we’re all drawn to the idea of being untethered, free from societal constraints—free like the rogue.

The Thrill of Danger

Rogues embody risk.

They’re the dice-throwers, the gamblers.

Their lives are a high-stakes game where the adrenaline never fades.

In an otherwise risk-averse society, we vicariously crave the excitement they provide.

Psychologically, the rogue’s life is a cathartic release from our own caution, an escape to a place where consequences are just another challenge to outwit.

The Wit to Survive

Rogues aren’t brawlers; they’re thinkers.

Their survival depends on cunning and guile.

This intellectual dexterity is psychologically satisfying for readers, who admire the quick thinking and cleverness that often outshines brute force.

It’s the triumph of the mind, which resonates with our desire to see intellect prevail.

The Grey Morality

Psychologically, rogues are fascinating because they operate within a moral framework that’s flexible.

They live in the grey, a place that’s more reflective of real-life morality than the stark contrasts often presented in tales of heroes and villains.

Their complexity invites readers to explore their own ethical boundaries and the nuances of right and wrong.

The Rogue’s Journey

Typically, the rogue’s journey is one of growth.

They may start as a selfish individualist, but often their story arcs towards something nobler.

This evolution satisfies our psychological need for personal development and redemption.

We all want to believe that no matter where we start, we can end up somewhere better.

The Charm of the Underdog

Rogues are frequently underdogs.

They may possess skills, but they lack power, status, or magic that others have.

Psychologically, we love to root for the underdog. I

t’s a hopeful narrative, where cleverness and tenacity can defeat raw power.

The Antithesis to Order

In many ways, the rogue is the antithesis to societal order.

They reject hierarchy, defy authority, and challenge the status quo.

Psychologically, they appeal to our innate rebellious streak, the part that wants to question, challenge, and break free from the system.

So, why do we love rogues?

Perhaps it’s because they represent a part of us that’s often silenced—the rebellious, the risk-taking, the non-conformist.

They manifest our hidden desires to be cunning, autonomous, and morally flexible.

Behind their cloak and dagger, rogues are the shadow of what society tells us to suppress, the dark mirror of our own psychological complexities.

They’re a testament to the multifaceted nature of humanity, wrapped up in a smirk and a swift getaway.

So, the next time you find yourself rooting for the rogue, ask not what they say about fantasy, but what they reflect about you.

The post Behind the Cloak and Dagger: The Psychology of Rogues first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Assassins: A Guide for the Lethally Inclined

Ah, assassins, the life coaches we never knew we needed.

You have to admit, their efficacy in getting “the job done” is unparalleled.

Of course, you may have heard of Stephen Covey’s bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, but did you know that this seminal self-help book has a dark doppelganger?

That’s right: “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Assassins.”

A primer that doesn’t just spill the beans but, quite literally, spills blood.

Let’s explore these habits, shall we?

Habit 1: Be Proactive (In Your Killings)

For the Highly Effective Assassin (HEA), taking the initiative isn’t just a trait; it’s a lifestyle.

Proactive assassins don’t wait for targets to fall into their laps.

They identify them, stalk them, and take them out—all before lunch.

If Stephen Covey’s version is about taking responsibility for your life, this is about taking someone else’s.

Responsibly, of course.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind (Or the End of Someone Else)

Planning is everything. HEAs visualise not only the kill but also the getaway, the alibi, and the celebratory drink afterwards.

They see the entire sequence of events, from the glint of their blade in the moonlight to the exact moment they’re counting their gold.

All that’s left is to—well, execute.

Habit 3: Put First Things First (And Second Things Six Feet Under)

Time management is crucial in any profession, but even more so when you’re juggling multiple contracts and evading the law.

Prioritisation is key.

Remember: the early assassin catches the unsuspecting nobleman on his morning walk.

Or was it a worm?

I forget.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win (Or Kill-Kill)

In a profession notorious for its zero-sum outcomes, HEAs find ways to make mutually beneficial deals.

“You scratch my back; I’ll drive a dagger into someone else’s”—that sort of thing.

It’s all about networking, really.

Granted, it’s networking with poison, traps, and bribes, but who’s judging?

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Kill

Empathy goes a long way in the assassination business.

Understanding your target’s motivations, fears, and habits makes you more effective in dispatching them.

Covey might say it’s key to effective communication, but here it’s key to effective termination.

Tomayto, tomahto.

Habit 6: Synergise (Or How to Get Others to Do Your Dirty Work)

Why go solo when you can collaborate? HEAs know the value of a good partnership or a well-placed mole.

Sometimes, the quickest path to your goal involves leveraging other people’s skills—or their cannon fodder status.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw (And the Daggers, and the Arrows…)

Continuous improvement isn’t just corporate jargon; it’s the bread and butter of the HEA.

Training montages aren’t just for 80s action films; they’re a weekend pastime.

If you’re not honing your physical and mental faculties, someone else will—right before they take your job, and possibly, your life.

So there you have it, the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Assassins.

If you’ve been seeking a guide to improve your fictional killing or just life in general, this could be the (rather twisted) motivation you never knew you needed.

Remember, life isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving—by any means necessary.

The post The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Assassins: A Guide for the Lethally Inclined first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Out now: Dawn of Assassins (books 1-3 boxed set)

Fedor and Lev are thieves…

…neither signed up to be killers.

But when they’re unwillingly recruited by a master assassin with a dark agenda, the stakes turn lethal.

Can they survive Soren’s increasingly perilous trials designed to twist their morals and endanger their lives?

How far will Fedor and Lev go to reclaim their freedom?

Perfect for mature readers, Dawn of Assassins delivers a fast-paced blend of suspense, moral ambiguity, and non-stop action.

This collection brings together three gritty dark fantasy novels: Dawn of Assassins, Trial of Thieves, and Crucible of Shadows.

In a world where trust is a luxury and assassins loom in the shadows, are you ready to confront the barriers of morality and survival?

Dare you face the dawn?

order now

The post Out now: Dawn of Assassins (books 1-3 boxed set) first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Lifelong Lessons We Can Learn from Assassin Fantasy Protagonists

When searching for role models to navigate the complex maze of life, who better to look up to than assassins?

You know, those mythical beings who earn their crust by severing the life threads of others—often with a dramatic flair that would make even Shakespeare say, “Tone it down, mate.”

It turns out, these dark, brooding figures from the literary world can teach us more than just how to don a cloak with menacing elegance.

Here are some lifelong lessons we can glean from these shady characters.

And don’t worry, none of them involve lethal weapons or hiding in shadows. Well, mostly.

Trust No One, Not Even Your Shadow

If assassin novels teach us anything, it’s that betrayal is as common as a weather complaint

in Britain. One minute you’re sharing a goblet of mead with your best mate, and the next, you’re pulling a dagger out of your back.

It’s a harsh lesson in trust—or rather, the lack of it.

But let’s face it, in a world where online privacy is a joke, perhaps a little paranoia is just what the doctor ordered.

Flexibility is Key

Assassins have to be adaptable, changing plans on the fly when things go pear-shaped, which they inevitably do.

While your daily obstacles might not involve dodging crossbow bolts or evading capture, adaptability is a skill we can all apply, whether it’s pivoting in a dead-end job or handling the ever-changing landscape of ‘cancel culture.’

The Fine Art of Observation

The third rule of Assassination Club is: know your mark. (The first and second rules are obviosuly not to talk about Assassination Club).

These chaps and chapettes are masters of observation, analysing minute details that others might overlook.

Granted, you’re not tracking a target, but honing your observation skills can be handy.

You never know when you’ll need to recall the alibi you gave for not attending that Zoom meeting you skillfully dodged.

The Value of Precision

Why use ten words when one will do?

Or ten stabs, for that matter.

Assassins are all about efficiency and precision, a lesson easily applied to our bloated inboxes and to-do lists.

Focus on what truly matters and cut out the rest—metaphorically speaking, of course.

Emotional Distance: Not Just for British Aristocracy Anymore

Most assassin protagonists are emotionally distant, not by choice but as a survival mechanism.

While total emotional detachment isn’t advisable unless you want a future filled with cats and microwave dinners, a little emotional distance can help.

Whether it’s not taking criticism to heart or weathering a Twitter storm, sometimes it’s okay to put up your emotional barriers.

Just not too high, or you’ll end up as approachable as a porcupine in a balloon shop.

Plan but Prepare for Chaos

Every assassin knows the value of meticulous planning, but they also know that even the best-laid plans can go awry.

Life’s like that: a series of chaotic events occasionally interrupted by moments of stability.

Or is it the other way around?

Either way, planning is good; adaptability is better.

The Road to Redemption is Paved with… Well, You Know

A common trope among our morally grey friends is the journey towards redemption.

Now, you may not have a dark past filled with death and destruction (if you do, this blog is not for you), but everyone has something they’d like to atone for.

Remember, it’s never too late to turn things around. Usually.

So, there you have it. Life lessons from people whose life’s work is to end others’ lives.

Is it unconventional? Absolutely.

Ethically questionable? Probably.

But hey, it’s a cruel world out there.

Might as well take advice from the experts in dealing with it.

The post Lifelong Lessons We Can Learn from Assassin Fantasy Protagonists first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

What’s the Difference Between Grimdark and Dark Fantasy?

Ah, the world of fantasy literature. A realm brimming with noble heroes, wondrous magic, and epic battles fought for the very fate of existence...

But let’s face it, sunshine and rainbows can get a tad boring after a while.

Enter dark fantasy and grimdark, the genres where shadows are more than welcome, and heroes sometimes turn out to be not-so-heroic after all.

So, let’s take a macabre stroll through these murky subgenres, and try to unravel their wickedly delightful differences.

Grimdark Fantasy: A Land Where Morality Took a Holiday

Grimdark fantasy is the darker, grittier cousin of traditional fantasy.

In this world, chivalry and honour are as rare as a dragon sighting in Piccadilly Circus.

Forget about the valiant knight in shining armour—in grimdark, even the heroes are morally ambiguous or downright corrupted.

Characterised by its nihilistic tone and morally grey characters, grimdark revels in the harsh realities of life.

Expect plenty of blood, gore, and political intrigue, with a healthy side of cynicism.

Happy endings? Pah..

A prime example of grimdark would be George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, which gave birth to the acclaimed television adaptation, Game of Thrones.

The series is notorious for its ruthless, Machiavellian characters (think Cersei Lannister, or Littlefinger), as well as its tendency to kill off beloved characters with little more than a shrug (but you should have seen it coming casting Sean Bean as a hero).

And let’s not forget Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law trilogy, where the line between heroes and villains is so blurred, you’d need a bloody magnifying glass to find it.

Dark Fantasy: A Marriage of Shadows and Magic

Dark fantasy, on the other hand, is a genre that blends together elements of fantasy and horror.

Its stories are draped with an ominous atmosphere, often delving into themes of supernatural terror, darkness, and the macabre.

While grimdark is more concerned with its morally grey cast and a general sense of hopelessness, dark fantasy focuses on creating a chilling, eerie world where monsters lurk and nightmares come to life.

Take, for instance, Clive Barker’s Weaveworld, a novel that expertly weaves together magical realms and monstrous beings, painting a vivid yet terrifying picture of a world on the brink of annihilation.

Or how about Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles?

This series gives us a dark and brooding world inhabited by immortal bloodsuckers, exploring themes of loneliness, immorality, and the seductive nature of evil.

Lestat de Lioncourt, the series’ charming yet ruthless vampire antihero, is a perfect example of dark fantasy’s penchant for complex characters who tread the line between light and darkness.

Tropes, Themes, and Novels to Sink Your Teeth Into

So, to sum it up in a delightfully morbid nutshell, grimdark is a subgenre that thrives on moral ambiguity, gritty realism, and a sense of unrelenting bleakness.

Dark fantasy, on the other hand, is a marriage of fantasy and horror, with a heightened focus on supernatural terrors and the darker aspects of human nature.

But why choose between these two delightfully shadowy subgenres when you can have both?

For those with a penchant for all things sinister, here are a few novels that dabble in both grimdark and dark fantasy:

The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

The Broken Empire trilogy by Mark Lawrence

The Witcher series by Andrzej Sapkowski

Whether you prefer the blood-soaked, morally bankrupt world of grimdark, or the spine-tingling chills of dark fantasy, one thing’s for certain: in the realm of shadows, there’s never a dull moment.

Happy reading, and do try not to lose your way in the darkness.

The post What’s the Difference Between Grimdark and Dark Fantasy? first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Philosophical Underpinnings of Assassin Fantasy: A Foray into the Abyss of Existential Questions

Aassassin fantasy—the genre where characters dodge moral quandaries as skillfully as they dodge arrows.

These thrilling narratives might seem like mere escapism, perfect for drowning out the mundane existential crises that fill our lives, like whether to opt for almond or oat milk in your morning latte.

However, if you lift the veil of blood spatter and poisoned daggers, you’ll find a realm teeming with philosophical conundrums.

Who knew that the path to enlightenment could be soaked in the ichor of fictional deaths?

A Game of Morality Chess

Morality in assassin fantasy is as stable as a house of cards in a hurricane.

Our charismatic killers often live by a code, a self-prescribed ethical rulebook that justifies their actions.

Is this consequentialism in its most brutal form, where the end justifies the means, or is it a twisted form of deontological ethics, where actions are guided by set rules rather than their outcomes?

Kant would be turning in his grave, but probably also secretly binge-reading.

The Existentialism of Kill or Be Killed

Sartre had his “Hell is other people,” and assassin fantasy has its “Kill or be killed.”

Existentialism thrives in these perilous landscapes, posing questions of choice, freedom, and existence against a backdrop of constant life-and-death decisions.

When every choice could lead to either survival or a gruesome end, existential angst is a given, even if it’s cloaked in leather and armed with a crossbow.

The Nihilism of Death

For many an assassin, life is absurd and death is meaningless—an outlook that aligns perfectly with the principles of nihilism.

In a profession where lives are ended on a whim or for a purse of gold, can life hold intrinsic value?

It’s a slippery slope, and at the bottom, you’ll likely find Nietzsche sipping wine with a smirk.

The Social Contract, or Lack Thereof

Hobbes believed in the necessity of social contracts to escape the “state of nature,” which is nasty, brutish, and short.

Assassin protagonists are usually far removed from societal norms, either as outcasts, rebels, or agents of shadowy organizations.

They live in a perpetual state of nature, where the social contract is as binding as a cobweb in a gale.

It’s each for their own, and may the gods help anyone who gets in the way.

The Dualism of Good and Evil

Many assassin tales are woven around the dualistic struggle between good and evil.

However, these lines often blur, creating a moral grayscale where characters possess both virtuous and malicious traits.

This echoes the age-old philosophical debate on dualism and monism—concepts that question the very nature of good and evil, light and darkness, almond and oat milk.

Okay, maybe not the last one.

The Pursuit of Redemption

Finally, let’s talk about redemption.

It’s the light at the end of many a dark tunnel in assassin fantasy.

Characters strive for redemption as if it were a tangible goal, but what does it really mean to be redeemed?

Is it possible to wash away a lifetime of sins through a single act of goodness?

This taps into theories of justice and atonement that have perplexed philosophers for centuries.

So the next time you delve into an assassin fantasy novel, remember that beneath the action-packed surface lies a wellspring of philosophical thought.

You’re not just entertaining yourself; you’re also engaging with some of the most complex moral and existential questions ever posed.

How’s that for killing two birds with one, er, poisoned dart?

The post The Philosophical Underpinnings of Assassin Fantasy: A Foray into the Abyss of Existential Questions first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

A Deep Dive into the Psychology of Assassins in Fantasy Literature

Why are we so fascinated by assassins?

Is it their nifty wardrobe filled with dark, mysterious cloaks?

Or perhaps it’s the magnetic allure of living life on the edge, just one slip away from ending up six feet under.

In any case, the psychology of assassins in fantasy literature is a topic as complex as trying to explain why cats hate water.

So, grab your favourite cloak and let’s plunge into the shadowy depths of the assassin’s psyche.

The Allure of the Outsider

Assassins typically don’t fit into societal norms.

They’re the ultimate rebels, the James Deans of the fantasy world, if James Dean could decapitate you with a flick of his wrist.

This outsider status is alluring because it speaks to the part of us that feels overlooked, misunderstood, or different.

It’s why you get emo when you listen to “Bohemian Rhapsody”—you see a bit of yourself in the unconventional.

The Duality of Human Nature

Ah, the age-old battle between good and evil that rages within us all, often surfacing when deciding whether or not to nick that hotel towel.

Assassins embody this internal conflict in an amplified manner.

They kill, which is generally frowned upon, but often their motivations are rooted in something relatable, like justice or revenge.

It’s a bit like when you eat your flatmate’s food and then justify it because they never clean the bathroom.

The Power of Agency

Let’s be honest, the 9-to-5 grind doesn’t exactly allow for a wealth of life-altering choices.

Assassins, however, are the epitome of agency. They live by their choices—usually deadly ones—and bear the consequences with a steely gaze and a quip.

This sense of control is intoxicating, mainly because our most consequential choice often involves deciding what to binge-watch next.

The Dance with Death

Freud would have a field day with this one.

Assassins are intimately acquainted with death, not just as an outcome but as a process.

The constant dance with the Grim Reaper creates a palpable tension that reminds readers of their own mortality.

It’s like skydiving, but the parachute is a narrative twist that may or may not open.

A Mirror to Society

More often than not, the existence of assassins is a symptom of a flawed system.

Whether they’re serving as agents of a corrupt regime or fighting against it, they reflect the societal ills that birthed them.

Much like a graffiti artist tagging a rundown building, the assassin marks the failures of their world in the blood of its inhabitants.

The Quest for Redemption

Everyone loves a comeback story.

The assassin’s often perilous journey towards redemption serves as a metaphor for the human condition, filled with mistakes and second chances.

It’s Rocky, but with fewer boxing gloves and more throwing knives.

Emotional Armour

Beneath the literal armour—usually made of some unbreakable, mythical material—is an emotional shield.

This emotional detachment is a survival mechanism, and yet, it’s usually their ‘soft spot’ that makes them relatable.

Yes, they can kill you, but they also have feelings, making them as paradoxically human as a vegan at a barbecue.

So, the psychology of assassins in fantasy literature taps into several layers of the human psyche: the allure of the outsider, the moral duality we all grapple with, and the undeniable need for agency.

They reflect our societal shortcomings and inner conflicts, all while keeping us enthralled with their high-stakes adventures.

So, the next time you find yourself rooting for an assassin, remember that you’re not just indulging in a thrilling narrative—you’re engaging in a complex psychological experience, proving that sometimes the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.

Or, in this case, the dagger.

The post A Deep Dive into the Psychology of Assassins in Fantasy Literature first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

The Morality of Assassination: Ethical Quandaries in Fantasy Novels

Ah, the intoxicating allure of fantasy novels—those literary escapes where dragons are slain, quests are fulfilled, and apparently, it’s ethical to kill people for money.

Yes, dear readers, we’re talking about the delightful realm of professional make-believers: assassins.

But it’s not all dark cloaks and poisoned daggers; there’s also the niggling issue of morality.

So, let’s cut through the ethical fog like an assassin’s blade through butter, shall we?

When Killing Becomes a Career

What differentiates an assassin from your run-of-the-mill homicidal maniac?

Well, professionalism for starters.

Assassins don’t kill because they have a penchant for death; they kill because they’re paid to do it.

It’s a vocation like any other.

But that raises the question: if one is ‘just doing their job,’ does that absolve them of the moral weight of their actions?

It’s a classic case of separating the ‘work self’ from the ‘personal self,’ except the work involves a substantially higher body count.

The Lesser of Two Evils

Fantasy novels often paint assassinations as necessary evils in a grander scheme.

Kill a corrupt king, and save a kingdom. Eliminate a warlord, prevent a war.

In these instances, the ethics become murky. Can one life be weighed against many?

If the scales tip toward greater good, does that give our assassin a moral free pass?

It’s like choosing to eat a salad over a chocolate cake for the ‘greater good’ of your health, but with far graver consequences.

The Target Matters, Apparently

Here’s a curious double standard: Assassinate a villain, and you’re a hero; kill an innocent, and suddenly you’re a monster.

In other words, the morality of an assassination is often determined not by the act itself, but by the societal value placed on the target.

It’s the ultimate case of victim-blaming where one person’s villain is another person’s hero, yet the ethical evaluation changes based on popular opinion.

The Emotional Detachment Clause

One could argue that assassins don’t make the choice to kill; rather, they serve as an instrument for someone else’s will.

They detach emotionally to carry out their duties, reducing their moral accountability.

But then again, outsourcing your ethical dilemmas doesn’t necessarily absolve you of them. It’s like blaming your dog for eating the last piece of cake.

Convenient, but not exactly just.

The Code of Conduct

Many fantasy novels introduce a ‘code’ that assassins follow—a set of rules or ethics that govern who they can and cannot kill.

This self-imposed moral framework serves as a mechanism to justify their actions. However, whether that code stands up to ethical scrutiny is another matter.

After all, creating your own moral compass doesn’t necessarily mean you’re heading in the right direction.

The Redemption Factor

Ah, the sweet scent of redemption—an aroma more enticing than freshly baked bread.

Fantasy novels love to set their assassins on paths toward redemption, often through acts of heroism or sacrifice.

But does a good deed wash out the bad, or are we simply enjoying a narrative that indulges our desire for clear-cut moral judgments?

The Morality Spectrum

At the end of the day, the ethics of assassination in fantasy novels reflect the complex morality of the real world.

There are no easy answers, only shades of grey—each darker and more ambiguous than the last.

Assassins serve as a lens through which we can examine our own moral compass, forcing us to confront uncomfortable questions about the nature of right and wrong.

So, the next time you find yourself lost in a fantasy world, captivated by the enigmatic allure of an assassin, take a moment to ponder the ethical implications.

Because as much as we might enjoy the escapism, these tales compel us to scrutinize the complicated, messy aspects of morality, offering us not just a story, but a provocative ethical exercise.

The post The Morality of Assassination: Ethical Quandaries in Fantasy Novels first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Why Assassin Fantasy Novels Are More Relevant Now Than Ever

The modern world: a buzzing hive of social media influencers, political circus acts, and an ongoing debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does, fight me).

Amidst all this chaos, you might be wondering, “Why in seven hells should I be reading about fictional characters who make a living by, well, ending lives?”

The answer is simple: because assassin fantasy novels are more relevant now than ever, my dear friends. And no, it’s not just because you’ve imagined hiring one for your noisy neighbour.

A Reflection of Our Complex Morality

Ah, morality—more fluid than a pint of ale in a tavern.

Assassins are a manifestation of our own moral complexity.

Are they heroes or villains?

Liberators or mercenaries?

A bit like the modern corporate world, they exist in a grey area, and it’s not just the colour of their cloaks.

The Ultimate Power Fantasy

Let’s face it, we all fancy a bit of control in our lives, especially when the world seems to be going off the rails faster than a London Underground service during a strike.

The assassin, the master manipulator of fate, allows us to live out this power fantasy, all from the risk-free comfort of our reading nooks.

Catharsis Through Chaos

The world is a dumpster fire, and sometimes what you need is to watch someone else set a blaze that they control impeccably.

The skill and precision of a fictional assassin can offer a bizarre comfort.

It’s chaos, but it’s organized chaos.

The Appeal of the Anti-Hero

In an era where every other news headline makes you want to throw your phone into the Thames, there’s something incredibly appealing about characters who operate outside the law, buck the system, and stab corruption in the face.

And goody-two-shoes characters, you’re so last century.

We’re living in the age of the anti-hero. The more flawed, the better.

And who’s more flawed than someone who’s literally killing for a living, yet you can’t help but root for them?

The Relevance of Rebellion

Whether it’s fighting against a tyrannical regime, or exposing shadowy conspiracies, the themes of rebellion and fighting against the ‘Man’ resonate now more than ever.

It’s like ‘V for Vendetta,’ but with more backflips and less political subtlety.

Social Commentary with a Side of Stabbing

Many assassin novels delve into issues of class struggle, political unrest, and social inequality, all wrapped up in a cloak of daggers and poisons.

It’s like reading a think piece, only with more action and fewer footnotes.

The Art of Escape

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, assassin fantasy novels offer escapism.

In a world where doom-scrolling has become a pastime, sometimes it’s nice to switch gears and scroll through doom of a different kind—a kind where you can close the book and say, “Well, at least I’m not being hunted by a magical, brooding killer.”

So, the next time someone scoffs at your reading choices, just tell them you’re engaging in a timely sociopolitical critique.

After all, assassin fantasy novels are not just a guilty pleasure; they’re a reflection of our collective id, a mirror to our own chaos.

The post Why Assassin Fantasy Novels Are More Relevant Now Than Ever first appeared on Jon Cronshaw.

Jon’s Author Fiary – October 27, 2023

Hello from chilly Morecambe!

In this week’s episode, I’m juggling short stories, audio projects, and boxed set preparations. Here’s a rundown of what’s coming your way:

New Short Stories: “Lord Sidebottom and the Christmas Caper” & “The Long Night”
The festive season may be approaching, but it’s not all mistletoe and mince pies. Get ready for “Lord Sidebottom and the Christmas Caper”, a holiday escapade that’s sure to tickle your fancy. Meanwhile, “The Long Night” serves as a gripping prequel to my upcoming “Ravenglass Legends” series.

Audio Stories for YouTube
I’m continuing to add to my YouTube channel with a couple of narrative treats. Look out for the audio version of the “Dawn of Assassins” prequel, “The Little Thief”, as well as a story set in the Ravenglass Universe, “Clockwork Titan”.

“Dawn of Assassins” Boxed Set Launch
Mark your calendars! The “Dawn of Assassins” boxed set is set to launch on October 31st. It bundles together the first three books in the series and it’s available for a special introductory price of just 99c/99p on Amazon for a limited time.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you’re always in the loop.

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