Jon 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.
Interesting enough story. Each "episode" or book, is inspired by a card in the tarot's Major Arcana (specifically from the classic Rider-Waite deck). This was quite interesting, and you can definitely "see" where these incorporate into the story. Each "episode" is actually quite short. In reality, it only took me a few days to read all 11, as I really only read at night for a few hours before going to sleep. But it was quite entertaining, and yet frustrating at times. Read it, and you'll understand why.
I give this series one star, barely. It was like pulling teeth for me to get interested in reading it, then I'd read more, thinking that it would get my interest piqued, to no avail. It's a great idea having all the episodes in one, rather than purchased separately. In the end, I decided to quit reading this, and move onto a book that I can't wait to begin reading again.
Really enjoyed having all the books in one place. The characters were superb especially Kat. She has a lot to deal with in ruling the empire. Loved it.
If you’re looking for a collection of fantasy stories that will keep you engrossed for hours upon hours then the complete set of Ravenglass Chronicles Omnibus by Jon Cronshaw is the perfect coming of age fantasy collection that is utterly entertaining! Cronshaw did a phenomenal job of creating such a beautifully descriptive world and fantastic cast of characters you can’t help but fall in love right from the start!
This omnibus is all about the fearless and intrepid Kat, the heir to a brutal empire, who wants nothing more than to have her own freedom to explore, find love and learn about all things magical. However when decisions are being forced upon her, she suddenly finds herself on a magical journey of self discovery as she tries to find the mysterious Guardians, unlock the secret of her powers and dish her the truth behind her family’s past.
I absolutely loved going on this journey alongside Kat as she embarks on this epic adventure series of finding herself and accepting destiny. I absolutely loved her growth throughout the series and how everything flowed beautifully together. This fast paced fantasy collection is full of adventure, mysteries, magic, intrigue and tons of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Overall if you’re a fan of epic fantasy adventures with hidden magic, found families and reluctant heroes then this collection is for you! This set of stories is a fantastic and totally addictive immersion into an amazing new fantasy world with fabulous characters to keep you enthralled for days upon days!
This world in which Kat was born into as a princess, is quite the feudal one in which the rulers hold sway over life and death. Yes, slavery is very much a part of it. And interesting enough, one in which wyverns have equal rights and serve the rulers in whatever position may be required. And still women are regarded as somewhat less. The story of Kat is fascinating and her growth from a child into a young lady, being forcibly betrothed to a jerk almost three times her age, bespeaks of a world where human rights differ so very much from ours....now. Author Jonathan Cronshaw certainly takes his time in plotting the astounding adventures and growth of Kat as somebody who really has got to know the wider world out there as her taskmaster in how to become a good empress eventually. And through it all death lurks all the time. I became lost in this world of Ravenglass objects and finished eleven books almost in one sitting. Phew! Enjoy.
Where to even start...okay so the story started out well...aside from the really weird part where the author depicted his two, minor, characters having sex. Anyway getting past that it was going well till the ending. So bad, such a waste of the preceding books. Also I don't know why this is separated in to 11 volumes. It's the length of 1 maybe 2 books at most.
Had to stop reading this box set at 8%, which seems to feature a teenage princess first period that lasts days upon days. Despite the opening chapters been well constructed, the sole focus on teenage whining and graphic handling of periods made me drop it. Content needs revision assuming target market is more then menstruating teenagers... 🙄
This omnibus takes Kat on a long journey and in the process she discovers things about herself and her world. Cronshaw has developed an intriguing world and some very interesting characters. There's action, mystery, and magic in the books. I enjoyed it. I originally read this as a series of short books, but it is much better as one large book.
So you sold me half a story... I will not be buying the other half. I don't support people who scam. After Kats 3rd dream sequence I quit reading them. There is only so many times I want to hear about a yellow void. So much repetition it was mind numbing. I am adding you to my list of bad Authors.
I have never read anything like this before. I do not like reading so much and not seeing a ending. If this a lousy story I wouldn't have taken the time but it grabbed a hold of me and won,t let go. Now I have to wait for more. That is torture. It is one neck of a read.
It was much shorter than an 11 book series to me. It is more like 11 chapters than books. I do look forward to reading the rest, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Was hoping for a bit of mental escapism but I appear to have run into a tale written quite boringly. The author takes 10 chapters to tell the tale of 2. Again and again and... well, you get the picture. Sigh....
First 11 of a great series. It immerses you into a world of imagination and follows a young lady who escapes her fate being forced into a forced marriage to save her country. The books follow her through her journey to find the where she will be 'safe'.
While the storyline is inspired, the pace is quite slow. Maybe a little excessive on the details? Fortunately, I kinda liked that. Just wish it would've happened a bit quicker.
Horrible characters in an absurdly stupid world that is more agitating than boring. I really wanted a nuclear bomb to drop on this world and the author’s house
Some of the sections drag a little while the plot does as well. I enjoy the coming of age stories, however it spends too much time in her head whining.
After reading The Magician (#1) separately, I was very excited to continue on into Mr. Cronshaw's world and Kat's story. The lovely and well thought out way that he uses tarot to inspire the details within the story continues to amaze and impress me. Whether the details of the cards were directly translated into the appearances of the characters, or whether the meaning of the cards had been integrated into the personalities and dilemmas; the effort was always wonderful. I even think I looked forward to the notes chapters as much as the books themselves.
The story of Kat has also been fun to follow. She starts with a rather tramatic chain of events at home and then continues on to have great adventures abroad. I believe my favorite section has to be the early time she spent training to be a Guardian. The relationships she built were complex and the trials she endured were creative and thought provoking.
The pace was the story was well done with maybe the exceptions of the conversations with Witz and the comments Scram kept on with about her voice. All in all, I look forward to reading more about Kat's journey and especially the seer aspect of her character. I also, of course, can't wait for more contributions from the tarot inspiration.