Category: Publications

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.

Severed Bonds (The Ravenglass Throne: Part Three) is Out Now!

Severed Bonds, part three of The Ravenglass Throne epic fantasy serial, is out now. With the solstice nearing and chaos rising, three princesses must unite to save their kingdom. Political intrigue, magic, and danger await.

The third instalment of The Ravenglass Throne is here!

The corruption spreads. The solstice nears. Time is running out.

In Severed Bonds, the stakes rise as the three princesses—Adelinde, Elana, and Irmin—find themselves caught in the tightening grip of betrayal, secrets, and mounting danger.

Adelinde’s forbidden experiments unleash a catastrophe that reveals a terrible truth buried in the heart of the ravenglass. Elana’s diplomatic efforts teeter on the edge of collapse as hidden enemies reveal themselves. And Irmin’s battlefield command is threatened from within, leaving her vulnerable just as war looms on the horizon.

With the bonds between wyverns and their riders failing across the realm, and the winter solstice drawing near, the sisters must overcome suspicion and division to confront the forces threatening to shatter Ostreich.

But will unity come too late?

If you’ve been enjoying the blend of magical mystery, political intrigue, and character-driven drama, this is where everything starts to unravel.

Severed Bonds is available now on Amazon in ebook and paperback.

📚 Get your copy HERE.

And if you’re a member on Patreon, don’t forget you can read ahead and get early access to future episodes, complete with audio narration.

Thanks for being part of the journey. Let me know what you think of the new episode.

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

Out now: Wyvern’s Shadow (The Ravenglass Throne: Part Two)

Wyvern’s Shadow (The Ravenglass Throne: Part Two) is a gripping high fantasy ebook filled with magic, betrayal, and political intrigue. As corruption spreads, three princesses must fight to save their kingdom from collapse. Available now.

The next instalment of The Ravenglass Throne is here!

As ravenglass corruption threatens to tear the Kingdom apart, the three royal sisters must confront enemies within and beyond. With wyvern bonds failing and trust fraying, the stakes have never been higher.

Irmin hunts for traitors among the ranks. Adelinde fights to protect the kingdom’s magical core. Elana faces growing danger in the political court of Molotok.

But the deeper they go, the more they realise: the true rot lies closer to home…

📖 Wyvern’s Shadow is available now in ebook format.
This gripping high fantasy serial continues with magic, betrayal, and sisterhood under pressure.

👉 Grab your copy today and continue the journey. Visit: books2read.com/wyvernsshadow.

Missed book one?

👉Get your FREE copy at joncronshaw.com/shatteredkingdom.

New Sci-Fi Podcast Explores the Dark Side of Digital Convenience

Discover Speculative Fiction Tales, Jon Cronshaw’s gripping audio fiction podcast. Chilling near-future stories tackle AI, social media, and digital dependency with haunting insight. Available on all major platforms. Think before your next scroll.

In a world run by screens and algorithms, Speculative Fiction Tales dares to ask what we’ve already given up.

Jon Cronshaw’s new audio fiction podcast doesn’t look to the far future—it holds up a cracked mirror to the present.

Launching this month on all major podcast platforms, the series delivers unnerving stories where human connection and digital convenience clash.

The opening episode, The Perfect Daughter, paints a near-future where family bonds become another item on the optimisation checklist.

Ellie, a high-flying consultant, finds VoiceEase—an AI service that mimics her voice and personality.

What begins as a shortcut to dodge her mum’s guilt-trips soon spirals into something far darker.

Without knowing it, both women leave their AI doubles to handle the emotional labour—while the real versions grow distant, automated, and eerily hollow.

This first episode sets the tone: sharp, emotionally rich stories about the hidden costs of technological ease.

In Infinite Scroll, Cronshaw imagines a digital afterlife with no peace—just an eternal feed.

A teenager, stuck in a social media loop, can’t even remember his own death.

It’s relentless, calculated engagement—purgatory disguised as entertainment.

Then there’s The Gibson Continuum, a more playful but equally unsettling tale.

Here, a content creator begins seeing ghosts of digital culture past, flickering into his augmented reality feed.

It’s nostalgia turned parasite, feeding on relevance and memory.

What sets Speculative Fiction Tales apart is its quiet horror.

No killer robots. No world-ending AI.

Just the creeping dread that we’ve already let too much slip.

Find Speculative Fiction Tales wherever you listen to podcasts.

Forged in Blood is Here – Enter the Guild of Assassins

Enter the Assassins’ Guild in Forged in Blood, a dark fantasy of loyalty, betrayal, and brutal training. Available now on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and paperback.

The wait is over!

Forged in Blood is now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and paperback.

Welcome to Welttor, where assassins are trained, loyalty is a liability, and the only way forward is through blood.

Soren never sought out the life of an assassin. He was a sculptor’s apprentice—until the night his father was murdered.

Now, he and his closest friend, Alaric, have joined the secretive Assassins’ Guild, training under Raz, the very man responsible for his father’s death.

Their brutal education will push them to their limits, demanding mastery of combat, stealth, and deception.

But survival in the Guild is not guaranteed.

As their training intensifies, the line between ally and rival begins to blur.

Their final test will determine who deserves a place among the Guild’s ranks—and who will be left behind.

If you enjoy dark fantasy, morally complex characters, and the brutal path from apprentice to assassin, Forged in Blood belongs on your shelf.

🔹 No romance. No mercy. Just a blade between you and the next step forward.
🔹 Perfect for fans of Scott Lynch, Joe Abercrombie, and Brent Weeks.
🔹 Read now on Kindle or Kindle Unlimited.

Sharpen your blade. The Guild awaits.

get your copy.

Would You Kidnap Someone for a Good Book Review?

Clara Bennett’s thriller manuscript isn’t fiction—it’s Olivia’s reality, page by terrifying page.

Buried Lead  follows Olivia Brooks, a brutally honest literary critic with millions of followers who trust her every word.

But when Olivia reluctantly agrees to meet Clara Bennett—a desperate author convinced her novel deserves attention—she gets far more than tea and conversation.

What starts as an awkward encounter quickly descends into a chilling scenario ripped straight from Clara’s manuscript.

Olivia soon realises she’s trapped inside the very thriller she’s supposed to review.

Now, authenticity won’t just determine her reputation—it could mean the difference between life and death.

A gripping psychological thriller about obsession, power, and the dangerous lengths people will go to for validation.

You can read Buried Lead for free right now on my Patreon page.

Happy reading!

Jon

Listen to “Shattered Kingdom” for FREE on YouTube!

Listen to Shattered Kingdom, the first novella in The Ravenglass Throne series, for FREE on YouTube! Immerse yourself in this gripping tale of political intrigue, magical corruption, and wyvern-riding royalty as three sisters fight to uncover a deadly conspiracy. Available now in audiobook format—perfect for listening on the go!

Hello from Morecambe!

I’m excited to announce that the complete audiobook for Shattered Kingdom, the first novella in The Ravenglass Throne series, is now available to listen to completely FREE on YouTube!

Immerse Yourself in the World of Wyvern Riders

Step into the Kingdom of Ostreich, where three royal sisters—warrior Irmin, scholar Adelinde, and diplomat Elana—must uncover a deadly conspiracy following their father’s assassination.

As the bonds between wyverns and their riders begin to unravel, the very foundation of their civilization hangs in the balance.

Now you can experience this tale of political intrigue, magical corruption, and sisterhood while commuting, exercising, or simply relaxing with your eyes closed.

Why an Audio Edition?

Many of you have asked for audio versions of my work, and I’m thrilled to make this happen! Some stories truly come alive when heard aloud, and the shifting perspectives between the three sisters in Shattered Kingdom lend themselves perfectly to the audio format.

How to Listen

Simply head over to youtu.be/TKdx21A6OQs and press play! The audiobook is available in its entirety in a single video, with chapter timestamps in the description for easy navigation.

If you enjoy the audio experience, please consider:

  • Subscribing to my YouTube channel for notifications about future audio releases
  • Sharing the link with friends who might enjoy the story
  • Leaving a comment to let me know what you think!

What’s Next?

If the response is positive, I plan to release audio editions for the entire Ravenglass Throne series. Book 2, Wyvern’s Shadow, is already live on my Patreon at: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor.

Thank you for your continued support of this series. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the audio edition!

Happy listening,

Jon

P.S. Prefer reading? Shattered Kingdom is available as an ebook on all major platforms. New novellas in the series release monthly!

🐉 SHATTERED KINGDOM is OUT NOW! (Just 99c/99p)

Discover Shattered Kingdom, the first novella in The Ravenglass Throne, a gripping fantasy serial packed with political intrigue, magical corruption, and wyvern-riding royalty. When the king is assassinated, three sisters must fight for the throne and uncover a deadly conspiracy. Available now on all major ebook platforms for just 99c/99p!

📖 Get your copy: books2read.com/shatteredkingdom

Hello from Morecambe!

I’m thrilled to announce that Shattered Kingdom, the first novella in my new fantasy serial The Ravenglass Throne, is OUT NOW!

When the King is assassinated before naming an heir, his three daughters—Irmin the warrior, Adelinde the scholar, and Elana the diplomat—must uncover a conspiracy threatening not just the throne, but the magical bonds between riders and their wyverns.

You can download now from your favourite ebook platform (Amazon, Apple, B&N, Google Play, Kobo, etc)

Get your copy: books2read.com/shatteredkingdom.

For just 99c/99p, you can begin this journey of political intrigue, magical corruption, and the unbreakable power of sisterhood.

 Library reader?

You can also request Shattered Kingdom through your local library via Overdrive and Borrowbox!

The Ravenglass Throne is a novella serial with new episodes releasing monthly, giving you regular doses of fast-paced high fantasy adventure without the wait for massive tomes.

Thank you for your support—I can’t wait to hear what you think of the new series!

Get your copy: books2read.com/shatteredkingdom.

Happy reading,

Jon

P.S. Want to get ahead? Early access to future episodes of The Ravenglass Throne is available now on my Patreon: patreon.com/joncronshawauthor.

RAF Dragon Corps – A New Adventure Takes Flight

In an alternate 1939 where dragons are Britain’s aerial defenders, an admiral’s son defies his naval heritage to join the RAF Dragon Corps…

Hello from Morecambe!

I’m thrilled to announce my newest project: RAF Dragon Corps, an alternative history novella that reimagines World War II with dragons soaring alongside Spitfires in Britain’s defence of the realm.

The story follows Jim Ashford, a young man who defies his naval admiral father’s expectations to join the elite RAF Dragon Corps.

As Jim navigates the brutal training programme, he forms a powerful bond with Aether, a midnight-blue combat dragon.

Together, they must prepare for the coming war against Germany’s fearsome dragon breeding programme—where dragons are trained for aggression and their riders know no mercy.

This tale was born during a conversation with my wife about a WWII novel she was editing.

My response?

“Sounds good, but it would be better with dragons.”

That offhand comment took root in my imagination and simply wouldn’t let go.

RAF Dragon Corps holds special significance for me.

Growing up, I desperately wanted to join the Royal Air Force.

As an active member of the Air Training Corps as a teenager, I dreamed constantly of taking to the skies as a pilot.

Unfortunately, being legally blind meant my application would never have made it past the first hurdle.

Through this story, I’ve been able to explore those childhood dreams in fiction, creating a world where humans form profound partnerships with these magnificent, powerful creatures against the dramatic backdrop of Britain’s finest hour.

The novella weaves together military precision with the wild, unpredictable nature of dragons, exploring themes that have always fascinated me—the challenge of defying expectations, finding one’s true calling, and forging bonds of trust in the most demanding circumstances.

I’m particularly proud of how the story honours both the historical realities of the period and the timeless appeal of fantasy, creating a world that feels both familiar and wonderfully new.

I’ll be releasing chapters weekly on Patreon.

The entire story will be available to all patrons, including free members.

If you’ve enjoyed my previous work, or if the concept of dragons defending Britain’s skies during WWII intrigues you, I’d be honoured to have you along for this journey.

Thank you for your continued support. I can’t wait to share this adventure with you.

You can read the first few chapters now.

Visit: patreon.com/collection/1360827

Take care,

Jon

P.S. You can get 50 percent off your first month on any paid tier by using the promo code RAVENGLASS at checkout!