The Wolf and the Wyvern by Jon Cronshaw

Synopsis

Deception and danger collide in the spellbinding sequel to The Fall of Wolfsbane.

Ragnar Wolfsbane is sent on a desperate mission to the unforgiving Northern Reaches—tasked with rescuing a prince who was never there.

Surrounded by icy dangers and haunted by the shadows of imperial schemes, Ragnar must unearth the truth behind this cruel deception before it claims his life.

Meanwhile, Maja’s defiance grows as she harnesses her dangerous powers to rally a rebellion.

But with every step, she risks becoming the very thing she fights to destroy.

As their paths diverge, Ragnar and Maja must confront dark secrets, forge unlikely alliances, and wrestle with the cost of power.

Will their choices shape the future of their shattered homeland, or destroy what remains of it?

The Wolf and the Wyvern is a gripping epic fantasy full of fierce sibling bonds, sinister magic, and a world teetering on the brink of chaos.

The Review

Ragnar Wolfbane’s world has been shattered. As heir to Meerand, he’s driven by duty, survival, and the faint hope of reclaiming what was lost. But when he learns that his sister—long believed dead—may still be alive, his focus shifts, setting him on a path that’s as dangerous as it is personal.

Bound to a mission by the Prince—one he knows is doomed to fail—Ragnar uses the assignment as cover to begin his search. But nothing is simple in this world. Manipulated by the enigmatic wyvern Witz and saddled with the Prince’s temperamental second son, Ragnar’s path quickly becomes more treacherous than he ever expected. Conflict, betrayal, and old wounds rise to the surface, and as Ragnar moves forward, so too does Maja, following her own thread in search of him.

This second instalment in the Ravenglass Trilogy raises the stakes and deepens the intrigue. It’s rich in character development, full of twists, and confidently expands on the foundations of the first book without losing pace.

pros

Strong character arcs – Ragnar, Kesh, Maja, and even Witz all feel layered and evolve naturally over the course of the story.
Gripping plot progression – The story maintains tension throughout, balancing internal conflict with action and world-building.
olitical and moral complexity – Power struggles, personal duty, and layered motivations give the story emotional weight.
Worldbuilding with depth – The setting continues to feel lived-in, with added mythology and hints of deeper lore.
Excellent pacing – Chapters move swiftly but leave room for character growth and reflection.

cons

Limited recap for new readers – This is very much a “Book 2,” so jumping in without the first may leave you disoriented.
Secondary characters could use more time – Some side characters, like the Prince’s second son, feel a bit underdeveloped compared to the leads.
Witz remains elusive – While intentionally mysterious, readers wanting clear answers from the wyvern might feel slightly teased.

Final thoughts:

Book 2 builds smartly on what came before, offering a mix of character-driven drama, classic fantasy adventure, and a few clever surprises. If you're enjoying the Ravenglass series so far, this entry won't disappoint. It’s the kind of book that draws you in and leaves you eager for the trilogy’s final act.