Category: Blog

The Ravenglass Throne Personality Quiz: Which Sister Are You?

Are you more like Irmin the warrior, Adelinde the scholar, or Elana the diplomat? Take this Ravenglass Throne quiz and discover which royal sister matches your strengths, values, and leadership style in the Kingdom of Ostreich.

In the Kingdom of Ostreich, three royal sisters must navigate the aftermath of their father’s assassination.

Each takes a different approach to power, leadership, and survival.

As readers journey through The Ravenglass Throne series, many find themselves drawn to one sister in particular.

Some see reflections of their own strengths, values, and ways of tackling challenges.

Which sister would you be?

Are you a sword-wielding commander, a knowledge-seeking scholar, or a silver-tongued diplomat?

Let’s explore each sister’s unique traits and discover where you might fit in the fractured kingdom of Ostreich.

Irmin: The Warrior’s Path

Key Traits

Direct, action-oriented, protective, loyal, disciplined.

Strengths

Physical courage, tactical thinking, decisiveness, unwavering determination.

Challenges

Impatience with politics, tendency to see situations in black and white, difficulty trusting others’ methods.

If you’re drawn to Irmin, you likely believe in facing problems head-on.

You value clarity, direct action, and physical solutions to challenges.

While others debate, you take action, convinced that movement is better than stagnation.

Like Irmin, you may struggle in situations that require subtlety or compromise.

You prefer honesty over political games and grow frustrated when others hesitate or fail to see the obvious solution.

Your wyvern partner would be Berthold—powerful, action-driven, and fiercely protective.

Together, you’d be on the frontlines, hunting conspirators and defending the kingdom from its greatest threats.

You might be Irmin if you:

  • Are the first to volunteer when action is needed.
  • Value directness and honesty above diplomacy.
  • Trust your instincts and physical abilities.
  • Grow impatient with those who hesitate.
  • Are fiercely protective of family and principles.

Adelinde: The Knowledge Seeker

Key Traits

Analytical, curious, perceptive, detail-oriented, innovative.

Strengths

Pattern recognition, research skills, deep knowledge, intellectual courage.

Challenges

Being overlooked by others, tendency toward isolation, difficulty simplifying complex ideas.

If Adelinde resonates with you, you likely seek to understand the hidden mechanics behind problems.

You believe that knowledge is power, and true solutions come from deep understanding rather than quick fixes.

Like Adelinde, you may struggle to make others see the importance of your insights.

Your ability to connect the dots gives you a unique perspective, but it can sometimes leave you feeling isolated.

Your wyvern companion would be Gisela—thoughtful, perceptive, and attuned to details others ignore.

Together, you’d work to uncover secrets and dismantle threats at their source.

You might be Adelinde if you:

  • Research extensively before making decisions.
  • Notice patterns and connections others miss.
  • Value understanding why something happens, not just what happens.
  • Struggle to explain complex ideas in simple terms.
  • Believe knowledge has value beyond immediate practicality.

Elana: The Diplomatic Bridge

Key Traits

Perceptive, strategic, empathetic, patient, adaptable.

Strengths

Reading people and situations, long-term planning, building alliances, turning enemies into allies.

Challenges

Being underestimated due to her visual impairment, balancing ideals with compromise, maintaining trust in shifting alliances.

If you identify with Elana, you likely excel at understanding people and navigating complex social dynamics.

You see power in relationships, alliances, and careful negotiation.

Like Elana, you might be underestimated by those who fail to see the strength in your approach.

You understand that sometimes the path to victory is not through battle, but through patience and persuasion.

Your wyvern partner would be Velten—steady, perceptive, and adept at manoeuvring through political challenges.

Together, you’d build the alliances necessary for lasting peace.

You might be Elana if you:

  • Excel at reading people’s motives.
  • Prefer solving problems through diplomacy and negotiation.
  • Think several steps ahead in political situations.
  • Find strength in what others might see as limitations.
  • Value lasting solutions over quick victories.

The Royal Wyverns: More Than Mounts

In The Ravenglass Throne, being a royal sister means more than just having a title.

It means sharing a profound bond with a wyvern companion.

These magnificent creatures aren’t just mounts—they’re intellectual and emotional partners.

They balance their riders’ weaknesses and enhance their strengths.

Berthold’s fierce protectiveness tempers Irmin’s recklessness.

Gisela’s broad perspective prevents Adelinde from becoming too lost in details.

Velten’s steady presence helps Elana navigate treacherous political waters.

Which wyvern would you bond with?

Do you resonate with Berthold’s strength, Gisela’s intellect, or Velten’s quiet wisdom?

A Kingdom Needs All Three

No single path—warrior, scholar, or diplomat—is the “correct” one.

Ostreich needs all three perspectives to survive.

As Witz, the royal wyvern, tells the sisters:

“The diplomat sees the fractures in our alliances. The warrior hunts for enemies in shadows. The scholar unravels mysteries too long ignored.”

Each sister holds part of the truth, and only by working together can they hope to save their kingdom.

This reflects our own world, where the most successful teams balance different approaches.

Perhaps you primarily identify with one sister.

Or maybe you see parts of yourself in all three.

Take the Quiz: Which Ravenglass Throne Sister Are You?

1. When facing a challenge, your first instinct is to:

A) Take immediate action.
B) Research and analyse before responding.
C) Consider who might help solve the problem most effectively.

2. Your greatest strength is:

A) Courage and decisive action.
B) Intelligence and pattern recognition.
C) Understanding people and building relationships.

3. Your colleagues or friends would describe you as:

A) Direct and reliable in a crisis.
B) Thoughtful and insightful.
C) Diplomatic and strategic.

4. Your ideal solution to a problem would be:

A) Quick, effective, and decisive.
B) Thorough, addressing root causes.
C) Balanced, considering all sides.

5. Your biggest challenge tends to be:

A) Patience with slow decision-makers.
B) Explaining complex ideas simply.
C) Knowing who to trust.

Results:

Mostly A’s: You’re most like Commander Irmin. You take action and fight for what’s right.

Mostly B’s: You’re most like Scholar Adelinde. You seek deeper understanding and uncover hidden truths.

Mostly C’s: You’re most like Princess Elana. You excel at diplomacy, negotiation, and strategy.

Mixed Results: You may be a blend of all three sisters, adapting to situations as needed.

Share Your Results!

Which Ravenglass Throne sister resonates most with you?

Are you drawn to Irmin’s warrior mindset, Adelinde’s analytical brilliance, or Elana’s diplomatic skill?

Or are you a mix of all three?

Comment below and let me know!

If you haven’t yet entered the world of The Ravenglass Throne, the first novella, Shattered Kingdom, is available now on all major ebook platforms.

New novellas release monthly, following the sisters as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens their kingdom’s future.

Happy reading!

Wyvern Lore in The Ravenglass Throne: A Unique Approach to Dragon Rider Fantasy

Explore the evolution of wyverns in fantasy, from medieval heraldry to psychic bonds. Discover how The Ravenglass Throne reinvents wyvern lore with unique biology, culture, and rider connections.

When I began creating the world of The Ravenglass Throne, I wanted flying mounts that weren’t simply dragons with a different name.

I wanted creatures with their own distinct biology, psychology, and cultural significance.

Wyverns, often overshadowed by their more famous draconic cousins, provided the perfect foundation to build upon.

The Wyvern in Historical Lore

Unlike the traditional Western dragon, which has four legs and wings, the wyvern has always been depicted with only two legs.

Throughout medieval European heraldry, wyverns symbolised strength, endurance, and protection.

The word “wyvern” comes from the Middle English wyvere or wiver, which derives from the Old North French wivre, ultimately linked to the Latin vipera, meaning viper or serpent.

Heraldic wyverns were often shown with bat-like wings, a reptilian body, and a barbed tail.

They were considered lesser dragons, frequently serving as sentinels or guardians rather than the monstrous adversaries of legend.

While dragons hoarded gold and fought knights, wyverns were protectors, marking borders and warning of danger.

This guardian role particularly appealed to me when developing the wyverns of the Ravenglass Universe.

Rather than existing as monsters to be slain, these creatures would form the backbone of the Kingdom’s defence—both literally and figuratively.

Wyverns vs. Dragons: Defining the Differences

In developing the wyverns of The Ravenglass Throne, I wanted to ensure they were distinct from traditional dragons.

Key Differences:

  1. Physical Structure – True to heraldic tradition, wyverns in my world have only two hind legs rather than four. Their bipedal stance affects everything from how they land to how riders mount them.
  2. No Fire-Breathing – Unlike most dragons, Ostreich’s wyverns do not breathe fire. This forces both the creatures and their riders to rely on alternative strengths and strategies.
  3. Size and Scale – While impressive, wyverns are significantly smaller than the mythical dragons of legend. This makes them more practical as mounts but less overwhelming as apex predators.
  4. Intelligence – The wyverns of The Ravenglass Throne possess a different kind of intelligence. Rather than the cunning, speech-capable minds often attributed to dragons, wyverns display sharp intuition, heightened spatial awareness, and an acute sensitivity to emotions.

These differences help establish wyverns as a unique category of magical creature rather than just “dragons-lite.”

The Psychic Bond: A Modern Fantasy Innovation

One of the biggest departures from traditional wyvern lore in The Ravenglass Throne is the psychic bond between rider and mount.

This element draws inspiration from contemporary fantasy, such as Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series and Robin Hobb‘s Realm of the Elderlings, rather than medieval mythology, where deep human-animal connections were rarely explored.

In creating the ravenglass network that strengthens these bonds, I wanted to explore several key themes:

  • The vulnerability that comes with deep connection.
  • The balance between individual identity and shared consciousness.
  • The potential for corruption in even the most sacred relationships.

This psychic link transforms wyverns from mere mounts into true partners, each with their own perspectives, desires, and motivations.

It also creates a unique social structure where relationships extend beyond simple human hierarchies.

Wyvern Culture in Ostreich

I wanted the wyverns of The Ravenglass Throne to have their own culture, separate from human society.

They maintain distinct hierarchies, traditions, and a unique perspective on history—one that does not always align with human interests.

Witz, the royal wyvern, exemplifies this dual existence.

Though deeply connected to the royal family, he retains his own agenda and understanding of the Kingdom’s needs.

Sometimes, this means contradicting or challenging his human counterparts.

This cultural complexity prevents the wyverns from becoming mere exotic accessories to human drama.

They have stakes in Ostreich’s future, which sometimes align with humanity’s goals—and sometimes do not.

Wyvern Biology and the Magic of Ravenglass

In developing wyvern biology, I wanted a system that felt both magical and grounded in natural laws.

The connection between ravenglass and wyvern physiology provides this foundation.

Instead of fire-breathing, Ostreich’s wyverns have evolved alongside ravenglass deposits, developing biological systems that resonate with this rare substance.

This resonance allows for the psychic bonding that defines rider-mount relationships and forms the backbone of the Kingdom’s power structure.

It also raises high stakes when the ravenglass network becomes corrupted.

The physical symptoms of this corruption—dulled scales, erratic behaviour, weakened flight capacity—manifest the unseen damage to the magical system that sustains them.

Wyverns as Metaphor

Beyond their role in the world’s mechanics, wyverns in The Ravenglass Throne serve as metaphors for several core themes in the series.

1. Trust and Vulnerability

The rider-wyvern bond represents both the power and the risk of making oneself vulnerable to another.

2. Institutional Corruption

The ravenglass network’s degradation mirrors the slow corruption of once-trusted institutions, often unnoticed until it reaches a crisis point.

3. Balance of Power

The relationship between humans and wyverns reflects larger questions of power dynamics, interdependence, and the tension between control and partnership.

By developing wyverns as complex beings rather than traditional monsters or simple steeds, I’ve aimed to create creatures that feel both familiar to fantasy readers and fresh enough to support new storytelling possibilities.

Why Wyverns?

Wyverns provided the perfect balance for The Ravenglass Throne—creatures with enough mythological resonance to feel at home in fantasy, but with enough flexibility to reinvent and deepen their role.

Their bipedal form, inability to breathe fire, and unique psychology all serve both worldbuilding and thematic purposes.

They aren’t just dragons with fewer limbs—they are their own distinct species with their own place in Ostreich’s complex ecosystem of power.

As the series continues, the nature and significance of these creatures will only grow, as will our understanding of the ravenglass network that binds them to their human partners—for better or worse.

Discover the world of wyverns and their riders in The Ravenglass Throne series, with new novellas releasing monthly on all major ebook platforms.

Why We Love Rider Fantasy: The Power of Magical Connections

Discover how the bond between wyverns, dragons, and their riders has evolved in fantasy literature. From dominance to partnership, explore the psychology, politics, and future of rider fantasy in The Ravenglass Throne series and beyond.

There’s something primal about the fantasy of bonding with a magnificent winged beast.

Perhaps it’s the ancient longing to experience flight, to see the world from above.

Or perhaps it’s the yearning for a companion who understands us completely, whose loyalty transcends the limitations of human relationships.

Whatever the root of this fascination, the rider-mount relationship has evolved dramatically throughout fantasy literature, reflecting our changing values and understanding of partnership.

From Beasts of Burden to Bonded Companions

In early fantasy literature, dragons and their kin were often little more than magical horses—mounts to be tamed, controlled, and utilised.

They served as living vehicles, impressive but ultimately subservient to human will and ambition.

Think of the dragons in McCaffrey‘s early Pern novels, impressive but essentially domesticated, or the flying beasts in pulp fantasy that existed primarily to make their riders seem more impressive.

These relationships reflected humanity’s historical view of animals as resources rather than beings with their own agency.

But just as our understanding of animal cognition and emotional complexity has evolved, so too has the portrayal of these magnificent creatures in fantasy.

In more sophisticated modern interpretations, including my Ravenglass Throne series, wyverns and dragons possess distinct personalities, independent thoughts, and genuine emotional lives.

The bond between rider and mount has transformed from ownership to partnership, from dominance to mutual respect.

The Psychology of the Bond

What makes the rider-mount bond so compelling is its unique blend of the physical and metaphysical.

In the most resonant rider fantasies, the connection transcends mere telepathy or practical partnership.

It becomes something deeper—a sharing of souls, a blending of identities that remains distinct yet unified.

In The Ravenglass Throne, I’ve explored this through the ravenglass network that amplifies the natural connection between wyverns and their riders.

The bond becomes not just a personal relationship but part of a larger tapestry connecting the entire Kingdom.

This evolution reflects our growing understanding of interconnectedness in the real world, the recognition that no relationship exists in isolation.

Each pairing affects the larger community, creating ripples that extend far beyond the individuals involved.

The Political Implications of Bonded Creatures

As rider fantasy has matured, authors have increasingly engaged with the political implications of these powerful bonds.

Who gets to be a rider?

What privileges does this status confer?

How does having an elite group with access to flying, fire-breathing companions affect power structures?

The most thoughtful modern rider fantasies recognise that such extraordinary capabilities would inevitably shape societies in profound ways.

In Ostreich, the military advantage of wyvern riders has created specific hierarchies and tensions, while the threat of corrupted bonds threatens the Kingdom’s very foundation.

This political dimension adds complexity to what might otherwise be simply a fascinating magical system.

It forces characters—and readers—to consider questions of responsibility, privilege, and the potential for abuse of power.

The Corruption of Sacred Bonds

One of the most interesting developments in modern rider fantasy is the exploration of what happens when these sacred bonds become corrupted or broken.

In earlier works, the bond was often presented as unbreakable, a perfect union that could withstand any challenge.

But contemporary fantasy recognises that all relationships, even magical ones, can face threats both external and internal.

The corruption spreading through the ravenglass network in my series represents the vulnerability of even the strongest connections.

It raises questions about trust, about the fragility of systems we take for granted, about the constant maintenance that any relationship requires.

This exploration of imperfect bonds reflects our modern understanding of relationship complexity and the work required to maintain healthy connections.

From Individual to Communal Identity

Perhaps the most significant evolution in rider fantasy has been the shift from focusing solely on the individual pair to examining how these bonds form communities and cultures.

Earlier works often centred on the exceptional rider-mount pair, set apart from society by their unique connection.

More nuanced modern approaches, including The Ravenglass Throne, consider how multiple bonded pairs create networks of relationships, traditions, and shared experiences.

The wyverns in Ostreich don’t exist in isolation—they form their own social structures that parallel and intersect with human hierarchies.

This complexity better reflects our understanding of real-world animal societies and creates richer, more believable fantasy worlds.

The Future of Rider Fantasy

As we look to the future of this subgenre, several exciting developments seem likely to continue.

We’ll likely see more exploration of non-Western cultural influences on rider relationships, moving beyond the predominantly European medieval framework.

Questions of environmental impact and responsibility will become increasingly central, reflecting our real-world concerns about humanity’s relationship with nature.

The psychological aspects of the bond may be explored with even greater sophistication, perhaps incorporating our evolving understanding of neuroscience and consciousness.

And most importantly, the notion of consent and choice within these bonds will continue to be examined, reflecting our changing values around autonomy and partnership.

The Ravenglass Throne series attempts to push in these directions, while acknowledging its debt to the rich tradition of rider fantasy that came before.

Beyond Simple Wish Fulfilment

The most compelling rider fantasies have always been about more than simply fulfilling the wish to fly on dragonback.

They explore what it means to truly know another being, to communicate beyond words, to share a connection that transforms both parties.

They ask questions about power, responsibility, and the nature of trust.

They examine how extraordinary abilities might shape societies and individuals.

In my own work, I’ve tried to honour this tradition while pushing into new territory.

The wyverns of Ostreich aren’t just magical steeds—they’re fully realised characters with their own perspectives, desires, and fears.

Their bonds with human riders create both strength and vulnerability, both privilege and responsibility.

Because the most enduring fantasy doesn’t just help us escape reality—it helps us understand it more deeply.

And what could teach us more about connection, trust, and partnership than the ancient, evolving dream of soaring through the skies on the back of a magnificent winged companion?

The Ravenglass Throne series continues with monthly novella instalments, exploring the complex bonds between wyverns and their riders in a kingdom teetering on the edge of collapse. Available on all major ebook platforms.

Villains in Dark Fantasy: Heroes Who Lost Their Way

Discover how dark fantasy turns heroes into villains. From Forged in Blood by Jon Cronshaw, explore Soren’s transformation and why the most compelling villains are created through rational choices and moral compromise.

The most compelling villains are often failed heroes.

In Forged in Blood, the second book in the Guild of Assassins trilogy, we witness Soren’s transformation from a justice-seeking youth into someone who can kill his closest friend without hesitation.

His journey exemplifies how dark fantasy creates villains not through sudden falls, but through a series of rational choices that lead to monstrous ends.

The Path to Darkness

What makes these transformations fascinating isn’t the destination, but the journey.

Soren begins with a noble goal: finding justice for his father’s murder.

Yet each step toward that goal requires compromise.

Learning to kill becomes necessary for survival.

Betrayal becomes a tactical advantage.

Friendship becomes a liability.

Morality becomes an obstacle.

The Rational Monster

The true horror in these stories lies not in dramatic moments of evil, but in how reasonable each choice seems.

When Soren finally betrays Alaric, it’s not a moment of malicious triumph—it’s the logical conclusion to a path he’s been walking all along.

Like Arthas in Warcraft or Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader, the fall comes through choices that seem necessary at the time.

Breaking Bonds

Dark fantasy understands that the most powerful corruptions require breaking fundamental human connections.

Soren sacrifices his friendship with Alaric.

Raistlin Majere abandons his twin brother.

Daemon Sadi in Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series severs his ties to those he loves.

The Bloody Nine in Joe Abercrombie’s works forsakes companionship for survival.

These characters don’t just lose their connections—they actively sever them, believing isolation equals strength.

The Seduction of Power

What makes these transformations believable is how they tap into universal desires.

The need for justice.

The drive for excellence.

The pursuit of knowledge.

The thirst for power.

Soren doesn’t just become skilled at assassination—he finds he has a natural talent for it.

Like Baru Cormorant or Kvothe, his abilities make each compromise easier to justify.

The Point of No Return

Every villain’s journey has moments where turning back becomes impossible.

For Soren, this comes not with his first kill, but when he realises he’s begun to see the artistry in death.

Like Walter White’s transformation in Breaking Bad (though not fantasy, it follows the same arc), the change isn’t about necessity anymore—it’s about excellence.

Why These Stories Resonate

These transformations fascinate us because they challenge our assumptions about the nature of evil.

They force us to reconsider the power of choice.

They reveal the cost of ambition.

They highlight the strength and fragility of human bonds.

Perhaps most disturbingly, these stories force us to question our own capacity for darkness.

When we understand and even sympathise with each choice that leads to corruption, what does that say about us?

Beyond Simple Villainy

The best dark fantasy villains aren’t evil for evil’s sake.

They’re heroes who lost their way through choices we can understand, even as we recoil from the results.

In Forged in Blood, Soren’s transformation is horrifying precisely because we can follow his logic every step of the way.

These characters remind us that villains rarely see themselves as villains.

Like Marvel’s Magneto or Sanderson’s Lord Ruler, they often believe they’re still serving a greater purpose, even as their methods become increasingly monstrous.

What fallen hero arcs have resonated most with you?

At what point do you think these characters cross the line from hero to villain?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Join my Patreon community for early access to chapters, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes insights into how these complex character transformations are crafted.

See how anti-heroes and villains evolve from concept to final form, and be part of the creative journey.

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How Sculpting Skills Create a Killer in Guild of Assassins

xplore how creativity transforms into a weapon in dark fantasy. From Forged in Blood by Jon Cronshaw, follow Soren’s journey from sculptor to assassin, where artistic precision and deadly intent blur the lines of morality.

What happens when an artist’s eye is turned to darker purposes?

In Forged in Blood, the second book in the Guild of Assassins trilogy, we follow Soren’s transformation from a sculptor’s apprentice to a professional killer.

His journey explores a fascinating theme in dark fantasy: how creative talents can be perverted into instruments of destruction.

The Artist’s Eye

Soren’s background as a sculptor doesn’t fade when he joins the Guild—it transforms.

His understanding of form, his attention to detail, and his appreciation for precision all make him a more effective assassin.

He approaches his targets as he once approached his sculptures, seeing the vulnerabilities, understanding where to apply pressure, and knowing exactly where to strike.

This perversion of artistic talent isn’t unique to Soren.

Consider Neil Gaiman’s Morpheus, who uses his creative powers to both inspire and torture.

Or think of Patrick Rothfuss’s Kvothe, whose musical gifts become weapons in their own right.

The Dark Side of Creation

What makes these transformations so compelling is how they challenge our assumptions about creativity.

We tend to think of artistic talent as inherently positive, a force for beauty and enlightenment.

Dark fantasy shows us how these same skills can serve darker purposes.

An eye for detail becomes crucial for surveillance.

Understanding of form transforms into knowledge of vulnerabilities.

Precision in art becomes precision in killing.

Creative problem-solving applies equally to infiltration and assassination.

The Craftsman’s Approach

In Forged in Blood, Soren applies his sculptor’s mindset to lockpicking, treating each lock as a puzzle to be solved, just as he once approached blocks of marble.

This mirrors how Brandon Sanderson’s Kelsier approaches Allomancy as an art form, showing how the methodical nature of craftsmanship can be applied to violence.

The Beauty in Darkness

Perhaps most disturbing is how these characters find beauty in their darker arts.

Just as Soren once saw potential in raw stone, he begins to see elegance in a perfectly executed assassination.

This reflects a broader theme in dark fantasy: how appreciation for craft can blur moral lines.

The Cost of Transformation

This transformation doesn’t come without cost.

As Soren’s artistic talents are turned to darker purposes, he loses something of his original creativity.

Like Joe Abercrombie’s Sand dan Glokta, whose torture techniques become a perverted art form, the ability to create beauty becomes corrupted by its application to violence.

Why It Resonates

These stories of transformed creativity resonate because they reflect real-world concerns about how talents can be misused.

They ask uncomfortable questions.

Does skill have inherent moral value?

Can art exist in destruction?

What happens when creativity serves darkness?

How does purpose change perception?

The Final Sculpture

By the end of Forged in Blood, Soren has become a different kind of artist.

His medium has changed from stone to shadow, his tools from chisel to dagger.

Yet he retains that fundamental drive to perfect his craft—only now, perfection means something far darker.

This isn’t just a story about corruption—it’s about transformation.

Like how Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein shows science perverted to horror, these narratives explore how creative gifts can be turned to unexpected purposes.

They remind us that talent itself is neutral; it’s purpose that defines its nature.

How have you seen creative talents transformed in other dark fantasy works?

What does it say about the nature of art and skill when they’re turned to darker purposes?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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The Role of Tradition and Innovation in The Ravenglass Throne

The Ravenglass Throne explores the tension between tradition and change, shaping its kingdom, politics, and magic. The ravenglass network symbolises the struggle between preserving the past and embracing the future, making this a central conflict in the story.

The tension between tradition and change emerges as one of the most compelling themes in The Ravenglass Throne.

This conflict plays out at every level, from personal relationships to kingdom-wide struggles.

It is not just a backdrop to the story but a driving force behind character development and plot progression.

Tradition as the Foundation of Power

The kingdom of Ostreich is built on deeply entrenched traditions.

The ravenglass network, the wyvern bonds, and the established political hierarchies form the foundation of its power.

These are not merely customs but the structures that hold the kingdom together.

The ravenglass core itself stands as a physical symbol of tradition, maintaining the bonds that have shaped Ostreich for generations.

The Challenge to Tradition

This long-standing order faces threats from multiple directions.

Baron Gerlach’s conspiracy represents a radical rejection of tradition.

He views the wyvern bonds not as connections but as chains, arguing that traditional power structures enforce stagnation rather than stability.

His rebellion raises a crucial question: does tradition protect the kingdom, or does it hinder its evolution?

The Three Sisters: Different Approaches to Change

The royal sisters embody different perspectives on this conflict.

Irmin, as a military commander, initially adheres rigidly to hierarchy and established methods.

Elana, in her diplomatic role, balances tradition and innovation as she navigates shifting alliances.

Adelinde, through her research, pushes the boundaries of conventional knowledge.

Their journey from division to unity suggests that the kingdom’s survival depends not on choosing between tradition and change, but on learning how to embrace both.

The Ravenglass Network as a Metaphor for Change

The ravenglass network itself reflects this struggle.

Its corruption represents both a literal and symbolic attack on tradition.

Yet overcoming this corruption requires a combination of ancient wisdom and new approaches.

The purification ritual succeeds precisely because it blends traditional geometric patterns with innovative applications of magic.

The Dual Nature of Tradition: Unity and Division

Tradition has the power to both unite and divide.

The royal bloodline’s historical role in maintaining the ravenglass network is both a responsibility and a vulnerability.

The noble houses’ rivalries, rooted in longstanding traditions, threaten the kingdom’s stability.

Yet these same traditions foster loyalty and provide a framework for order.

The story avoids simplistic narratives of “tradition bad, change good,” instead offering a more nuanced perspective.

Military Adaptation: Blending Old and New

The kingdom’s military structure reflects this same tension.

Irmin’s squadron relies on strict discipline, but tactical innovation becomes essential to counter new threats.

The corruption of wyvern bonds forces riders to reassess long-held assumptions about their relationships with their mounts.

Survival depends not on rejecting tradition, but on refining it to meet evolving challenges.

Political Structures: Stability vs. Stagnation

The political landscape of Ostreich further illustrates the interplay between tradition and change.

House Darius’s unwavering loyalty, rooted in tradition, is both a strength and a potential weakness.

The council’s traditional procedures sometimes slow decision-making in times of crisis.

Yet these same structures provide much-needed stability when chaos threatens to take hold.

The story suggests that neither blind adherence to tradition nor wholesale rejection of it is the answer.

The Evolution of Tradition

Perhaps most intriguingly, the story examines how tradition itself can change over time.

The ravenglass network, though presented as an ancient system, has evolved through generations.

The sisters’ discovery of lost knowledge suggests that some traditions may be relatively recent adaptations rather than unchanging laws.

This raises an important question: how much of what is considered tradition is actually just the latest iteration of change?

A Resolution That Embraces Both Sides

The resolution of the story does not depict a simple triumph of change over tradition.

Instead, it suggests that true strength comes from understanding which traditions are worth preserving while remaining open to necessary evolution.

The sisters succeed not by dismantling the kingdom’s traditional structures, but by learning how to enhance and adapt them.

A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Change

This nuanced treatment of tradition and change elevates The Ravenglass Throne beyond standard fantasy tropes.

It reflects the reality that all societies—magical or otherwise—must constantly negotiate between preserving valuable traditions and adapting to new circumstances.

By weaving this theme into multiple aspects of the story—magical, military, political, and personal—it adds depth to both worldbuilding and character development.

Why This Conflict Resonates with Readers

For readers, this central conflict creates compelling dramatic tension while raising thought-provoking questions about how societies handle change.

It suggests that the strongest systems are those that preserve core traditions while remaining flexible enough to evolve.

This lesson extends beyond the fantasy genre, making The Ravenglass Throne both entertaining and relevant.

Tradition and Change: A Lesson in Balance

The story ultimately argues that the real question is not whether to choose tradition or change.

Instead, it asks how to determine which traditions truly matter and how they can evolve without being lost.

This balanced approach to a classic theme ensures that The Ravenglass Throne is not only a gripping fantasy story but also a meaningful exploration of the forces that shape societies.

read the ravenglass throne.

🚀 Revisiting The Chosen One, Writing Hunters, & Big Audiobook News | Author Diary – February 28, 2025 📚✨

This week, I revisited *The Chosen One*, worked on my Space Western *Hunters*, and hit nearly 100k words for the month! Plus, *Shattered Kingdom* is now free on Patreon in audio and available for pre-order ahead of its March 12 release. #FantasyWriting #Audiobooks

This week, I dusted off a project I haven’t touched since May 2023—The Chosen One, a heroic fantasy about a child of prophecy destined to defeat the Dark Lord…except the Dark Lord never came.

Now 40, he abandoned his heroic destiny 20 years ago, but fate may have other plans.

I also made progress on my Space Western, Hunters, writing a new chapter as I continue expanding that world.

This month has been incredibly productive, averaging 5,000 words per weekday, putting me at 100,000 words for the month!

On the reading front, I finished Alchemy: The Magic of Original Thinking in a World of Mind-Numbing Conformity, which was inspiring and full of fresh ideas.

For audio fans, the audiobook edition of Shattered Kingdom (The Ravenglass Throne: Part One) is now FREE on my Patreon!

Visit: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor

I’ll be releasing the audio one episode ahead of the retail versions.

Speaking of which, Shattered Kingdom is available for pre-order on all major ebook platforms for just 99c/99p, launching on March 12!

How to Handle Colonial Themes in Fantasy Fiction

Learn how to write about colonialism in fantasy responsibly. Explore ways to avoid harmful tropes, create complex societies, and tackle power dynamics to craft stories that challenge, rather than reinforce, colonial narratives.

As fantasy writers tackle themes of colonialism and empire, we face a significant challenge.

How do we explore these themes authentically without falling into damaging stereotypes or accidentally glamorising colonialism?

While writing The Knight and the Rebel, I grappled with these questions constantly.

Here, I’d like to share some insights from that process.

Tropes to Avoid

First, let’s acknowledge the tropes we need to steer clear of:

  • The “noble savage” who supposedly needs civilisation.
  • The “white saviour” liberating the oppressed.
  • Colonised peoples portrayed as one-dimensional victims.
  • The assumption that technological or magical advancement equals moral superiority.
  • The notion that colonisation brings necessary “progress.”

Showing Complex Societies

Instead of depicting Wiete as “primitive,” I portrayed it as a sophisticated society.

It has its own political structures, traditions, and values.

The Empire doesn’t bring civilisation—it imposes a different civilisation designed to serve its own interests.

When Ragnar observes Imperial “improvements” like the Kusten Road, he recognises how these developments primarily benefit Imperial control rather than local people.

Neither the Empire nor the resistance is a monolithic entity.

The Empire includes true believers, pragmatists, and secret doubters.

The resistance features various factions with differing methods and goals.

This complexity avoids simplistic “good vs evil” narratives that can reinforce colonial thinking.

Examining Power Structures

Through Ragnar’s position as Knight Protector, we see how colonial powers co-opt local elites to maintain control.

Through Maja’s chapters, we witness how resistance movements can become corrupted by violence.

These perspectives show how colonialism distorts and damages both coloniser and colonised.

Ragnar’s chapters reveal the Empire’s machinery of control.

Maja’s perspective ensures the human cost of colonisation remains central.

Her story isn’t just about resistance—it’s about preserving culture and identity in the face of systematic erasure.

Conscious Language Choices

I paid close attention to the language used to describe different cultures.

The Empire doesn’t bring “civilisation”—it enforces its own cultural practices through violence.

Words like “savage,” “primitive,” or “barbaric” appear only in the dialogue of Imperial characters.

This highlights their prejudices rather than reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

Magic as a Metaphor

The magic system in The Knight and the Rebel centres around mental influence and control.

This serves as a metaphor for how colonial powers shape the thoughts and beliefs of both the conquered and their own people.

The magic isn’t about superiority—it’s about power and its abuse.

Avoiding Easy Answers

I tried to avoid offering simplistic solutions to colonial oppression.

Neither total assimilation nor violent resistance is presented as the “right” choice.

Characters navigate complex moral territories where every option carries a cost.

Authors Who Tackle Colonial Themes Well

Some authors handle these themes with remarkable depth and sensitivity:

  • N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy examines systemic oppression through a fantasy lens.
  • Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree explores religious and cultural imperialism.
  • R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War series confronts the trauma of colonialism.
  • S.A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy depicts intricate power dynamics between diverse groups.

Questions to Consider While Writing

When writing, I asked myself these key questions:

  • Does this scene perpetuate harmful stereotypes?
  • Whose perspective am I centring, and why?
  • Am I showing the full humanity of all characters?
  • Am I being honest about the violence of colonialism?
  • Am I inadvertently justifying colonial actions?

Writing With Responsibility

It’s crucial to remember that writing about colonialism in fantasy isn’t just about creating engaging conflict.

It’s an opportunity to examine power structures that continue to shape our world.

As writers, I feel we have a responsibility to handle these themes with care and awareness.

None of us will get it perfectly right.

But by staying conscious of these issues and constantly questioning our assumptions, we can create stories that challenge rather than reinforce colonial narratives.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on handling colonial themes in fantasy?

Which works do you think explore these themes particularly well?

Share your perspectives in the comments.

How Real History Shaped the Politics of The Ravenglass Throne

Discover the hidden historical influences behind The Ravenglass Throne. From Byzantine court politics to the War of the Roses and Chinese bureaucracy, explore how real-world history shaped the Ostreich Kingdom’s power struggles, corruption, and intrigue.

When crafting the world of The Ravenglass Throne, I did not simply pull ideas from thin air.

Like many fantasy authors, I have drawn deeply from history, bringing together elements from various civilisations and eras to create something that feels both fresh and familiar.

Today, I’d like to take you behind the scenes to examine some of the historical influences that helped shape the Ostreich Kingdom and the struggles of our three royal sisters.

The Byzantine Empire and Court Politics

Those who have followed Elana’s chapters closely might recognise echoes of Byzantine court intrigue in the political manoeuvring of Ostreich’s nobles.

The Byzantine Empire, with its complex hierarchies, ceremonial protocols, and intricate politics, provided rich inspiration for the Ravenglass court.

The role of the Imperial wyvern, Witz, in particular, draws from the position of Byzantine eunuchs, who often wielded immense behind-the-scenes influence.

These court officials were not eligible for the throne themselves but frequently controlled who sat upon it.

Similarly, Witz cannot rule directly but plays a crucial role in determining succession.

I was particularly influenced by the reign of Empress Irene (752–803 CE), who ruled as regent for her son before eventually seizing power in her own right.

She was the first woman to rule the Byzantine Empire independently.

The challenges she faced as a female ruler in a patriarchal society informed my approach to the sisters’ struggles for legitimacy in a kingdom that has never been ruled by a woman.

The War of the Roses and Familial Division

The conflict between the houses of York and Lancaster during the Wars of the Roses provided a blueprint for how familial bonds can fracture under the weight of political ambition.

While our three sisters are not fighting each other directly, the divisions between them and the way noble houses attempt to exploit these divisions are heavily influenced by this period of English history.

Baron Gerlach’s machinations, in particular, echo the role of kingmakers such as Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, who shifted allegiances and manipulated succession to serve his own interests.

The way House Darius is framed for the King’s assassination similarly reflects the propaganda wars waged between noble houses during this turbulent period.

What fascinates me about the Wars of the Roses is not just the battles but how perception often mattered more than reality.

A noble house’s reputation could be destroyed through rumour and insinuation—a theme that plays out in how the noble houses of Ostreich manoeuvre for position in the wake of the King’s death.

Ancient Chinese Bureaucracy and Institutional Power

The structure of the Guardians and their relationship with ravenglass draws inspiration from imperial Chinese bureaucracy, particularly the examination system and the role of scholar-officials.

Just as Chinese bureaucrats gained power through mastery of Confucian texts and complex administrative systems, the Guardians derive their authority from specialised knowledge of ravenglass and its properties.

The corruption that spreads through the ravenglass network parallels historical periods when institutional corruption undermined Chinese imperial governance.

During the late Ming dynasty, for instance, the examination system that had once ensured meritocratic government became increasingly compromised by bribery and factional interests.

Adelinde’s research into ancient texts and her discovery of deliberately obscured knowledge reflects the historical practice of “literary inquisition” in imperial China, where texts deemed threatening to the established order were censored or destroyed.

The revelation that someone deliberately damaged crucial passages about ravenglass corruption echoes these historical attempts to control information.

In creating the Guardians, I wanted to examine how institutions meant to protect can sometimes become the greatest threat when their original purpose is corrupted or forgotten.

History is full of examples of this pattern, and I found the evolution of Chinese bureaucracy over centuries particularly instructive in imagining how the Guardians might have drifted from their founding principles.

The Real-World Inspirations Behind Fantasy

At its best, fantasy does not merely provide escapism—it offers a lens through which we can examine our own world and history from new perspectives.

By drawing from these historical influences, I have tried to create a world that, despite its wyverns and magical ravenglass, reflects recognisable patterns of power, corruption, and resistance.

The struggles of Irmin, Elana, and Adelinde may take place in a fictional realm, but they grapple with challenges that have faced real people throughout history.

How to maintain unity in the face of division.

How to determine who can be trusted.

How to reform systems that have become corrupted from within.

As the series continues to unfold, these historical influences will deepen and evolve.

After all, history is not just something that happened in the past—it is a living process that continues to shape how we understand power, politics, and the bonds that both unite and divide us.

I would love to hear which historical periods or civilisations come to mind when you read The Ravenglass Throne.

Sometimes, readers spot influences I was not even consciously aware of incorporating!

Get your free copy of Shattered kingdom (The ravenglass Throne: PArt One).

Coming-of-Age in the Shadows: The Dark Fantasy Perspective

Discover how dark fantasy redefines coming-of-age stories by exploring the loss of innocence, the price of knowledge, and the corruption of ideals. Uncover the haunting truths behind Soren’s transformation in Forged in Blood.

Coming-of-age stories have always captivated readers.

When filtered through the lens of dark fantasy, they take on a particularly haunting resonance.

In my novel Forged in Blood, from the Guild of Assassins trilogy, we witness Soren’s transformation from an idealistic sculptor’s apprentice into a ruthless assassin.

His journey reflects a darker truth about growing up: sometimes innocence isn’t gently shed but violently stripped away.

Beyond Traditional Coming-of-Age

Traditional coming-of-age stories often focus on self-discovery and first experiences.

Dark fantasy takes these familiar themes and twists them, showing how knowledge can corrupt and experience can destroy.

When Soren first joins the Guild seeking justice for his father’s murder, he still believes in clear divisions between right and wrong.

By the end, those moral lines have blurred beyond recognition.

The Price of Knowledge

Like Kvothe in Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind, Soren’s pursuit of knowledge and power comes with unexpected costs.

But where Kvothe’s story maintains elements of wonder, dark fantasy protagonists often discover that knowledge brings not enlightenment but disillusionment.

Think of Robin Hobb’s Fitz, whose training as an assassin forces him to confront brutal truths about loyalty and sacrifice.

Broken Friendships

One of the most painful aspects of dark coming-of-age stories is the destruction of childhood friendships.

In Forged in Blood, Soren’s relationship with his best friend Alaric slowly deteriorates as their paths diverge.

This mirrors George R.R. Martin’s treatment of the Stark children, showing how circumstance and choice can shatter even the strongest bonds.

The Loss of Choice

Perhaps the most terrifying aspect of these stories is how they strip away the illusion of choice.

When Soren begins his training, he believes he’s choosing his path.

Gradually, he realises he’s been manipulated from the start, much like Pierce Brown’s Darrow in Red Rising.

The real horror lies not in the loss of innocence itself, but in the recognition that it might have been inevitable.

The Corruption of Ideals

Dark fantasy coming-of-age stories often show how ideals become corrupted.

Soren begins as an artist, creating beauty from raw stone.

His transformation into an assassin perverts this artistic talent into something darker – he’s still shaping and creating, but now his medium is death.

This mirrors how Mark Lawrence’s Jorg Ancrath twists his noble education into tools for revenge and conquest.

Why These Stories Matter

These darker coming-of-age tales resonate because they reflect truths about growing up that more optimistic stories often ignore.

Knowledge can destroy as easily as it empowers.

Growth often requires sacrifice.

Childhood friendships don’t always survive into adulthood.

Our choices may be more limited than we believe.

Talent can be turned to dark purposes.

The Appeal of Darkness

What makes these stories compelling isn’t just their darkness, but how they reflect real aspects of growing up through a darker lens.

When Soren finally completes his transformation, it’s tragic precisely because we understand every step that led him there.

We see our own compromises and lost innocence reflected in these darker mirrors.

Beyond Simple Corruption

The best dark fantasy coming-of-age stories aren’t simply about corruption.

They’re about the complexity of growth, the price of knowledge, and the sometimes terrible choices we make in pursuit of our goals.

They remind us that growing up isn’t always about becoming better – sometimes it’s about becoming what we need to be to survive.

What dark fantasy coming-of-age stories have resonated most with you?

How do they differ from more traditional coming-of-age tales?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Want to explore more dark fantasng? Check out my Patreon for early access to chapters, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process. See how stories evolve from first draft to final publication, and join a community of readers passionate about dark fantasy.

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