Writing through the UK heatwave, revisiting Mark, The Chosen One, and reading The Hobgoblin Riot. Plus updates on my fantasy writing and the sequel to Orphan Farm Boy of Destiny.
This week’s been a challenge thanks to the UK heatwave, but I’ve still managed to make progress on my latest fantasy project.
I’ve been working through what I have so far on Mark, The Chosen One, a follow-up to my Patreon novella Orphan Farm Boy of Destiny.
The story picks up 20 years later. Mark is now in his forties, has a teenage son, and hasn’t picked up a sword in over two decades.
The Dark Lord never appeared when prophecy said he would… but now the prophecy has finally come true.
After years of living an ordinary life, Mark must decide whether he can become the hero everyone expected him to be.
On the reading front, I finished Dominion of Blades by Matt Dinniman and immediately started Book 2, The Hobgoblin Riot. I’m really enjoying the series and seeing another side to Dinniman’s writing outside Dungeon Crawler Carl.
Kat returns in Ace of Swords, the next chapter of the Ravenglass Chronicles.
A new Empress faces political enemies, hidden conspiracies, moral consequence, and a crown that already threatens to break her.
Read exclusive chapters on Patreon as the story unfolds.
I have some exciting news…
Kat is back.
After a five-year break, I have returned to the next arc of The Ravenglass Chronicles.
I have started posting chapters of Ace of Swords, set just three weeks after Kat takes the throne.
Now the crown is testing her in ways steel never did.
Her right hand is bound in a sling, useless when she most needs control.
The wyvern who destroyed her family has vanished, leaving only fear and unanswered questions.
Her court is no longer united.
The conservative houses sense weakness and begin to circle.
A foreign prince arrives without warning, charming, observant, and impossible to read.
Every decision costs her something.
Every pause gives her enemies room to move.
Kat is hunted by forces she cannot see.
She is haunted by dreams she cannot explain.
She is isolated by duty, injury, and a crown that grows heavier each day.
This is a story about power after victory.
It is about the cost of moral certainty.
It is about what happens when doing the right thing is only the beginning.
I am posting three chapters per week, exclusively to Patreon.
Patreon is where you can discuss events, speculate, and follow Kat’s struggle as it unfolds in real time.
If you have been waiting for Kat’s return, this is it.
If you want to experience her reign from the very first fracture, I would love to have you there.
Thank you, as always, for reading and for supporting my work.
With Churchill’s Dragons complete, readers can vote on what I write next, from Guild of Assassins Book 4 to new Ravenglass Guardians novels, by visiting my Patreon poll.
I’ve just wrapped up Churchill’s Dragons and I’m letting readers decide what I start sharing next.
I’ve put a poll up on my Patreon so you can have a direct say in what comes next.
The first option is Guild of Assassins Book 4, shared as a work in progress for those who like seeing a novel take shape.
The second option is Silent Watcher, a dark, brooding psychological thriller set in the Ravenglass Universe.
The third option is Sentinel’s Mercy, a nobledark military fantasy following the Guardians in the Ravenglass Universe.
The fourth option is a mystery side project in the Ravenglass Universe that may get a little wacky.
If you’d like to influence what I focus on next, head over to my Patreon and cast your vote.
This week, I wrapped final checks on Churchill’s Dragons, completed post-edit reviews of The Ravenglass Throne Books 11–12, and read Tara Westover’s brilliant memoir Educated.
This week, I completed the final check of Churchill’s Dragons (RAF Dragon Corps, Book 2), which means it’s now officially ready for the editor.
It’s always a great feeling getting a book to that stage.
I also finished my post-edit checks on The Ravenglass Throne Books 11 and 12, bringing me one step closer to wrapping up that epic series.
For reading, I’ve been immersed in Educated by Tara Westover—a gripping and powerful memoir that I’d highly recommend.
It’s a deeply personal and thought-provoking story about resilience, identity, and the power of learning.
This week, I reached the midpoint of The Sentinel’s Mercy and prepared for the launch of the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy, releasing August 31. Feeling better and back in the writing flow!
This week, I’ve been recovering and feeling much better—just in time to reach the midpoint of The Sentinel’s Mercy, my latest Ravenglass Guardians novel.
The story’s hitting its stride, and I’m excited with how it’s coming together.
I’ve also been hard at work preparing for the launch of the Punks Versus Zombies trilogy, which goes live this weekend on August 31!
Can’t wait to get this wild post-apocalyptic ride into readers’ hands.
This week, I reached the midpoint of my first Ravenglass Guardians novel, a nobledark fantasy with political thriller vibes. I’m planning seven 60k-word standalones, written before Patreon release.
This week, I hit the mid-point in drafting my first Ravenglass Guardians novel, focusing on the Watchers faction. It’s a nobledark fantasy with strong political thriller elements.
Since each of the seven planned books will be standalone, this may not be the first released—but my goal is to write the full series before launching it on Patreon.
I’m aiming for 60k-word novels (like my Guild of Assassins books), which allows me to draft a solid book in about four weeks, writing 3,000 words per weekday—a pace I’ve kept up for years. It’s a challenge, but one I’m excited to push through!
This week, I finished drafting The Prince and the Fool, rebuilt my book page at joncronshaw.com/books, and fully embraced my rebrand as the King of Nobledark. A productive, intense week!
This week has been a busy and intense one! I’m thrilled to share that I’ve finished the draft of The Prince and the Fool (Ravenglass Legends, Book 4). It’s always a huge relief hitting that final chapter.
On top of that, I’ve been deep in website work—the book page platform I’d been using suddenly stopped working, so I rebuilt everything from scratch. You can now browse my updated book catalogue at joncronshaw.com/books.
I’ve also leaned further into my King of Nobledark rebrand, making sure everything aligns with the tone and themes of my work. It’s been a lot—but worth it.
This week, I’m 60% through The Prince and the Fool, reading about Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love, and watching House of Cards. Still nursing a bad back—hoping to recover in time to see Nine Inch Nails next week!
This week, I’ve hit the 60 percent mark on the draft of The Prince and the Fool (Ravenglass Legends, Book 4).
The story is moving steadily, and I’m excited to see it coming together.
I’ve also been reading the 33 1/3 book on Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love—a fascinating deep dive into one of my all-time favourite albums.
And I’ve finally started watching House of Cards on Netflix—dark, sharp, and brilliantly acted.
I’m still dealing with a bad back, which has been slowing me down. I’m really hoping it improves soon, especially with Nine Inch Nails coming up next week—fingers crossed I’ll be well enough to go!
After taking last week off, I’m back at the writing desk and making great progress on The Prince and the Fool (Ravenglass Legends, Book 4).
I’ve just hit the mid-point of the book—and the series itself!
I’ll be sharing unedited chapters on Patreon over the next few weeks for those following along early.
This week, I also chat about reading Homecoming by Robin Hobb—a beautifully written book as always—and watching Baby Reindeer on Netflix, a dark but excellent drama that’s definitely stayed with me.
On a less fun note, I’ve been nursing a bad back, which means I’ve had to miss out on seeing one of my favourite bands, James.
Looking for the best dragon rider fantasy series? These 10 must-read books go beyond clichés, offering rich world-building, political intrigue, and tactical warfare. Discover unique takes on human-dragon bonds in these epic fantasy adventures!
While Dragonflight and Eragon are well known, the dragon rider subgenre offers a wealth of complex and innovative takes on the bond between human and dragon.
These ten series bring fresh perspectives to this classic fantasy element, pushing beyond the expected to explore military tactics, political intrigue, and social dynamics in ways that deepen the genre.
Temeraire by Naomi Novik
This series reimagines the Napoleonic Wars with dragons as key players in aerial combat.
Captain Will Laurence, a disciplined naval officer, unexpectedly bonds with the intelligent and inquisitive dragon Temeraire, changing the course of his life.
The series explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the rights of sentient creatures within rigid social structures.
Rather than simply being war mounts, the dragons in Temeraire possess distinct personalities and perspectives, forcing both Laurence and the world around them to confront moral and ethical dilemmas.
With well-researched historical detail and a deep emotional core, this series stands out for its nuanced portrayal of the dragon-rider relationship.
Set in a desert kingdom inspired by ancient Egypt, this series presents a fresh approach to dragon riding.
Unlike many stories where riders form immediate, magical bonds with dragons, Joust delves into the painstaking process of raising, training, and caring for these creatures.
The protagonist, Vetch, begins as a serf in an oppressive society and gradually rises through the ranks as he learns the intricacies of dragon handling.
This focus on the practicalities of dragon care, from feeding to training methods, makes Joust a grounded and realistic take on the genre.
With its richly detailed setting and thoughtful exploration of power dynamics, this series offers a unique perspective on dragon rider fantasy.
Written by a celebrated dragon artist, this novel brings an unparalleled level of visual and biological detail to its depiction of dragons.
The story follows Maia, a young woman who dreams of bonding with a dragon but finds herself caught in political and religious conflicts that threaten her world.
The novel delves into the breeding, training, and cultural significance of dragons, offering a fresh take on rider-dragon dynamics.
With stunning world-building and a protagonist who must navigate both external threats and internal doubts, The Summer Dragon is a richly layered story that brings a painter’s precision to its imagery and storytelling.
While not a traditional dragon rider series, Tooth and Claw presents an extraordinary vision of a Victorian-era society composed entirely of dragons.
In this world, dragons adhere to strict social hierarchies, engage in legal battles over inheritance, and even consume their dead to preserve wealth and status.
By mirroring Victorian customs through a draconic lens, Walton creates a sharp, thought-provoking examination of class, morality, and the constraints of tradition.
The novel’s deep world-building and sharp social commentary make it a must-read for fans of dragons who enjoy sophisticated storytelling beyond the usual fantasy tropes.
The Dragon Brigade by Margaret Weis and Robert Krammes
This series blends dragon riding with steampunk elements, creating a unique fusion of fantasy and technology.
Set in a world where skyships and dragons coexist, the story follows adventurers navigating political conspiracies, air battles, and mystical forces.
The integration of dragon-based warfare with early industrial-era inventions offers a fresh take on aerial combat, providing a striking contrast between the organic and the mechanical.
With fast-paced action and complex intrigue, The Dragon Brigade delivers a thrilling mix of high adventure and intricate world-building.
Instead of focusing on human riders, Dragon Champion shifts the perspective entirely to the dragon.
The series follows Auron, a rare grey dragon born into a dangerous world where his kind are hunted by humans and other dragons alike.
As he struggles to survive, he experiences betrayal, friendship, and shifting allegiances, giving readers an intimate look at dragon society from the inside.
By making the dragon the protagonist rather than a companion, this series explores themes of identity, survival, and what it means to be both predator and prey in a world dominated by humans.
This military fantasy series treats dragon riding not as an individual hero’s journey but as a disciplined component of large-scale warfare.
Rather than focusing on a single chosen rider, Dragonmaster follows the rise of Hal Kailas, a commoner who becomes a key figure in the development of dragon-based aerial combat.
The series delves into the logistics of training, organising, and deploying dragons as a legitimate military force, adding a level of strategic realism often missing from dragon rider stories.
With its emphasis on military tactics and the gritty realities of war, Dragonmaster will appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy with a strong dose of realism.
Though not strictly a dragon rider novel, Race the Sands explores the dynamics of bonded riding in a way that will appeal to fans of the subgenre.
Set in a world where fierce, monstrous creatures known as kehoks can only be tamed through sheer determination and force of will, the novel follows a trainer and a desperate young rider who aim to win the nation’s most dangerous race.
The intense training, shifting alliances, and high-stakes competition create a thrilling narrative that examines the psychological and emotional complexities of rider-beast partnerships.
By applying fresh ideas to the concept of mounted combat and racing, Race the Sands offers an exhilarating alternative to traditional dragon rider stories.
This series integrates wyvern riding into a sophisticated political and military landscape, elevating it beyond standard fantasy fare.
The ravenglass network, which maintains the bond between riders and their mounts, serves as a fascinating metaphor for power, control, and the delicate balance between loyalty and authority.
The military aspects are grounded in tactical realism, focusing on the logistics of wyvern-based warfare rather than relying on spectacle alone.
The political intrigue adds depth, making The Ravenglass Throne a compelling choice for readers who enjoy intelligent world-building and character-driven storytelling.
What sets these series apart is their willingness to consider the practical, political, and strategic implications of dragon riding.
Rather than using dragons as mere fantasy set dressing, these books explore how their presence would reshape warfare, societies, and power structures.
The best dragon rider stories go beyond the traditional hero narrative to examine the complexities of partnership, duty, and survival.
For readers seeking deeper, more intelligent takes on human-dragon relationships, these series prove that the genre continues to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways.
