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Spear of Lugh: The Witch’s Rebirth Part III
Michaela Riley’s Spear of Lugh is the third installment in “The Witch’s Rebirth” series, a rich, atmospheric tale set in the mythic shadows of 6th-century Celtic Europe. The novel follows Merona, a powerful and timeless witch reborn across centuries, as she confronts an ancient evil, Armaeus, and embraces her destiny as the Keeper of Balance. Armed with relics of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Spear of Lugh and the Cauldron of Dagda, Merona must navigate not only magical trials but also profound loss, divine expectations, and an aching search for identity, sacrifice, and love. As she chooses immortality and confronts her lineage, she stands poised to guide the world into a new era between the fading pagan gods and the rising tide of Christianity.
I found myself completely pulled into the world Riley has created. The writing is poetic and often breathtaking, especially in how it captures the sorrow and wonder that run through Merona’s journey. There’s a haunting stillness in the way the earth, the gods, and the past seem to breathe alongside the characters. Some passages are stunning. They read like spells themselves. At times, the prose drifts into over-explanation. Riley clearly loves this world and these myths, and the devotion is admirable. The heart of the book, Merona’s grief, her rebirth, her will to love despite endless loss, resonated with me. I was moved. I cared deeply. The final scenes between her and Murdach felt earned and emotionally honest, even amidst the grand fantasy of it all.
Spear of Lugh wrestles with the weight of duty, the seductive nature of power, and the pain of watching people you love fade while you endure. The mythology is dense, but it never loses sight of its human core. Merona is not some untouchable goddess; she’s aching, flawed, and strong because she chooses to keep going. The idea that hope itself can be more powerful than any weapon, that stuck with me. Armaeus felt like a classic villain. His menace is conceptual, not visceral. In contrast, the true tension came from Merona’s internal battles, and those were beautifully done.
I’d recommend this to readers who love lyrical fantasy steeped in myth and feminine power. It’s not a light read, there are layers, histories, and symbols in every chapter, but if you’re willing to dive in and let it wash over you, it’s rewarding. For fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley, Juliet Marillier, or even Diana Gabaldon, Spear of Lugh will feel like a homecoming. It certainly left me thoughtful, a little raw, and deeply curious for what comes next.
Pages: 338 | ASIN : B0DWVZ2CXQ
Duty and Honor
Culgan follows a young woman on the verge of discovering her destiny as a direwolf shifter, and a seasoned warrior and heir to the Freki clan who find themselves bound by fate, ancient prophecy, and a rising evil that threatens the balance of their realm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A previous series, The Titanian Chronicles, inspired me to see and write about the Freki World. In fact, some characters in Culgan appear in The Titanian Chronicles.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The secrecy imposed by universal decree on supernatural creatures was a critical aspect of the story. This helped me place and run their existence parallel to humans. Side by side, but the two shall never cross over.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes of duty and honor tied to power and abilities were part of the exploration. The gryphon comes into play, as the creatures symbolize purity, loyalty, and trustworthiness. They can’t accept an undeserving wolf. To ride a wolf must be worthy.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book is in the editing process. This story delves deeper into the consequences of sin, greed, and amorality. How far up will someone go, breaking all the rules before the fall?
I have two more stories planned. But I haven’t seen the road yet.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Long dreaming of becoming a gryphon rider and training to defend her clan, Roisin Hati is impatient for her sleeping inner wolf to awaken. She never expected a choking cloud of evil magic to do just that. When she finally opens her eyes, a huge black direwolf with stunning cobalt eyes is standing over her—Culgan, son of her beloved godparents.
Culgan freezes when he hears the first snarl of Roisin’s rising wolf in his mind, feels her fear in his bones. As a warrior defending the hidden Freki stronghold, bonding has never been a high priority. But something about the white-haired, dark-eyed Roisin rouses an irresistible drive to: Claim. Mate. Possess.
As Roisin navigates battle training, Culgan is at her side, guiding every step. The pull between them grows stronger until it ignites in a glorious mating union. But dark forces are gathering in the desert. A daemon hungry for revenge bargains with a goddess for the power to destroy the Freki. And the gryphon riders may have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the kingdom.
Grow and Learn to Let Go
Monster Hunter is a thrilling coming-of-age adventure where sixteen-year-old Ollie Baxter discovers a hidden world of monsters, magic, and the buried truth of who he really is. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There are many inspirations in my life, but I think finding oneself is crucial to our identities. I think of our youth as an adventure, too. We have school for twelve years, then some of us go off to the military, others go off to work, and many of our friends go off to college. That final summer before everything changes really is an adventure and a memorable experience. I wanted to capture that essence in a story—this adventure where Ollie is on his last leg of summer before getting accepted into The University of Dragonspire, a school where he can learn to use his aura in special ways, making friends and rivals along the way, all before the emotional truth of what the end of that summer brings: loss.
I think I captured that goal. Two of my best friends committed suicide, and I felt so hurt. I’ve lost my sister to COVID, and I was helpless watching my friends drift away, but the final straw was when Bones, my dog, died. I fell into this deep sense of loss regarding my identity. Ollie loses Gwen to someone they trusted—his professor and Gwen’s father—all for selfish reasons. But it was the way he lost her that mattered. She was turned into a smaller chimera creature in order to capture the big one. When Ollie, Samantha, and Hudson find her, there is nothing they can do but face the danger they are in head-on.
I think loss can resonate with everyone, but the beauty in acceptance is gaining the strength to let go. That was my inspiration.
The emotional undercurrent about Ollie’s parents and identity hit hard. How did you balance grief with the high-octane adventure?
Well, Ollie’s parents are long gone. I like the trope of an orphaned hero, but the goal here was to offer a fresh coat of paint on an old trope. We just barely scratched the surface about Ollie’s parents. The world loved Evie, his mother—she was very famous for pushing the boundaries of the Hunter World. Oliver, Ollie’s father, ran away the night she was killed and has been on the run ever since. Ollie, being new to the Hunter World, is learning about them while the reader does, but he lives as a constant reminder in their shadows.
Lots of people do say that they love the action and adventure, and that it feels non-stop engaging, and I think that comes from the word count. I think each book in the series will have about 80,000 words. I came from a background of writing short stories. My first two books were just published stories that I wrote while I was in grad school or the military. The third was just a continuation of one of them. Now that I am in law school, I find myself reading books every day, and the ones I find the best are around the 75,000-85,000 word mark. They engage me the best and can be read in one day.
As far as grief goes, it’s a natural feeling we all experience at some point in our lives. It’s what we do with it that determines our value. I’m really glad you asked about grief, I really am. I balanced the action with grief by creating a villain who dealt with grief in every wrong way possible. We can fall into despair, or we can grow and learn to let go. I think once we get to the main villain of this first story arc, we encounter a character who has suffered a tremendous amount of grief, much like Ollie. But he never learned to let go and, as a consequence, has refused to let go of anything or anyone in his life. You’ll see his own twisted morals on full display when he justifies his corrupted actions. I don’t want to spoil it, but this isn’t just a mustache-twirling bad guy—this is Erebus Bahne.
If Dragonspire were real, what class would you most want to teach or take?
I think I would want to be a Professor of Specialty. The students there learn all about themselves and what makes them unique. This is why I created the Affinity System. In this world, all living beings have a life force called an aura. Think of it as your ki, your chakra, your essence. The students learn to harness their own aura into unique abilities. Ollie has his Aura Sphere. Hudson is learning to turn invisible, and Sam can summon a strong creature that defends her. Each of these abilities falls into categories that help determine your Affinity Type. Ollie, since he can throw his Aura Sphere, is Projection. Hudson’s ability is Alteration because it alters his aura around him, turning him invisible. Sam is a Summoner. There are also Augmentation, Manipulation, and for the gifted, some students even develop a rare Specialty that doesn’t fall into any other category.
When Ollie and Hudson duel Cassius, Ollie is on the verge of using this rare Specialty, so I would most likely want to help students discover how to use this secret ability that hides even from themselves. That, or have Bjorn’s job working with all the mythical dragons and legendary creatures.
Is Ollie’s story just beginning? Any hints about what’s next for him or the world you’ve built?
This is just the beginning. I think the epilogue sets up the next book nicely from a unique perspective. The Rogue Hunter: Book Two of the Hunter Archive will be out in the fall. I’m in the editing phase now.
As for hints, I’ll say that I’m a huge fan of well-done twists that successfully subvert the audience’s expectations—and not just for the sake of having a twist in your story. You may think you know about Ollie’s origin, but I promise you that I’m putting a fresh take on it. I don’t think anyone will properly guess what happens. Be sure to tag me in all your theories; I love to see what readers think is going to happen.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Website | Amazon
I am delighted to inform you that the Committee on Admissions has approved you to attend the freshman class of 2025. Please accept my personal congratulations on your outstanding achievements that brought you to our door. Your application has demonstrated exceptional potential, and we are thrilled to welcome you to join the legendary hunters who have walked these historic halls of Dragonspire.
As you prepare to embark on this epic journey we must warn you: life at the University of Dragonspire is not for the faint of heart. Here, you’ll delve deep into training and harnessing your own Aura, discovering your unique Affinity—be it Augmentation, Manipulation, Projection, Alteration, Summon, or perhaps even a rare Specialty. You’ll learn to wield these abilities as you track mystical beasts, outsmart mischievous spirits, face creatures that haunt the darkest corners of your imagination, or even face down rebellious rogue hunters.
Your acceptance grants you access to:State-of-the-art training facilities, where you will forge your skills and represent Dragonspire in the infamous “Hunter Games”
A vast library of ancient tomes on fantastical monster lore and hunting techniques that will fulfill your desire to learn about the world of Aerith
A diverse faculty of experienced hunters, each with their own hair-raising tales to tell will guide you through this once in a lifetime quest
The opportunity to forge lifelong friendships (or rivalries) with fellow monster-hunting prodigies
World class meals and competition to fuel your appetite for adventure, ever tried Dragon’s Tongue?
Be warned: the challenges that await you are as thrilling as they are perilous. You’ll face spine-chilling challenges, heart-pounding field missions, and the constant threat of death or worse expulsion, should you fail to meet our standards.
Don’t get ahead of yourself, you are a first-year student and although we take safety seriously at Dragonspire, accidents happen. We want you to complete all six years, whole. No hunter is invincible, and it will be best if you remember that during your time here.
Pack your courage, sharpen your wits, and prepare for a year like no other. The monsters are waiting, and the University of Dragonspire is ready to transform you into the hunter you were born to be.
We await your arrival with bated breath. That is, if you dare to accept…
Yours truly,
Magnus G.D. Holloway
Headmaster, University of Dragonspire
Warden of the Realm
The Monster Hunter begins the thrilling Hunter Archive series, where dangerous abilities, ancient secrets, and a mystery years in the making collide at the world’s most prestigious Hunter academy. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Hunter x Hunter, Percy Jackson, Game of Thrones, and The Magicians.
Other Books by Benji Wyvern
True Tales SeriesDiaries of a Time Traveler
Noir City: Machines and Monsters
True Tales of the Multiverse
The long-awaited epic fantasy debut of The Monster Hunter: Book One of The Hunter Archive—a thrilling masterpiece willed to life by fans of the genre and author, available now from Amazon bestselling author Benji Wyvern.
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Magi’s Curse
Magi’s Curse is a sprawling epic fantasy set in a war-torn world on the brink of collapse, where the divine pantheon meddles with mortals and fate itself unravels. The novel centers around Captain Bronwyn Amyna, a resilient and battle-worn soldier tasked with leading a ragtag group into the icy wilderness in search of a mythical artifact said to turn the tide of war. Alongside her is Clara, a broken yet defiant prisoner with a secret past and vital knowledge. As gods debate the role of death and freedom, mortals struggle with politics, survival, and destiny. The book intertwines divine conflict with gritty human drama, laying the foundation for a larger saga of legendary proportions.
I found the writing to be immersive and bold. Christopher Harris doesn’t shy away from violence, pain, or emotion, and his prose reflects that. Some parts feel cinematic, especially the opening clash between gods and the snowy military camps where tension simmers. His world-building is dense and thoughtful without being overbearing. The pacing, though deliberate, allows the emotional weight to settle in. What hit me hardest was Clara’s trauma. Her pain felt real, and her voice carried history. At times, I wished the secondary characters had more dimension to counterbalance the intensity of the leads.
What stayed with me, more than the plot, were the ideas. The gods’ detachment from human suffering felt both timely and deeply symbolic. The exploration of power, divine, political, or personal, felt honest and raw. Harris doesn’t paint in black and white. Clara isn’t a hero. Captain Amyna isn’t perfect. They’re both flawed, battered by systems larger than themselves, and trying to do the right thing in a world that punishes it. There’s something painful and beautiful in that. I didn’t agree with every choice made in the story, but I respected its guts. It’s a rare kind of fantasy that dares to be this emotionally intimate while still being packed with magic, snowstorms, and sword fights.
Magi’s Curse is a rough ride through frost and fire, grief and grit. It’s for readers who like their stories morally murky and their characters relatable. If you enjoy books like The Broken Empire series or The Poppy War, and you don’t mind a slow burn, this one’s for you. I’m still chewing on some scenes. And that’s a good sign. This book haunted me a little. I’ll definitely be picking up the next in the series.
Pages: 319 | ASIN : B0DWTXGYVF
Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II
Michaela Riley’s Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II is a sweeping tale of magic, rebirth, and epic destiny, rooted in a richly imagined version of early medieval Europe. Set against the backdrop of 6th-century Francia and the Byzantine Empire, the story follows Merona, a reborn witch, who is thrust once more into a fractured world on the brink of ruin. Guided by visions, ancient gods, and her loyal companions, she must wield the legendary Cauldron of Dagda to restore balance and ward off an encroaching darkness. The novel seamlessly intertwines elements of pagan mysticism with the turbulence of political upheaval, all set within a richly mythological framework.
From the outset, the atmosphere in the story is deeply evocative. The prologue resonates with a potent blend of tension and lyrical beauty, particularly in lines such as, “In the depths of this chaos, hidden within the labyrinth of shadows, the Witch lay ensconced in her own despair.” That moment is haunting in its imagery and sets the tone for the entire narrative. Michaela Riley’s prose is often poetic, even lush, and this quality serves as a notable strength. The rich detail, especially in the vivid depictions of Samhain rituals, flickering torchlight, and whispered invocations, creates an immersive reading experience.
Character-wise, Merona really grabbed my heart. Her struggle with power and doubt felt honest and human, even when she’s literally summoning ancient gods or wielding divine relics. One standout moment comes when she reunites with Murdach in the forest, sobbing, “I have been lost in the endless shadows of the labyrinth once more.” That vulnerability made her feel grounded despite the mythic stakes. Her relationship with her mother, Mairead, was another emotional anchor. Their reunion in the sacred grove was profoundly moving, evoking a powerful emotional response. Riley demonstrates a remarkable ability to craft poignant moments with authenticity and restraint, allowing the emotional weight to resonate without ever feeling contrived.
The narrative structure is richly layered, weaving together ritual, prophecy, memory, and vision to create a story that feels both mythic and immersive. Each chapter unfolds with a dreamlike intensity, blending past and present in a way that evokes the timeless nature of the tale. This interlacing of timelines enhances the sense of destiny at work, heightening the emotional and thematic resonance of Merona’s journey. As the narrative builds toward the expedition to Constantinople, the momentum becomes increasingly gripping. The Morrigan’s haunting transformations and the looming menace of Varis inject a thrilling urgency into the plot, amplifying the sense of peril and the high stakes that define the story’s arc.
Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II is an evocative, mystical epic that pulses with feminine power, ancient magic, and emotional truth. It’s best suited for readers who love deeply mythic stories with a poetic writing style and a strong, complex heroine. I’d recommend it to fantasy lovers who enjoy spiritual themes, Celtic lore, and high-stakes drama wrapped in gorgeous prose.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0DWVRBM2F
Fate vs Free Will
The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar follows a mysterious young woman with no memory of who she is or her past, who possesses a glowing pendant that turns out to be the relic at the heart of the ongoing war between dragonriders. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for setting up this story first started with a conversation I had with a close friend. We were talking about how a kingdom would look like if the economy was based on having heroes for hire and setting these heroes up with a celebrity status. From there the plot unfurled, I developed characters, added my magic system and it was off to the races.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The driving ideas behind the character’s development are predominantly fate vs free will. I also play with self-discovery and try to highlight how Lark’s instinctual moral code drives her into action.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme is good vs evil. That gets mottled up with loyalty and betrayal, power and responsibility, and the interplay of the character’s fate vs free will.
Can you tell us where the book goes, and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
With the next book, I continue the adventure where I’ve left off at the end of book one. We explore more of Lark’s past, how it plays a role in her future, and the fate of the kingdom. I introduce a new major threat to the world as they know it and dive deeper into wielding magic. There are more dragons, dragonriders, and action that you won’t want to miss.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When Lamar’s greatest dragonrider falls in battle, the kingdom’s last hope seems lost… Until a woman is found wandering the edge of the Everburning Forest with no memory of who she is, how she got there, or why she carries the very object the dragonriders have been warring over—a Hyalite.
The Hyalite, an artifact containing the power to forge a new dragonrider and tip the scales of the conflict, has been declared stolen by the enemy. Now, with the relic in her possession, Lark—an amnesiac with no clue about her connection to the war—finds herself thrust into the center of a world poised to unravel.
Humans, elves, and dwarves clash with orcs and mythical beasts as Lark uncovers truths too dangerous to ignore. Her fighting skills rival even the most seasoned warriors, but it’s the cryptic visions haunting her dreams that continue to expose her checkered past. As the stolen Hyalite’s power stirs, kingdoms send ruthless assassins to claim it, each step pulling Lark deeper into a destiny she never wanted—and cannot outrun.
The fate of the realms hangs by a thread. Will Lark embrace the storm—or be swept away by it? Start reading The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar today!
The Ancient Fire
The Ancient Fire is the first in the Triple Goddess series by Ellen Read. It’s a fantasy novel rooted in rich Celtic mythology and filled with lush imagery, suspenseful action, and themes of identity, legacy, and awakening power. The story follows Bree, a young woman raised in isolation with her aunt Áine, who discovers her divine lineage as the daughter of Brigid, the Triple Goddess. When an earthquake shakes their hidden world and the sacred fire she’s sworn to protect begins to change, Bree is thrust into a dangerous journey back to her homeland of Tír na nÓg. Alongside the brash warrior god Lu, Bree must come to terms with her powers, her grief, and the peril threatening her people.
I couldn’t put this one down. Read’s writing is poetic without being too flowery, and the pacing dances between quiet introspection and bursts of action. Bree is a character I wanted to root for—clever, curious, brave, and deeply human even as her godhood awakens. The dynamic between her and Lu had me grinning. There’s tension, banter, and just enough mystery to keep things spicy. What I loved most was how the magic felt sacred and elemental—more myth than wizardry, more essence than spectacle. And the fairies were delightful. The scene where Bree uses fire to chase off trolls? I actually cheered.
The lore, while fascinating, occasionally teetered on overwhelming. There’s a lot to absorb—names, places, histories—and at times I wished for a breather or a bit more grounding. Also, Lu’s macho swagger sometimes grated. I get that he’s a warrior god and all, but maybe chill. Thankfully, Bree holds her own and then some. Her transformation from cave-bound girl to rising goddess is powerful, and her grief for a mother she never knew is heartbreakingly real. Those emotional notes hit hard, and that’s what gave the book its heart.
The Ancient Fire lit something in me. It’s more than a fantasy, it’s about becoming who you were meant to be, even when you didn’t know you had it in you. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves myth-rich world-building, fierce heroines, and the spark of magic hiding in ancient stories. This book’s for the dreamers, the rebels, and those who believe stories shape the world.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0DTT2YFYN
Wolf of the Nordic Seas
Wolf of the Nordic Seas is a high-stakes romantic fantasy steeped in Norse mythology, Viking lore, and a smoldering enemies-to-lovers storyline. It follows Elfi Thorfinnsdóttir, a fierce shield maiden and heir to the coastal Viking stronghold of Étretat. After her father is captured by a ruthless Frankish count who demands her hand in marriage, Elfi finds herself caught between political alliances and personal vengeance. Enter Njörd Ívarrsson, the massive and mysterious Viking jarl sent by King Harald Bluetooth as a potential suitor and military savior, known ominously as the “Wolf of the Nordic Seas.”
I went in expecting a standard historical romance with Viking window-dressing, but Walker does not play it safe. She throws you straight into Elfi’s blood-soaked world with battle cries echoing off castle walls and an emotional punch that hits early. The writing is raw and cinematic, and the grief Elfi feels over her brother’s death is gutting, and her frustration at being locked away during a siege really sets the tone. I could almost feel the chill of the tower stones under her hands. That kind of visceral writing pulls you in fast and deep.
What stood out most for me, though, was the sharp contrast between Elfi’s strength and the emotional vulnerability Walker lets slip through the cracks. She’s not your typical damsel or stoic heroine; she’s fiery and flawed. When she meets Njörd, there’s this magnetic tension that you feel before either of them says a word. That scene where she sees him from her tower window with white wolfskin, wild hair, and hulking presence is pure electricity. Walker’s prose here is lush and full of heat, and I was hooked. The way Njörd calls her “mine” during their first dance is swoon material.
The pacing occasionally bordered on indulgent. Certain passages adopted a highly poetic tone, which, while contributing to the rich world-building, at times hindered narrative momentum. The skaldic verse battle midway through the novel, though an engaging cultural element, felt somewhat tangential to the central tension. I admire Walker’s willingness to dwell in the details; her descriptions of feasts, sea cliffs, and silk wedding gowns are rendered with a vividness that nearly lifts them off the page.
Wolf of the Nordic Seas is a sweeping, sensual tale of love and loyalty that wears its heart (and sword) on its sleeve. If you’re into Viking mythology, strong heroines, brooding warrior-lovers, and a story soaked in lore and longing, you’ll have a blast with this one. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves historical fantasy with romance turned all the way up. I’m already craving the next book in the Valiant Vikings series.
Pages: 357 | ASIN : B0F22JS3CM
LITERARY TITAN 