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.
Forged in Blood is out now! This week’s diary includes free Guild of Assassins short stories, available to download, plus thoughts on watching the intense Netflix drama Adolescence.
This week, I’m excited to announce that Forged in Blood is now available! It’s always a great feeling getting a new book out into the world.
I’ve also been working on some new Guild of Assassins short stories, which are now available to download for free at joncronshaw.com/guildassassin. If you’re enjoying the series, these are a great way to dig deeper into the world.
On the viewing front, I watched Adolescence on Netflix—a gritty, intense drama that I highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something powerful and thought-provoking.
Join Soren as he trains under his father’s killer and discovers the true price of power. Watch his friendship with Alaric crumble as ambition corrupts everything it touches…
Soren once sought justice for his father’s murder…
…now he’s becoming everything he once despised.
How far would you go for power?
For Soren, the answer becomes darker with every lesson from his new mentor—the very assassin who killed his father.
As he delves deeper into the Guild’s deadly arts, the line between justice and vengeance blurs, and his closest friendship hangs by a thread…
FORGED IN BLOOD is now available for early access on Patreon! Get it months before the retail release:
🖤 First two chapters available instantly.
📖 Two new chapters weekly.
💭 Chat with me about Soren’s descent into darkness as the story unfolds.
Perfect for readers who love morally grey characters and the seductive pull of darkness.
tep into the dark world of Guild of Assassins this Halloween for only 99p/99c! Follow Soren’s journey from sculptor to killer in this dark fantasy thriller, free on Kindle Unlimited.
🗡️ This Halloween, step into the shadows for less than the price of a dagger…
GUILD OF ASSASSINS is now just 99p/99c on Kindle, or free to read on Kindle Unlimited!
Enter a world where sculptors become killers, where friendship survives in darkness, and where survival demands becoming what you once feared.
Follow Soren’s transformation from artist to assassin as he infiltrates a deadly guild seeking justice for his murdered father.
Explore how Jay Kristoff’s “Nevernight” has transformed fantasy literature with its vivid portrayal of an assassin’s tale, blending dark humor with a rich, evocative narrative that challenges conventional tropes.
In the often serene landscape of fantasy literature, where dragons occasionally soar and magic frequently blooms, Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight arrives like a dagger to the heart—a welcome jolt of adrenaline for those who prefer their tales dark and their humor darker.
Since its debut, Nevernight has carved a niche so deep it might just be considered a grave, redefining elements of the fantasy genre with a gleeful slash of its blood-soaked blade.
A Shadow in the Library: Redefining the Assassin’s Tale
At its core, Nevernight is about Mia Corvere’s indomitable quest for vengeance after her family’s destruction, a story woven with enough shadow to dim a sunlit day.
But Kristoff doesn’t just tell another tale of vengeance; he stitches a new cloak from the old fabric, patterning his narrative with intricacies that whisper secrets and scream lies.
The book’s darkly enchanting world, where shadows whisper and light threatens, has pushed the boundaries of traditional fantasy, asking readers to reconsider what they know about the genre’s capacity for darkness.
In Nevernight, the darkness doesn’t just flirt with the light; it swallows it whole.
Blood Ink: Writing Style that Slays
Kristoff’s narrative style in Nevernight—rich, evocative, and unapologetically brutal—has left as much of a mark on the genre as the protagonist’s blades leave on her enemies.
His prose is a dance of death, every sentence meticulously crafted to ensnare, enchant, and cut.
This approach has influenced a wave of writers to explore more daring, direct, and vivid storytelling techniques.
Gone are the days of meandering descriptions of pastoral landscapes; here, readers relish the visceral visuals of blood-soaked cobblestones and feel the shadows lurking in the corners.
Teaching Old Tropes New Tricks
Nevernight does not shy away from tropes; it embraces them with the gusto of a child in a candy store after dark.
The school setting, the coming-of-age narrative, and the mentor-student dynamics are all present but twisted in such a manner that they seem freshly forged.
The Red Church, serving as the deadly Hogwarts of assassin education, offers lessons in poisons, politics, and the art of silent death, turning the trope of the magical school on its head.
The inclusion of footnotes throughout Mia’s journey offers a meta-textual layer that educates as well as entertains, providing depth and a rich backdrop against which the carnage unfolds.
This inventive narrative device has encouraged authors to experiment with their own storytelling structures, proving that the footnotes of fantasy can be as compelling as their narratives.
A Legacy Written in Blood
Since its release, Nevernight has not only gathered a cult following but has also inspired a shift in how dark themes are integrated into fantasy settings.
It’s a series that invites readers to walk a tightrope over moral abysses and to question every character’s motives—often right before they’re killed in creatively gruesome ways.
Nevernight‘s impact on fantasy literature is as profound as the shadows in which its characters operate.
It challenges, entertains, and revitalizes the genre, proving that even in the darkest night, there are stories waiting to be told—in blood, if necessary.
For those yet to delve into its pages, be warned: Nevernight will change the way you view fantasy literature, and possibly increase your appreciation for well-placed sarcasm and well-wielded daggers.
So, if your idea of a light read involves light treason and lighter morals, Jay Kristoff’s opus might just be the shadow you’re looking to step into.
A sculptor’s apprentice turned assassin. Will Soren’s quest for justice cost him his soul?
Soren, a gifted sculptor’s apprentice, dreams of a life beyond the walls of his hometown.
But when a mysterious assassin murders his father, Soren’s world shatters.
Driven by grief and a burning need for justice, he sets out to find the killer, aided by his loyal friend Alaric.
Their hunt takes a twisted turn when the assassin offers them a choice: join the shadowy guild responsible for his father’s death, or perish.
With no other option, Soren and Alaric are thrust into a brutal world of deadly politics, secret alliances, and a training regimen pushing them to their limits.
Under the harsh tutelage of the guild’s masters, Soren discovers a darkness within himself he never knew existed.
To survive, he’ll need to embrace the ways of the assassin and become a living weapon.
But as he’s forged into a killer, Soren faces a reckoning: can he complete his training without losing himself entirely?
Explore the enthralling themes of vengeance and justice in assassin fantasy, where morality is as sharp as a dagger’s edge. Discover how these themes drive complex narratives and characters, making for compelling reads like Guild of Assassins.
In the shadow-strewn alleys of assassin fantasy, where daggers are as sharp as the wits of those who wield them, the tropes of vengeance and justice dance a perilous tango.
It’s a genre where every shadow could be a judge, and every whisper might be a sentence.
Here, we explore how these themes carve deep narratives into the very bones of assassin stories, with a smirk and a flourish.
Vengeance: A Dish Best Served with a Side of Irony
Vengeance is the bread and butter of the assassin’s diet, often setting them on a path that’s as bloody as it is cathartic.
It’s the primal scream in a darkened forest, the crack of a spine in a silent library.
The quest for personal revenge gives our cloaked protagonists a rather compelling reason to sharpen their blades, not to mention their life choices.
In assassin fantasy, vengeance is rarely straightforward.
It comes layered with the irony that those seeking retribution often end up adopting the very traits they despise in their adversaries.
They become mirrors of their enemies—albeit better dressed and with superior one-liners.
This trope challenges readers to question whether vengeance is merely justice without the paperwork, or a wild beast that gnaws at the roots of one’s morality.
Justice: The Light at the End of a Blood-Soaked Tunnel
Then there’s justice, a concept as elusive as a sympathetic tax collector.
In the realms of assassin fantasy, justice is often what the assassins are either fighting against or striving for.
It’s the carrot dangled before the thoroughbred racehorse of their moral compass, assuming it hasn’t been sold to buy more daggers.
Justice in these stories usually has more masks than a Venetian ball.
Whether it’s the rough justice meted out by our protagonists, or the higher moral ideals they aspire to achieve, it serves as a guiding light—a lighthouse for ships navigating the stormy seas of ethical ambiguity.
But as every good assassin knows, light makes it easier for your enemies to aim.
Why Do We Root for the Knife-Wielder?
What makes these tropes endlessly fascinating is the reader’s own precarious moral balancing act.
We cheer for the assassin, the underdog with a questionable moral code, because they disturb the sediment at the bottom of the pond of justice.
They force us to confront uncomfortable truths about right, wrong, and everything in-between—preferably from a safe distance.
Plus, let’s be honest, there’s something inherently satisfying about seeing someone settle their scores with a well-placed blade rather than a sternly worded letter.
Let’s Cut to the Chase
Assassin fantasy novels provide a murky reflection of our own world’s struggles with vengeance and justice, wrapped up in a blood-soaked bow of thrilling narratives and dark deeds.
These themes resonate with us because they are as human as the desire for revenge on someone who spoils the ending of a book.
If your thirst for vengeance—or is it justice?—leads you down dark literary alleys, you might consider picking up Guild of Assassins.
Follow Soren as he navigates the treacherous waters of an assassin’s guild, where every choice is between being the blade or the sheath.
Will he find justice, or will his quest for vengeance change him beyond recognition?
Uncover the answers wrapped in thrilling action, dubious morals, and the ultimate quest for retribution.
After all, isn’t justice just vengeance with an official stamp?
Dive into the enthralling world of assassin fantasy, where stealth, intrigue, and complex characters dominate. Discover why this genre captivates readers and explore must-read books like “Guild of Assassins” for a tale of vengeance and justice.
In the darker corners of the fantasy genre, where morals are as grey as a stormy twilight, assassin fantasy carves out a niche that attracts readers with a penchant for the lethal dance of cloak and dagger.
This subgenre, steeped in the clandestine arts of stealth and murder, offers a thrilling escape into worlds where the deadliest characters are often the most compelling.
What Exactly Is Assassin Fantasy?
Assassin fantasy, a subgenre of fantasy literature, focuses on the lives and exploits of assassins, often entwining their fates with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and the gritty underbelly of society.
These narratives usually revolve around skilled protagonists who wield their deadly expertise not only to survive but to manipulate the balance of power around them.
Popular Examples That Cut to the Quick
Some shining examples in this shadowy genre include The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks, where the young street rat Azoth becomes the apprentice of Durzo Blint, a master assassin.
Not forgetting The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, featuring Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin fighting for her freedom and survival in a corrupt kingdom.
Tropes That Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats
Assassin fantasy thrives on a few key tropes that can be as predictable as they are delightful.
There’s the mentor-apprentice relationship, filled with hard lessons in bloody classrooms.
Secret identities and double lives add a layer of tension and intrigue, as characters navigate a world where anyone could be a target—or a threat.
Redemption arcs are common, with assassins often portrayed as tortured souls seeking salvation through their actions, whether they admit it or not.
Revenge plots are particularly juicy, thick with personal stakes and the inevitable question: will vengeance bring satisfaction or only more sorrow?
Then, of course, there’s the ever-popular lethal protagonist, a character who is as charismatic as they are capable of killing.
Why Do Readers Revel in Such Deadly Tales?
The allure of assassin fantasy lies in its exploration of the forbidden and the thrill of vicariously living through characters who operate outside societal norms.
Readers are drawn to the complexity of assassins—antiheroes who do the necessary dirty work, often motivated by a warped sense of justice or personal vendettas.
The high stakes and constant danger provide an adrenaline rush, while the strategic mind games and moral conundrums force readers to question their own values and the nature of right and wrong.
Essential read: Guild of Assassins
If your appetite for shadowy figures and sharp objects has been whetted, then you should definitely check out Guild of Assassins.
The story plunges you into the life of Soren, a sculptor’s apprentice who is swept into the dark world of an assassins’ guild after his father’s murder.
What starts as a quest for justice spirals into a gripping tale of vengeance, challenging the boundaries between right and wrong, and testing the strength of human resolve.
So, if you revel in tales where the scent of blood is often masked by the smell of rain on cobblestones, where figures lurk in the shadows ready to change the course of history with a single well-placed blow, then the world of assassin fantasy is waiting for you with open arms—and perhaps a hidden blade.
Take a detailed tour of the lethal and enchanting weaponry wielded by assassins in fantasy novels. From daggers to magic, discover how these tools define the art of killing.
Ah, fantasy novels—the realm where swords glow in the dark, arrows never miss, and a simple dagger can have as much backstory as a royal lineage.
But when it comes to the assassin’s tools of the trade, let’s just say things get particularly… interesting.
These artisans of death employ an arsenal that is as varied as it is lethal, often with a touch of magical pizzazz to boot.
So, grab a cuppa, perhaps don a black cloak for ambiance, and let’s delve into the enthralling world of assassin weaponry in fantasy novels.
It’s not just sharp objects; it’s a lifestyle choice.
Daggers
In the culinary world, the chef’s knife is versatile and essential.
In the world of killing, the dagger takes that esteemed position.
It’s discreet, easily concealed, and, if you throw in a touch of poison, has a 100% customer dissatisfaction rate.
Some daggers even have cutesy names, like “Heartseeker” or “Soulpiercer,” for that added touch of sentimentality as you end someone’s existence.
Crossbows
Sure, up-close and personal has its merits, but so does a clean kill from 50 yards away while you munch on some popcorn.
The crossbow is the introvert’s weapon, allowing you to perform your job effectively without the messy emotional engagement.
And in fantasy settings, these bad boys often come with enchantments—exploding bolts, anyone?
Blowdarts
The blowdart: the introvert’s weapon for the introverted assassin.
Its user can be miles away, and no one hears a thing.
One moment, your target is regaling his friends with tales of his latest hunting expedition; the next, he’s the one being carried off on a stretcher.
The ultimate party pooper, if you will.
Poison Ringsl
Fashion-forward and functional, poison rings are the ultimate multitaskers.
Perfect for when you want to appear stylish while delivering a dose of the deadly.
Just a casual flick of the finger, and your target’s drink goes from refreshing to lethal.
In a world that values aesthetics, this is killing with flair.
Magic
Why go the mundane route when you can set someone ablaze with your mind or make them dance to their death?
Magic offers a range of creative options for the imaginative assassin.
Whether it’s conjuring shadows to do your bidding or weaving spells that make your weapons return to you like a faithful dog, magic brings that extra zing.
Cursed Objects
These are not for the faint of heart or those who lack a sense of theatrics.
Cursed objects can range from coins that bring ruin to mirrors that trap souls.
While their usage requires a tad more preparation and possibly a monologue, the results are often Shakespearean in their tragedy.
So, the next time you’re lost in the deadly intrigues and thrilling escapades of an assassin fantasy novel, spare a thought—or a shudder—for the lethal tools that make it all possible.
After all, an assassin is only as good as the tools they wield, and in the realm of fantasy, those tools are as spellbinding as they are deadly.
Unlock unconventional self-help wisdom by viewing assassin fantasy novels as life guides. Learn the art of efficiency, emotional detachment, and moral codes.
Who needs self-help gurus peddling the power of positive thinking when you’ve got cloaked figures traipsing through the night, dispatching enemies with a flick of the wrist?
Ah, yes—assassin fantasy novels, those gripping tomes of life-and-death scenarios and moral ambiguity, offer more than just a good read.
Believe it or not, they’re also stellar self-help manuals.
Allow me to guide you through the dark, twisting alleyways of personal development, where assassins are the life coaches you never knew you needed—or wanted.
The Ruthless Efficiency of “One and Done”
Life is short, and so are most lives in an assassin novel. Our dagger-wielding heroes rarely waste time, executing their tasks with an efficiency that would make Marie Kondo green with envy. Lesson? Declutter your life, metaphorically and literally. If it doesn’t “spark joy” (or is actively trying to kill you), cut it out. And no, you don’t need a literal dagger to do it. A ruthless unsubscribe spree can be just as satisfying.
Strategic Planning: It’s Not Just for War Rooms
It goes without saying that assassins are meticulous planners.
They have to be; one false step could lead to decapitation or, worse, unemployment.
This level of attention to detail can be applied to your own goals.
Want to ace that job interview?
Treat it like a high-profile assassination—metaphorically, of course.
Research your ‘target,’ anticipate questions, and execute answers with deadly precision.
Emotional Detachment: When Ignorance Really is Bliss
Ever notice how assassin protagonists seem untouched by the weight of their choices? It’s as if emotional detachment isn’t just a defense mechanism but a lifestyle.
While I don’t advocate for sociopathic tendencies, a level of emotional detachment can be beneficial.
Got a barrage of passive-aggressive emails from your boss?
Channel your inner assassin: read, react professionally, and emotionally disengage.
The Sacred ‘Code’: Your Personal Moral GPS
Many fictional assassins follow a code, some arcane set of guidelines that dictate whom they can and cannot kill.
Think of it as their moral GPS, steering them through a landscape fraught with ethical landmines.
Create your own personal ‘code’ for life decisions, from the trivial (“I shall never double-dip at social gatherings”) to the significant (“I vow to fight for ethical practices in my workplace”).
The 3 R’s: Rest, Recuperate, and Recon
No self-respecting assassin would go from one job to another without adequate rest.
Burnout is your enemy, whether you’re infiltrating a fortified castle or just surviving a day of Zoom meetings.
Don’t underestimate the power of downtime and information gathering.
Rest when you need to, and always keep an eye out for opportunities—again, no crossbow required.
Redefining ‘Success’: Embrace Your Inner Antihero
In a world that worships at the altar of success, be the antihero who defines their own path.
Our beloved assassin characters rarely fit the mold of traditional heroes, yet we root for them, flaws and all.
So, stop stressing over societal expectations.
Your life, your rules. As long as you’re not breaking any laws or resorting to literal assassination, you’re doing fine.
So the next time you pick up an assassin fantasy novel, don’t just look for a thrilling narrative.
Treat it as your shadowy guidebook to life, offering life lessons from the edge of a blade.
Sure, it’s not your usual self-help fare, but then again, who wants to be usual? In the immortal words of some assassin, probably: “Why aim for mediocrity when you can aim for the jugular?”
