What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wolf and the Wyvern: A Nobledark Fantasy Novel
Ragnar is destined to rule…
…but his path is shadowed by deception.
Tasked with a perilous quest to rescue Prince Eckhart from the Northern Reaches, Ragnar harbours a dark secret—he killed Eckhart.
Bound by duty to a mission he knows is doomed, Ragnar finds himself with an unexpected goal when Witz reveals the quest's true nature.
Despite the revelation, Ragnar's heart longs to reunite with his sister Maja and reclaim his birthright.
Meanwhile, Maja has returned to Wiete after escaping her royal captors.
She allies with childhood friends to undermine the Empire, and the rebellion gains an unforeseen advantage with the arrival of a powerful ally.
But will this be enough for Maja to find Ragnar and restore their homeland?
Can Ragnar balance his role as Knight Protector of the Empire with his true allegiance to Meerand?
What are Witz’s true intentions?
Loyalties are tested, and paths intertwine in a land where honour and betrayal lie close together.
The Wolf and the Wyvern is the second instalment of Jon Cronshaw’s epic fantasy saga, Ravenglass Legends.
Click Buy Now or Read For Free to plunge into this unputdownable journey of duty, desire, and destiny.
…but his path is shadowed by deception.
Tasked with a perilous quest to rescue Prince Eckhart from the Northern Reaches, Ragnar harbours a dark secret—he killed Eckhart.
Bound by duty to a mission he knows is doomed, Ragnar finds himself with an unexpected goal when Witz reveals the quest's true nature.
Despite the revelation, Ragnar's heart longs to reunite with his sister Maja and reclaim his birthright.
Meanwhile, Maja has returned to Wiete after escaping her royal captors.
She allies with childhood friends to undermine the Empire, and the rebellion gains an unforeseen advantage with the arrival of a powerful ally.
But will this be enough for Maja to find Ragnar and restore their homeland?
Can Ragnar balance his role as Knight Protector of the Empire with his true allegiance to Meerand?
What are Witz’s true intentions?
Loyalties are tested, and paths intertwine in a land where honour and betrayal lie close together.
The Wolf and the Wyvern is the second instalment of Jon Cronshaw’s epic fantasy saga, Ravenglass Legends.
Click Buy Now or Read For Free to plunge into this unputdownable journey of duty, desire, and destiny.
- GenresFantasy
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2024
49 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Jon Cronshaw
98 books136 followersJon Cronshaw is a British science fiction and fantasy author based in the north of England, just south of the wall.
As a freelance features writer, he has had work published in local and national newspapers across the UK, including the Yorkshire Post and the Guardian.
He earned his PhD in history of art from the University of Leeds in 2011, focusing on the life and work of Anglo-American sculptor, Jacob Epstein (1880-1959).
He's a voracious reader, guide dog owner, ex-gamer, and wrestling fan.
As a freelance features writer, he has had work published in local and national newspapers across the UK, including the Yorkshire Post and the Guardian.
He earned his PhD in history of art from the University of Leeds in 2011, focusing on the life and work of Anglo-American sculptor, Jacob Epstein (1880-1959).
He's a voracious reader, guide dog owner, ex-gamer, and wrestling fan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 28, 2024
Golly where do I start? I suppose at the beginning, where Maja and Ragnar are on two separate sides of the realm, she, determined to find him, he, on a mission for Prince Gregor. A futile mission though. Ragnar is tasked with finding Eckart, an impossibility seeing as Ragnar ki**ed this vile specimen of a person, who also happened to be the son of Prince Gregor. Complicated? Yeah... Ragnar has to keep it a secret, who knows what the repercussions would be if it was to be known. The Empire has devoured everything, forcefully taking Clan after Clan into their mighty fold. Unstoppable. Or are they... This is a simplistic attempt by me to try convey this phenomenal world, with it's phenomenal characters. I do so poorly because it's not possible to capture all my thoughts, all my veneration for this author, his storytelling, his absorbing tale, in a few paragraphs. I'll touch on a few.
Ragnar is so cool, he might have been next in line to be Chieftain, he might be an "adopted" son of Prince Gregor but he's down to earth, no airs and graces, just one of the boys. His position is a complicated one, he was basically forced into servitude to the Empire under Prince Gregor, who took him under his wing, took him as a son in all but name. I like Gregor, even though he IS part of the enemy, he's a compassionate and decent person, he's fair and very likeable. And he genuinely believes the Empire's spread is for the betterment of the realm. Ragnar on the other hand, knows that the Empire rots everything and his aim is to reclaim his his Clan, to pry apart the tightly clenched fist the Empire has squeezed around his Clan. The wyvern Witz is a mystery all to itself, what does it want with Ragnar? It obviously has an agenda, very well concealed and his cryptic messages to Ragnar don't give much away. Like "you're destined for greatness", "your path lies in another direction", "all will become clear", yeah, cryptic. I can't tell at this stage if Witz is on Ragnar's side or serving another purpose.
The betrayal of Olaf cuts deep into Maja and Ragnar, they lost everything because of his greed, his quest for power led to the annihilation of their family, the decimation of their Clan, enslavement to the Empire. Maja is reeling from the loss of her brother, and sets out to find him together with her friend Virium. She fights tooth and nail to turn the tide, to right the wrongs, and find her brother. She's determined to put him in his rightful place, as chief. A perilous undertaking indeed! I loved the strength of her convictions, she keeps saying she's just a girl but heck is she a lot more! Besides being a Wolfsbane, she's savvy, smart, intuitive and people rally to her cause. Contrary to what she believes, she IS a natural leader! What a delight to see her gain confidence! What a delight to see her mind work! And I was thrilled to see the reappearance of Peterade! Who to trust is questionable, both for Maja and Ragnar as they plod forward, the reach of the Empire is vast, spies are everywhere....These characters are fully defined, their convictions so plausible, some twisted by the lies of the Empire, some seeing beyond the lies. In this landscape, Ragnar learns new truths, Ragnar becomes something different, his ravenglass blades transform him. As for Witz, well good golly, suffice to say I'm desperate to uncover the whole truth behind him, his motivation, his need of Ragnar.
Duplicity, betrayal, loyalty, friendship, loss, grief, reunions, and an incredible drive to bring about change, to end the Empire's rampage, with ever evolving characters, Jon sets an awesome pace throughout, he takes the plot and runs with it, giving us character driven storytelling in a brutal world so vivid and alive, I look through their eyes, I feel through their emotions, I fight alongside them, l live through their remorse and aspirations. Thrilling. Action filled. Awesomely paced. Totally engaging. If you liked Vikings and The Kingdom, this book and series is for you.
Ragnar is so cool, he might have been next in line to be Chieftain, he might be an "adopted" son of Prince Gregor but he's down to earth, no airs and graces, just one of the boys. His position is a complicated one, he was basically forced into servitude to the Empire under Prince Gregor, who took him under his wing, took him as a son in all but name. I like Gregor, even though he IS part of the enemy, he's a compassionate and decent person, he's fair and very likeable. And he genuinely believes the Empire's spread is for the betterment of the realm. Ragnar on the other hand, knows that the Empire rots everything and his aim is to reclaim his his Clan, to pry apart the tightly clenched fist the Empire has squeezed around his Clan. The wyvern Witz is a mystery all to itself, what does it want with Ragnar? It obviously has an agenda, very well concealed and his cryptic messages to Ragnar don't give much away. Like "you're destined for greatness", "your path lies in another direction", "all will become clear", yeah, cryptic. I can't tell at this stage if Witz is on Ragnar's side or serving another purpose.
The betrayal of Olaf cuts deep into Maja and Ragnar, they lost everything because of his greed, his quest for power led to the annihilation of their family, the decimation of their Clan, enslavement to the Empire. Maja is reeling from the loss of her brother, and sets out to find him together with her friend Virium. She fights tooth and nail to turn the tide, to right the wrongs, and find her brother. She's determined to put him in his rightful place, as chief. A perilous undertaking indeed! I loved the strength of her convictions, she keeps saying she's just a girl but heck is she a lot more! Besides being a Wolfsbane, she's savvy, smart, intuitive and people rally to her cause. Contrary to what she believes, she IS a natural leader! What a delight to see her gain confidence! What a delight to see her mind work! And I was thrilled to see the reappearance of Peterade! Who to trust is questionable, both for Maja and Ragnar as they plod forward, the reach of the Empire is vast, spies are everywhere....These characters are fully defined, their convictions so plausible, some twisted by the lies of the Empire, some seeing beyond the lies. In this landscape, Ragnar learns new truths, Ragnar becomes something different, his ravenglass blades transform him. As for Witz, well good golly, suffice to say I'm desperate to uncover the whole truth behind him, his motivation, his need of Ragnar.
Duplicity, betrayal, loyalty, friendship, loss, grief, reunions, and an incredible drive to bring about change, to end the Empire's rampage, with ever evolving characters, Jon sets an awesome pace throughout, he takes the plot and runs with it, giving us character driven storytelling in a brutal world so vivid and alive, I look through their eyes, I feel through their emotions, I fight alongside them, l live through their remorse and aspirations. Thrilling. Action filled. Awesomely paced. Totally engaging. If you liked Vikings and The Kingdom, this book and series is for you.
August 29, 2024
Is change always “progress”?
It’s rather arrogant to assume that one’s method of ruling is better than others. Better for whom? Who’s to say?
It’s quite another thing to forcibly impose conflicting religious practices and cultural viewpoints on the subjugated after having destroyed ‘all sense of loyalty to a place’ by disbursing the conquered throughout the lands. How is this spreading enlightenment?
The characters view the Northern as barbaric, but at least they recognize that harsh environments make for a harsh people. When fighting daily for survival in an area ‘where the earth pours her blood from the ground’, one could understand (perhaps even respect) a more cynical approach to the value of life and/or priorities for resource allocation.
But the Empire hails from a land of plenty… What’s its excuse for violence, for gluttony, etc.?
‘Just like the Empire. Take what you want and leave the rest for waste.’
How is this spreading enlightenment?
Some sage advice from the author:
Play the long game.
Learn all you can about your enemy.
Never underestimate the power of a bard, a jester, or a quill.
Fave lines:
‘To returning home’
‘The past cannot be undone. We can but move forward as best we’re able.’
‘Even the barest whispers of dissent can spread like wildfire if given the right kindling.’
Resigning oneself to uncontrollable circumstances might seem to be a weakness; biding one’s time to gain freedom takes strength; it takes patience, it takes planning. But if ya have to speak in whispers even with closed windows…then perhaps the time for caution is over.
Looking forward to even more deception & duty and rebellion & restoration in the upcoming ‘The Knight and the Rebel’.
It’s rather arrogant to assume that one’s method of ruling is better than others. Better for whom? Who’s to say?
It’s quite another thing to forcibly impose conflicting religious practices and cultural viewpoints on the subjugated after having destroyed ‘all sense of loyalty to a place’ by disbursing the conquered throughout the lands. How is this spreading enlightenment?
The characters view the Northern as barbaric, but at least they recognize that harsh environments make for a harsh people. When fighting daily for survival in an area ‘where the earth pours her blood from the ground’, one could understand (perhaps even respect) a more cynical approach to the value of life and/or priorities for resource allocation.
But the Empire hails from a land of plenty… What’s its excuse for violence, for gluttony, etc.?
‘Just like the Empire. Take what you want and leave the rest for waste.’
How is this spreading enlightenment?
Some sage advice from the author:
Play the long game.
Learn all you can about your enemy.
Never underestimate the power of a bard, a jester, or a quill.
Fave lines:
‘To returning home’
‘The past cannot be undone. We can but move forward as best we’re able.’
‘Even the barest whispers of dissent can spread like wildfire if given the right kindling.’
Resigning oneself to uncontrollable circumstances might seem to be a weakness; biding one’s time to gain freedom takes strength; it takes patience, it takes planning. But if ya have to speak in whispers even with closed windows…then perhaps the time for caution is over.
Looking forward to even more deception & duty and rebellion & restoration in the upcoming ‘The Knight and the Rebel’.
August 18, 2024
Action-packed sequel to The Fall of Wolfsbane!
The Wolf and the Wyvern is the second book in the Ravenglass Legends series and a welcome addition to the series. This book is split between following the exploits of Ragnar and Maja as each pursues their own ends to reclaiming their birthright and each other. The action and intrigue in this story are nonstop and edge-of-your-seat thrilling.
While Fantasy isn’t one of my normal reading genres, when it comes to any of Jon Cronshaw’s Ravenglass stories I have no problem putting everything aside to immerse myself in the world Jon has created. Of course, while I may have to pay for putting things off, the entertainment I get from Jon’s storytelling is well worth any price of doubling efforts once the story has been consumed.
If you enjoy stories with well-developed characters and a well-developed fantasy world you owe it to yourself to give this series a shot. My bet is if you read the two books of this series you will find yourself reading all the other books set in this world.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Wolf and the Wyvern from the author through StoryOrigin and chose to provide my review.
The Wolf and the Wyvern is the second book in the Ravenglass Legends series and a welcome addition to the series. This book is split between following the exploits of Ragnar and Maja as each pursues their own ends to reclaiming their birthright and each other. The action and intrigue in this story are nonstop and edge-of-your-seat thrilling.
While Fantasy isn’t one of my normal reading genres, when it comes to any of Jon Cronshaw’s Ravenglass stories I have no problem putting everything aside to immerse myself in the world Jon has created. Of course, while I may have to pay for putting things off, the entertainment I get from Jon’s storytelling is well worth any price of doubling efforts once the story has been consumed.
If you enjoy stories with well-developed characters and a well-developed fantasy world you owe it to yourself to give this series a shot. My bet is if you read the two books of this series you will find yourself reading all the other books set in this world.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Wolf and the Wyvern from the author through StoryOrigin and chose to provide my review.
May 23, 2025
Everything he has ever known has changed in Ragnar Wolfbane's world, but as the heir to Meerand, he has a duty to stay alive and reclaim his position as Chieftain.
Having been told his sister is dead, his reaction when he learns from his duplicitous uncle that she has recently been seen alive makes Ragnar desperate to find her, but he is sent on a mission by the Prince, one that Ragnar knows is doomed to failure, yet gives him the freedom to travel.
The wyvern, Witz, has his own plans for Ragnar. Manipulating him with half truths, Witz guides Ragnar on a more perilous course. To complicate matters, the Prince's second son insists on coming along and is constantly in conflict with Ragnar's best friend, Kesh, whom Ragnar has rescued from the oblivion of slavery.
Meanwhile, Maja tries to find Ragnar, but learns of his mission and gets caught up in an adventure of her own.
I won't say more as spoilers are inevitable on a second book, but I will say I'm looking forward to reading the third book of this Trilogy to see how it all turns out for them.
All of the Ravenglass series books I've read have been excellent and this one is no exception. Easy 5 stars.
Having been told his sister is dead, his reaction when he learns from his duplicitous uncle that she has recently been seen alive makes Ragnar desperate to find her, but he is sent on a mission by the Prince, one that Ragnar knows is doomed to failure, yet gives him the freedom to travel.
The wyvern, Witz, has his own plans for Ragnar. Manipulating him with half truths, Witz guides Ragnar on a more perilous course. To complicate matters, the Prince's second son insists on coming along and is constantly in conflict with Ragnar's best friend, Kesh, whom Ragnar has rescued from the oblivion of slavery.
Meanwhile, Maja tries to find Ragnar, but learns of his mission and gets caught up in an adventure of her own.
I won't say more as spoilers are inevitable on a second book, but I will say I'm looking forward to reading the third book of this Trilogy to see how it all turns out for them.
All of the Ravenglass series books I've read have been excellent and this one is no exception. Easy 5 stars.
October 15, 2025
Will the siblings ever find each other again?
Once again, we’re back in the world of the Empire. This time around, Maja has managed to escape from the evil Princess Saranka, who truly did treat Maja bad. Maja knew if she hadn’t escaped, she would eventually have been killed. Of course, she heads back to her home, only to find out that her uncle betrayed her family and is now in charge, under the Empire of course. Meanwhile, due to his bravery, Ragnar has been named Knight Protector of the Empire and charged to find Prince Eckhart—the very man he killed after Eckhart ambushed him. Of course, the wyvern Witz has plans of his own and convinces Ragnar to go north. This is a very interesting fantasy, complete with quests, life or death situations, and all kinds of twists and turns. I was pulled into this fantasy with the first book and still want to know how it will all end. The writing is excellent, the plot exciting and the action is non-stop!
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once again, we’re back in the world of the Empire. This time around, Maja has managed to escape from the evil Princess Saranka, who truly did treat Maja bad. Maja knew if she hadn’t escaped, she would eventually have been killed. Of course, she heads back to her home, only to find out that her uncle betrayed her family and is now in charge, under the Empire of course. Meanwhile, due to his bravery, Ragnar has been named Knight Protector of the Empire and charged to find Prince Eckhart—the very man he killed after Eckhart ambushed him. Of course, the wyvern Witz has plans of his own and convinces Ragnar to go north. This is a very interesting fantasy, complete with quests, life or death situations, and all kinds of twists and turns. I was pulled into this fantasy with the first book and still want to know how it will all end. The writing is excellent, the plot exciting and the action is non-stop!
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 11, 2024
There is little doubt that after a total victory by an empire of new territory it remains the task of that empire to enforce obedience of the conquered to the new rulers.
As Ragnar and Maja discovered rather graphically. More so when Ragnar killed a crown prince of the new empire. And another prince travels with Ragnar to a frozen hell known as the northern territories to look for the "dead' prince.
However, that is exactly where a rather weird problem took on a life of it's own.
And Maja? Fixated on finding her brother Ragnar, Maja is about to instigate a rebellion.
The Wolf and the Wyvern is a rather intriguing fantasy with scope for a lot more to develop and happen. I will keenly await the next book in this series.
Enjoy
As Ragnar and Maja discovered rather graphically. More so when Ragnar killed a crown prince of the new empire. And another prince travels with Ragnar to a frozen hell known as the northern territories to look for the "dead' prince.
However, that is exactly where a rather weird problem took on a life of it's own.
And Maja? Fixated on finding her brother Ragnar, Maja is about to instigate a rebellion.
The Wolf and the Wyvern is a rather intriguing fantasy with scope for a lot more to develop and happen. I will keenly await the next book in this series.
Enjoy
August 29, 2024
Book two of this incredible fantasy series and we rejoin Ragnar and Maja as their journeys continue. The author does a fantastic job of intertwining each storyline as this brother and sister continue to reunite and take back their home. It’s a gripping and thrilling adventure brimming with dark magic, danger, mystery, intrigue and has you on the edge of your seat with the twists and turns thrown in our path. Incredible world building, wonderfully developed characters and a story you cannot put down, I am so ready for the next book please.
August 16, 2024
Maja is on her own, trying to salvage what was their world. But her own uncle, Olaf, is a traitor to their people, a tool now of the Empire. Ragnar is on a seeming-quest in support of the Empire to find a lost prince, but there are many more layers to his involvement, and future role.
An intriguing series in the Ravenglass world. 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.
An intriguing series in the Ravenglass world. 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.
August 16, 2024
A good continuation from Book 1, The Fall of Wolfsbane. Two very different paths lay ahead for siblings Maja and Ragnar, but with one goal; take back their heritage and rescue their people from the tyranny of the new ruler. The pages are filled with action, missions, confusion, sorcery and unexpected revelations. A great read and can't wait to read the next instalment. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2024
Nice YA fantasy story divided in two lines (one for each sibling).
That could seem a bit slow sometimes, while other times some naivety (normal in YA fantasy) hustle to action.
Yet, it has a great world and the characters are well defined (and growing)
The plot is becoming more complex and the lines probably will colide in the next book.
Enterteining, it has the possibily to become an epic fantasy story.
That could seem a bit slow sometimes, while other times some naivety (normal in YA fantasy) hustle to action.
Yet, it has a great world and the characters are well defined (and growing)
The plot is becoming more complex and the lines probably will colide in the next book.
Enterteining, it has the possibily to become an epic fantasy story.
September 1, 2024
Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. The journey of a brother and sister, separated by the takeover of their home becomes a fast paced, nail biting saga. I was totally immersed in the story with the separate storylines beautifully woven together. The plot is addictive with lots of action, emotional turmoil and suspense as plans are made to take back their homeland. The call of the Ravenglass and the wyverns that help make for a story you can’t put down!
August 16, 2024
An excellent fantasy with well developed world imagery and an outstanding cast of characters. The book deals with sibling loyalty, dark magic, the price of power, and keeps the reader guessing. A real page turner that I highly recommend. Bring on the next adventure in this excellent series.
August 23, 2024
Life on this world is hard. There are a lot of things to be afraid of too. Interesting story with danger and trials to get through. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 13, 2024
Great story with plenty of action and twists.
August 17, 2024
Another amazing fantasy. Ragnar harbours a secret, hopefully no one will find out. Will he be able to reunite with his sister. Plenty of danger and secrets to keep you reading.
March 30, 2025
Another great story
I enjoyed this book as much as the first and I can't wait to see what lies in store for them on the next adventure. What is the Wyvern up to?
I enjoyed this book as much as the first and I can't wait to see what lies in store for them on the next adventure. What is the Wyvern up to?
August 11, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series. Plenty of action throughout, a solid plot. Some unexpected twists and the compulsion to advise both Maja and Ragnar to engage their respective wyvern allies in finding the other sibling. Best of all there is still more to come.
September 4, 2024
I like this continuation of the story and the ongoing character development. The flow of the story kept my interest and it was a quick read. i hope there are more books in this series.
March 27, 2025
Ragnar and Maja continue on their quest to take back their home and reunite with each other. Ragnar is on a perilous quest and is hiding a secret. Witz has taken him and his companions on a fool’s errand and only answers in riddles and never the full truth. Maja has returned and meets up with old allies and is determined to undermine the Empire. The rebellion gains an unforeseen advantage with a powerful ally. Lots of duty, deception with sibling loyalty. Lots of unexpected twists. It contains lots of dark magic, adventure and great characters. There will be power struggles and secret alliances. A great second book in the series.
I received a review copy and I volunteered to leave an honest review.
Merged review:
Ragnar and Maja continue on their quest to take back their home and reunite with each other. Ragnar is on a perilous quest and is hiding a secret. Witz has taken him and his companions on a fool’s errand and only answers in riddles and never the full truth. Maja has returned and meets up with old allies and is determined to undermine the Empire. The rebellion gains an unforeseen advantage with a powerful ally. Lots of duty, and deception with sibling loyalty. Lots of unexpected twists. It contains lots of dark magic, adventure, and great characters. There will be power struggles and secret alliances. A great second book in the series.
January 13, 2025
The Wolf And The Wyvern - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Jon Cronshaw's 2nd book in his excellent Ravenglass Legends series is The Wolf and the Wyvern, an epic tale centred around separated royal siblings Maja and Ragnar, both determined to restore justice in a kingdom under the sway of enemies, the Empire.
Witz the wyvern guides Ragnar in his quest to the North, while in Wiete, Maja gathers friends and comrades to fight back... while also seeking Ragnar - the true Chieftain!
A real treat for fantasy lovers - get The Wolf and The Wyvern to see where the epic saga will lead next!
Jon Cronshaw's 2nd book in his excellent Ravenglass Legends series is The Wolf and the Wyvern, an epic tale centred around separated royal siblings Maja and Ragnar, both determined to restore justice in a kingdom under the sway of enemies, the Empire.
Witz the wyvern guides Ragnar in his quest to the North, while in Wiete, Maja gathers friends and comrades to fight back... while also seeking Ragnar - the true Chieftain!
A real treat for fantasy lovers - get The Wolf and The Wyvern to see where the epic saga will lead next!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews