Jon Cronshaw's Blog, page 5
June 2, 2025
Behind the Cover: The Ravenglass Throne
When it came to creating a cover for The Ravenglass Throne, I knew I needed something that would truly capture the tone and scale of the story—royalty, rebellion, and wyverns.
The result? A breathtaking cover that exceeded all expectations, thanks to the incredible work of Covers by Christian.
Christian’s approach combines expertly chosen stock photography with layered digital painting to bring the Ravenglass Universe to life.
Irmin in her armour, Berthold at her side, the Imperial Palace in the background—it’s all there in a single, striking image.
Every element on the cover was selected with care: the lighting, the pose, even the subtle background details that hint at deeper story threads.
The final image isn’t just beautiful—it feels like the book.
Honestly, how great does it look?
If you’re an author looking for top-tier fantasy covers that make readers stop scrolling and start clicking, I can’t recommend Covers by Christian enough.
The Ravenglass Throne is available now—come for the cover, stay for the story.
The post Behind the Cover: The Ravenglass Throne appeared first on Jon Cronshaw.
“Psychic Phenomena Amongst Wyvernic Companions,” Vol. XII (excerpt)
By Sir Quintilius Brandt, Master Thaumaturge of the Ostehild College, Former Wyvern-Lord of the Fifth Aerie.
Published under seal of the Ostreich High Archive, 3E.645
It has been the habit of the less educated—especially those of rustic provincial lineage—to dismiss the wyvern as a simple beast: a dumb brute capable of no more than snarling, soaring, and devouring what one might charitably call meat. Such views, while perhaps excusable among farmers and stable boys, are patently absurd when held by scholars.
The truth, long obscured by Church censorship and military redaction, is that many wyverns are sapient, articulate, and in some rare cases, possessed of an intellect that would put half the Imperial court to shame (though, admittedly, that is a low bar). Not only do they understand spoken language, but many speak it—albeit with certain physiological limitations in vocal formation. The better-bred among them prefer a dialect of High Ostwaldic, though most speak the common tongue well enough to insult their handlers with cutting accuracy.
More pertinent to our current volume is the phenomenon of psychic convergence between wyvern and human, an effect dramatically magnified through Ravenglass bonding.
RAVENGLASS AS COGNITIVE BRIDGEWhen Ravenglass is properly forged—with the blood of the bearer, mind you, not simply affixed like a trinket—it acts as a thaumaturgic conduit, aligning thought, emotion, and intent between rider and wyvern. This bond is not merely emotional. It is neurological and, in the most potent examples, interdimensional, allowing two consciousnesses to touch across space and sensory division.
While many magicians strain for decades to achieve even the most tenuous form of telepathy, bonded wyvern-riders exhibit the following without formal training:
Non-verbal Communication – The sharing of words, concepts, and emotional tone across significant distances.Tactical Anticipation – Wyverns reacting to rider intent before movement or command, particularly in high-stress situations.Sensory Bleed – Shared visual or emotional impressions. Instances of wyverns dreaming their rider’s memories, or vice versa, are documented.Language Acquisition Through Imprint – Bonded wyverns often demonstrate accelerated acquisition of new human languages, believed to be absorbed via proximity to human mental patterns.It is worth reiterating: Ravenglass is the key, without which even the most cooperative wyvern will remain psychically opaque, their thoughts impenetrable except through conventional dialogue.
THE NATURE OF WYVERN THOUGHTWhile some anthropocentric academics continue to dispute the sophistication of wyvern minds, let us be clear: wyverns do not think as we do—and that is no failing. Their cognition is layered, often multisensory, and includes perceptual modalities beyond human capacity: magnetoception, dreamfold echo, and (most astonishingly) ambient emotional resonance, allowing them to read rooms—and rulers—with unnerving precision.
Their speech, therefore, is not always a mirror of thought but a simplified translation, adjusted for human comprehension. Many wyverns regard vocalisation as cumbersome, or beneath them, and prefer mental communion when a Ravenglass channel is available.
ON THE LEGACY OF THE WYVERN NETWORKHistorical texts—many tragically destroyed in the Guardian Purges—suggest the existence of a Wyvernic Bond Network in the early Ostreich Kingdom, prior to our glorious Empire. These texts describe riders and wyverns linked not only one-to-one but through a distributed psychic lattice, sharing tactical impressions and spiritual resonance across an entire warfront. While modern scholars (particularly those without field experience) dismiss these accounts as fanciful myth, one must ask: if it were fiction, why do we still find records in restricted sections of the Aerie Vaults?
I have personally examined three helmets etched with Ravenglass-laced filigree bearing mind-shield runes no longer understood—each configured for paired usage with wyverns. I have also spoken with Witz of the Emerald Night Brood, who assures me (with his usual smug condescension) that such bonds “are not legend, merely inconvenient to those in power.”
I leave readers to draw their own conclusions.
ON SEVERANCE, AND ITS COSTWhen a Ravenglass bond is disrupted—by death, distance, or interference—the result is often catastrophic. Riders have been known to collapse into fugue states; wyverns have wailed for days, refused food, or turned feral. In one notable instance, a bonded wyvern slaughtered half an encampment upon learning of her rider’s demise. To dismiss this as animal grief is to misunderstand both the bond and the wyvern.
This is not friendship. It is fusion.
FINAL REMARKSTo those still unconvinced that wyverns are more than flying beasts, I suggest speaking to one. The psychic link between wyverns and humans, though not common, is among the most profound and sacred phenomena yet known in magical study.
That the Empire does not publicise this truth is not a refutation of its reality, but a demonstration of its power.
/buFiled: Vol. XII, Chapter 5, Pages 230–232
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May 27, 2025
Unique Dragon Rider Fantasy Series with Rich World-Building
While Dragonflight and Eragon are well known, the dragon rider subgenre offers a wealth of complex and innovative takes on the bond between human and dragon.
These ten series bring fresh perspectives to this classic fantasy element, pushing beyond the expected to explore military tactics, political intrigue, and social dynamics in ways that deepen the genre.
Temeraire by Naomi Novik
This series reimagines the Napoleonic Wars with dragons as key players in aerial combat.
Captain Will Laurence, a disciplined naval officer, unexpectedly bonds with the intelligent and inquisitive dragon Temeraire, changing the course of his life.
The series explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the rights of sentient creatures within rigid social structures.
Rather than simply being war mounts, the dragons in Temeraire possess distinct personalities and perspectives, forcing both Laurence and the world around them to confront moral and ethical dilemmas.
With well-researched historical detail and a deep emotional core, this series stands out for its nuanced portrayal of the dragon-rider relationship.
get your copy.Joust by Mercedes Lackey
Set in a desert kingdom inspired by ancient Egypt, this series presents a fresh approach to dragon riding.
Unlike many stories where riders form immediate, magical bonds with dragons, Joust delves into the painstaking process of raising, training, and caring for these creatures.
The protagonist, Vetch, begins as a serf in an oppressive society and gradually rises through the ranks as he learns the intricacies of dragon handling.
This focus on the practicalities of dragon care, from feeding to training methods, makes Joust a grounded and realistic take on the genre.
With its richly detailed setting and thoughtful exploration of power dynamics, this series offers a unique perspective on dragon rider fantasy.
get your copy.The Summer Dragon by Todd Lockwood
Written by a celebrated dragon artist, this novel brings an unparalleled level of visual and biological detail to its depiction of dragons.
The story follows Maia, a young woman who dreams of bonding with a dragon but finds herself caught in political and religious conflicts that threaten her world.
The novel delves into the breeding, training, and cultural significance of dragons, offering a fresh take on rider-dragon dynamics.
With stunning world-building and a protagonist who must navigate both external threats and internal doubts, The Summer Dragon is a richly layered story that brings a painter’s precision to its imagery and storytelling.
get your copy.Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton
While not a traditional dragon rider series, Tooth and Claw presents an extraordinary vision of a Victorian-era society composed entirely of dragons.
In this world, dragons adhere to strict social hierarchies, engage in legal battles over inheritance, and even consume their dead to preserve wealth and status.
By mirroring Victorian customs through a draconic lens, Walton creates a sharp, thought-provoking examination of class, morality, and the constraints of tradition.
The novel’s deep world-building and sharp social commentary make it a must-read for fans of dragons who enjoy sophisticated storytelling beyond the usual fantasy tropes.
get your copy.The Dragon Brigade by Margaret Weis and Robert Krammes
This series blends dragon riding with steampunk elements, creating a unique fusion of fantasy and technology.
Set in a world where skyships and dragons coexist, the story follows adventurers navigating political conspiracies, air battles, and mystical forces.
The integration of dragon-based warfare with early industrial-era inventions offers a fresh take on aerial combat, providing a striking contrast between the organic and the mechanical.
With fast-paced action and complex intrigue, The Dragon Brigade delivers a thrilling mix of high adventure and intricate world-building.
get your copy.Dragon Champion by E.E. Knight
Instead of focusing on human riders, Dragon Champion shifts the perspective entirely to the dragon.
The series follows Auron, a rare grey dragon born into a dangerous world where his kind are hunted by humans and other dragons alike.
As he struggles to survive, he experiences betrayal, friendship, and shifting allegiances, giving readers an intimate look at dragon society from the inside.
By making the dragon the protagonist rather than a companion, this series explores themes of identity, survival, and what it means to be both predator and prey in a world dominated by humans.
get your copy.Dragonmaster by Chris Bunch
This military fantasy series treats dragon riding not as an individual hero’s journey but as a disciplined component of large-scale warfare.
Rather than focusing on a single chosen rider, Dragonmaster follows the rise of Hal Kailas, a commoner who becomes a key figure in the development of dragon-based aerial combat.
The series delves into the logistics of training, organising, and deploying dragons as a legitimate military force, adding a level of strategic realism often missing from dragon rider stories.
With its emphasis on military tactics and the gritty realities of war, Dragonmaster will appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy with a strong dose of realism.
get your copy.Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst
Though not strictly a dragon rider novel, Race the Sands explores the dynamics of bonded riding in a way that will appeal to fans of the subgenre.
Set in a world where fierce, monstrous creatures known as kehoks can only be tamed through sheer determination and force of will, the novel follows a trainer and a desperate young rider who aim to win the nation’s most dangerous race.
The intense training, shifting alliances, and high-stakes competition create a thrilling narrative that examines the psychological and emotional complexities of rider-beast partnerships.
By applying fresh ideas to the concept of mounted combat and racing, Race the Sands offers an exhilarating alternative to traditional dragon rider stories.
get your copy.The Ravenglass Throne by Jon Cronshaw
This series integrates wyvern riding into a sophisticated political and military landscape, elevating it beyond standard fantasy fare.
The ravenglass network, which maintains the bond between riders and their mounts, serves as a fascinating metaphor for power, control, and the delicate balance between loyalty and authority.
The military aspects are grounded in tactical realism, focusing on the logistics of wyvern-based warfare rather than relying on spectacle alone.
The political intrigue adds depth, making The Ravenglass Throne a compelling choice for readers who enjoy intelligent world-building and character-driven storytelling.
get your copy.What sets these series apart is their willingness to consider the practical, political, and strategic implications of dragon riding.
Rather than using dragons as mere fantasy set dressing, these books explore how their presence would reshape warfare, societies, and power structures.
The best dragon rider stories go beyond the traditional hero narrative to examine the complexities of partnership, duty, and survival.
For readers seeking deeper, more intelligent takes on human-dragon relationships, these series prove that the genre continues to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways.
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Ravenglass Universe Timeline: Explore 1000 Years of Epic Fantasy
The Ravenglass Universe is an epic, interconnected fantasy world created by British author Jon Cronshaw.
Rich in history, political intrigue, personal drama, and wyvern magic, the universe spans over a thousand years of in-world history and multiple series.
While each series can be read on its own, they all connect through recurring characters, families, relics, and one mysterious wyvern: Witz.
Whether you’re drawn to royal succession drama, grimdark warfare, coming-of-age fantasy, or brutal assassin tales, there’s no wrong place to begin—just start with book one of whichever series catches your eye.
Here’s a breakdown of the four major eras and how the stories fit together.
First Kingdom Era (Years 0–200)Themes: Dynastic power struggles, royal succession, the early role of wyverns in politics
The Ravenglass Throne
Begin with Book 1: Shattered Kingdom
A sweeping royal fantasy told in serial format, The Ravenglass Throne follows three sisters—Irmin, Adelinde, and Elana—each trained in a different discipline: war, knowledge, and diplomacy. After the king’s sudden assassination without naming an heir, the sisters must navigate court politics, hidden conspiracies, and the secrets surrounding the powerful material known as ravenglass.
Wyvern Rider (Patreon exclusive)
A coming-of-age story about a girl who forms a close bond with a rescued wyvern. Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor to learn more.
Expansion Era (Years 200–500)Themes: Imperial conquest, resistance, legacy, the cost of civilisation
Ravenglass Legends
Begin with Book 1: The Fall of Wolfsbane
Set during the rise of the Ostreich Empire, this series charts the bloody conquest and political transformation of Wiete. The story centres on Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane—siblings caught on opposite sides of history. Ragnar is taken in by the empire and raised to lead, while Maja must survive on the outside and spark a rebellion.
Prequel novellas (Patreon exclusives):
Each offers vital backstory on Ragnar’s upbringing, the early resistance, and the mythology of the north.
High Empire Era (Years 500–700)High Empire Era (Years 500–700)
Themes: Prophecy, identity, rebellion, and divine power
The Ravenglass Chronicles
Begin with Book 1: The Magician
Prequel: The Fool (free via joncronshaw.com/starterlibrary)
Set at the height of the Ostreich Empire, The Ravenglass Chronicles follows Princess Kathryn Ostehild (Kat), a young woman whose life is shattered when she’s chosen by the gods to fulfil a prophecy that will shake the Empire to its core. With the weight of divine power on her shoulders and the machinations of the court closing in, Kat must forge her own path—one that defies expectation, tradition, and fate itself.
This 22-part fantasy saga is structured around the Major Arcana of the Tarot, with each instalment reflecting a new stage in Kat’s journey—from The Magician through The Tower and finally The World. As the Empire teeters between stagnation and upheaval, Kat’s rise from sheltered princess to revolutionary icon reveals the cost of power—and what it means to claim your destiny.
Collected in a single omnibus edition and available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook, The Ravenglass Chronicles delivers a sweeping tale of transformation, sacrifice, and the fight to reclaim your voice in a world that demands silence.
“Epic fantasy at its best.” “Kat’s journey is raw, real, and utterly gripping.” “A unique, beautifully structured fantasy saga.”
Perfect for fans of Robin Hobb, Kristin Cashore, and Tarot-inspired fantasy, The Ravenglass Chronicles blends political intrigue, symbolic depth, and emotional stakes into one unforgettable saga.
Additional stories (Patreon exclusives):
Short tales expanding on the Empire’s height and the personal stories of characters outside the main series.
Retraction Era (Years 700–1000)Themes: Collapse, legacy, revenge, and shadow warfare
Guild of Assassins
Begin with Book 1: Guild of Assassins
The Empire has fractured. As old colonies fight for independence and imperial cities turn inward, the Assassins’ Guild rises. This dark fantasy series follows Soren, a sculptor’s apprentice whose quest for vengeance leads him into the heart of the most feared organisation in the world.
Soren’s Guild years are explored in a growing number of Patreon-exclusive short stories.
Dawn of Assassins
Begin with Book 1: Dawn of Assassins
Set in the same era, this companion series explores Soren’s legacy from another angle. A gang of young thieves is drawn into the world of contract killing, political sabotage, and moral compromise.
Prequel novellas:
The Witz Meta-StoryA hidden thread binding the Ravenglass Universe
Across centuries, a single character weaves in and out of history: Witz, the black wyvern. At times advisor, at others manipulator or even deceiver. His motivations remain unclear—but his influence is undeniable.
All series titled Ravenglass (Throne, Legends, Chronicles) feature Witz in key roles. His story emerges slowly, and readers can piece together his true nature by reading across the full universe.
Suggested Reading ApproachYou can start with any series—just begin with Book 1 in that series. Here’s a simple breakdown depending on your reading preferences:
Love royalty, politics, and sibling drama? Start with The Ravenglass ThroneWant a gritty war epic with a Norse flavour? Start with Ravenglass LegendsPrefer symbolic, character-driven high fantasy? Start with The Ravenglass ChroniclesEnjoy dark fantasy, revenge, and assassins? Start with Guild of AssassinsAnd if you’re a completionist or looking for bonus content, join the Patreon for exclusive novellas and short stories that expand the lore and deepen character arcs.
Start Your Journey
Download your free starter library at joncronshaw.com/starterlibrary.
Listen to Jon’s writing updates and lore on his weekly author diary podcast.
Support and unlock exclusive stories at Patreon.com/joncronshawauthor.
The Ravenglass Universe is yours to discover—one era, one legend, one blade at a time.
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May 26, 2025
On the Subject of Ravenglass
By A. P. Fenwich.
Fellow of the Imperial Historical Society, Vice-Chair of Alchemical Studies (Reichsherz Chapter)
RAVENGLASS (substantia nigro-vitreum mirabile): A material of inestimable rarity and mysterious provenance, first documented in surviving temple inscriptions dating from the twilight of the Pre-Conquest Era, though some suspect it to be much older, and possibly not of this world at all. To call it “glass” is as inaccurate as calling a wyvern a goose: the comparison is superficial at best, and misleading at worst.
Ravenglass presents as a deep black, vitreous substance, not unlike obsidian in appearance, yet it neither scratches nor shatters, nor can it be altered by mundane tools. Indeed, only under extreme heat, far surpassing the capacity of standard forgework, does Ravenglass soften or yield. At such temperatures, if combined with human blood, it becomes bonded—not merely in structure, but in spirit—to the one who offers their vitae. In such cases, the weapon or item produced may exhibit extraordinary qualities, often reflective of the individual’s elemental affinity: flame, ice, wind, shadow, and other manifestations have been observed (or, at least, reliably recorded by less excitable witnesses).
On Its Arcane InfluenceMost curious is Ravenglass’s function as a psychic conduit, particularly when in proximity to wyverns, who are known to possess natural extrasensory faculties. In such instances, Ravenglass does not merely amplify influence—it magnifies intent, forging what has been described by some as a “soul tether” between beings. Whether this is the result of spiritual resonance, divine interference, or simply sympathetic thaumaturgy remains, of course, a matter of some dispute.
Among those of a superstitious bent (i.e. commoners and theologians), it is whispered that Ravenglass enables communication with realms beyond mortal comprehension—that those who bear it long enough begin to hear things. Most reputable minds dismiss such claims as fanciful nonsense or, at worst, the by-product of prolonged exposure to improperly tempered material. That said, I would not leave such a blade beside my bed.
On Its Historical ApplicationAccording to dusty accounts preserved by the rather romanticised Order of the Burning Archive, it is claimed that Ravenglass once formed the heart of a wyvern-rider network in the days of the High Ostreich Kingdom. These riders, we are told, enjoyed perfect mental harmony with their beasts, able to commune silently across leagues, coordinate strikes, and share thoughts as one mind. Such claims are, naturally, apocryphal—though the poetic impulse behind them is charming.
Still, the rituals surrounding Ravenglass forging, many of which have been preserved only in fragmentary form, point to a once-sophisticated framework of usage. The sacrifice of personal relics, the ritual bloodletting, and the recitations in archaic Ostwaldic all suggest a practice not merely martial, but mystical—its purpose, however, now lost to time.
Theories on OriginRational minds have posited a number of competing theories regarding the true origin of Ravenglass, none of which I find wholly satisfactory, but which I shall enumerate for posterity’s sake:
Celestial Relic Theory – That Ravenglass is the physical residue of a fallen god, or the crust of a world beyond the veil. Favoured by mystics and poets.Shadow Realm Excretion – That it is excreted (yes, excreted) from some entity or force dwelling in the so-called Shadow Realm, a notion appealing to the deranged and theologians alike.Thaumic Scarification – That Ravenglass forms when magic itself scars reality, producing hard residue where metaphysical stress has torn through the fabric of our world.Alchemical Artificiality – That it is man-made, the result of forgotten alchemical practice, now irreproducible due to the arrogance and illiteracy of subsequent generations.My own view, of course, is that Ravenglass is a natural material of unknown provenance, the study of which has been marred by the overzealous speculation of charlatans and the obsessive scribblings of monks. It demands proper examination by alchemists and historians with the necessary refinement, education, and discipline (such as myself).
ConclusionIn sum, Ravenglass remains an enigma at the heart of the Empire, a substance that defies classification and seems determined to preserve its secrets. Whether it is divine gift, cursed remnant, or something else entirely, it is undoubtedly central to the fate of those who wield it.
Let those who toy with Ravenglass do so with respect, for though it is beautiful, it is not beholden to the hand that shapes it—but to something older, deeper, and perhaps, still watching.
End of Entry.For further notes, see: “Psychic Phenomena Amongst Wyvernic Companions,” Vol. XII; and “Ceremonial Bloodwork and Imperial Rituals,” Index of Forbidden Practices, Reichsherz Archives.
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May 22, 2025
10 Powerful Fantasy Novels Featuring the Conquered Homeland Trope
There’s something deeply compelling about fantasy stories where the protagonist’s home is invaded, destroyed, or taken over.
The conquered homeland trope is a powerful foundation for tales of resistance, identity, and revenge—and it’s one that’s resonated with readers for generations.
Here are ten gripping fantasy novels where everything is lost… and the real story begins.
1. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
Tau’s people are attacked. His family is destroyed. He turns from soldier to weapon.
Set in a world inspired by African cultures, The Rage of Dragons turns the vengeance dial up to ten.
Tau’s homeland may be ruled by a rigid caste system and caught in endless war, but he’s determined to break the cycle—even if it kills him.
Get your copy.2. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
The Nikara Empire falls to invaders. Rin’s schooldays become a distant memory.
She’s faced with an impossible choice: bow to the new order or unleash the god of fire within her.
Brutal, brilliant, and based loosely on the Second Sino-Japanese War, this book doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war.
It asks what it takes to reclaim what’s lost.
Get your copy.3. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
In a Norse-inspired world where the gods are dead, their bones fuel empires.
Three characters navigate a brutal land ruled by ambition and blood.
As power-hungry jarls clash and towns are razed, the idea of home becomes something worth bleeding for.
Get your copy.4. The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson
Baru’s homeland is conquered not by war, but by economic and cultural domination.
She rises through the empire’s ranks with one goal: destroy it from within.
A cerebral, slow-burning tale of strategy, loyalty, and the cost of vengeance.
Baru Cormorant flips the conquered homeland trope on its head—with devastating effect.
Get your copy.5. Malice by John Gwynne
Ancient forces rise. Kingdoms burn. Young Corban sees his home fall to betrayal and death.
This is traditional epic fantasy with a heart.
The pain of losing one’s homeland becomes the fuel for a much larger war.
Get your copy.6. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Though not a direct conquest narrative, Graceling includes the fall of safe places and the corruption of kingdoms.
Control, tyranny, and fear spread across borders.
Katsa’s journey reflects a world where power leaves ruin in its wake.
Get your copy.7. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
The Fulcrum’s brutal control of orogenes is a conquest in everything but name.
The world is wracked by apocalypse-level disasters.
When Essun’s personal world collapses, she must survive the empire’s systems and betrayals.
A story of survival, identity, and reckoning.
Get your copy.8. The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
This is a more courtly and political story.
But Chalion explores what it means to rebuild a cursed and fallen kingdom.
Divine forces meddle in mortal politics.
Redemption comes slowly, and the idea of a broken homeland remains central.
Get your copy.9. A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
Space opera meets Byzantine intrigue.
A lone ambassador represents a swallowed culture.
She must navigate identity, politics, and survival within the empire that erased her people.
This is a conquest of memory, language, and thought.
A brilliant take on cultural colonisation.
Get your copy.10. The Fall of Wolfsbane by Jon Cronshaw
They took his home. Executed his father.
Now they want to make him one of them.
In this Norse-inspired epic, Ragnar Wolfsbane watches everything crumble when the Ostreich Empire invades his homeland.
His sister, Maja, is taken hostage.
His people are enslaved.
And he’s dragged to the enemy capital as a political pawn.
But Ragnar hasn’t surrendered—he’s just biding his time.
As wyverns whisper secrets and the empire demands loyalty, Ragnar burns with the need for revenge.
Told through dual POV, The Fall of Wolfsbane is an emotional, character-driven story about resistance, loyalty, and the long path to rebellion.
Perfect for fans of The Rage of Dragons, The Shadow of the Gods, and The Poppy War.
Get your copy.Why This Trope ResonatesThe conquered homeland isn’t just about war. It’s about identity.
It’s about finding out who you are when the place that defined you is erased.
These books offer revenge, redemption, and rebellion.
They show us what happens when characters lose everything—and decide to rise anyway.
Have a favourite “conquered homeland” story we missed? Let us know in the comments.
Note: This post includes affiliate links.
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May 19, 2025
Severed Bonds (The Ravenglass Throne: Part Three) is Out Now!
The third instalment of The Ravenglass Throne is here!
The corruption spreads. The solstice nears. Time is running out.
In Severed Bonds, the stakes rise as the three princesses—Adelinde, Elana, and Irmin—find themselves caught in the tightening grip of betrayal, secrets, and mounting danger.
Adelinde’s forbidden experiments unleash a catastrophe that reveals a terrible truth buried in the heart of the ravenglass. Elana’s diplomatic efforts teeter on the edge of collapse as hidden enemies reveal themselves. And Irmin’s battlefield command is threatened from within, leaving her vulnerable just as war looms on the horizon.
With the bonds between wyverns and their riders failing across the realm, and the winter solstice drawing near, the sisters must overcome suspicion and division to confront the forces threatening to shatter Ostreich.
But will unity come too late?
If you’ve been enjoying the blend of magical mystery, political intrigue, and character-driven drama, this is where everything starts to unravel.
Severed Bonds is available now on Amazon in ebook and paperback.
And if you’re a member on Patreon, don’t forget you can read ahead and get early access to future episodes, complete with audio narration.
Thanks for being part of the journey. Let me know what you think of the new episode.
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May 16, 2025
📦 Admin Week & Prepping Releases | Author Diary – May 16, 2025 📝✨
This week’s been all about the behind-the-scenes work—the less glamorous side of being an author. I’ve been deep in admin, getting everything in place for the release of Severed Bonds (The Ravenglass Throne, Part Three) on May 19, and preparing the audio edition of Book 4 for my Patreon supporters.
It’s been a week of formatting, uploading, scheduling, and ticking boxes—but not much creative work. I’m itching to get back to actual writing and into the worlds that excite me.
Thanks for bearing with me during the admin grind—stories are coming soon!
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May 13, 2025
Why Grimdark Isn’t Enough: Grit, Honour, and Hope in The Fall of Wolfsbane
Grimdark fantasy has carved out a powerful space in the genre.
It’s known for harsh worlds, cynical characters, and stories where hope often dies with the idealist.
And while I appreciate what grimdark offers — realism, moral ambiguity, and weighty stakes — I didn’t want The Fall of Wolfsbane to stop there.
For me, grit alone wasn’t enough. What I wanted to write wasn’t grimdark, but something else. Something that allowed for blood and betrayal, but also courage and compassion.
Something closer to nobledark. A fantasy where the world is brutal, but characters still try to do the right thing. Even when it costs them. Even when it doesn’t matter. Especially when it doesn’t matter.
Nobledark: Fighting for Good in a Broken WorldNobledark fantasy isn’t a world of shining heroes or fairy tale endings. It recognises that the world can be unjust, cruel, and unforgiving.
But it also believes that people can choose honour over power. That characters can suffer and still hold fast to a moral code. That small acts of bravery matter, even in the shadow of empire and war.
This is where The Fall of Wolfsbane belongs.
It is a nobledark story—set in a world ruled by conquest, filled with flawed characters, but driven by a belief that survival does not have to mean surrender.
Grit Sets the Stage—But It’s Not the Whole StoryThe world of The Fall of Wolfsbane is as unforgiving as any grimdark setting.
The Ostreich Empire crushes rebellion with steel and ceremony.
Meerand is conquered and renamed. Ragnar sees his father executed and is taken hostage. Maja is treated like a curiosity to be tamed and shaped.
There is no mercy in this world unless it serves the powerful. But I didn’t want grit to be the point—I wanted it to be the pressure. A weight my characters must carry as they try to hold on to something better.
Honour Is Not Easy — It’s ChosenRagnar and Maja don’t come from perfect backgrounds. They’re raised in a warrior culture that values pride and strength. They’ve grown up believing in their own people’s superiority, just as the Empire does.
But when they’re scattered by war, they have to decide what their values truly mean.
Ragnar adapts to life in the Empire, but he never forgets who he is. He learns diplomacy, strategy, and patience — not to please his captors, but to outlast them. He risks everything to save others, even when it gains him nothing.
Maja resists quietly, subtly. She refuses to become what the Empire wants her to be. Her honour is not in battle, but in memory. In preserving who she is despite being surrounded by people who deny her identity.
Honour in a nobledark world is never easy.
It’s painful. It’s costly.
But it’s real.
Hope is the Act of DefianceIn a world like this, hope is not naïve. It is radical.
Ragnar and Maja hope for more than survival. They hope for their homeland to be free.
They hope to be reunited.
They hope that even in the shadow of empire, something can be rebuilt. That’s what nobledark offers where grimdark does not—the chance to care, even when it hurts.
Hope in The Fall of Wolfsbane is not sentimental. It’s something you fight for. It’s something you bleed for. It’s a choice—one that defines my characters more than any sword or spell.
Why Nobledark Matters in The Fall of WolfsbaneI didn’t want to write a story where everyone is corrupt and nothing matters. But I also didn’t want a world of chosen ones and simple answers.
Nobledark gave me the space to tell a story where the world is broken—but the people in it can still try to put something right. Where the characters can make mistakes, act selfishly, fall short—and still grow. Still hope. Still fight.
The Fall of Wolfsbane is filled with war, betrayal, and hard choices. But it is also filled with memory, resistance, and the quiet power of doing what’s right — even when no one is watching.
That, to me, is the beating heart of nobledark fantasy.
And that is the story I set out to tell.
The post Why Grimdark Isn’t Enough: Grit, Honour, and Hope in The Fall of Wolfsbane appeared first on Jon Cronshaw.
May 10, 2025
Eating (A Darkly Comedic Speculative Horror Story About Cannibalism, Family, and Funeral Traditions)
In this macabre and darkly comedic episode of Speculative Fiction Tales, Jon Cronshaw serves up a deliciously disturbing glimpse into a world where cannibalism isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated as a cherished tradition.
“Eating” introduces us to an unnamed narrator who casually reflects on the culinary merits of recently deceased family members while preparing their own grandmother’s remains. With matter-of-fact delivery and chilling nonchalance, they muse on family recipes, funeral etiquette, and the proper distribution of human remains in a society where consuming the dead has become normalised.
Themes & Topics• The malleability of social taboos
• Family traditions and rituals around death
• The commodification of human remains
• Class divisions in funerary practices
• The search for meaning and connection in death
• The thin veneer between civilization and barbarism
Listener DiscretionThis episode contains explicit descriptions of cannibalism presented in a casual, normalised manner that some listeners may find disturbing.
About the AuthorJon Cronshaw crafts speculative fiction that challenges social norms and examines how easily the unthinkable could become mundane under the right circumstances. His flash fiction often delivers maximum impact through deceptively simple premises taken to their logical—and frequently horrifying—conclusions.
Support the ShowIf you enjoyed this story, please consider supporting Jon Cronshaw by becoming a patron. Your support helps bring these stories to life and gives you early access to audio stories plus exclusive text versions of every episode. Visit patreon.com/joncronshawauthor to learn more.
listen as a podcast.The post Eating (A Darkly Comedic Speculative Horror Story About Cannibalism, Family, and Funeral Traditions) appeared first on Jon Cronshaw.
