Blog Archives
Forgotten Lore
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth follows a 16th century midwife accused of witchcraft and is thought to descend from a long line of ancestors with mystical powers. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Genealogy is a passion of mine, and while tracing my family tree, I discovered several female ancestors accused of witchcraft. Intrigued, I focused on a pivotal period in history when witch persecution was escalating, particularly during the reign of James VI, who played a significant role in the deaths and persecution of accused witches. My story, Anna, is inspired by the real Ana Koldings (also known as Anna Koldings), a Danish woman who was the central figure in the Copenhagen Witch Trials and ultimately burned at the stake.
What is it that draws you to write historical fantasies?
I’m drawn to both the factual intrigue of history and the enchanting allure of fantasy, with its witches, dragons, and forgotten lore. The Merovingian period, in particular, captivates me with its air of mystery and the many influential figures who shaped its course. My desire to write The Witch’s Rebirth stems from wanting to introduce a character into this shadowy era, a figure who could act as a source of hope and resilience.
Do you have a favorite scene in Anna’s tale? One that was especially enjoyable to craft?
In The Witch’s Rebirth Series, Anna’s soul is reborn as Merona, arriving in 478 AD Septimania, Southern Gaul, without any recollection of her past lives spent in the Labyrinth of Shadows. The series follows her captivating transformation from a seemingly ordinary child into a powerful witch, a journey marked by significant personal growth. Merona is a compelling protagonist, a blend of vulnerability and strength, who bravely chooses to be a force of good against the growing darkness, despite not fully understanding the risks. At eleven years old, she confronts her antagonist, Armaeus, and defiantly declares, “Only I choose my destiny!” unleashing a surge of energy that shatters the encroaching shadows.
Can you give us a peek inside Book 2 in this series? Where will it take readers?
A sinister presence lurks in the shadows, a dark force wielding power that rivals hers. Born of the void, his otherworldly aura radiated a clear intent: to exploit the burgeoning chaos for his own destructive ends. His obsidian eyes burned with an insatiable hunger, promising only annihilation.
A cataclysmic earthquake erupted, unleashing dark clouds that surged across the Mediterranean like a wave of despair. From the shadows emerged the Four Horsemen – Famine, War, Pestilence, and Death – ready to claim their due. They would scour the land, leaving behind the desolate remnants of once-thriving civilizations, a bittersweet testament to their former glory.
Deep within this turmoil, cloaked in the labyrinth of encroaching shadows, the Witch stirred from her three-decade slumber. The world called upon her once more, a plea filled with desperate urgency. Her cauldron – the Cauldron of Dagda – offered salvation, though the path ahead was paved with unimaginable peril.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In ancient Gaul, in the tumultuous year of 478 AD, a time of cosmic unrest and simmering power, whispers begin to stir. Whispers of a legend, a prophecy, and most importantly, whispers of the reborn Witch. The shadow of the rising Merovingian dynasty looms large, but a different power is stirring, one older and more potent than any king’s rule.
This Witch is not new to the world. This is not her first life, nor even her second. Throughout history, she has been a protector, a destroyer, a force of nature. Now, she is reborn of the ashes, emerging from the embers of past lives to face a new era. But what trials await her? Why has she been called back now? The answer lies buried in the labyrinth of shadows.
Prepare to be swept away as magic, history, and prophecy collide in a desperate battle for the very soul of humanity. Labyrinth of Shadows; The Witch’s Rebirth Part I will plunge you into a world of ancient secrets, forgotten lore, and the intoxicating allure of forbidden magic. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew, for this is just the beginning… and it will leave you wanting more.
The Legacy Of The Dreamer
Nathan Ash’s The Legacy Of The Dreamer is a dark, gripping fantasy that follows Renealt, a man whose life takes an unexpected and unsettling turn after a violent encounter with mages. What starts as a simple mercenary job quickly spirals into an eerie mystery, forcing him to question everything he knows about magic, power, and even the fate of his late wife. The story unfolds in a world where magic is outlawed, and the Natural Coalition ruthlessly eradicates anything that threatens their control. As Renealt digs deeper both figuratively and literally, his obsession leads him down a dangerous path of exile, loss, and self-discovery.
From the very first chapter, the writing pulls you in. Ash doesn’t waste time with flowery descriptions or unnecessary exposition. Instead, the prose is direct, intense, and full of sensory details that make every scene vivid. The opening moment of Renealt waking up, drenched in blood that isn’t his, sets the tone perfectly. That kind of immediate, visceral engagement continues throughout the book. It’s easy to feel Renealt’s confusion, fear, and growing obsession. The pacing is sharp, with just enough mystery unraveling to keep you hooked. There’s no excessive worldbuilding dump; you learn about the Natural Coalition, the mages, and the societal conflict naturally, through Renealt’s experiences and conversations.
Renealt is a fascinating protagonist. He starts as a simple man trying to make ends meet but quickly finds himself in over his head. His descent into obsession feels raw and real. One of the strongest parts of the book is how it portrays grief, especially in how Renealt clings to the memory of his wife, Renay. His fixation on the possibility of seeing her again is heartbreaking. The moment he digs up her grave, expecting answers but finding only her decayed remains, is gut-wrenching. It’s a rare thing to read a fantasy novel that handles emotion so well while still delivering action and suspense. The side characters, like Chrok, the gruff but caring dwarf, and the skeptical yet loyal friends he leaves behind, add layers of depth to the story. Their reactions to Renealt’s increasing desperation make the world feel grounded and real.
The book’s greatest strength is also its biggest frustration: ambiguity. Ash refuses to spoon-feed the reader answers. The mystery surrounding the mages, the strange key Renealt finds, and the symbol he can’t shake from his memory are all compelling, but they also leave you feeling just as lost as the protagonist. While this works for the tone of the book, I found myself wanting just a little more clarity by the end. Some readers will love the unresolved tension, while others might feel like they’ve been left dangling off a cliff. The themes of control, loss, and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge are beautifully handled, but they don’t offer easy resolutions. If you’re the kind of reader who needs everything wrapped up neatly, this book might test your patience.
If you love dark fantasy, morally complex protagonists, and a slow descent into madness, The Legacy Of The Dreamer will grip you from start to finish. However, if you prefer lighter fantasy or need clear-cut answers by the final page, you might find it frustrating. That said, this book lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished reading, and that’s the mark of a great story.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0DR6197H3
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth
The Witch’s Rebirth by Michaela Riley is a gripping historical fantasy novel that weaves magic, destiny, and resistance into a dark and immersive tale. Set against the backdrop of 5th-century Gaul and later 16th-century Denmark, the novel follows Anna, a midwife accused of witchcraft and a lineage steeped in mystical power. The novel explores the rise and fall of rulers, ancient prophecies, and the enduring struggle between fate and free will. Through detailed storytelling, Riley transports readers into a world where history and myth blur, crafting an evocative journey of transformation and resilience.
From the very first pages, I was captivated by Riley’s ability to create atmosphere. The opening scene in which Anna is dragged through the streets of Copenhagen is harrowing and filled with raw fear and injustice. The sensory details—the cutting cobblestones, the jeering crowd, the smoke curling from the waiting pyre—make it impossible not to feel Anna’s dread. The historical weight of these events is palpable, and Anna’s silent suffering, followed by an unexpected, supernatural twist, sets the stage for an unforgettable transformation.
Beyond the immediate horror, what struck me most was how the novel balances its historical roots with elements of myth and magic. The story of the Merovingians, rumored to have fey blood and arcane abilities, adds a fascinating layer. The way Riley intertwines their supernatural legacy with real historical upheaval gives the book a sense of depth and authenticity. The legend of the Deep Ones, the whispers of ancient powers, and the role of the gods create an eerie and mystical undertone that lingers throughout the story. Clovis, the young Merovingian prince, emerges as a compelling counterpart to Anna’s journey, bound by destiny yet desperate to carve his own path. His curiosity about his origins mirrors Anna’s struggle against the fate others have forced upon her, making both storylines equally engrossing.
The writing itself is fluid and evocative and, at times, leans heavily into dramatic descriptions. The book thrives in its character-driven moments. One of my favorite aspects was Mairead, the priestess who guides the people of Gaul through prophecy and fear. Her presence grounds the novel, providing both wisdom and a sense of inevitability to the story. The villagers’ uncertainty and the looming dread of the supernatural made her chapters some of the strongest. Meanwhile, the antagonist, Armaeus, a daemon with his own dark ambitions, adds a layer of thrilling menace that keeps the stakes high.
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth is a layered tale that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, dark fantasy, and stories of witches reclaiming their power. If you love novels like The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova or The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, this book is worth diving into. Riley delivers an intricate and haunting tale filled with mystery, magic, and the resilience of those history sought to erase.
Pages: 532 | ASIN : B0DTBLDNCX
Aldewin Hadn’t Slit a Throat in Two Days
Spring Dragon follows a former assassin seeking redemption who goes on a quest that challenges his identity when his path collides with a dragon carrying the soul of his lost beloved. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Though the events of book one (somewhat) dictated the direction book two would take, several options remained.
Delving into the “minds” of the significant characters after the events of book one, Aldewin emerged as a character whose story was begging to be told.
The first line of the book, “Aldewin hadn’t slit a throat in two days,” just came to me. It hooked me and I wanted to know why Aldewin was killing people again!
To prepare for writing a novel, I “interview” the significant characters. Through this process, I learned that Aldewin was a man of faith.
As a youth, pledged to an assassins and spy league known as Fen Menir, Aldewin was raised to worship a goddess known as Sicara, the “Dread Sister,” reaper of souls. He had been devout—until circumstances severed his relationship with Fen Menir.
Then, finding his way to Val’Enara Pillar, he pledged himself to Val’Enara and its Archon. At Val’Enara, Aldewin lived a monastic life studying the “Way of Water.”
But the events of book one shattered Aldewin’s faith in the Pillar.
So here sits a guy in a bar, trying to drink away the sorrow of having lost someone he cared about deeply, and also having lost anything to believe in. He feels like a dog turd of a person. He not only broke his vows, but couldn’t prevent the terrible events at the end of book one. AND he has a lifetime of guilt for causing so much death.
And I wondered: What will get this guy to put the mug of ale down and get up off that stool?!
So I guess you could say that the inspiration is the curiosity of trying to understand this character and seeing what will happen next!
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I do not plan my twists and turns before writing. They happen organically.
My pre-writing planning revolves mainly around character development and creating powerful character arcs. I see where I want the character to “land,” but I don’t know how they’ll get there.
I had spent six months researching and developing the lore, etc. for the city-state of Partha. I had expected Aldewin to go there at the beginning of book two.
But, within the first day of writing, the story showed me that it was NOT going to take place in Partha! So, six months of world building out the door!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I probably had the best time writing The Spring Dragon than any prior novel I’ve written (and it’s my eighth). Overall, I relaxed into this one more than most, and allowed the story to flow without as much judgement about it as I have in the past.
The last Aldewin chapter in the book is one that stands out as particularly enjoyable to write. At least it was after I got into the flow.
It’s the culminating scene, and very important to not only wrap up the arc for this book, but to set the stage for the next book as well.
And I didn’t want to f*** it up! It had rise to the occasion.
It took me about two days of working at it to finally get in the zone. Once I got into the zone, this scene flowed like the whisky I was sipping at the time! And in revision I barely changed a thing. I think it’s one of the best scenes I’ve ever penned.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series will be titled The Summer Dragon. You may see a pattern emerging…
The Spring Dragon, The Summer Dragon…
In The Spring Dragon, the element is Wood, and the themes revolve around redemption and rebirth/regeneration.
Book three, The Summer Dragon, will involve the Fire element. When we consider the fire element, we think of heat and conflict. The dual themes of conflict and passion will predominate.
In books one and two, I’ve set the stage for readers to understand that there are larger geo-political conflicts looming in this world. And readers now see that dragons and humans have a longstanding beef with each other.
The Summer Dragon will delve more directly into the conflicts among the powerful city-states of Bardivia, Partha, and Qülla, as well as conflict within the dragon culture, AND the uptick in confrontations between humans and dragons.
Phew! It’s going to be a tense one!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
His youth was a tapestry of vows and oaths to gods he no longer believes in. But in Quen, Aldewin found once again someone in which to place his faith.
But then, a dragon took her soul and flew off to gods know where. Bested and feeling broken, the only thing that keeps Aldewin from giving up is his last promise—to protect Nivi, the snow tiger Quen befriended.
When old friends arrive with fresh news, Aldewin’s mandate becomes clear: To restore the love he lost, Aldewin must find the legendary Heart of Menaris.
And, Aldewin must secure its power before the Dynasty, or he’ll lose all hope of ever seeing his lover again.
Spring Dragon
Spring Dragon delivers a tale of magic, politics, and transformation, where the destinies of humans and dragons entwine in a world on the precipice of upheaval. At its heart is Aldewin, a former assassin seeking redemption and love, drawn into an extraordinary quest that challenges his very identity. His path collides with Ishna, a dragon carrying the soul of Quen, his lost beloved. As Aldewin struggles to restore Quen, Ishna navigates the turmoil of her kind, battling external threats while Quen’s human spirit fights for dominance within her.
Wright’s prose is both immersive and evocative, conjuring vivid landscapes and nuanced characters. Aldewin’s evolution from a harbinger of death to a seeker of life is particularly compelling. His confrontation with the shadows of his past in the Dreaming, as well as the haunting memories of his childhood at Fen Menir, add rich layers to his character. These moments ground the fantastical elements in raw emotion, making his journey all the more gripping.
Themes of identity, transformation, and the tension between nature and ambition resonate throughout the novel. Quen’s fragmented existence within Ishna poses questions about humanity, free will, and the blending of souls. As Quen’s memories seep into Ishna’s consciousness, their duality takes center stage, challenging the boundaries between dragon and human, self and other.
Emotionally, Spring Dragon is as devastating as it is exhilarating. The scene in which Aldewin briefly reunites with Quen in the Dreaming, only to lose her again, is heartbreakingly poignant, a testament to Wright’s ability to craft moments of profound loss and enduring love. Ishna and Quen’s evolving dynamic adds further depth, creating a narrative rich with empathy and tension. The climax, a ritual of restoration fraught with uncertainty, leaves a lasting impact. As one journey concludes, another begins, with Pelagia’s ominous influence casting a long shadow over Ishna’s fate.
A mesmerizing fusion of fantasy and psychological depth, Spring Dragon offers a captivating exploration of morality, power, and the fluidity of identity. Fans of epic fantasy, particularly those who appreciate intricate world-building and moral complexity, will find much to admire here.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B0DR472JL7
Shadow Magic
Out of Embers and Shadows follows a woman navigating a fiery landscape in which rival nations are engaged in war as she simultaneously faces the truth about her past. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
In truth the idea stemmed from a long hike where I considered dragons and war. As we hiked both up and then back down a mountain in Slovenia I distracted myself from the grueling steepness by imagining dragons and the dynamics that would be at play if I had a dragon and others did not. Then I began to build a war around that idea and thus the Shadowfire series sparked to life.
How did you balance magic and its use throughout the story to keep it believable?
Magic is alive everywhere and for fantasy readers, I think it’s important to make it as a part of the characters as breathing is. Lora doesn’t just have shadow magic when she needs it, she feels the pulse of her power along her arms, in her very blood. She uses shadows that are already there and her magic dances with the flames from Emir or Garrison. Magic is not simply used; it is in every fiber of these characters’ being. I think having it that way helps to make the world more immersible and the magic more believable.
Lora is a memorable main character. What was the inspiration for her traits and dialogue?
I LOVE reading books that have strong female leads who are unapologetically themselves (Think Jude from Cruel Prince or Aelin from Throne of Glass). As I started really diving into the fantasy genre, I realized a lot of the female leads still leaned heavily on their male counterparts – either to train them or support them emotionally. I got tired of this so instead of searching for a book that had an already confident and highly skilled female lead – I wrote one!
Can you give us a peek inside book 2 in this series? Where will it take readers?
Book 1 is such a whirlwind and book 2 immediately picks up where book 1 leaves off. You follow Lora and Kalon as they grapple with their new “relationship” all while Lora is trying to rediscover herself while still running from her past. There are definitely more twists and turns in this one and I am excited to see how readers react to certain actions and revelations!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In a world where the clash between rival nations ignites the flames of war, Lora finds herself thrust into a whirlwind of unexpected alliances and dangerous secrets. Forged with a singular purpose, she was meant to be the weapon that brings down the Shades’ greatest foes, the war-mongering Drakes.
But fate has other plans when Lora is captured by the very enemy she was trained to destroy. Desperate to escape, Lora is offered a bitter bargain: aid her enemies in their quest, and in return, she’ll be granted freedom from the relentless grip of war.
Lora must navigate the murky waters of trust and betrayal, where the boundaries between friend and foe blur with each passing moment.
If you’ve already sacrificed everything, what else is there to lose?
Dive into a realm brimming with magic, dragons, and unexpected twists in Out of Embers and Shadows. Perfect for fans of thrilling adventures like Throne of Glass and The Bridge Kingdom, this epic fantasy will whisk you away on a journey of bravery, betrayal, and the enduring power of friendship. This tale includes an enemies-to-lovers romance, an endearing found family, LGBT representation, a battle of good versus evil, a journey of self discovery, and so much more.
Join Lora as she embarks on a journey that will test her courage, challenge her beliefs, and ultimately define her fate. Prepare to be spellbound from the very first page — click now and lose yourself in the adventure!
Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple
Kindred of the Unseen is an expansive fantasy novel that ventures into a richly imagined spiritual world. It opens with grand celestial assemblies and mysterious councils of powerful beings that oversee various realms. The central plot weaves together the awakening of spiritually gifted individuals, known as the Yahtlév’yah, and their journey through realms of light and darkness. Through atmospheric descriptions and intricate world-building, the novel spans multiple characters and settings, including the vast forest of Auburntungle, magical citadels, and the celestial realm itself, offering an epic exploration of light versus dark, ancient legacies, and spiritual quests.
Beardsley dives deep into the lore and spiritual dimensions of his world, sometimes layering details so thickly that it can feel like walking through dense fog. The opening chapter is brimming with metaphors and atmospheric descriptions, which make the story captivating. At times, I found myself re-reading certain passages just to fully grasp the weight of the descriptions. The sheer effort put into world-building is impressive. For readers who love to get lost in complex universes, this book delivers that experience fully.
Character development is also intriguing. Some characters, like Edyndor, the hunter from Auburntungle, are very interesting. Edyndor’s struggle with his own destiny, especially after years of giving up on it, adds a relatable layer to this high-concept story. His hesitance, despite having vivid dreams and spiritual callings, brought a sense of humanity into this otherwise grand and ethereal tale. While many of the celestial beings have incredible descriptions, I found myself more invested in the characters who walked the natural realm than those presiding over cosmic councils.
What really shines are the moments where the spiritual battles mirror internal struggles. The book drifts into philosophical and spiritual territory, discussing truth, light, and revelation. It is in these moments that I think Beardsley’s writing becomes more than just a story. The story is almost like a conversation on spirituality, the hidden potential in individuals, and the nature of belief. Beardsley captures how inner battles can be just as significant as the physical ones which adds depth to the narrative and makes it feel like more than just a fantasy adventure.
Kindred of the Unseen is for readers who enjoy their fantasy with layers upon layers of world-building and spiritual reflection. The book shines in its ability to draw readers into a universe where light and dark, truth and doubt, constantly vie for dominance. If you are someone who loves deep spiritual metaphors wrapped in a fantastical setting then this book will definitely speak to you.
Pages: 303 | ASIN : B0D3XGL7YM
Life Is an Unknown Journey
A Prophecy Awakened follows a young woman who, on her eighteenth birthday, is given an old diary and sent through the veil on an unknown journey. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Before I outlined A Prophecy Awakened, I knew I wanted a main character who lived in a world with challenges and obstacles. I wanted her to have to fight for what she wanted and for what she didn’t. I wanted her to fail and I wanted her to succeed because most importantly I wanted her to show tremendous growth from her first to her last chapter. Life is an unknown journey. We all have stories and experiences that have forced us to get back up and that’s what I wanted for Charlotte. My desire for her was to experience “life” and for her readers to run alongside and cheer her on!
When creating Charlotte did you have a plan for development and character traits or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
I think a little of both. I knew magically that Charlotte would have a special touch with nature and that overall her personality would be gentle. At times during my writing I found that if I veered away from her peacefulness it pulled away from the story and made my writing awkward, so I would delete and get back on track. It’s interesting how characters can let the author know when something just isn’t right for them.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
My desire was not to create a world that was completely fictitious, but rather one that was partially grounded with settings and opportunities that were both tangible and relatable to the reader. Gifted people walk beside us every day, so I imagined a realm where the supernatural played a role in human society, allowing some of their previous human qualities to emerge while they maintained their hidden talents.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
YES! There will be a third book, the final in the Immortal Wounds series. It is titled, Ravenglass, and it is where the prophecy will unveil. Ravenglass is in the early stages of writing but I am anticipating a publishing date late 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Bookbub | Amazon
Family. Destiny. Magic. Lore.
Forced to leave behind her only known family, on the night of her eighteenth birthday Charlotte Delgado flees through the invisible veil that has granted her safety since birth, with only an age-old diary to guide her. Given less than a day to read the four-hundred year-old tales scripted amongst its pages, she barely understands the predetermined path her ancestor writes of, let alone believes it.
However, despite the dangers the journal warns of—supernatural creatures that will hunt her along her journey—it’s the ominous twist of fate that surrounds the last bloodline witch in her family that fills Charlotte with the most fear.
Is she that witch or merely a pawn moving the prophecy forward?
LITERARY TITAN 