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Ravenglass Universe Timeline: Explore 1000 Years of Epic Fantasy

Explore the Ravenglass Universe by Jon Cronshaw—an epic fantasy world of royal intrigue, rebellion, and wyvern magic. Discover the reading order, series connections, and where to start in this complete guide for new and returning readers.

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):

  • Blades of Wolfsbane
  • The Long Night
  • The Skald’s Quest
    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):

  • Orphan Farm Boy of Destiny
  • The Princess and the Tailor
    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:

  • Birth of Assassins (Included in the starter library)
  • The Little Thief and The Great Tower Heist are available on Patreon.

The Witz Meta-Story

A 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 Approach

You 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 Throne
  • Want a gritty war epic with a Norse flavour? Start with Ravenglass Legends
  • Prefer symbolic, character-driven high fantasy? Start with The Ravenglass Chronicles
  • Enjoy dark fantasy, revenge, and assassins? Start with Guild of Assassins

And 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.

On the Subject of Ravenglass

Being an Enquiry into the Nature, Qualities, and Conjectural Origins of that Most Peculiar Material, So-Called Ravenglass, As Observed in the Affairs of Empire, Magic, and Mental Influence

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 Influence

Most 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 Application

According 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 Origin

Rational 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Thaumic Scarification – That Ravenglass forms when magic itself scars reality, producing hard residue where metaphysical stress has torn through the fabric of our world.
  4. 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).

Conclusion

In 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.

The Ravenglass Chronciles boxed set omnibus collection.

10 Powerful Fantasy Novels Featuring the Conquered Homeland Trope

Discover 10 powerful fantasy novels featuring the conquered homeland trope. From grimdark revenge to political rebellion, this list includes The Fall of Wolfsbane, The Rage of Dragons, and more must-read epic fantasy titles.

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 Resonates

The 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.

Why Grimdark Isn’t Enough: Grit, Honour, and Hope in The Fall of Wolfsbane

The Fall of Wolfsbane goes beyond grimdark fantasy. Discover how this epic fantasy novel blends grit, honour, and hope within a brutal world of empire and war — a story shaped by nobledark themes of resistance, survival, and courage.

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 World

Nobledark 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 Story

The 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 Chosen

Ragnar 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 Defiance

In 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 Wolfsbane

I 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.

What Happens When an Empire Takes Everything? Resistance in The Fall of Wolfsbane

In The Fall of Wolfsbane, Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane face cultural erasure under an empire determined to reshape them. Discover how this epic fantasy novel explores identity, resistance, and survival when everything familiar is lost.

One of the central themes in The Fall of Wolfsbane is the question of identity.

What happens when everything that defines you — your home, your language, your customs — is taken away?

Who do you become when your world is conquered?

This is the struggle that shapes both Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane in The Fall of Wolfsbane.

Their story is about more than war. It is about survival in a world designed to erase them.

Empire Always Demands More Than Land

When I created the Ostreich Empire, I wanted it to reflect a truth found in history.

Empires do not only conquer land. They conquer culture. They rename cities. They rewrite history. They teach the conquered that their way is the only way.

This is the process of cultural assimilation.

It is not always done with swords and soldiers. Often, it is done with schools, religion, and ceremony. It is done with laws and language. It is done slowly—until people forget what they lost.

Ragnar Wolfsbane: Adaptation Without Surrender

Ragnar’s story is shaped by this pressure to assimilate.

As a hostage in the Empire, he is forced to learn their ways. He must speak their language. He must fight with their weapons. He must survive within their rules. But Ragnar never fully becomes one of them.

He learns to adapt without surrendering who he is. He keeps his father’s name. He remembers the songs and stories of his people. Even when he earns a title in the Empire, he carries his past like a hidden blade.

For Ragnar, survival does not mean forgetting.

It means waiting. It means learning. It means biding his time.

Maja Wolfsbane: Resistance Through Identity

Maja faces a different challenge. She is taken to the Empire’s capital as a living trophy.

Her captors want to civilise her — to cut her hair, change her clothes, and teach her how to walk, speak, and dance like them.

But Maja resists in every way she can. She learns their lessons, but only to use them against them. She speaks their words, but dreams in her own tongue. She is clever enough to survive their court, but never lets herself become what they want her to be.

Maja’s resistance is quiet.

It is the resistance of memory. It is the refusal to forget who you are, no matter how isolated or powerless you feel.

For Maja, identity is a weapon. It keeps her alive. It keeps her strong.

Cultural Erasure in Fantasy Reflects Real History

I believe fantasy is at its most powerful when it reflects the struggles of the real world.

Throughout history, countless cultures have faced erasure at the hands of empire.

Languages have been banned. Traditions have been outlawed. Stories have been lost.

But there is always resistance. There are always people who remember. There are always voices that survive.

In The Fall of Wolfsbane, this is the heart of the story.

Ragnar and Maja are not just fighting for their lives. They are fighting for their culture. For their names. For their future.

Who Are You When You Lose Everything?

That is the question I want readers to carry with them. Who are you when your home is taken? When your language is forbidden? When your stories are silenced?

For Ragnar and Maja, the answer is simple. You survive. You remember. You resist.

Even in the heart of the Empire, they carry the spirit of Meerand.

They are Wolfsbanes. And that will never be forgotten.

Kindle Countdown Deal Alert: The Complete Wasteland Series for Just 99p/99c!

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In a world where the ruins of civilization shimmer like distant mirages, the true treasure is finding stories that capture both the grim reality of survival and the indomitable human spirit.

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Limited-Time Kindle Countdown Deal: 99p/99c boxed set!

Jon Cronshaw’s complete Wasteland series is currently available for just 99p (99¢ in the US) – a massive discount from the regular price of £6.99 ($6.99).

This special Kindle Countdown Deal runs until 7th May and is exclusive to Amazon UK and US stores.

The omnibus includes:

  • Wizard of the Wasteland
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Why the Wasteland Series Deserves Your Attention

In a landscape crowded with post-apocalyptic fiction, the Wasteland series stands apart.

Meet Abel, a former addict struggling to stay clean in a world where the drug “plez” offers temporary escape from the harsh realities of life after society’s collapse.

With only his loyal dog Pip for companionship, Abel trades salvaged treasures from the ruins to survive.

When Abel crosses paths with a charismatic showman using pre-fall technology to perform “magic shows,” they form an unlikely alliance.

But their partnership is tested when they discover children enslaved by the notorious “Family” – brutal dealers who control the plez trade.

As Abel fights to free these children while battling his own demons, he must confront the question that haunts survivors of the wasteland: is merely surviving enough?

“Anyone can survive,” Abel says. “I’m talking about living.”

What Sets This Series Apart

Unlike many entries in the post-apocalyptic genre that revel in violence and despair, Cronshaw’s series offers:

  • Nuanced characters with moral complexity
  • A faithful canine companion that readers consistently fall in love with
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Have you already read the Wasteland series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Coming of Age in a Broken World: Ragnar and Maja’s Parallel Arcs in The Fall of Wolfsbane

Discover how The Fall of Wolfsbane explores coming of age in a world shaped by war and empire. Follow Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane as they navigate survival, resistance, and identity in this gritty epic fantasy of conquest and rebellion.

The Fall of Wolfsbane is a story shaped by war, conquest, and survival, but at its heart, it is also a coming-of-age story.

It follows Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane—a brother and sister forced to grow up in a world shattered by empire.

Their parallel arcs show two very different journeys into adulthood, shaped by loss, resistance, and the search for identity.

Growing Up When Everything Is Taken From You

When I set out to write The Fall of Wolfsbane, I knew I didn’t want a traditional coming-of-age story.

I wanted to show what happens when childhood ends too soon.

For Ragnar and Maja, there is no gentle transition into adulthood.

There are no safe mentors or welcoming communities.

Their world is broken from the start.

Their home is conquered. Their father is executed. Their people are scattered.

They don’t get to choose to grow up. They are forced to.

Ragnar’s Journey: Adaptation and Survival

Ragnar begins the story as the heir to Meerand, raised in a warrior culture built on tradition, honour, and strength.

He believes in clear lines between right and wrong.

But when the Ostreich Empire conquers his home and takes him hostage, his world collapses.

Ragnar’s coming of age is shaped by adaptation.

He learns to survive within the very empire he hates.

He forms bonds with his captors. He learns their language, their fighting styles, and their politics.

Yet he never fully loses his identity as a Wolfsbane.

His growth is painful.

He carries shame for not dying in battle like his father.

But his survival is not weakness.

It becomes a different kind of strength — one built on patience, understanding, and strategic thinking.

Ragnar’s journey shows how coming of age sometimes means letting go of who you were — without forgetting who you are.

Maja’s Journey: Resistance and Rebellion

Maja’s arc runs parallel to Ragnar’s but follows a very different path.

While Ragnar is forced to adapt, Maja is determined to resist.

She is taken to the Empire’s capital and paraded as a project — a symbol of civilisation imposed on a conquered people.

But Maja never accepts her role.

Outwardly, she learns the Empire’s customs. She studies their language and culture. But inwardly, she plans her escape.

Maja’s coming of age is shaped by rebellion.

She becomes skilled at subtle defiance. She learns when to wait, when to listen, and when to strike.

Her journey shows the power of inner resistance — of surviving with your identity intact even when everything around you is designed to erase it.

Two Siblings, Two Paths, One Broken World

What I love most about writing Ragnar and Maja is that neither of them has the luxury of a safe childhood.

They both grow up too fast. They both suffer loss, betrayal, and isolation. But their responses are shaped by their circumstances.

Ragnar finds strength in adaptation.

Maja finds strength in resistance.

Both paths are valid. Both paths require courage.

Their parallel arcs reflect the reality of growing up in a broken world.

Some people learn to live within it.

Others fight to change it.

Sometimes, survival means doing both.

Coming of Age in Epic Fantasy

Epic fantasy has always been a genre where coming of age stories thrive.

But I wanted The Fall of Wolfsbane to approach this theme from a darker, more grounded angle.

I wanted to show how growing up isn’t always about gaining power or reaching a grand destiny.

Sometimes, coming of age is about surviving loss.

Sometimes, it’s about holding on to who you are when everything is taken.

Ragnar and Maja’s journeys are only beginning in The Fall of Wolfsbane.

But their paths are already shaped by the hard lessons of a world torn apart by empire.

Their story is about finding strength in the ruins.

It’s about identity, loyalty, and the cost of survival.

And for both of them, growing up will never mean forgetting where they came from.

What You Should Know Before Reading The Fall of Wolfsbane

Discover five essential things to know before you read The Fall of Wolfsbane, a gritty epic fantasy novel of conquest, resistance, and magic. Learn about the story’s world, characters, themes, and what makes this fantasy series stand out.

If you’re thinking of reading The Fall of Wolfsbane, the first book in my Ravenglass Legends series, here are five key things to know before you begin.

Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or new to the genre, this will help set the scene for the world, the tone, and the journey ahead.

1. This Is Not a Traditional Hero’s Journey

The Fall of Wolfsbane doesn’t follow a clear-cut tale of good versus evil.

It’s a story about survival, power, and the moral grey areas in between.

The protagonists aren’t chosen ones or saviours.

They’re young people torn from their home, forced to adapt, resist, or submit under an occupying force.

This is a coming-of-age story shaped by trauma, culture clash, and impossible choices.

2. The Story Is Told from Two Contrasting Perspectives

The novel follows a brother and sister, Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane, whose lives are violently upended by the Ostreich Empire’s conquest of their homeland.

Ragnar becomes a hostage, forced to live among the conquerors.

Maja is taken to the Empire’s capital as a court curiosity, stripped of her identity and used as a tool for political propaganda.

Their paths diverge, but their bond remains central to the story.

Each character’s perspective offers a different view of the same war—one from within the Empire, the other in defiance of it.

3. Expect Grit, Politics, and Emotionally Grounded Magic

This is a gritty epic fantasy with moments of emotional intensity.

There is violence, political manoeuvring, and deep psychological conflict.

The magic system, built around a rare substance called ravenglass, is powerful but comes with a price.

To forge a ravenglass weapon, blood must be spilled and tears must be shed.

The magic isn’t flashy—it’s mysterious, intimate, and tied to memory and emotion.

4. It Explores Themes of Empire, Resistance, and Identity

One of the driving forces behind the novel is a desire to portray the emotional and cultural cost of conquest.

It’s about what happens when a people are conquered—not just physically, but spiritually and culturally.

How do you hold on to your identity when your language, clothes, and customs are stripped away?

Both Ragnar and Maja face these questions in different ways, as they navigate their roles within the Empire and decide what it means to resist or survive.

5. There’s More to Come in the Ravenglass Legends Series

The Fall of Wolfsbane is only the beginning.

The story lays the groundwork for a larger conflict that will shape not only the fate of the Wolfsbane siblings but the future of the Ostreich Empire itself.

Secrets about the ravenglass, the origins of magic, and the truth behind the Empire’s expansion are only beginning to surface.

If you enjoy richly layered worlds with long-term stakes and character growth, there’s much more in store.

Ready to Begin The Fall of Wolfsbane?

Now that you know what to expect, I hope you’re ready to step into a world of war, resistance, and dangerous magic.

The Fall of Wolfsbane is a story about transformation, about what we become when everything is taken from us, and what we choose to protect when we have the chance to fight back.

I can’t wait for you to meet Ragnar and Maja…

Blade of Sorrows is Here – And Guild of Assassins is Just 99p/99c!

Discover Blade of Sorrows, the new dark fantasy release in the Guild of Assassins series. Start the journey with Book 1 on Kindle Countdown for just 99c/99p.

I’m thrilled to announce that Book 3 in the Guild of Assassins series, Blade of Sorrows, is out now!

If you’ve been following Soren’s journey, you’ll know this marks a major turning point in his transformation from sculptor’s apprentice to a weapon of the Guild.

This one goes darker, deeper, and bloodier.

What to Expect from Blade of Sorrows

Soren survived the Guild’s brutal initiation, but apprenticeship is something else entirely.

He’s now expected to master the craft of death—not just physically, but emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.

The boy who once held a chisel now holds a blade that cuts both ways.

But the past hasn’t let him go.

The truth behind his father’s murder still haunts him.

And the Guild’s shadow stretches further than he ever imagined.

Expect:

  • Vicious training and deadly missions
  • Twisted loyalties and rivalries
  • More insight into the Guild’s reach and secrets
  • A protagonist who’s walking the line between hunter and hunted

It’s a story of transformation, vengeance, and the cost of survival.

🗡️ Blade of Sorrows is available now.

Get your copy HERE..

New to the Series? Perfect Timing.

To celebrate the release, Book 1 – Guild of Assassins – is on Kindle Countdown for just 99c/99p for a limited time.

This is where it all begins.

A young artist witnesses his father’s murder and ends up inducted into the most feared organisation in the world—the Guild of Assassins.

Trained in poison, stealth, and the art of death, he’s forced to become the very thing he despises—all while searching for the truth behind the betrayal that shattered his life.

If you enjoy:

  • Dark, character-driven fantasy
  • Moral ambiguity and impossible choices
  • Tension, action, and political shadows
  • Stories where no one gets out clean…

…then this series might be for you.

📘 Guild of Assassins – just 99c/99p for a short time.

Get your copy HERE.

Thanks so much to everyone who’s read, reviewed, and supported this series. It means a lot.

And if you’re just joining us, welcome to the shadows.

Things only get darker from here.

Jon

Is The Fall of Wolfsbane Your Next Epic Fantasy Read? A Story of Conquest and Resistance

iscover The Fall of Wolfsbane, a gritty epic fantasy novel of war, empire, and survival. Follow Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane as they fight for identity, resist conquest, and uncover the dark magic of ravenglass weapons.

The Fall of Wolfsbane is the first book in my epic fantasy series, Ravenglass Legends.

It is a story about war, empire, and survival. It is a story about identity and resistance in a world shaped by conquest.

I wanted to write a fantasy novel that didn’t shy away from the complexity of empire.

This isn’t a simple tale of good versus evil. It’s a story about people caught in impossible situations.It’s about the cost of survival and the price of power.

The novel follows two main characters.

Ragnar Wolfsbane is a warrior and heir to the northern territory of Meerand.

His world is destroyed when the expansionist Ostreich Empire conquers his homeland.

He watches his father executed. He is taken hostage. He is forced to live among the people who murdered his family and renamed his home.

Ragnar is a character shaped by loss and rage. But he is also a character who learns to adapt.

He forms alliances. He learns the language of the Empire. He survives by understanding his enemies.

Maja Wolfsbane, Ragnar’s younger sister, is taken to the imperial capital and is forced into the role of a court project, paraded as proof that the Empire civilises its captives.But Maja has her own quiet resistance.

She learns their ways while never forgetting her own. She uses their lessons against them. She plots her escape in secret.

I wanted the dual narrative to show two sides of the same war.

One sibling survives within the Empire. The other fights to break free from it.

The world of The Fall of Wolfsbane is shaped by politics, power, and cultural conflict. It’s a world where ancient magic exists but comes at a cost.

Magic in my story is tied to blood, memory, and sacrifice.

Ravenglass is a rare black mineral that can be forged into weapons.

These weapons aren’t just tools—they are bound to the person who creates them.

To forge a ravenglass weapon, blood must be spilled, tears must be shed.

I wanted magic to feel dangerous. I wanted it to feel personal.

At its heart, The Fall of Wolfsbane is about identity.

It’s about what we cling to when everything else is taken. It’s about how we change when we are forced to survive in hostile worlds.

The story is gritty and violent at times, but I never wanted it to feel nihilistic.

There is honour in resistance.

There is courage in survival.

Ragnar and Maja both carry the spirit of their lost home, even as they are shaped by the Empire.

They are both forced to make impossible choices.

Sometimes they win. Sometimes they lose. But they endure.

I wrote The Fall of Wolfsbane for readers who enjoy complex worlds and morally grey characters, for readers who want their fantasy to feel real, grounded, and emotionally honest.

If you enjoy stories about empire, rebellion, and the quiet strength of those who resist, I think you’ll find something here for you.

This is a story about conquest. This is a story about resistance. This is a story about magic that hurts and heals in equal measure.

This is The Fall of Wolfsbane. And this is only the beginning…

Start reading today.