I’ve been dying to share this with you for months, and the day has finally arrived. It’s my great pleasure to unveil the official book trailer for my upcoming epic fantasy novel, “Guild of Assassins”!
With this series. I wanted to create a tale that would transport you to a world of intrigue, where shadows hide secrets and danger lurks around every corner.
At the heart of “Guild of Assassins” is Soren, a young sculptor’s apprentice whose life is shattered when his father is murdered by a mysterious assassin.
Driven by grief and a thirst for justice, Soren sets out to uncover the truth. But his quest takes a dark turn when he’s forced to join the very guild responsible for his father’s death.
As Soren navigates the cutthroat politics of the assassins’ guild and endures a training regimen that pushes him to his limits, he discovers a web of secrets that could bring an empire to its knees.
But to survive, Soren must embrace the way of the assassin and become the very thing he hates most.
This story is packed with pulse-pounding action, searing betrayals, and a deeply human story of loss, redemption, and the price of vengeance.
“Guild of Assassins” is perfect for fans of Robin Hobb, Mark Lawrence, and Michael J. Sullivan. If you love gritty, immersive fantasy tales that keep you turning pages late into the night, this book is for you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the trailer…and of the story.
Drop a comment below and let me know what you think!
Discover ‘Guild of Assassins’ by Jon, now available in paperback and ebook! Dive into a dark high fantasy world of moral dilemmas and fierce battles. Order your copy or pre-order the Kindle edition today!
Good news, everyone!
I am thrilled to announce the launch of the paperback edition of my dark high fantasy novel, Guild of Assassins.
It is now available for purchase on Amazon, ready for those of who prefer the feel of a physical book in their hands. Order HERE.
For those who enjoy the convenience of digital reading, Guild of Assassins is also available as an ebook on various platforms, including Apple, Google Play, Kobo, and Nook. Order HERE.
You can also request the book through your local library app, such as Overdrive or BorrowBox.
Kindle lovers, mark your calendars! The Kindle edition will go live on June 12th, and you can pre-order it right now to ensure it’s delivered to your device on the release day.
Here’s the blurb:
Soren never imagined that his quest for justice would lead him into the depths of the assassins’ guild.
Forced to undergo brutal training and bloody trials, he soon realizes that the line between vengeance and villainy is blurring with each passing day.
As he grapples with the moral consequences of his actions, Soren must decide whether the price of revenge is worth the cost of his humanity.
Will he find the strength to stay true to himself, or will the guild’s twisted ways consume him?
Don’t miss out on this enthralling journey into a world of shadows, where the lines between good and evil are constantly tested.
Get your copy of Guild of Assassins in paperback on Amazon, as an ebook on your preferred platform, or request it from your local library.
Dive into the enthralling world of assassin fantasy, where stealth, intrigue, and complex characters dominate. Discover why this genre captivates readers and explore must-read books like “Guild of Assassins” for a tale of vengeance and justice.
In the darker corners of the fantasy genre, where morals are as grey as a stormy twilight, assassin fantasy carves out a niche that attracts readers with a penchant for the lethal dance of cloak and dagger.
This subgenre, steeped in the clandestine arts of stealth and murder, offers a thrilling escape into worlds where the deadliest characters are often the most compelling.
What Exactly Is Assassin Fantasy?
Assassin fantasy, a subgenre of fantasy literature, focuses on the lives and exploits of assassins, often entwining their fates with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and the gritty underbelly of society.
These narratives usually revolve around skilled protagonists who wield their deadly expertise not only to survive but to manipulate the balance of power around them.
Popular Examples That Cut to the Quick
Some shining examples in this shadowy genre include The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks, where the young street rat Azoth becomes the apprentice of Durzo Blint, a master assassin.
Not forgetting The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, featuring Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin fighting for her freedom and survival in a corrupt kingdom.
Tropes That Keep Readers on the Edge of Their Seats
Assassin fantasy thrives on a few key tropes that can be as predictable as they are delightful.
There’s the mentor-apprentice relationship, filled with hard lessons in bloody classrooms.
Secret identities and double lives add a layer of tension and intrigue, as characters navigate a world where anyone could be a target—or a threat.
Redemption arcs are common, with assassins often portrayed as tortured souls seeking salvation through their actions, whether they admit it or not.
Revenge plots are particularly juicy, thick with personal stakes and the inevitable question: will vengeance bring satisfaction or only more sorrow?
Then, of course, there’s the ever-popular lethal protagonist, a character who is as charismatic as they are capable of killing.
Why Do Readers Revel in Such Deadly Tales?
The allure of assassin fantasy lies in its exploration of the forbidden and the thrill of vicariously living through characters who operate outside societal norms.
Readers are drawn to the complexity of assassins—antiheroes who do the necessary dirty work, often motivated by a warped sense of justice or personal vendettas.
The high stakes and constant danger provide an adrenaline rush, while the strategic mind games and moral conundrums force readers to question their own values and the nature of right and wrong.
Essential read: Guild of Assassins
If your appetite for shadowy figures and sharp objects has been whetted, then you should definitely check out Guild of Assassins.
The story plunges you into the life of Soren, a sculptor’s apprentice who is swept into the dark world of an assassins’ guild after his father’s murder.
What starts as a quest for justice spirals into a gripping tale of vengeance, challenging the boundaries between right and wrong, and testing the strength of human resolve.
So, if you revel in tales where the scent of blood is often masked by the smell of rain on cobblestones, where figures lurk in the shadows ready to change the course of history with a single well-placed blow, then the world of assassin fantasy is waiting for you with open arms—and perhaps a hidden blade.
Discover Guild of Assassins by Jon Cronshaw—a dark fantasy novel about justice, revenge, and transformation. Perfect for fans of Robin Hobb and Brent Weeks. Gritty, emotional, and character-driven. Available now on Kindle and paperback.
If you’re a fan of dark, emotionally driven fantasy—Guild of Assassins should be your next read.
Written by British author Jon Cronshaw, this novel kicks off a new series set in the gritty Ravenglass Universe. Think Assassin’s Apprentice meets The Night Angel Trilogy with a touch of Joe Abercrombie’s realism and emotional grit.
What’s it About?
Soren is a sculptor’s apprentice in the port town of Nebel Hafen. He’s on track for a quiet life—until his father is murdered and the killer disappears into the night.
With no help from the Magistrates, Soren abandons everything: his tools, his home, his future. Joined by his best friend Alaric, he follows a trail of whispers that leads to a name spoken only in hushed tones—the Guild of Assassins.
To get justice, Soren will have to become what he hates. And once you learn to kill, it changes you forever.
Why You’ll Love It
Guild of Assassins combines:
Gritty, low-magic fantasy
A revenge-fuelled coming-of-age story
Secret societies and assassin guilds
Tight character development
Themes of grief, loyalty, and moral conflict
It’s emotionally intense, tightly paced, and completely immersive.
You’ll walk with Soren through rain-soaked alleys, crumbling ports, and dangerous backstreets as he wrestles with the question: Can you get justice without becoming a monster?
Perfect For Fans Of…
Robin Hobb
Brent Weeks
Joe Abercrombie
The Poppy War
The Lies of Locke Lamora
Assassin stories with emotional stakes
Dark fantasy that puts character first
Who is Jon Cronshaw?
Jon Cronshaw is an indie fantasy author from the UK, known for The Ravenglass Chronicles, The Fall of Wolfsbane, and now Guild of Assassins. His stories are deeply human, emotionally rich, and written with a sharp eye for character.
Fun fact: Jon is blind and writes using screen reader technology. His unique perspective brings texture and depth to his storytelling.
Get the latest updates on my Substack novel, Guild of Assassins, in this week’s author diary. Plus, discover what I’m currently reading from the Horus Heresy series!
Hello from sunny Morecambe!
In this week’s author diary, I dive into the latest progress on my Substack novel, Guild of Assassins.
Buckle up, as I’ve completed not one, not two, but three new chapters!
I also delve into my current reads from the Horus Heresy series—The Unremembered Empire and Scars. If you’re a Warhammer 40k aficionado or just love a good sci-fi read, stick around.
So, what are you waiting for? Hit that ‘Like’ button if you enjoyed the video, smash ‘Subscribe’ to never miss an update, and ring that bell icon so you’ll be the first to know when a new video drops.
Let’s keep the conversation going—leave your thoughts in the comments!
Join me in sunny Morecambe for this week’s Author Diary where I discuss new chapters in Guild of Assassins, and my journey of turning Blind Gambit into an audiobook.
Hello from sunny Morecambe!
In this week’s Author Diary, I delved into the progress of my Substack novel, Guild of Assassins and share insights oncrafting three new chapters.
Not just content with the written word, I also used Eleven Labs to transform my novel Blind Gambit into an audiobook.
You can gain early access to novels and exclusive stories by signing up to my Substack page.
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.
Writing update:
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 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!
Reading update:
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.
A little confession:
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.
Dive into author updates from sunny Morecambe! Explore new chapters, the continuation of ‘Guild of Assassins’, and delve into the ‘Horus Heresy’ series.
Hello from sunny Morecambe!
Another week, another set of chapters in the bag. I’ve been carrying on with my Substack series ‘Guild of Assassins,’ with two more chapters complete and ready for your eyes.
In addition to that, I’ve started writing a new story—a follow-up to ‘Orphan Farm Boy of Destiny’ entitled ‘The Unchosen One.’
I’ll be releasing on my Substack every other Wednesday…for free.
On the reading front, the Horus Heresy series remains my literary companion. Currently engrossed in ‘Angel Exterminatus’—book 23, for those keeping track.
If you haven’t already, do subscribe to my YouTube channel for regular updates and insights.
For those who prefer to listen, ‘Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary’ is available as an audio podcast. Perfect for your daily commute or a quick listen while you’re doing the washing up.
Thank you for joining me on this writing journey. Your support means the world to me.
Don’t forget to hit the thumbs up, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments.
I also delve into my current read – the 20th book of the Horus Heresy series, The Primarchs.
Please note, next week’s Author Diary will be a bit delayed as I’m taking a week off to recharge.
In the meantime, you won’t be missing out as daily blog posts will still be going live on my website https://joncronshaw.com/blog as well as updates on my Substack.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Remember to hit the subscribe button and stay tuned for more insights into my writing journey.
Discover progress on ‘Guild of Assassins’ & epic Warhammer 40k journey. Join me on YouTube for more adventures! Subscribe now.
Hello from sunny Morecambe!
Welcome back to my weekly author diary, where I share all the updates from my writing journey and reading escapades.
This week, I am thrilled to bring you the latest developments on my novel, “Guild of Assassins.”
I’ve been focusing my attention this week on my novel “Guild of Assassins.”
And another chapter is ready for you to read!
Head over to my Substack profile to read the latest installment of this action-packed adventure.
Your support and encouragement have been the driving force behind my progress, and I’m grateful for each one of you who has been on this journey with me.
I’ve also been continuing my epic readthrough of the Warhammer 40k Horus Heresy series. The battles, the mysteries, and the character arcs have kept me hooked.
As we venture into the school summer holidays, I’d like to share my plans for the upcoming weeks.
My main focus will be on writing “Guild of Assassins.” This is so I can be sure to get the next chapter out on Substack on time every Saturday.
To stay connected and not miss a single update, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel, where you’ll find the latest video of this author diary.
By subscribing, you’ll be part of an incredible community of like-minded individuals passionate about storytelling, world-building, and thrilling adventures.
