Get ready to dive back into the magical world of Ravenglass, where danger lurks around every corner and sibling loyalty is put to the ultimate test.
I’m thrilled to announce that “The Wolf and the Wyvern,” the eagerly anticipated sequel to “The Fall of Wolfsbane,” is now available on Kindle Unlimited!
What’s in Store for Readers?
In this gripping new installment, we follow the diverging paths of our beloved siblings, Ragnar and Maja:
Ragnar embarks on a perilous quest to the treacherous Northern Reaches, ostensibly to rescue a prince he knows isn’t there. As he navigates icy perils and struggles to keep his secrets hidden, Ragnar must unravel the truth behind his fool’s errand before it’s too late.
Maja, meanwhile, forges her own path with the rebellion, fighting to reclaim her homeland and overthrow the Empire. But as she’ll soon discover, the price of power is steep, and the line between ally and enemy is often blurred.
Together, they must confront their own demons, forge unlikely alliances, and uncover dark secrets that could change everything.
Early reviews are pouring in, and readers are loving “The Wolf and the Wyvern”:
“The action and intrigue in this story are nonstop and edge-of-your-seat thrilling.”
“Lots of duty, deception with sibling loyalty. Lots of unexpected twists. It contains lots of dark magic, adventure and great characters.”
“Political machinations are everywhere, the conquered are pressed under the heel of an evil force, and the Wolfsbane siblings may be the only ones that can help.”
Immerse yourself in the vividly imagined realm of Ravenglass, where legends come to life.
Watch as duty and deception collide, testing the bonds of family and loyalty.
Unravel dark secrets and confront unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
From the icy Northern Reaches to the heart of the rebellion, every page is filled with excitement.
Haven’t read “The Fall of Wolfsbane” yet? No worries! You can get it for FREE on Kindle until September 2nd. Don’t miss this chance to start your journey into the world of Ravenglass. Get your copy HERE.
Get Your Copy Today!
“The Wolf and the Wyvern” is available now in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited. Don’t miss out on this epic adventure that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Two siblings. Two paths. One destiny that could shake an empire to its core.
In The Knight and the Rebel, the third book in the Ravenglass Legends series, Ragnar and Maja’s worlds collide in an epic tale of power, loyalty, and rebellion.
As Ragnar rises within the very empire that destroyed their homeland, Maja fights to bring it down. But as secrets unravel and danger mounts, nothing is as straightforward as it seems.
With wyverns soaring through the skies and ravenglass whispering dark truths, Ragnar and Maja must each grapple with their choices.
Can Ragnar reform the empire from within?
And can Maja’s rebellion succeed without tearing apart everything she loves?
Filled with action, political intrigue, and characters that will stay with you long after the last page, The Knight and the Rebel is a fantasy epic that fans of Joe Abercrombie and Robin Hobb won’t want to miss.
Early Access on Patreon: New Chapters Every Weekday!
Eager to dive into this gripping adventure before it’s published?
As a Patreon subscriber, you’ll get exclusive early access to work-in-progress chapters of The Knight and the Rebel every weekday!
Follow the story as it unfolds, and be the first to experience the twists and turns of this thrilling saga.
Dive into a world of shadows and secrets with this gripping excerpt from “Guild of Assassins,” the new epic fantasy novel by [Author Name]. When a young sculptor’s apprentice loses his father to a mysterious assassin, he sets out on a quest for justice that will change his life forever.
Soren buckled the leather apron straps around his waist, steeling himself as he marched into Master Kurgan’s studio. The familiar scent of clay and dust lingered in the air, the rhythmic tap of chisel on stone filling the workshop.
Kurgan’s stern eyes narrowed as he looked up from his work, his thin fingers poised above an emerging stone portrait. His bushy eyebrows furrowed. “You’re late.”
Soren swallowed hard. “I apologise, master. I lost track of time. It won’t happen again.”
Kurgan sniffed. “Perhaps you should lose track of those daydreams instead.”
“I really am sorry. I was—”
“I don’t need excuses.” Kurgan pointed at Soren’s cluttered workbench, gesturing towards the coating of dust. “I need you to focus on your work, boy.”
Soren dipped his head. “I know.”
“You’ll never master your craft if you’re always chasing shadows.”
Soren picked up his chisel and mallet, the tools at home in his grip, and continued working on his latest piece—an alabaster wyvern with its wings outstretched.
“Remember, Soren, the world beyond Nebel Hafen’s walls may seem alluring, but it’s as cold and unforgiving as the Braun Sea.”
Soren gritted his teeth and tried to ignore the thought nagging at him. There had to be more to life than this.
The day wore on and Soren soon regained focus on his work, the wyvern’s form slowly revealing itself with each strike of his chisel. It was the closest thing to magic in this world—the ability to create something beautiful and lasting from something as mundane as a block of lifeless stone.
The light from outside caught his attention. He blinked up at the window, his eyes dry and tired from dust and concentration. White-capped waves crashed against the harbour wall as the afternoon sun shone down on the Braun Sea.
Soren took this as his cue and broke away from his work. He cleaned his tools and swept the floor. He gazed at the half-finished wyvern on his workbench, its pink alabaster seeming almost translucent in the dim light. He couldn’t wait to get back to work on it, but errands for his master loomed.
Alaric appeared near the workshop door. He leant against the frame with one foot on the wall, a smirk on his face, and his hair still damp, no doubt from a morning spent at sea.
“Hey, Sor.”
Soren waved a hand in greeting.
“Need any help?”
“Thank you. That would be great.” Soren wiped Kurgan’s tools and gestured to his own workbench. “Help me finish up here. I need to run some errands for Master Kurgan.”
“Sure thing.” Alaric pushed off his leaning post.
Soren placed the last of Kurgan’s tools down and let out a sigh.
“What happened?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“Let me guess.” Alaric grinned. “Old Kurgan wants you to clean his smallclothes.”
“Ha ha. Very funny.”
“It’s not that funny.”
“I know.” Soren cocked an eyebrow.
Alaric wandered over to the wyvern statue and pushed out his bottom lip. “This yours?”
“Yeah, he has me doing pointless little ornaments. Apprentice pieces, he calls them.”
“I guess we’ve all got to start somewhere. Your father had me mending nets again today. I want to be on the bow with a harpoon, bringing in a sperm whale. But, no, I get to sit in the hold, fiddling with old nets while my fingers turn red.”
“And I want to carve mountains.”
“Ah, the life of an artist.” Alaric ran his hands over the statue. “So mysterious and full of torment.”
“Torment? Hardly. It’s just…sometimes. I don’t know.”
“Oh, here we go.”
Soren glanced towards the window. “I feel like I’m stuck in this place, doing the same thing, day after day after day.”
“Welcome to being an apprentice.” Alaric clapped him on the back. “We all feel that way sometimes. At least when you’re finished, you don’t stink of fish guts, or have frostbite to contend with. You know, it was so cold out there today, I felt like my nose was going to freeze off. Imagine that. Your nose getting so cold it would drop off your face.”
“I guess.”
“I know you feel trapped in this place—we all do. But you have an incredible talent. And, one day, you’ll show everyone just how great you can be.”
“It can’t come soon enough.”
“Well, don’t let me get in the way of your fun.”
Alaric headed for the door.
“Yeah, right. Fun.”
Soren glanced around his still unfinished tasks and sighed as the door clicked shut behind Alaric. “Some help you were.”
A narrow stone path led to the cottage Soren shared with his father. He marched homewards, his head pounding, his arms aching, his legs spent. The thatched roof and whitewashed walls had weathered many storms, standing steadfast against the elements.
Warmth hit him as he opened the door and stepped across the threshold.
“Ah, there you are.” Soren’s father smiled across the kitchen as he bustled around, chopping vegetables with deft hands and stirring pots with practised ease. “I was ready to send out a search party.”
“Sorry about that.” Soren offered him a tired smile. “I had errands to run for the master.”
“Ah, well, needs must. I brought back some fine trout today. Not keen on these winds we’ve had coming from the north. Burn the skin off your knuckles if you’re not careful.”
“Alaric said it was cold.”
His father chuckled. “Aye. Very cold below deck out of the winds, I’m sure. He had it easy and he still found time to complain. Needs to buck his ideas up, that one.”
“I think he’s just itching to do more.”
“Oh? Has he been complaining?”
“No.” Soren shook his head. “I just remember him talking about how much he wanted to catch a whale, that’s all.”
“We’re a fisher, not a whaler.”
“I know.” Soren rolled up his sleeves and washed his hands at the basin. “Let me help.”
As they worked side by side, Soren couldn’t help but admire the precision and skill with which his father worked on the fish. With each cut, he removed the bones and excess skin, leaving behind perfect fillets. The sharp blade glinted against the warm light.
“You’ve got that look on your face again.” His father watched him with a sidelong glance. “Everything alright?”
Soren hesitated before answering. “I’m fine. I’m just looking forward to finishing my apprenticeship. I feel like…I don’t know. I can do so much more than ornaments. I’ve improved so much and I’m ready to do more…I know I am.”
“You’ve got a keen eye and a steady hand, son. But Master Kurgan has done you well.”
“I know. It’s just…”
“Just what?”
“I feel like there’s something more out there for me.”
“Like what?”
Soren shrugged. “I don’t know. I suppose it’s like Alaric—he’s stuck in the bowels of a ship all day, fixing nets when he’d rather be out hunting whales.”
“I see.”
“What I mean is, I don’t know if I can stay doing what I’m doing for another five years.”
His father paused, his eyes meeting Soren’s. “You’re free to follow your own path, son. But don’t forget where you come from. It might not be glamorous, but it’s honest work. In time, it’ll put food on your table.”
“I know.”
“I’ve paid a decent chunk of coin for that apprenticeship. I could have insisted you follow in my footsteps, but I wanted more for you.”
Soren forced a smile. “I know. And you’re right. I just…I just need to keep focused on getting better, focused on learning my craft.”
“That’s my boy.”
The next day, Soren’s arms were aching from hours of chiselling. He took a step back to admire the completed wyvern sculpture. A mixture of pride and satisfaction bloomed within him that he had transformed a lifeless slab of alabaster into a work of art.
He walked around the piece, studying it from all angles. Master Kurgan would have no choice but to let him move on to more challenging pieces.
A sudden draught drew his attention away from his work.
The door closed behind Alaric. “Nice job.” He sidled up to Soren and gazed down at the sculpture, rubbing his chin. “Is it supposed to look like a chicken?”
“It’s supposed to be a wyvern.” Soren wiped his brow with a dirty sleeve and registered Alaric’s smirk. “Oh, we’re doing this again, are we?”
“Seriously, though, it’s impressive.” Alaric leant in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I bet Kurgan did the finishing touches, though. No way you’d be able to do those scales like this without him holding your hand.”
Soren narrowed his eyes. “You can joke all you want, but it was all me.” He studied his work from several angles. “And I have outdone myself, if I’m being honest.”
“Because you’ve not been honest all this time?”
“You know what I mean.”
Alaric shook his head and grinned. “Nah. It’s good. You’ve done alright.” He gave Soren’s arm a playful punch.
“Careful!” Soren grabbed his chisel, catching it before it fell off the edge. “Tools of the trade.” He glanced towards the door. “But thanks, though. Kurgan’s been pushing me harder than ever. Sometimes I wonder if he will ever think I’m truly ready.”
“Maybe he wants you to reach your full potential, or something.” Alaric leant against a nearby table and picked up a hammer, turning it in his hand. “There’s always room for improvement, right?”
“Easy for you to say.”
“You’re right about that. Turns out I’m pretty good at this speaking lark.” He placed the hammer down and gestured to the door. “Come on. Let’s take a break. There’s more to life than chipping away at rocks.”
“What you got in mind?”
“I don’t know. Let’s have some fun. Cause some trouble, like we used to.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
Alaric waved his hands. “Alright. No trouble. But all work and no play makes Soren a dull boy.”
“Fine. You win.”
“Excellent. Get some coin together. We could eat, have a few drinks, play some cards, whatever.”
Soren smiled. “Sounds good to me.”
“Let’s go then, before old Kurgan comes back and gets you to scrub his privy.”
The door opened, bringing with it the chill from outside.
“Oh, well.” Alaric took a step back. “Too late. Looks like you’ve missed the boat.”
Kurgan marched in with his arms folded and scowled at Alaric. “You again?” He gestured to the door. “Go on, do one. Be off with you.”
Soren gave his friend a helpless shrug. “I need to stay here.”
Alaric nodded and ducked past Kurgan. “Later, then?”
“Yeah. Later,” Soren said as Alaric departed.
Kurgan strode over to Soren’s workbench and gazed down at the wyvern. He stood silent for several seconds, his head turning this way and that as he tapped his chin. “You’ve done an adequate job there, boy.” He pointed to the tail. “Watch your tapering on the base. And the barb doesn’t look like that.” He lifted the wyvern and turned it in his hands. “You haven’t touched the underside of its feet. And wyverns have four claws, not three.”
Soren looked at his wyvern through Kurgan’s eyes and noted the flaws for the first time. “Thank you, master.”
“Also, you should add more depth to the scales. Remember, to capture reality, you have to exaggerate it slightly.”
“Thank you, master.”
“Remember, Soren”—Kurgan lay a hand on his shoulder—“true mastery comes not from talent but from humility and perseverance.” He raised a finger. “Talent gets you in the door. But it’s a commitment to learning one’s craft that marks a true artist.”
“Of course, master.” Soren hesitated for a moment, then spoke. “I was wondering…”
“What is it?”
“How many pieces like this did you have to do before you completed your apprenticeship?”
Kurgan shrugged and pursed his lips. “A few hundred at least, maybe a thousand or so.”
Soren gaped. “Are you…are you joking?”
“No joke.” Kurgan stroked his moustache. “And let’s just say, my old master wasn’t as lenient as I am.” He rolled up his sleeve, revealing faint scars across the backs of his hands and arms.
“What happened?”
“They’re reminders. They’re reminders of the importance of hard work, of commitment to your craft.” He jerked his sleeve back down. “But they also remind me that violence is ugly and terrible.”
Soren looked down at the back of his hands and chewed on the inside of his lip. “Thank you.”
“I received those beatings for much less than your mistakes.”
“I will try my best. I swear it in the eyes of Creation.”
“Good.” Kurgan cleared his throat. “Maybe if that fish boy wasn’t in here every day, you might produce some better work.” He placed the statue down and gestured to a block of white marble resting on a nearby bench. “I’d like you to try another piece. Work from the same brief, but this time in Sieshin marble. The stone is much harder to work, so keep your chisel sharp and your rhythm steady.”
“Another wyvern?”
Kurgan nodded. “Another wyvern. Is that going to be a problem?”
“No, master.”
“Have you considered experimenting with different materials?” He gestured to a collection of various stones and metals along the workshop wall. “It might help you grow as an artist.”
“I like working with alabaster. I really want to get good with it.”
“And leave everything else behind?” Kurgan shrugged as he began to pace. “Heed my words, boy. If you only master one thing, you will be an apprentice forever.”
Soren shook his head. “How am I supposed to become a great artist if I don’t have a specialism?”
“The specialism comes when you have mastered all parts of your craft. A solution in modelling may provide a fresh perspective on carving. Techniques and processes can be adapted from one medium to another. Don’t allow complacency to stifle your growth. If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”
“I understand.”
Kurgan patted Soren’s back. “You don’t.” He chuckled to himself. “But you will.”
The sun had dipped below the horizon by the time Soren locked up the workshop for the night. The dying light cast long shadows across the cobblestones, while a chilling breeze whispered through the air, carrying with it the scent of brine and the faint hints of fish and seaweed.
He double-checked the lock and started when Alaric slipped from the shadows.
“By Creation.” Soren’s hand shot to his chest. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”
Alaric rubbed his hands together, his face obscured by his hood. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Plan for what?”
“For tonight, fool.”
Soren shrugged a shoulder. “I’m tired, my arms ache, and I’m covered in dust. I just want to head home…It’s been a long day.”
Alaric grinned and placed both of his hands on Soren’s shoulders. “Great. We’ll head to yours. Get yourself changed and grab some coin, and then the night is ours.”
Soren let out a sigh and nodded. “Fine.” He headed back along the path through Meerand, Alaric at his side.
“I bet this place used to be so different back in the day.” Alaric gestured up to Meerand Castle. “Imagine living in that place when it was whole.”
“You’re not going to start with stories of the Guardians again, are you?”
Alaric shook his head. “I wonder what it was like, though, all those people. I bet there must have been hundreds of people living there.”
Soren gazed up at the ruins. “I guess everything comes to an end. I wonder what happened to them?”
“Maybe they’re still around, working in secret.”
“Yeah. And maybe the Wolfsbane clan are still hiding in the forests.”
Alaric sniffed. “I think we can definitely say that’s not happening.”
“Would you have joined?”
“What? The Guardians?”
“Yeah.”
“I don’t know. Maybe. Might be more fun than mending nets. Be a hero. Go on adventures. Bit of swashbuckling. Yeah, I could do that.”
“I bet it would be boring. I’d join up, do a seven-year apprenticeship, and then I’d probably end up in the offices, doing paperwork, knowing my luck.”
“You make your own luck in this world.”
“You sound like Master Kurgan.”
“Don’t say that. Never say that.”
“Are you going to start lecturing me on proper chisel care?”
Alaric laughed. “Yeah. And make sure you dust off those…tooly things.”
As they reached his cottage, Soren pushed open the door and entered the kitchen, still grinning, Alaric following on behind.
“Father?”
No answer.
Soren glanced around the dimly lit room. His gaze fell upon his father’s pipe smouldering on the table.
A muffled thump echoed from elsewhere in the cottage.
Soren turned to Alaric, his grin fading. “Stay here.” He bolted across the kitchen and headed for his father’s chamber. He threw open the door.
Soren froze. There, sprawled across the floor, was his father—his limbs contorted at unnatural angles, his throat cut.
Crimson blood pooled by his father’s side, and his eyes stared vacantly.
“This is…this is…”
Alaric joined Soren’s side and stared. “By Creation—”
“What kind of monster—?”
“Shh.” Alaric gestured behind him and ducked. “Someone’s here.”
Soren’s heart thundered in his chest. He willed his body to respond, and he crouched, hearing light footsteps move through the house.
But he couldn’t stay down long. He rose to stand. “We need to know who did this.”
Alaric jerked him back. “Are you completely mad?”
Soren shrugged off Alaric’s hold. “Better mad than a coward.”
“Fine.” Alaric’s jaw clenched. “But if we die, I’m blaming you.”
Soren crept through the cottage, every creak of the floorboards seeming to echo off the walls.
“Damn, he didn’t even let him finish his pipe.” Alaric shook his head. “That’s just rude.”
Soren glowered at Alaric.
By the faint light of the moon, he caught a glimpse of someone retreating outside. A man in grey, his face twisted by a gnarled scar across his right eye.
The man vanished into the night.
Soren wanted to give chase. But all he could do was stand in place, paralysed by it all. He stood at the cottage door and looked out into the darkness. “I swear in the eyes of Creation…”
Alaric stood beside him, his expression grim. “What do you want to do?”
“Find him.” Soren took his time scanning for any signs of the killer. “And catch him.”
“And then what?”
“And then we bring him to justice.”
Alaric nodded. “What about…” He gestured behind him.
“I can’t think about that right now.”
As they stepped outside, Soren took a deep breath. “We need information. Someone must have seen this bastard skulking around.”
Discover how “Guild of Assassins” masterfully uses tropes to weave a dark fantasy tale of revenge, morality, and transformation. Dive into the narrative elements that captivate and engage.
As a writer, I’ve always been intrigued by the pivotal role of tropes in storytelling.
When used effectively, tropes provide a familiar structure that resonates with readers, yet they also leave ample space for innovation and engaging narratives.
Our protagonist, Soren, a humble sculptor’s apprentice, sees his life unravel when his father is mysteriously slain by an assassin.
This tragic event catapults Soren into a quest for revenge, challenging him to face the darker aspects of himself and the bleak realities of his environment.
The Role of Wise Mentors
Throughout his journey, Soren encounters various mentors, each representing the “Wise Old Mentor” trope in a distinct manner.
From Kurgan, his sculpting teacher, to the seasoned instructors of the guild, these characters impart essential wisdom and hard lessons that are crucial for his survival and development.
The Dynamics of Unlikely Allies
Joining Soren on his quest is Alaric, a fisherman’s apprentice, showcasing the “Unlikely Allies” trope.
Coming from contrasting backgrounds, their alliance adds depth to their interactions as they navigate trust and dependency in a world where betrayal is common.
The Darker Side of Training Montages
Their rigorous training within the assassins’ guild epitomizes the “Training Montage” trope, yet it’s imbued with a darker, more psychological intensity.
Both characters are pushed to their limits, confronting their ethics and humanity.
Secrets of the Assassins’ Guild
The guild itself is an exemplar of the “Secret Society” trope—a shadowy organization replete with its own intricate hierarchy and secretive agendas.
As Soren and Alaric delve deeper, they unravel ancient mysteries and confront the remnants of a once-heroic order, drawing upon the “Ancient Prophecies/Fallen Heroes” trope to enrich the narrative.
Confronting Loss of Innocence
One of the most striking tropes in “Guild of Assassins” is “Loss of Innocence.”
As Soren and Alaric are compelled to confront the harsh realities of their world, they undergo significant personal transformations, highlighting the complex theme of the cost of vengeance.
Tropes, when thoughtfully implemented, can be powerful tools for crafting memorable, engaging stories.
In “Guild of Assassins,” I have aimed to blend traditional fantasy elements with a fresh, gripping approach to storytelling, ensuring a narrative that will captivate readers long after they turn the final page.
I am excited for you to join Soren and Alaric on this dark, thrilling adventure when “Guild of Assassins” is released on June 12, 2024.
The Fall of Wolfsbane, Book 1 of the Ravenglass Legends fantasy series, is now available on major ebook platforms and at local libraries. Embark on an epic adventure with Ragnar Wolfsbane as he unravels ancient secrets and confronts his destiny in a world of magic and intrigue. Discover a thrilling tale of loyalty, loss, and the power of the human spirit in this must-read fantasy novel.
Good news, everyone!
I am thrilled to announce that my latest fantasy novel, The Fall of Wolfsbane (Ravenglass Legends, Book 1), is now available on a wide range of ebook platforms, making it easier than ever for you to dive into this epic adventure.
You can now find The Fall of Wolfsbane on:
Amazon Kindle
Google Play Books
Barnes and Noble Nook
Apple iBooks
Kobo
Ream
And many nore
I believe that everyone should have access to the magic of reading, which is why I’m excited to share that The Fall of Wolfsbane is also available through your local library.
You can borrow the ebook using popular apps like Overdrive and BorrowBox, ensuring that you can enjoy Ragnar Wolfsbane’s thrilling journey without any barriers.
The Fall of Wolfsbane marks the beginning of the Ravenglass Legends series, where ancient secrets, forbidden powers, and the unbreakable bonds of family intertwine in a world on the brink of change.
As Ragnar navigates the treacherous landscape of the Ostreich Empire, he must confront his own destiny and unravel the mysteries of ravenglass to protect those he holds dear.
So, head over to your preferred ebook platform or visit your local library’s digital catalogue to start reading The Fall of Wolfsbane today.
Embark on an unforgettable journey filled with magic, adventure, and the power of the human spirit.
Happy reading, and may Ravenglass Legends captivate your imagination!
Explore ‘The Fall of Wolfsbane’, an epic fantasy tale of resilience and rebellion in the Ravenglass Legends series.
Hello from chilly Morecambe!
I am beyond excited to announce the launch of my latest novel, The Fall of Wolfsbane, the first installment in the Ravenglass Legends series.
This book holds a special place in my heart, as it brings to life a story that has been brewing in my mind for years.
The Fall of Wolfsbane is set several centuries before the events of The Ravenglass Chronicles, during the tumultuous times when the Ostreich Empire first invaded Wiete.
At its heart are two unforgettable characters – Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane.
The son and daughter of a chieftain, their lives are upended when the Empire ravages their homeland.
Taken hostage and separated, they find themselves in the iron grip of their captors, forced to navigate a world where their very identities are under threat.
As I penned Ragnar and Maja’s journey, I delved deep into themes of loss, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.
Their story is not just one of survival; it’s about the struggle to hold onto one’s values and identity in the face of overwhelming odds.
Set in the Ravenglass Universe, The novel explores the complexity of family bonds, loyalty, and the fine line between compliance and rebellion.
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, praising the book for its “immersive tale,” “phenomenal world-building,” and “deep character development.”
Readers have particularly enjoyed the intricate political intrigue and the rich, detailed setting I’ve crafted.
But don’t just take their word for it – dive into the world of The Fall of Wolfsbane and experience the adventure for yourself!
The Fall of Wolfsbane is more than just the beginning of a new series; it’s an invitation to lose yourself in a world where every decision can change the fate of an empire, where loyalty is tested, and where the fight for freedom becomes a fight for one’s soul.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this journey – my family, friends, editor, and of course, you, my readers.
Your enthusiasm and encouragement have been the driving force behind this project.
The Fall of Wolfsbane is now available for purchase in both digital and print formats.
Grab your copy today and join Ragnar and Maja as they embark on an epic journey that promises to captivate, thrill, and inspire.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting new chapter.
Here’s to the adventures that await us in the pages of The Fall of Wolfsbane.
🚀 Book Launch Update: I’m thrilled to share the latest on my book launch for “The Fall of Wolfsbane,” Ravenglass Legends, Book 1. The journey is heating up as the paperback version is now live! Plus, mark your calendars – the Kindle edition releases on January 18, 2024. Get ready for a captivating read!
🎄 Christmas Special on Substack: Don’t miss out on my festive treat! “Lord Sidebottom and the Christmas Caper” will be available on my Substack on Christmas Eve. It’s a holiday story you won’t want to miss. Check it out at joncronshawauthor.substack.com.
📚 This Week’s Reads:
“Endgame”: Diving into this revealing exposé on the British royal family. It’s an eye-opener!
“The Eye of the World” by Robert Jordan: Continuing my journey with this epic fantasy saga.
Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and bookish conversations. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more author adventures!
Dive into the magical worlds of Jan Foster, British historical fantasy author, as she discusses her inspirations, writing process, and magical creatures in her stories.
Today we are joined by British historical fantasy author Jan Foster.
With a passion for history, Jan has created a world filled with magic and intrigue.
In this interview, we’ll dive into the inspiration behind her world, her writing process, and what readers can expect from her books.
So grab yourself a cuppa and join us on this journey into the world of historical fantasy.
What inspired you to start writing in the fantasy genre?
I write historical fantasy and history, although written often by the victors, could be read as absolute. Fantasy allows me to ask the ‘What if’ questions – like, what if I had to live with wings but pass as a human, what if the world as fae knew it was ruled by an immortal woman, and what if a bastard son was made vampire and took over the English throne. It’s fun to explore these ideas and play with them in a parallel world.
How do you approach world-building in your stories?
I have a world within the human world, whose society structure is based on nature’s creatures. The beings who inhabit this hidden world have to, at times, interact with the human world though but because they are more ancient, it’s accepted that they shouldn’t interfere too much and change the course of human history. Because its a parallel world, there is crossover though, and I tried to imagine the view which an ancient observer would have on the human world with the benefit of their long life and experience. Naturae itself is on a real (geographically speaking) island, so I had to incorporate the topography into the design of it!
Can you walk us through your writing process?
My stories are quite character driven (as in, I want the character to start at one point in their journey, face their challenge and then, grow from it – thus making up their arc), but I always start the plotting with the history. I look for years where there was a lot happening in the society – preferably a seismic shift because of change in ruler/religion/discovery and imagine how that might effect a character’s aims in their story arc. Once I’ve noted down those events and plotted out the character’s arc within the context, the storyline is virtually broken down into chunks for me to write. It takes a lot of research and pondering to see how the jigsaw of multiple POV’s is going to fit together so its a long process. Recently, I thought it would be quicker to write against a beat sheet, for a romantic fantasy, but it actually took me longer because I was so worried about keeping to the desired structure and at times, it just didn’t ‘feel’ right to move ahead with the plotline then. I think, when all is said and done, I’m a plantster through and through – I have a rough idea of where things are heading and when in the story, but let it evolve a bit more naturally than sticking to a word count for an intended end number of words!
Would you survive in your own fantasy world?
Absolutely – but not if I was still a human. I’d quite like to be a witch though.
What themes do you explore in your work?
Belief, right to rule, female empowerment (in a time when women were definitely second class citizens)
What do you consider to be your biggest influences as a writer?
I read widely, especially historical/historical fantasy, but I also LOVE thrillers. I’d like to think some of my influences are those who write in these genres, but I also highly rate authors / specialists who talk about story structure like John Truby and Lisa Cron.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to research for your stories?
Blacksmithing and medieval spycraft!
What do you hope readers take away from your stories?
I’d love it if they could see the parallels I infer with modern life from the history I cover, but perhaps that’s a wish too far. Mostly, I just want to tell a good story to escape into!
Would you rather have a pet dragon or a unicorn, why?
Dragon – I grew up with probably every Anne McCaffrey book she ever wrote so it had to be really!
If you could have any magical ability, what would it be?
I’m easy to please – I just want to be able to fly. Telekinesis would be cool though, or am I just too lazy to reach for my brew when I’m reading?
If you were stuck on a deserted island with one of your characters, who would it be and why?
Spenser – my Fae Ambassador to Europe. He’s a bit of a fop, a dandy, highly entertaining and well travelled, but would have so many tales to tell I’d never get bored. Plus he’s kinda hunky for a fae.
What would you name your pet dragon?
Clawsome
Where is the best place to start reading your work?
Sign up to my newsletter and receive a free novel – the prequel set in Viking era, Risking Destiny. You can sign up on my website and find out more about the Naturae series there as well.
By day, Jan juggles consultancy work with her family, but by night she sneaks off, into the past. Her penchant for sprinkling history with magic is fueled by coffee and Cadburys. When not writing, Jan takes her dogs and small monsters into the countryside, especially if there is a castle or historic building there with a cosy coffee shop in which to escape the rain of Manchester, England
Unlock the secrets of being a fantasy rogue with our comprehensive guide. Learn the art of deception, master disguise, enhance your observation skills, and embrace your silver tongue. Discover the essence of the rogue spirit in this thrilling adventure.
Being a rogue in a fantasy novel can be a thrilling adventure, but it’s not just about the clothes you wear or the weapons you carry.
It’s about the attitude and approach you bring to the game.
Here are seven ways to embody the rogue spirit if ever find yourself in a fantasy world.
1. Master the art of deception.
Rogues are known for their cunning and their ability to deceive others. So, if you want to be a successful rogue in your fantasy novel, you’ll need to learn the art of deception. This means learning how to use your wit and charm to get what you want and stay one step ahead of your enemies.
2. Be a master of disguise.
Being a rogue often means having to take on different personas and identities. So, be a master of disguise and be prepared to change your appearance at a moment’s notice.
3. Have a keen sense of observation.
Rogues are known for their attention to detail and their ability to observe their surroundings. So, develop a keen sense of observation and pay attention to your surroundings. You never know when a small detail might make all the difference.
4. Have a silver tongue.
A good rogue is always ready with a clever quip or a charming smile. So, hone your silver tongue and be ready to use it whenever the opportunity arises. Whether you’re charming your way out of a tight spot or winning over a potential ally, a silver tongue will serve you well as a rogue.
5. Never lose your sense of humour.
Life as a rogue can be unpredictable, but it’s important to never lose your sense of humour. Whether you’re facing danger or simply enjoying a good drink, always keep a light-hearted outlook and don’t take yourself too seriously. After all, being a rogue is all about having fun.
You can get the novel Birth of Assassins for free as part of the Ravenglass Universe starter library when you join my newsletter.
