Jon Cronshaw – The King of Nobledark
Author of epic fantasy with heart, grit, and moral weight. Where hope bleeds, but never dies.
Back working on Dawn of Assassins after years away, sharing thoughts on a disappointing WrestleMania, and gearing up for the launch of Ravenglass Legends Books 1–3. Plus updates on The Prince and the Fool.
This week I’ve returned to Dawn of Assassins after a few years away and made solid progress on the draft.
It’s been great getting back into that world and finding the story again.
I also share my thoughts on a disappointing WrestleMania, particularly from a storytelling perspective.
On the publishing side, Ravenglass Legends Books 1–3 are launching this Monday, and The Prince and the Fool is currently with my editor.
Lots happening behind the scenes!
Not sure whether to start with Dawn of Assassins or Guild of Assassins? This reading guide breaks down the differences between the two series—from tone and themes to timeline and characters—so you can choose the perfect entry point.
Which Series Should You Read First—Dawn of Assassins or Guild of Assassins?
If you’re looking to dive into the assassin-filled corners of the Ravenglass Universe, you might be wondering where to begin: Dawn of Assassins or Guild of Assassins?
The answer is simple—you can start with either.
Both series stand alone and can be read in any order.
It really comes down to what kind of story you want to read first.
Let’s break it down.
If you prefer to read books in the order they were published, start with Dawn of Assassins.
This was the first series released and introduces you to the world through the eyes of Fedor and Lev—street-smart thieves who find themselves dragged into a world of blades and blood by the brutal assassin Soren.
If you’d rather follow the story in chronological order, begin with Guild of Assassins.
This series explores Soren’s tragic backstory—how a sculptor’s apprentice seeking justice for his father’s murder slowly loses himself in the shadows of the Guild.
This is the heart of the choice.
Each series has its own distinct flavour:
Whichever path you take, both series lead you deep into the shadows of the Ravenglass Universe—and neither promises an easy way out.
👉 Get Guild Assassin free at joncronshaw.com/guildassassin.
This week, I’ve finished drafting Book 10 of The Ravenglass Throne and even started on the first chapter of Book 11!
With the series nearing its conclusion, I’ve also been working through edits on Book 2, which I’ll start posting on Patreon soon.
As The Ravenglass Throne wraps up, I’m starting to think about what comes next.
Possible projects include:
I’ll see where my energy takes me once The Ravenglass Throne is complete.
Outside of writing, I really enjoyed Season 2 of The Diplomat on Netflix—it’s packed with tension and sharp dialogue.
I also have some thoughts on WWE’s Royal Rumble, which was as chaotic and entertaining as ever!
Dive into “Guild of Assassins,” a gripping tale of vengeance, moral ambiguity, and a sculptor’s perilous quest within a secret society. Exclusively on Ream.
I am thrilled to announce the release of my latest novel in the Ravenglass Universe, Guild of Assassins, is now exclusively available on Ream.
This new assassin fantasy tale promises to immerse readers in a world of intrigue, moral ambiguity, and relentless pursuit of justice.
Set against a backdrop of artistry and turmoil, Guild of Assassins follows the story of Soren, whose life as a sculptor is irreparably shattered by the brutal murder of his father.
Consumed by a thirst for vengeance, Soren finds himself drawn into the shadowy realm of the assassins’ guild.
Guild of Assassins is a story of a young man’s quest for justice and the haunting dilemma that accompanies it: what is the true cost of revenge, and can one emerge from a journey of vengeance unscathed?
Guild of Assassins is now available for your reading pleasure exclusively on Ream.
Dive into this extraordinary adventure and discover whether Soren will emerge from the shadows with the truth he seeks, or lose himself to the darkness.
Happy reading!
Discover the Ravenglass Universe: a realm of magic, epic sagas, elemental forces, and heroic journeys.
Hello from Morecambe!
Today, I invite you to journey with me as we explore the Ravenglass Universe – a rich, dynamic, and multifaceted fantasy realm where countless stories unfold, from the earliest days to the farthest reaches of the future.
The Essence of the Ravenglass Universe
At its heart, the Ravenglass Universe is a fantastical world, a canvas on which an array of stories are painted.
Here, imagination knows no bounds – from soaring wyverns in the sky to the mystical powers of a unique material known as ravenglass.
A World of Magic and Wonder
Magic is a vital thread in the fabric of the Ravenglass Universe.
It is a world where magic intertwines with reality, creating a landscape filled with wonder and peril.
The magic system is as diverse as it is intriguing:
Heroes and Antiheroes: The Soul of Our Stories
Our universe is inhabited by characters as complex and diverse as the world itself.
From flawed heroes to morally ambiguous antiheroes, each character brings their unique perspective to the narrative.
They navigate this magical world, sometimes as champions of their beliefs, other times as lost souls searching for redemption.
Epic Sagas and Intimate Tales
The range of stories within the Ravenglass Universe spans from grand, epic sagas that reshape the world to intimate, personal narratives that delve deep into the hearts and minds of individuals.
Whether it’s a tale of an empire in turmoil or a quiet story of a lone assassin, each story is a piece of the larger puzzle, contributing to the universe’s rich tapestry.
Adventures await!
The Ravenglass Universe is more than just a setting for fantasy tales; it is a living, breathing world where every story, every character, and every magical element is part of a larger narrative.
As the creator of this universe, I invite you to step into this world of endless possibilities, where the past and future intertwine, and magic is as real as the air we breathe.
Join me in exploring this universe of wonder, magic, and adventure.
Let’s uncover its secrets together.
Until our paths cross again in the Ravenglass Universe,
Jon
Dive into the shadowy world of Nordturm, where the line between right and wrong blurs, in “The Little Thief” – a captivating fantasy story that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
🌟 Discover the story of Hanna, a young and adept pickpocket, whose destiny changes forever when she is welcomed into a gang of skilled thieves. Under the leadership of Melita, Hanna learns the ways of the underworld – a world filled with intrigue, danger, and unexpected bonds.
💸 The plot thickens as Fedor’s gang faces a daunting challenge. To safeguard Hanna from her past connections, they must negotiate with Gunter, her former gang leader. The cost? An immense fortune that is beyond their reach.
⚔️ Immerse yourself in a tale where loyalty, cunning, and bravery intertwine. Will Hanna and her newfound allies outwit their adversaries, or will the ghosts of their pasts ensnare them in Nordturm’s dark alleys?
👇 Hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with new chapters and exclusive content. Share your thoughts and theories in the comments – we’re excited to hear what you think about Hanna’s adventures!
It’s been a week full of writing, refining, and some fascinating reading. Join me as I delve into the progress of my current projects, tackle the art of book descriptions, and explore intriguing new literary horizons.
📚 Welcome to this week’s Author Diary! 📚
What’s in Store This Week:
🔪 Working on “Scoundrels”
I’ve been immersed in developing my thief fantasy novel, “Scoundrels.” This novel is a prequel to “Dawn of Assassins,” featuring the same beloved characters but set before the events of the original story.
📘 Crafting the Book Description for “The Fall of Wolfsbane”
Condensing a 108,000-word novel into a 120-word book description is no small feat! This week, I’ve been chiselling away at the book description for “The Fall of Wolfsbane.” I’ll discuss the challenges of distilling a complex narrative into a brief yet compelling summary.
📖 Reading Highlights
My reading list this week has been quite diverse. I’ve dived into “TerrorTome” by Garth Marenghi, a horror parody novel that’s as entertaining as it is clever, and “Mud Ride” by Steve Turner, an exploration of the grunge band Mudhoney. I’ll share my thoughts on these reads and how they’ve influenced my thinking.
🌑 Discovering Nobledark Fantasy
I’ve recently stumbled upon the fantasy sub-genre ‘nobledark.’ This discovery has been a revelation, as it perfectly encapsulates the thematic essence of my writing: flawed heroes navigating tough circumstances guided by their personal moral compasses. I’ll talk about how this genre resonates with my work and my future explorations in this realm.
Join me this week for an update brimming with new beginnings, exciting launches, and some seasonal festivities. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s been happening:
Hello from sunny Morecambe!
🌙 Finishing “The Long Night”
I’ve put the finishing touches on my short story, “The Long Night,” and I can’t wait for you to read it. This tale is set to unfold on my Substack in the coming weeks.
Subscribe to My Substack at joncronshawauthor.substack.com
📦 “Dawn of Assassins” Books 1-3 Boxed Set Launch
The wait is over! The first three books of my dark fantasy series “Dawn of Assassins” are now bundled into a thrilling boxed set. It’s available on Amazon, ready to take you on a journey filled with danger and intrigue.
Click HERE to order your copy!
😂 Live Laughs with Garth Marenghi
I had the joy of experiencing Garth Marenghi live in Manchester – a blend of horror and humour that makes for an unforgettable night. It’s always refreshing to see how comedy and horror can intermingle so brilliantly.
🎃 Halloween at Blackpool’s Illuminations
Halloween was a blast this year, as I found myself amidst the iconic Blackpool’s Illuminations. The lights were spectacular, adding a bit of sparkle to the spookiest night of the year.
Fedor and Lev are thieves…
…neither signed up to be killers.
But when they’re unwillingly recruited by a master assassin with a dark agenda, the stakes turn lethal.
Can they survive Soren’s increasingly perilous trials designed to twist their morals and endanger their lives?
How far will Fedor and Lev go to reclaim their freedom?
Perfect for mature readers, Dawn of Assassins delivers a fast-paced blend of suspense, moral ambiguity, and non-stop action.
This collection brings together three gritty dark fantasy novels: Dawn of Assassins, Trial of Thieves, and Crucible of Shadows.
In a world where trust is a luxury and assassins loom in the shadows, are you ready to confront the barriers of morality and survival?
Dare you face the dawn?
Join Jon Cronshaw as he revisits the inspirational streets of Ravenglass and shares exciting updates on the ‘Dawn of Assassins’ series, plus insights on his reading journey.
Hello from cloudy Morecambe!
This week was truly special for me. Finally visiting Ravenglass—where I derived the name of my main series from—was a moving experience.
Walking through the very streets that inspired so much of my writing and exploring the beauty of the surrounding area felt surreal and invigorating.
If you haven’t been there, I recommend it—the place truly resonates with creativity.
In writing news, there’s a fresh treat for you on my Substack—a brand new short story which serves as a prequel to the Dawn of Assassins series.
It’s my little way of saying thank you for the continued support.
I’m eager to hear what you think of it.
Visit: https://joncronshawauthor.substack.com to find out more.
I also continued work on the fourth installment in the series.
I’ve been redrafting scenes I dictated earlier in the year and hope to carry on with the full first draft in the not-too-distant-future.
Oh, and another chapter for the Guild of Assassins novel is complete!
I’m still on the Horus Heresy journey. After wrapping up Angel Exterminatus, I’ve moved on to Betrayer—the plot twists and turns never cease to amaze me.
I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the number of projects I’ve taken on.
But paradoxically, while juggling all these tasks might seem slower, it’s making me more productive.
The key, I’ve realized, is to follow where my energy leads.
Yet, there’s a nagging reminder in the back of my mind to wrap up Guild of Assassins—especially with The Fall of Wolfsbane soon returning from the editor.
If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to follow my journey on my YouTube channel and the ‘Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary’ podcast.
Do me a favour? Hit that thumbs up, subscribe, and let’s chat in the comments.
Your thoughts, as always, are my inspiration.
So, until next time, cheerio.
Jon
