Jon Cronshaw – The King of Nobledark
Author of epic fantasy with heart, grit, and moral weight. Where hope bleeds, but never dies.
This week, I hit the midpoint of Churchill’s Dragons and started posting chapters on Patreon. Plus, Rising Storm (Ravenglass Throne Part Eight) launches Monday!
This week, I reached the midpoint of Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2) and have started posting editor-ready chapters on Patreon for early access readers.
The story’s coming together well, and it’s exciting to share it as it develops.
I also talk about the upcoming release of Rising Storm (The Ravenglass Throne, Part Eight), which is out this Monday! If you’ve been following the series, be ready—things are about to escalate.
This week, I talk about early signs of SAD, working on thriller projects, planning my next fantasy book, and what’s coming soon to Patreon. Feeling the early autumn blues but pushing forward.
This week’s been a bit of a struggle—I talk about feeling off and wondering if Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has kicked in earlier than usual.
It usually hits me in November, but with autumn feeling like it arrived early, the dip may have too.
Creatively, I’ve been working on thriller projects and thinking ahead to my next fantasy book.
I’m torn between starting Ravenglass Guardians Book 3 or working on RAF Dragon Corps Book 2—both exciting in their own ways.
I also share what’s coming up soon on Patreon, with exclusive content and early chapters for supporters.
Fantasy author Jon Cronshaw shares how writing The Nanny’s Secret—his first domestic thriller—reignited his creativity after completing The Ravenglass Chronicles. Discover how his new pen name, J. Cronshaw, opened a new chapter in his storytelling career.
If you’ve been following my work for a while, you probably know me for wyverns, assassins, and dark fantasy worlds.
I’ve been publishing fantasy and speculative fiction since 2016, and I’ve been a full-time author since 2018.
Most of my readers found me through The Ravenglass Chronicles—a long-running epic about magic, destiny, and rebellion that spanned half-a-million words. It was an intense creative journey, and by the time I finished it, I needed to catch my breath.
In 2022, I decided to write something completely different. No magic. No kingdoms. No wyverns. Just people. Ordinary lives under extraordinary pressure. It started as a palate cleanser, a little side project to clear my head before diving into my next fantasy series. That story became The Nanny’s Secret.
At the time, I didn’t think I’d ever publish it. It didn’t fit with my other books. I love reading psychological thrillers, but I saw them as something separate from what I wrote. I wasn’t keen on setting up a new pen name or building a whole second author brand. So I set the manuscript aside and got on with other things.
But the idea of writing thrillers stuck with me.
The stories kept coming—small-town secrets, lies, betrayals, and the dark undercurrents that run beneath everyday life. Before long, I’d written a second thriller, then a third. Now, I’ve written eight and I’m working on my ninth.
When I showed them to a friend who writes thrillers, he told me I was mad not to publish them. I told him I didn’t want to annoy my regular eaders, and I didn’t want the stress of juggling two identities. He gave me a simple solution: drop my first name.
So “Jon Cronshaw” became “J. Cronshaw.”
Same writer. Different shelf.
That small change made everything click.
I’ve since built a new website, newsletter, and social media presence for J. Cronshaw—the domestic thriller author.
I’ll admit, I was reluctant at first. Starting over from scratch after years of building my fantasy world felt strange. But once I began, I rediscovered something I hadn’t felt in a long time: the spark of building something brand new.
These domestic thrillers are grounded in real life. They draw on my years as a court reporter, on real places near where I live—Morecambe, Heysham, Lancaster.
The stories are intimate and claustrophobic, the kind of tension that doesn’t need magic to feel dangerous. And in a way, writing them has made me a better fantasy author too. They’ve sharpened my sense of pacing, dialogue, and emotional realism.
I’m still writing fantasy—always will.
The Ravenglass Legends series is continuing, and there are more stories from that world on the way. But writing thrillers under J. Cronshaw has reminded me how much I love storytelling in all its forms. It’s a different kind of worldbuilding—one built from truth, not myth.
So if you ever fancy reading something a little different from me—something without wyverns, but still full of secrets and twists—you can download your free copy of The Lodger HERE to give you a flavour of what I’ve been doing.
And if you’d like to hear more about what I’m working on—both fantasy and thriller—you can listen to my weekly Author Diary podcast. I’ve been recording every week since 2017 and haven’t missed an episode.
It’s been a strange journey from wyverns to whispers, but I’m glad I took it. Because sometimes, stepping outside your world is the best way to remember why you built it in the first place.
Divided Crown, Episode Seven of The Ravenglass Throne, continues the sweeping saga of three royal sisters fighting to hold a fractured kingdom together. War, betrayal, and forbidden power collide in this dark fantasy of wyvern-riders and royal intrigue.
Three sisters.
One fractured kingdom.
A crown that may not hold.
The princesses of Ostreich have never faced a greater trial.
War brews on every border. Whispered conspiracies erode the heart of their realm. Old loyalties are breaking faster than the throne they swore to protect.
Irmin, Adelinde, and Elana must each walk their own path—through betrayal, battle, and forbidden knowledge.
Each road promises power.
Each choice carries a cost.
But divided strength cannot hold back what’s coming.
The sisters must decide: will they stand together—or let their kingdom fall apart forever?
A Dark, Sweeping Epic Continues
Divided Crown is Part Seven of The Ravenglass Throne, my ongoing epic of wyvern-riders, royal intrigue, and ancient conspiracies.
Across seven instalments, readers have followed the princesses as their father’s assassination plunged the kingdom into chaos. Now, their separate struggles collide in a story of war, betrayal, and impossible choices.
If you’ve been waiting for the next chapter—this is it.
And if you’re new to the series, this is the perfect time to begin your journey through Ostreich.
Why Readers Love The Ravenglass Throne
Get Your Copy Today
Divided Crown is out now on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited..
Perfect for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree and A Game of Thrones.
Join the Flight
If you’d like early access to upcoming episodes, behind-the-scenes notes, and exclusive Ravenglass short stories, you can join my Patreon.
Become a Patron and step deeper into the world of wyverns, ancient magic, and divided thrones.
This week, I finished The Sentinel’s Mercy, made progress on a pen-name thriller, and received the retirement date for my guide dog Digit—an emotional but important milestone.
This week, I’m happy to share that I’ve finished the draft of The Sentinel’s Mercy, the latest standalone in my Ravenglass Guardians series.
With that wrapped up, I’ve shifted gears and started writing a psychological thriller under a new pen name—an exciting side project that’s been on my mind for a while.
I also talk about something more personal: I’ve received the official retirement date for my guide dog, Digit. It’s a big emotional moment, and one that marks the end of an important chapter.
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.
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.
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):
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):
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:
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.
You can start with any series—just begin with Book 1 in that series. Here’s a simple breakdown depending on your reading preferences:
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.
📚 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.
Discover 10 powerful fantasy novels featuring the conquered homeland trope. From grimdark revenge to political rebellion, this list includes The Fall of Wolfsbane, The Rage of Dragons, and more must-read epic fantasy titles.
There’s something deeply compelling about fantasy stories where the protagonist’s home is invaded, destroyed, or taken over.
The conquered homeland trope is a powerful foundation for tales of resistance, identity, and revenge—and it’s one that’s resonated with readers for generations.
Here are ten gripping fantasy novels where everything is lost… and the real story begins.
Tau’s people are attacked. His family is destroyed. He turns from soldier to weapon.
Set in a world inspired by African cultures, The Rage of Dragons turns the vengeance dial up to ten.
Tau’s homeland may be ruled by a rigid caste system and caught in endless war, but he’s determined to break the cycle—even if it kills him.
The Nikara Empire falls to invaders. Rin’s schooldays become a distant memory.
She’s faced with an impossible choice: bow to the new order or unleash the god of fire within her.
Brutal, brilliant, and based loosely on the Second Sino-Japanese War, this book doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war.
It asks what it takes to reclaim what’s lost.
In a Norse-inspired world where the gods are dead, their bones fuel empires.
Three characters navigate a brutal land ruled by ambition and blood.
As power-hungry jarls clash and towns are razed, the idea of home becomes something worth bleeding for.
Baru’s homeland is conquered not by war, but by economic and cultural domination.
She rises through the empire’s ranks with one goal: destroy it from within.
A cerebral, slow-burning tale of strategy, loyalty, and the cost of vengeance.
Baru Cormorant flips the conquered homeland trope on its head—with devastating effect.
Ancient forces rise. Kingdoms burn. Young Corban sees his home fall to betrayal and death.
This is traditional epic fantasy with a heart.
The pain of losing one’s homeland becomes the fuel for a much larger war.
Though not a direct conquest narrative, Graceling includes the fall of safe places and the corruption of kingdoms.
Control, tyranny, and fear spread across borders.
Katsa’s journey reflects a world where power leaves ruin in its wake.
The Fulcrum’s brutal control of orogenes is a conquest in everything but name.
The world is wracked by apocalypse-level disasters.
When Essun’s personal world collapses, she must survive the empire’s systems and betrayals.
A story of survival, identity, and reckoning.
This is a more courtly and political story.
But Chalion explores what it means to rebuild a cursed and fallen kingdom.
Divine forces meddle in mortal politics.
Redemption comes slowly, and the idea of a broken homeland remains central.
Space opera meets Byzantine intrigue.
A lone ambassador represents a swallowed culture.
She must navigate identity, politics, and survival within the empire that erased her people.
This is a conquest of memory, language, and thought.
A brilliant take on cultural colonisation.
They took his home. Executed his father.
Now they want to make him one of them.
In this Norse-inspired epic, Ragnar Wolfsbane watches everything crumble when the Ostreich Empire invades his homeland.
His sister, Maja, is taken hostage.
His people are enslaved.
And he’s dragged to the enemy capital as a political pawn.
But Ragnar hasn’t surrendered—he’s just biding his time.
As wyverns whisper secrets and the empire demands loyalty, Ragnar burns with the need for revenge.
Told through dual POV, The Fall of Wolfsbane is an emotional, character-driven story about resistance, loyalty, and the long path to rebellion.
Perfect for fans of The Rage of Dragons, The Shadow of the Gods, and The Poppy War.
The conquered homeland isn’t just about war. It’s about identity.
It’s about finding out who you are when the place that defined you is erased.
These books offer revenge, redemption, and rebellion.
They show us what happens when characters lose everything—and decide to rise anyway.
Have a favourite “conquered homeland” story we missed? Let us know in the comments.
Note: This post includes affiliate links.
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:
It’s a story of transformation, vengeance, and the cost of survival.
🗡️ Blade of Sorrows is available now.
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:
…then this series might be for you.
📘 Guild of Assassins – just 99c/99p for a short time.
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
Be the first to journey deeper into the guild’s world with Forged in Blood, the anticipated sequel to Guild of Assassins, available for early access on Patreon from October 29.
🗡️ The guild’s shadows deepen…
I’m thrilled to announce that FORGED IN BLOOD, the sequel to GUILD OF ASSASSINS, will be available for early access through Patreon starting October 29th!
What this means:
– Two chapters released every week
– Months ahead of retail release
– Exclusive access to the story as it unfolds
– Direct interaction with me about the developing narrative
– Be among the first to discover what awaits Soren and Alaric
For those who can’t wait to return to the dark world of professional killers, complex loyalties, and moral compromise, this is your chance to step back into the shadows ahead of the crowd.
What to expect in FORGED IN BLOOD:
– Deeper exploration of the guild’s dark traditions
– New challenges that will test surviving relationships
– Higher stakes and harder choices
– The consequences of survival at any cost
How it works:
– Join my Patreon at patreon.com/joncronshawauthor
– Get immediate access to Chapter 1 on October 29
– New chapters every Tuesday and Thursday
– Engage with other readers in exclusive discussion threads
– Share your theories and reactions as the story unfolds
For Patreon supporters, this isn’t just early access – it’s a chance to experience the story in a more intimate way.
Discuss chapters as they release, share theories with other readers, and get insights into the writing process that you won’t find anywhere else.
Why Patreon?
This platform allows me to:
– Share the story with my most dedicated readers first
– Create a community around the developing narrative
– Provide exclusive content and insights
– Interact directly with readers as the story unfolds
Haven’t read GUILD OF ASSASSINS yet?
Now’s the perfect time to start! Book 1 is available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited for just 99p/99c.
Catch up before FORGED IN BLOOD begins its dark journey.
🗡️ Mark your calendars: October 29
📚 Two chapters per week
💀 Exclusive early access
🤝 Join the community
The guild awaits…
Dive into the grim and gritty world of Grimdark Fantasy with our beginner’s guide. Uncover 33 essential reads that define this subgenre, featuring antiheroes, complex plots, and dark realities.
Welcome to the dark, brooding underworld of fantasy literature—the Grimdark genre.
If you fancy stories where the sunlight rarely breaks through the clouds and your heroes are just villains who’ve had a worse day, then you’ve come to the right place.
This handy beginner’s guide to grimdark fantasy will help you navigate these shadowy realms like a pro.
Unlike your usual fantasy fare where knights in shining armour gallantly rescue innocent princesses from fire-breathing dragons, grimdark doesn’t pull any punches.
It’s a sub-genre of fantasy where the line between good and evil gets as blurry as your vision after a Friday night at the pub.
Grimdark derives its name from the tagline of the tabletop game Warhammer 40,000: “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.”
And in grimdark literature, there’s usually only war, torment, moral ambiguity, and buckets of blood.
Expect protagonists as cheerful as a goth at a beach party. These aren’t your heroic do-gooders with a heart of gold—they’re complex, flawed, and as likely to rob you as they are to save you.
They’ve got more in common with a seasoned convict than Prince Charming.
The settings are just as jolly.
Imagine if Mordor and the worse parts of Dickensian London had a baby—that’s your average grimdark world.
It’s bleak, it’s grimy, it’s brutal, and the chances of encountering a delightful enchanted forest are about as slim as finding a vegan at a steakhouse.
In a grimdark tale, don’t be surprised if your favourite character meets a grisly end.
The themes here tend to orbit around war, political intrigue, survival, and the darker side of humanity.
Characters are complex and exist in a moral grey area thicker than a London fog.
So, if you like your characters saintly and your endings happily-ever-after, this genre might give you more shocks than licking a battery.
But, if you’re intrigued by the depths of human depravity and how individuals navigate through a world as welcoming as a bed of nails, then grimdark could be your cup of tea’—dark and bitter.
While traditional fantasy often revolves around a struggle between good and evil, grimdark plunges you into a world where those concepts are about as clear-cut as a Jackson Pollock painting.
Instead of lofty quests and noble heroes, grimdark stories focus on survival in a harsh world.
If epic fantasy is an inspiring orchestral symphony, grimdark is the guttural growl of a death metal band.
It’s raw, it’s intense, and it isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Here are thirty-three formidable titles to cut your teeth on. Be warned: these aren’t your fluffy bedtime stories.
Abercrombie, fondly called Lord Grimdark, is the poster boy of this genre. His First Law Trilogy kicks off with ‘The Blade Itself,’ and its world is about as forgiving as a tax collector. Chock full of morally dubious characters, gratuitous violence, and a plot twistier than a pretzel, this series is a masterclass in grimdark.
Fancy poetry? Love a bit of the old ultra-violence? Then Anna Smith Spark’s Empires of Dust trilogy is your jam. The series starts with ‘Court of Broken Knives.’ Smith Spark’s style, a lyrical and visceral blend, mirrors the blend of beauty and brutality of the grimdark genre. Her characters are as ruthless as they come, so don’t expect to make any new friends here.
‘The Poppy War’ offers a grimdark tale drenched in historical and cultural richness. R.F. Kuang doesn’t shy away from depicting the raw brutality of war and its dehumanising effects. Here, the heroes make choices that will have you squirming in your seat. It’s as uplifting as a plummeting lift, but by God, it’s compelling.
Starting with ‘Priest of Bones,’ Peter McLean’s series can be best described as Peaky Blinders with a grimdark twist. It’s filled with gang wars, political machinations, and a world as grim as a Monday morning. The writing is razor-sharp, and the characters are about as trustworthy as a three-pound note. It’s a grim ride, but worth every bloody moment.
This ten-book series is grimdark on an epic scale. With a complex plot, intricate world-building, and a character list longer than your arm, Erikson doesn’t ease up on the grimdark elements. It’s as light-hearted as a funeral in a downpour, but for those with the courage to take it on, it offers a reading experience like no other.
Starting with ‘The Darkness That Comes Before,’ Bakker’s series is a philosophical deep-dive into a world that’s as friendly as a starving crocodile. The characters are complex, the philosophy is dense, and the world-building is as comprehensive as it gets. The Prince of Nothing series is perfect for readers who like their fantasy grim, their stakes high, and their themes heavy. It’s as cheery as a windowless cellar, but it’s an enthralling read nonetheless.
Often credited as the grimdark progenitor, Glen Cook’s ‘The Black Company’ focuses on a mercenary company in a cynical, war-torn world. Expect plenty of morally grey characters, grim settings, and an all-round feeling of ‘we’re not in Kansas anymore’. It’s a series that smacks you in the face like a cold breeze, leaving you breathless and eager for more.
This series starts with ‘Prince of Thorns’, a book that introduces us to Jorg Ancrath, a protagonist as heartwarming as a kick in the shins. Lawrence’s narrative is as sharp as a well-honed blade, and his world is a place where hope goes to die. If you fancy a walk on the dark side with a character who wouldn’t know a moral compass if it bit him on the bum, give this trilogy a whirl.
‘Nevernight,’ the first book in the series, presents us with Mia Corvere, a plucky young woman with a thirst for revenge and a shadowy talent for murder. She’s about as cuddly as a cactus, but you’ll find yourself rooting for her anyway. Kristoff’s grimdark saga is as dark as a pint of stout and as lethal as a viper’s bite. Strap in for a bumpy, bloody ride!
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning George R.R. Martin’s epic series, starting with ‘A Game of Thrones’. Full of political intrigue, morally grey characters, and a level of unpredictability that makes Russian roulette look like a safe bet, this series is a must-read for grimdark enthusiasts. Just don’t get too attached to the characters; Martin is notorious for serving them up for dinner.
Starting with ‘The Way of Shadows,’ Brent Weeks presents a gripping tale of Azoth, a guild rat turned assassin. This trilogy is as cheerful as a tax audit, with moral ambiguity, dark magic, and a grimy underworld. Weeks paints a world steeped in shadows where life is cheap, and redemption comes with a high price. It’s a brutal, gritty ride that’s sure to satiate your grimdark cravings.
‘The Bone Ships’ sails into grimdark waters with a tale of ancient sea beasts, bone-made vessels, and a society that values death over life. Barker’s maritime world is as unwelcoming as a slap to the face, and his characters are hardened by a life of hardship and danger. If you’ve ever wondered what grimdark would look like on the high seas, this series is your answer.
Richard K. Morgan’s grimdark offering introduces us to Ringil Eskiath, a war hero with a biting wit and a preference for men. Expect a fair amount of brutality, cynicism, and the sort of banter that could make a sailor blush. It’s a dark, twisted journey that takes you through war, slavery, and betrayal. It’s as sweet as a vinegar smoothie, but its gripping narrative makes it a grimdark gem.
Venturing into urban grimdark, ‘The Night Watch’ presents a modern-day Moscow teeming with supernatural beings. Lukyanenko’s world is as grim as a winter’s night, filled with vampires, witches, and shapeshifters living under a tense truce. It’s a thrilling, dark tale of power, conflict, and sacrifice that’ll have you wondering what lurks in the shadows of your own city.
The protagonist of ‘A Crown for Cold Silver’ is an ageing warrior who just wants to retire in peace but gets dragged back into the fray. It’s a tale of revenge filled with ruthless mercenaries, cruel demons, and political conspiracies. The world is as unforgiving as a hailstorm, and the characters are as warm as a winter’s morning. It’s a brutal, no-holds-barred ride into the grimdark genre.
Kicking off with ‘The Emperor’s Blades,’ Brian Staveley’s Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne is as light and fluffy as a lead balloon. The series presents a world on the brink of war, fraught with political intrigue, secret assassins, and divine powers. With complex characters and a multi-layered plot, it offers a delicious slice of grimdark pie.
Peter Newman’s ‘The Vagrant’ is a bit like Mad Max meets grimdark. In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by demonic forces, the protagonist, a mute and nameless knight, travels towards a hopeful beacon carrying a legendary weapon and a baby. Newman’s desolate, war-torn landscape and his broken, desperate characters encapsulate the essence of grimdark.
This series, starting with ‘Lord Foul’s Bane,’ gives us Thomas Covenant, a leprosy-stricken writer transported to a magical realm where he’s destined to be the saviour. It’s a tale that delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche, shattering the boundaries between good and evil. With its flawed anti-hero and uncompromising narrative, this series is a grimdark classic.
Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy, beginning with ‘Assassin’s Apprentice,’ isn’t as relentlessly grim as some of the other titles on this list, but it’s got enough morally grey characters, political treachery, and brutal realism to earn a spot. It’s a beautifully written tale that delves into the cost of duty and the harsh realities of life. A grimdark offering that will tug at your heartstrings.
‘Beyond Redemption’ takes grimdark to a new level, exploring a world where insanity is power, and delusions can reshape reality. It’s a dark, unflinching story packed with flawed, deranged characters and a world as welcoming as a nest of vipers. Fletcher’s tale is a mind-bending descent into madness, epitomising the grimdark ethos.
In ‘Low Town,’ Polansky combines elements of grimdark fantasy with hard-boiled crime. The protagonist, known as the Warden, is a former investigator turned drug dealer navigating through a seedy underworld. It’s as uplifting as a rainy bank holiday, but its compelling mix of mystery, magic, and gritty realism makes for a compelling read.
‘Black Sun Rising’ marks the start of Friedman’s Coldfire Trilogy, a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy that’s as cheerful as a stubbed toe. Here, human fears and beliefs can manifest into reality, making for a dangerous, unforgiving world. The characters are a mix of morally ambiguous, complex individuals that fit right into the grimdark mould.
The series begins with ‘Promise of Blood,’ and it’s a gunpowder-fuelled epic, teeming with political coups, ancient gods, and magic. McClellan’s world is grim and bloody, and his characters are far from the shining heroes of traditional fantasy. The Powder Mage trilogy is a fantastic entry point for those seeking a touch of the revolutionary in their grimdark reads.
With a title like ‘The Grim Company,’ you know what you’re getting yourself into. Scull delivers a world where the gods are dead, magic is dying, and humanity is not faring much better. It’s a tale of anti-heroes, dark magic, and a fight against oppressive forces. It’s grim by name and grim by nature, making it an excellent addition to your grimdark reading list.
Starting with ‘The Lies of Locke Lamora,’ Lynch’s series is grimdark with a generous dose of wit. It’s a tale of con artists and thieves, set in a world rich with venetian-style intrigue and danger. It’s as light-hearted as a dentist appointment, but its blend of fast-paced plot, complex characters, and razor-sharp dialogue makes it a standout in the genre.
Anna Stephens’s debut series, beginning with ‘Godblind,’ is about as cheerful as a funeral in the rain. With a religious war, morally ambiguous characters, and a truckload of brutality, Stephens takes us on a grimdark journey of epic proportions. It’s a relentless, blood-soaked series that pulls no punches, perfect for those who enjoy their fantasy dark and uncompromising.
Kicking off with ‘Acacia: The War with the Mein,’ Durham’s series presents a story of political intrigue, war, and betrayal in a world as warm and welcoming as a bear trap. It’s a sweeping tale of power, ambition, and the cost of empire. The Acacia series is a grimdark journey with a touch of epic fantasy that will leave you pondering the grey areas of morality.
Marc Turner’s series, starting with ‘When the Heavens Fall,’ provides a grand saga of dark gods, magical artefacts, and a host of characters who’d probably rob their own grandmothers. With its complex plot, morally grey characters, and world steeped in darkness, this series is a grimdark feast for fans of high stakes and epic conflicts.
The series begins with ‘The Forgetting Moon,’ where Durfee serves a banquet of battle-hardened warriors, ancient prophecies, and looming apocalypse. It’s a story of war and destiny, where hope seems as distant as a summer’s day in a British winter. Its harsh world, complex characters, and intricate plot make it a fantastic entry to the grimdark genre.
Starting with ‘The Mirror Empire,’ Hurley’s saga plunges us into a world where star-powered magic, sentient plants, and parallel universes are the norm. It’s as comforting as a bed of nails, exploring themes of power, identity, and survival in a world on the brink of annihilation. If you want your grimdark served with a side of originality, The Worldbreaker Saga is just the ticket.
Scott Oden takes us on a bloody romp through a Viking-inspired world in the Grimnir series, starting with ‘A Gathering of Ravens.’ It’s a tale of revenge, filled with brutal battles, ancient magic, and a protagonist who’s as cuddly as a cactus. Oden’s world is harsh and unforgiving, and his characters are as morally grey as they come. It’s a fantastic blend of historical fiction and grimdark fantasy that will leave you thirsting for more.
Jonathan French’s ‘The Grey Bastards’ is a wonderfully filthy dive into a world of half-orcs, treacherous humans, and deadly magic. It’s grimdark with a dash of grit and a generous helping of dark humour. The characters are rough, ready, and morally ambiguous, making it a standout entry in the grimdark genre. It’s a wild, raucous ride that isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you can handle the grime, it’s well worth the journey.
Although it predates the term ‘grimdark,’ Robert E. Howard’s Conan series, starting with ‘The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian,’ embodies many of the genre’s defining characteristics. Conan’s world is a savage, brutal place filled with dark magic and deadly creatures. The protagonist himself is a far cry from your typical hero, embodying a ruthless, take-no-prisoners approach to life. It’s a foundational work for the grimdark genre, demonstrating that even in fantasy, the world can be a dark, dangerous place.
Last but definitely not least, let’s delve into the grimdark depths of the Warhammer 40,000 universe with the Horus Heresy series.
This sprawling saga is a monumental piece of grimdark fiction.
Taking us to the 31st millennium, the series explores the galaxy-spanning civil war that nearly tore the imperium of man apart.
The Horus Heresy, spearheaded by the emperor’s favoured son, Horus, pits brother against brother in a devastating conflict.
From the lofty heights of the Imperial Palace to the bloody battlefields of a thousand worlds, no one is safe from the horrors of war.
In true grimdark fashion, the Horus Heresy is a tale of betrayal, of once-noble heroes falling to corruption, and the devastating price of ambition and power.
It offers a grim vision of the future where there is only war and the laughter of thirsting gods.
The series, with contributions from various authors, is a grimdark feast for fans of war-torn galaxies, morally ambiguous characters, and high-stakes battles.
Be warned, though—once you start, you’ll find yourself on a journey as vast and dark as the Warhammer 40k universe itself.
Grimdark fantasy is a journey that’s not for everyone. It’s like Marmite—you either love it, or it gives you nightmares.
But if you can stomach the grit and grime, if you can handle the moral ambiguity and the despair, you’ll find a genre that isn’t afraid to take risks, to defy expectations, and to show the world in all its brutal, messy glory.
So take a deep breath, grab one of these books, and step into the shadows. Who knows? You might find that you like the dark.
So there you have it, a quick and dirty introduction to the world of grimdark fantasy. It’s a genre that pulls no punches and isn’t afraid to show you the world in all its murky shades of grey. But remember, it’s not all doom and gloom’—there’s plenty of dark humour, thrilling action, and captivating stories. Dive in, and who knows? You might find that you enjoy exploring the shadows.
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