Tag: military fantasy

What You Should Know Before Reading The Fall of Wolfsbane

Discover five essential things to know before you read The Fall of Wolfsbane, a gritty epic fantasy novel of conquest, resistance, and magic. Learn about the story’s world, characters, themes, and what makes this fantasy series stand out.

If you’re thinking of reading The Fall of Wolfsbane, the first book in my Ravenglass Legends series, here are five key things to know before you begin.

Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or new to the genre, this will help set the scene for the world, the tone, and the journey ahead.

1. This Is Not a Traditional Hero’s Journey

The Fall of Wolfsbane doesn’t follow a clear-cut tale of good versus evil.

It’s a story about survival, power, and the moral grey areas in between.

The protagonists aren’t chosen ones or saviours.

They’re young people torn from their home, forced to adapt, resist, or submit under an occupying force.

This is a coming-of-age story shaped by trauma, culture clash, and impossible choices.

2. The Story Is Told from Two Contrasting Perspectives

The novel follows a brother and sister, Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane, whose lives are violently upended by the Ostreich Empire’s conquest of their homeland.

Ragnar becomes a hostage, forced to live among the conquerors.

Maja is taken to the Empire’s capital as a court curiosity, stripped of her identity and used as a tool for political propaganda.

Their paths diverge, but their bond remains central to the story.

Each character’s perspective offers a different view of the same war—one from within the Empire, the other in defiance of it.

3. Expect Grit, Politics, and Emotionally Grounded Magic

This is a gritty epic fantasy with moments of emotional intensity.

There is violence, political manoeuvring, and deep psychological conflict.

The magic system, built around a rare substance called ravenglass, is powerful but comes with a price.

To forge a ravenglass weapon, blood must be spilled and tears must be shed.

The magic isn’t flashy—it’s mysterious, intimate, and tied to memory and emotion.

4. It Explores Themes of Empire, Resistance, and Identity

One of the driving forces behind the novel is a desire to portray the emotional and cultural cost of conquest.

It’s about what happens when a people are conquered—not just physically, but spiritually and culturally.

How do you hold on to your identity when your language, clothes, and customs are stripped away?

Both Ragnar and Maja face these questions in different ways, as they navigate their roles within the Empire and decide what it means to resist or survive.

5. There’s More to Come in the Ravenglass Legends Series

The Fall of Wolfsbane is only the beginning.

The story lays the groundwork for a larger conflict that will shape not only the fate of the Wolfsbane siblings but the future of the Ostreich Empire itself.

Secrets about the ravenglass, the origins of magic, and the truth behind the Empire’s expansion are only beginning to surface.

If you enjoy richly layered worlds with long-term stakes and character growth, there’s much more in store.

Ready to Begin The Fall of Wolfsbane?

Now that you know what to expect, I hope you’re ready to step into a world of war, resistance, and dangerous magic.

The Fall of Wolfsbane is a story about transformation, about what we become when everything is taken from us, and what we choose to protect when we have the chance to fight back.

I can’t wait for you to meet Ragnar and Maja…

Is The Fall of Wolfsbane Your Next Epic Fantasy Read? A Story of Conquest and Resistance

iscover The Fall of Wolfsbane, a gritty epic fantasy novel of war, empire, and survival. Follow Ragnar and Maja Wolfsbane as they fight for identity, resist conquest, and uncover the dark magic of ravenglass weapons.

The Fall of Wolfsbane is the first book in my epic fantasy series, Ravenglass Legends.

It is a story about war, empire, and survival. It is a story about identity and resistance in a world shaped by conquest.

I wanted to write a fantasy novel that didn’t shy away from the complexity of empire.

This isn’t a simple tale of good versus evil. It’s a story about people caught in impossible situations.It’s about the cost of survival and the price of power.

The novel follows two main characters.

Ragnar Wolfsbane is a warrior and heir to the northern territory of Meerand.

His world is destroyed when the expansionist Ostreich Empire conquers his homeland.

He watches his father executed. He is taken hostage. He is forced to live among the people who murdered his family and renamed his home.

Ragnar is a character shaped by loss and rage. But he is also a character who learns to adapt.

He forms alliances. He learns the language of the Empire. He survives by understanding his enemies.

Maja Wolfsbane, Ragnar’s younger sister, is taken to the imperial capital and is forced into the role of a court project, paraded as proof that the Empire civilises its captives.But Maja has her own quiet resistance.

She learns their ways while never forgetting her own. She uses their lessons against them. She plots her escape in secret.

I wanted the dual narrative to show two sides of the same war.

One sibling survives within the Empire. The other fights to break free from it.

The world of The Fall of Wolfsbane is shaped by politics, power, and cultural conflict. It’s a world where ancient magic exists but comes at a cost.

Magic in my story is tied to blood, memory, and sacrifice.

Ravenglass is a rare black mineral that can be forged into weapons.

These weapons aren’t just tools—they are bound to the person who creates them.

To forge a ravenglass weapon, blood must be spilled, tears must be shed.

I wanted magic to feel dangerous. I wanted it to feel personal.

At its heart, The Fall of Wolfsbane is about identity.

It’s about what we cling to when everything else is taken. It’s about how we change when we are forced to survive in hostile worlds.

The story is gritty and violent at times, but I never wanted it to feel nihilistic.

There is honour in resistance.

There is courage in survival.

Ragnar and Maja both carry the spirit of their lost home, even as they are shaped by the Empire.

They are both forced to make impossible choices.

Sometimes they win. Sometimes they lose. But they endure.

I wrote The Fall of Wolfsbane for readers who enjoy complex worlds and morally grey characters, for readers who want their fantasy to feel real, grounded, and emotionally honest.

If you enjoy stories about empire, rebellion, and the quiet strength of those who resist, I think you’ll find something here for you.

This is a story about conquest. This is a story about resistance. This is a story about magic that hurts and heals in equal measure.

This is The Fall of Wolfsbane. And this is only the beginning…

Start reading today.

🐉 Expanding Dragon Squadron & Exciting Book Releases! | Author Diary – March 14, 2025 📚✨

This week, I’ve been working on Dragon Squadron (RAF Dragon Corps)—what started as a novella is now a full novel! Plus, Shattered Kingdom is out now, and Forged in Blood is up for pre-order. Exciting times ahead! #FantasyBooks

This week, I’ve been deep in Dragon Squadron (RAF Dragon Corps), and what started as a novella has now evolved into a full novel!

I’m currently 16 chapters in out of 24, and the story is shaping up beautifully—I’m absolutely loving where it’s going.

In publishing news, Shattered Kingdom (The Ravenglass Throne: Part One) is now released, and Forged in Blood is officially up for pre-order!

It’s been a busy but exciting time, with lots of new stories heading your way.

Looking forward to pushing ahead with Dragon Squadron and getting these books into readers’ hands!

🐉 Announcing RAF Dragon Corps – WWII with Dragons! | Author Diary – March 7, 2025 📚✨

This week, I completed Dragon Squadron, an alternative history novella imagining dragons in WWII! Follow Jim Ashford as he joins the RAF Dragon Corps to defend Britain’s skies. Read the first chapter now on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/collection/1360827

This week, I completed a new novella in a new series and a new genre—alternative history/historical fantasy!

I’ve been working on Dragon Squadron, a story set in England 1938 that imagines what if there were dragons in World War II.

The novella follows Jim Ashford, a young man who defies his naval admiral father to join the elite RAF Dragon Corps.

Bonding with Aether, a midnight-blue combat dragon, Jim trains for the coming war against Germany’s ruthless dragon breeding programme, where dragons are raised for aggression and their riders show no mercy.

This story is deeply personal—I always wanted to join the RAF but couldn’t due to being legally blind.

Through this book, I’ve been able to explore that dream in fiction, blending military precision with fantasy adventure.

Chapters will be released weekly on Patreon, and the entire novella will be available to all patrons, including free members.

If dragons defending Britain’s skies intrigues you, I’d love for you to join me on this journey.

🔗 Read the first chapter now: patreon.com/collection/1360827

Beyond Dragons: The Unique Role of Wyverns in The Ravenglass Throne

Discover how The Ravenglass Throne redefines wyverns, making them essential to military, political, and magical structures. Unlike dragons, these creatures form deep bonds with riders, shaping the kingdom’s fate in ways that go beyond traditional fantasy tropes.

While dragons dominate much of fantasy literature, the wyverns of The Ravenglass Throne offer a distinct and compelling alternative.

These are not the typically solitary, often antagonistic dragons of traditional fantasy.

Instead, they are integral to a complex military and social structure, bound to their riders through a sophisticated magical network.

The Ravenglass Bond: A True Partnership

What sets these wyverns apart is their deep integration into the kingdom’s fabric.

Unlike dragons, often portrayed as ancient, independent beings who might deign to work with humans, these wyverns exist in a symbiotic relationship with their riders.

The ravenglass bond network creates a psychic connection that goes beyond mere telepathy.

It is a merging of purpose and identity that shapes both the rider and the mount.

Physical Characteristics and Practical Design

The physical attributes of these wyverns also distinguish them from traditional dragons.

While they share the general body plan of winged reptiles, their scale colours are more naturalistic, ranging from Berthold’s midnight black to Velten’s silver and Gisela’s gold.

They are designed for practical military use, rather than being overwhelming behemoths barely contained by human will.

This makes them more like actual military mounts than forces of nature.

Wyverns with Personality and Agency

These wyverns possess distinct personalities that complement their riders while maintaining their own agency.

Berthold’s tactical mindset pairs seamlessly with Irmin’s martial nature.

Gisela’s scholarly curiosity matches Adelinde’s intellectual pursuits.

Yet they are not simply reflections of their riders—they provide counterpoints, offering balance to human impulses.

Aerial Combat and Military Strategy

The military applications of wyverns in The Ravenglass Throne feel remarkably well thought out.

The aerial combat sequences demonstrate careful consideration of how such creatures would function in warfare.

Formations and tactics make strategic sense, integrating wyverns into military operations beyond simply unleashing fire at convenient moments.

The Ravenglass Network: A Source of Strength and Weakness

The ravenglass bond network adds another layer of depth, making these wyverns essential to the kingdom’s power structure in a way rarely seen with dragons.

The corruption of these bonds presents not just a military threat but an existential one, undermining the very foundation of society.

This elevates the wyverns beyond their role as mounts, making them essential participants in the kingdom’s stability.

Witz: The Royal Wyvern and Symbol of Authority

The wyverns also represent different aspects of power and governance.

Witz, as the royal wyvern, embodies both tradition and change.

He serves as an advisor and witness to multiple generations of rulers.

His role differs from the conventional “wise dragon” trope, focusing on practical governance rather than abstract wisdom.

Magic, Politics, and the Limits of Power

The relationship between wyverns and the ravenglass network creates unique magical and political dynamics.

Unlike dragons, who often wield innate magical abilities, these wyverns derive their power from their connection to a larger system.

This makes them vulnerable in ways dragons typically are not, allowing for more complex storytelling around themes of unity and interdependence.

Wyverns as an Everyday Presence

Even in daily life, these wyverns serve a different role than dragons in traditional fantasy.

Dragons are often portrayed as rare and semi-mythical, existing on the fringes of human society.

These wyverns, however, are woven into the fabric of the kingdom.

They perform military patrols, deliver messages, and take part in ceremonial functions.

Their presence is practical and necessary rather than simply awe-inspiring.

Corruption and the Fragility of Bonds

The corruption of wyverns in The Ravenglass Throne highlights a fresh take on familiar themes.

The idea of corrupted dragons is not new, but here, it is handled with nuance.

The corruption of the ravenglass bonds affects both wyvern and rider, reinforcing their interconnected nature.

This is not about powerful creatures turning evil—it is about the perversion of fundamental relationships.

A Masterclass in Fantasy Worldbuilding

For worldbuilding enthusiasts, the wyverns of The Ravenglass Throne serve as an excellent example of how to craft magical creatures that feel both fantastic and grounded.

They retain the awe-inspiring qualities of dragons while fulfilling specific and practical functions in society.

Their integration into military, political, and social structures makes them feel essential rather than ornamental.

Thematic Depth and Storytelling Potential

This approach to wyverns enriches the story’s themes of unity, trust, and interdependence.

It also creates unique opportunities for conflict and resolution.

It serves as a reminder that the most interesting fantasy creatures are not always the most powerful.

Instead, they are the ones most meaningfully connected to the structures that define their world.

start reading the ravenglass throne.

Beyond Magic and Swords: The Political and Academic Power in The Ravenglass Throne

Discover the inspiration behind The Ravenglass Throne. Shaped by my experiences in academia and journalism, this story explores military, political, and academic power, disability representation, and the complexity of influence in a fantasy world.

Hello from Morecambe!

I wanted to take a moment to share why I wrote The Ravenglass Throne.

For me, this story started with a desire to see myself—and the complexities of power I’ve observed throughout my career—reflected in fantasy.

Having spent time in both academia and political journalism, I’ve seen how different types of authority clash, compete, and sometimes complement each other.

That experience shaped the three sisters at the heart of this story, each of whom represents a different approach to power: military, political, and scholarly.

Elana’s story, in particular, is personal.

Like her, I have a visual impairment, and it was important to me to write a character whose limited vision isn’t a tragedy or a superpower—it’s just part of who she is.

Fantasy often presents disability in extremes, but I wanted to show what it’s really like to navigate both physical spaces and political landscapes with partial sight while holding significant responsibility.

My love of fantasy is woven into this story.

The political intrigue of The Goblin Emperor, the aerial military action of Temeraire, and the character depth of The Farseer Trilogy were all influences.

But I also wanted to bring something new: a world where different kinds of power—academic, political, and military—don’t just exist side by side, but must work together.

Adelinde’s arc is shaped by my time in research.

Too often, fantasy treats scholars as side characters who exist to give information to the ‘real’ protagonists.

But research has its own kind of power, and I wanted to explore that—along with its limitations.

My background in journalism also played a role.

I’ve spent years studying how information flows through power structures, how narratives are shaped, and how decisions are influenced by competing interests.

That’s why the world of The Ravenglass Throne is filled with shifting alliances, misinformation, and political manoeuvring—because that’s how power really works.

At its heart, though, this story is about three sisters learning to value each other’s strengths.

The divisions between academic, military, and political power can seem insurmountable, but The Ravenglass Throne explores how different approaches don’t always have to compete—they can complement.

This is the story I wish I could have read earlier in my own journey.

If you’ve ever felt caught between different worlds—whether academic and practical, physical and political, or personal and professional—I hope you see a little of your own experience reflected here.

I’d love to hear what you think—what kind of power do you find most compelling in fantasy?

Let me know by dropping a comment over on Patreon, where I’m always happy to chat.

Happy reading,

on

Download your free copy of Shattered Kingdom – The Ravenglass THrone: Part One.

How The Ravenglass Throne Balances Magic, Politics, and Military Power

Discover the intricate politics, military strategy, and mystical bonds that shape the kingdom of Ostreich in The Ravenglass Throne. Explore how power, leadership, and betrayal drive this compelling fantasy world.

The strength of a fantasy kingdom lies not just in its armies or magic, but in the intricate web of relationships that bind it together.

In The Ravenglass Throne, this is illustrated through the complex interplay of military might, political manoeuvring, and mystical bonds that form the foundation of Ostreich.

The Ravenglass Network: Power and Fragility

At the heart of the kingdom’s power structure lies the ravenglass network—a fascinating system that both literally and metaphorically connects the realm’s defenders.

The bond between wyvern and rider serves as more than just a military advantage; it is a perfect metaphor for the delicate balance of relationships that keep the kingdom stable.

When corruption threatens these bonds, it becomes clear how quickly seemingly unshakeable power structures can begin to crumble.

Military Strength: More Than Just Warfare

The military organisation of Ostreich reflects this duality of physical and mystical strength.

Commander Irmin’s aerial squadrons are not just fighting units; they are communities bound by trust and shared purpose.

The precision of their formations mirrors the precision required in maintaining the political alliances that support them.

Each wyvern rider must balance individual skill with absolute coordination—just as the noble houses must balance personal ambition with kingdom stability.

Political Intrigue: The Battle Within

The political landscape proves equally layered.

Noble houses such as Darius and Gerlach represent competing visions for the kingdom’s future, their machinations playing out in council chambers even as battles rage overhead.

The three royal sisters—warrior, diplomat, and scholar—embody different aspects of leadership that must work in harmony for the kingdom to survive.

Their journey from division to unity parallels the larger struggle to unite a fracturing realm.

The Fragility of Power

Perhaps most intriguing is how the story explores the vulnerability of seemingly impregnable power structures.

The ravenglass network, for all its strength, can be corrupted.

Military might alone cannot prevent internal betrayal.

Political alliances shift like sand when pressure is applied.

True security, the story suggests, comes not from any single source of power but from the careful balance of multiple strengths.

External Threats and Internal Consequences

Looking at neighbouring powers like Molotok, it becomes clear how external threats shape internal politics.

The constant pressure from beyond the borders forces Ostreich’s leaders to maintain military readiness while engaging in a delicate diplomatic dance.

This creates fascinating tensions between the need for strong defensive capabilities and the risk of appearing overly aggressive to potential allies.

A Fantasy Kingdom Rooted in Realism

The worldbuilding in The Ravenglass Throne offers valuable insights into how fantasy kingdoms can feel both magical and politically realistic.

The integration of wyvern bonds into military and political structures creates unique strategic considerations while serving the larger themes of unity and trust.

The result is a kingdom that feels both fantastical and grounded, where magical bonds and political alliances carry equal weight in maintaining stability.

The Balance of Power and Leadership

In the end, The Ravenglass Throne presents a compelling vision of kingdom-building where military power, political acumen, and mystical bonds must work in concert.

It is a reminder that the strongest kingdoms are those that understand how to balance multiple sources of power—and that the greatest threats often come not from external enemies, but from the erosion of the bonds that hold everything together.

This intricate political and military landscape serves as more than just a backdrop for the story; it is an integral part of the narrative that raises fascinating questions about power, leadership, and the true foundations of kingdom stability.

For readers interested in detailed fantasy worldbuilding, The Ravenglass Throne offers rich territory for analysis and discussion.

Download your free copy of Shattered Kingdom – The Ravenglass THrone: Part One.