Blog Archives
Spirituality Behind True Love
Shilpa’s Blue Crayon follows a down-to-earth African American woman in her thirties who, while devoted to her art and deeply committed to those she holds dear, longs for the love of a husband and children she has never known. What inspired the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a love story that displayed lots of mystery and suspense that would include a surprise ending. Most love stories are extremely predictable and not always true to real life. I wanted to show the insecurities that many women have about their looks, careers, love life, etc. But I also wanted to show when it comes to those you love, most women would do whatever it takes to protect their family and friends with or without a man. That protecting those you care about comes first, even when your safety is at risk. Shilpa embodies many women that I know personally who are strong and successful even when they don’t realize it. And, I truly wanted the reader to take this roller coaster ride with Shilpa until she found love and family even when she wasn’t looking for it. Of course, I’m an African American woman myself, retired, and I’m able to provide the Black perspective of life’s challenges.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
My favorite characters are Jacob (Shilpa’s husband); and Winnie/Vida (Shilpa’s best friends) because they display their love, loyalty, and commitment even when hard truths have to be discussed. Jacob is in an interracial marriage with Shilpa and I wanted to show his love for his wife that transcends boundaries, cultures, and societies. How he truly loved his wife without condition, and how they were on the same page with raising their children. Jacob understood Shilpa’s insecurities and provided patience to help her work through them. He helped her find her strength. Winnie and Vida (from both worlds) are what best friends embody (loyalty, truth, compassion, kindness, trustworthiness, and honesty). I have life-long best friends like this so it was very easy to write about Winnie and Vida. The best way to do all this is for Shilpa to be trapped in two worlds until she found the truth about her life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
What love should be between a man and woman and the spirituality behind true love; love of friendship; the beauty of this world with explanations of the color blue and its importance in our lives; racism, diversity, and multiculturalism; passing for white and what that means; money is not important unless you can use it to serve others; and gaining your power and strength when you need it most.
What is the next novel that you are working on and when will that be available?
My first book, published in March 2024, is called “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime.” I believe it to be a beautiful love story. Personal and professional reviews are amazing. This book displays CC Lane’s brand demonstrating the color blue, love and its spirituality, interracial relationships (black woman/white man), and all that comes with it. And of course, that surprise ending. However, the two books are very different.
I’m currently working on my third book called, Munyori and Johannas, in 72 hours. This book also keeps with the brand of interracial love, the color blue, and lots of surprises that keep your heart pounding. I’m hopeful this book will be published by the end of the year. No writer’s block – the storyline keeps coming. Just have to find the time to finish it.
I would also like to note that Kevin Costner, the actor, is mentioned briefly in all my books. My female friends and I absolutely love him – we are all about the same age as Costner. I’ve used the personality of many of the characters he plays in movies for the love interests. My friends noticed it as well.
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New novel delivers a thrilling romance that explores courage, love and multicultural themes
CHICAGO – From the author of “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime” comes another stirring romance novel that will take readers on a journey that transcends boundaries, races and cultures. In “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” (published by Archway Publishing), author Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane invites readers to follow the life of Shilpa, a gifted African American artist whose unusual ocean-blue eyes set her apart in ways that both inspire and isolate her.
Shilpa’s story unfolds within two worlds — reality and the vivid world of make-believe. The novel masterfully intertwines romance, suspense, passion, and societal commentary as Shilpa navigates the complexities of her identity, the expectations placed on her, and the danger that threatens her loved ones. As readers turn each page, they will witness Shilpa’s transformation from a shy, self-conscious young woman into a resilient force of nature determined to protect those she loves. The book’s unexpected twists will keep them engage until the very end.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” weaves rich, multicultural themes with gripping narratives. It is a story about strength, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace one’s unique qualities. A hallmark of Lane’s storytelling is her portrayal of true beauty that goes beyond physical appearance. “When considering a person’s value in this world, ‘looks’ should not be the most important factor,” the author explains. “Qualities like personality, character, intelligence, kindness, and integrity are far more significant in building meaningful relationships and determining someone’s worth as an individual. It is one’s values that are important.”
The novel also features a special foreword written by four-time Grammy winner Deniece Williams, whose insight adds a layer of depth and meaning to the narrative.
When asked what she wants readers to take away from “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon,” Lane says, “It’s true that strong Black women can be stereotyped and characterized by strength, self-reliance, and caretaking; and strong Black women are often depicted as women who are able to withstand difficult circumstances and provide for others without regard to their own needs. To a point, this is true, but like any woman, Black women want love, joy, and respect in their lives as well; and some want families with a loving husband. And to fight for that is ok too.”
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” is available now at Archway Publishing and other major online retailers.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon”
By Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766340
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766326
E-Book | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766333
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Wishes in a Bottle
Wishes in a Bottle, by Allie McCormack, is a romantic fantasy that weaves together ancient magic, eternal longing, and the power of selfless love. Julian DiConti, a mage from plague-ridden Italy, becomes bound to a mystical bottle after a spell goes wrong, cursed to grant wishes until three truly selfless ones are made. In modern-day New York, his fate collides with Alessandra Taylor, a hospice worker with a compassionate soul, offering him the first glimmer of hope he’s had in centuries. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of pain, healing, and a magical bond neither of them expected.
What struck me most about the book was how real Julian felt despite the genie-in-a-bottle premise. He’s six hundred years old, yes, but his pain is fresh, raw even. The opening scene, in which a selfish woman squanders her final wish on a necklace rather than saving a dying child, was deeply unsettling and emotionally jarring. You can feel Julian’s frustration. I loved that the author didn’t sugarcoat his weariness. He endured centuries of witnessing individuals squander extraordinary opportunities, all while being powerless to intervene. The emotional depth of that experience was profoundly affecting.
Then there’s Alessandra. I adored her. She’s fierce in a quiet, grounded way. Her love for her nephew Bobby and her simmering resentment toward her emotionally absent brother-in-law felt so authentic. There’s a scene where she storms into the hospital after hearing about Bobby’s worsening condition, angry, grieving, full of fire, and yet the moment she sees her sister, she softens immediately. That complexity made her so relatable. When Alessandra meets Julian, there is an immediate sense of connection, marked not only by chemistry but also by trust, skepticism, and genuine curiosity. Their relationship develops gradually, avoiding the trope of instant infatuation, which makes the unfolding of their bond all the more compelling and rewarding.
The magic system is subtle but beautifully handled. It’s not flashy spells and fight scenes, it is ancient rules, quiet consequences, and emotional toll. I especially liked how Julian is punished by pain for bending the rules, like when he visits Bobby without a wish being made. That added meaningful weight to the magical framework, grounding it in emotional consequence. While the middle section leans heavily on dialogue and introspection, it enriches the characters and their relationships. The warmth and underlying tension between them kept the narrative engaging and made it difficult to put down.
Allie McCormack’s Wishes in a Bottle surprised me. It’s not just a love story. It’s about redemption, choice, and the agony of wanting to do good when the world keeps getting in the way. I’d recommend it to fans of character-driven romance with a supernatural twist. If you liked The Time Traveler’s Wife or works by Nora Roberts with a magical edge, you will enjoy this unique romantic adventure.
Pages: 376 | ASIN : B07KXYJM3Q
American Eugenics Movement
Trail of the Zombies follows a trio from the Nightfall Detective Agency as they unravel a sinister conspiracy tied to eugenics, Indian boarding schools, and a nefarious project called the Utopia Institute. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Great question. I had recently heard of the recent stories about the mistreatment of Indian children in boarding schools and read/mostly watched several documentaries on the subject in researching the beginning of Trail of the Zombies. I also am a fan of the works of Edwin Black and his book, War Against the Weak, told about the height of the American Eugenics Movement which coincided with the timing of the persecution of the Indian children. I also wanted to portray zombies in the way they were meant to be depicted. Recent works and movies/television series inspired by Day of the Dead and The Last Man on Earth show them as flesh-eating monsters. Those are actually ghouls, not zombies.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
This kind of supplements my response to question one. I read and watched a lot of material like many documentaries on the persecution of the Indian Children, the American Eugenics Movement, and actual Zombies. You can find all the sources I used in the Acknowledgement section of Trail of the Zombies.
The Trail of the Zombies crosses many genres. What books or authors were the biggest inspiration for you?
Good question. I mentioned Edwin Black and his book War Against the Weak. That really helped. Universal Horror and Horror movies of that era from other studios like White Zombie were inspirational as well. Mystery-Noir works also guided me as well as the writings and shows of Rod Serling like The Twilight Zone. Historical Fiction like those by James Michener also influenced me.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
The next book in the Case File Series will be Fury of the Vampire and it will come out before Halloween this year. It picks up right where Trail left off and our heroes will have to solve a political assassination, prevent widespread contamination of a local water supply, stop the antagonists from creating an alternative reality, and combat a powerful Jinn. I think readers are going to enjoy it when it comes out.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
For the first time since coming into their office, Simon struggled to lift his head, the bullet hole in his eye becoming more evident.
“To find out who killed me.”
Thus begins the next thrilling adventure for the Nightfall Detective Agency.
Vampire Detective Tori Jacobsen and Werewolf Detective Bram Mueller are drawn into the shadowy depths of the Utopia Institute to both solve the murder of the late Ira Simon and the reports of abuse of the Native American Students and those deemed unfit to attend there.
Set in 1929, just outside Marana Arizona, the pair unearth a web of dark secrets.
The Institute is a front for a sinister plot.
Evil Forces, once thwarted in their pursuit of the Eye of Aten, are now bent on creating an army of Zombie slaves from the people held at the Institute.
The ultimate goal?
A hidden Aztec treasure that could fund their designs for world domination.
Tori and Bram must race against time to prevent the ushering in of a new Dark Age of Terror.
If they fail, the world will descend into chaos and repression.
The stakes have never been higher.
Gratitude, Resilience, and Perseverance
Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey follows an aging tree who can no longer transport nutrients from his roots due to damage from oak beetles and learns that just because he is growing older, doesn’t mean he has no purpose. What made you write a story about this topic? Anything pulled from your life experiences?
I have great respect for those who have gone before me. As some of my dearest family and friends approached death, they continued to inspire and encourage. I hope to be like them!
What were the driving ideals behind the character’s development throughout the story and the series?
Growth through all stages of life is a commonality throughout the “Rooted” series. By focusing on aspects such as gratitude, resilience, and perseverance, I aimed to encourage readers to reflect on their own life experiences.
What was the most challenging part of writing this part of your Rooted series, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part of Rooted: A Wildlife Tree’s Journey was ending my protagonist’s life, and bringing the series to a conclusion. However, it was rewarding to show how much wildlife (elderly tree) contributes to the lives of others.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I want readers to realize the impact they have on others. I want them to understand that people in all stages of life matter and have much to offer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Future of Human
KRIS PR: Deus Ex Homine follows a genetically bred Cop who stumbles across a mysterious girl in danger, and everything he thought he knew about himself and his life starts to change.What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I spent almost two decades as a police officer, and the majority of that was on the frontline in uniform. It was often the most mundane cases that you had to be careful of, because anything that seemed too simple – was often too simple. In this case, a young ‘Missing from Home’ as we would call them, begins the unravelling of a national conspiracy. I may be taking my experience and extrapolating a little… But the potential for this to happen is real, especially with cases of Eastern European human trafficking on the rise in the UK, even today.
The gene editing actually came from when I attended a TED Conference in Banff to be trained in how to organize them. One of the speakers gave a talk on how CRISPR was the future of human genome editing, and that was it, the idea that led to the story was born.
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?
I actually policed about 30 minutes travel away from Manchester and visit regularly. I love the city, so that became the setting. PK Dick is one of my favorite authors, and I also love the Blade Runner films/book, so they definitely shaped the worldbuilding. The tech plague and the cyberware kind of grew as the story did; Cyberpunk 2077 (the game and comics) definitely helped there. I am writing a free prequel on Substack about the plague and the early years of the UK Edits here Substack Home – Gareth’s Substack It’s free to sign up so if you love the book, go and jump in.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The biggest theme revolves around Kris, someone who has grown up being indoctrinated in a neo-religious setting based on the teachings of Nietzsche. It also explores transhumanism – what makes us human – and how to navigate being born with attributes that 99.9% of the world do not have. It’s a kind of complicated coming of age story for the post-modern man, who is torn between competing obligations, and trying to figure out who he is. The women in the story take center stage for the next book, where Aimee comes into her own and Selena continues her quest to control their lives.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book is almost done so it will be coming soon! It explores Mori’s arc and Aimee and Peeler’s next steps. Kris is loosening from his Temple teachings and quite frankly, he’s a scary character to write. Canen is threaded throughout, and I know from the early feedback that readers love him – do not worry – he plays a large role in the forthcoming books… I can’t say too much without giving away the plot, so I’m going to stop there 😄
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
He was raised inside the doctrine: purity above all, strength through obedience, growth through pain. A Temple-bred Edit-Cop with sacred genetics and state sanction, Kris was born to enforce control, not question it. But when a black ops pursuit breaks protocol and a young girl named Aimee is dumped at his feet – bleeding, tagged, and hunted – his usual operating system fractures.
And so does his place in the world.
Now stripped of career and faith, Kris is a liability. A rogue Űber with experimental tech he never asked for that he can’t give back. His mentors have disowned him. His body is no longer fully his. And Aimee? She’s more than a victim. She’s something else entirely – Corp-grown, lab-hardened, and just beginning to understand the extent of what they did to her.
He is caught in the maelstrom now.
Between the Temple and the Corp, between doctrine and deviance.
Between who he was bred to be – and what he might become if he keeps protecting her.
For fans of Altered Carbon, Blade Runner 2049, and Ghost in the Shell – stories where the future is grim and unforgiving.KRIS.PR is a dark cyberpunk descent through a city of artificial gods, broken children, and surgically imposed futures. It’s a story where purity is a weapon, faith is engineered, and the Corp machines that build you will tear you apart the second you start asking why.
The Temple had Kris’s soul, the Corp took his career, what’s left is unregistered, unsanctioned, and learning how to fight back.
A World On The Brink
Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II follows a reborn witch who is thrust into a fractured world on the brink of ruin, and must find a way to restore balance and ward off an encroaching darkness. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
From Family History to Labyrinth’s Depths: The Inspiration Behind “Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II”
The story’s beginning can be traced back several years to my journey into my own family history. A piece of Merona’s story was initially drafted, a seed planted but left to lie dormant. It wasn’t until a chance encounter with a labyrinth during a hike that the missing pieces began to fall into place. This symbolic structure, often associated with journeys of self-discovery and transformation, provided the perfect setting and framework for Merona’s continuing evolution.
Merona herself is a complex character, drawing inspiration from the multifaceted nature of human emotion. She’s not a flawless heroine, but rather a relatable individual grappling with both strength and vulnerability. This deliberate choice allows readers to connect with her on a deeper level, cheering for her triumphs and empathizing with her struggles. I wanted a character that seemed human with all the emotions we have, highlighting the intention of creating a protagonist that mirrors the complexities of the human experience.
The story is also deeply rooted in Celtic lore, a rich tapestry of myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs. Weaving together different strands of this ancient tradition creating a world that feels both fantastical and grounded in familiar mythology.
Ultimately, “Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II” is a testament to the power of personal exploration. From the spark of family history to the symbolic depth of the labyrinth, the story’s inspiration is a potent mix of personal experience, historical research, and a desire to create a relatable and empowering female protagonist. It’s a story that invites readers to join Merona on her journey of self-discovery and cheer her on as she battles to protect a world on the brink.
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story?
Crafting compelling characters is the lifeblood of any story, but when you’re venturing into the realms of fantasy, the stakes are amplified. How do you create individuals with captivating powers and origins steeped in rich lore, yet still ground them in relatable humanity? This was a core challenge I faced while defining the characters in my own fantasy series, a world brimming with Celtic influences and extraordinary abilities.
One of the biggest hurdles was balancing the fantastical with the familiar. It’s easy to get lost in the allure of granting characters immense power, drawing from ancient magic and legendary beings. However, unchecked power can inadvertently create a disconnect. If a character is seemingly invincible, it becomes difficult for readers to truly connect with their struggles and invest in their journey.
My solution was to actively inject vulnerability. Even the most powerful characters had to grapple with internal conflicts, past traumas, and the emotional consequences of their actions. Perhaps they possessed incredible strength but struggled with the burden of responsibility, or wielded potent magic but feared its corrupting influence. This vulnerability, this crack in their otherwise imposing façade, became the key to making them human.
Think about it: we, as readers, are drawn to characters who mirror our own experiences, our own hopes and fears. While we might not possess magical abilities or face mythical beasts, we all understand the feeling of being overwhelmed, the weight of making difficult choices, and the fear of failure. By anchoring my characters in these universal emotions, I aimed to create a bridge between the extraordinary world they inhabited and the everyday realities of the reader.
The goal was to craft characters you wanted to root for, characters whose journeys you’d eagerly follow. This meant not just creating interesting backstories and powerful abilities but also imbuing them with flaws, quirks, and relatable motivations. I wanted readers to see themselves reflected in these legendary figures, to find a piece of their own humanity within the tapestry of the fantastical.
In the end, defining characters in a fantasy series is about more than just conjuring images of powerful heroes and formidable mages. It’s about building connections, forging empathy, and creating individuals who resonate with the reader on a deeply personal level. It’s about breathing life into legends and reminding us that even in the most extraordinary of circumstances, the human heart remains at the center of the story. It’s about crafting characters you love, characters you’re excited to see grow, and characters in whom you might just find a piece of yourself.
The writing in your story is very artful and creative. Was it a conscious effort to create a story in this fashion, or is this style of writing reflective of your writing style in general?
For many readers, a truly captivating story isn’t just about plot points and characters; it’s about being transported. It’s about stepping into a different world, breathing different air, and experiencing life through a lens rarely seen in the everyday. Achieving this kind of immersion requires more than just simple prose; it demands a deliberate artistry, a conscious effort to craft a narrative that truly resonates with the soul.
So, when a reader compliments a story’s artful and creative writing style, the question often arises: is this a deliberate act of craftsmanship, or simply the natural expression of the author’s voice? For many, including this particular storyteller, the answer lies in a blend of both.
My writing style is something that has evolved over the years. This echoes the truth that writing is rarely a static entity. It’s a dynamic process, shaped by influences, experiences, and a conscious desire to hone one’s craft. And in this case, the driving force was a deep-seated love for stories that offered a true escape.
As a lover of books that take you away to a distant and forgotten time, it was a conscious effort to try to recreate the stories I loved as a child. This is the key. The inspiration stemmed from a personal connection to the power of imaginative storytelling. It was a desire to not just read these enchanting tales, but to create them.
This conscious effort isn’t about mimicking styles, but rather understanding the underlying principles that make these stories so captivating. It’s about mastering the art of world-building, crafting evocative descriptions, and developing characters that feel both familiar and extraordinary.
But beyond the conscious effort, there’s also an element of inherent style. The years spent absorbing these fantastical narratives have inevitably shaped my own voice. Ultimately, this style of writing, rich in imagery and evocative language, serves a singular purpose: This style of writing for me is fun and affords readers an opportunity to escape from the reality of everyday life.
And that, perhaps, is the highest calling of any writer. To provide a refuge, a portal to another world where the imagination can roam free and the burdens of reality can be momentarily forgotten. To weave worlds, not just write words. And in doing so, to offer a gift of pure, unadulterated escapism.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The conclusion to the Witch’s Rebirth trilogy, Spear of Lugh: The Witch’s Rebirth Part III is available now. The destiny of Merona is about to be revealed, and the final battle for humanity looms large. Will she rise to meet her fate, or be consumed by the encroaching darkness?
Return to the shadowed world of 544 AD Septimania, a long-lost town in ancient Francia. Here, the echoes of a devastating plague still linger, casting a shroud over the land. A fragile hope has bloomed amidst the untamed bonfires and lingering sorrow, but it is about to be brutally extinguished. Samhain approaches, and with it, the veil between worlds thins, allowing an ancient darkness, thought to be defeated, to rise once more, unleashing nightmarish dragons and mythical creatures upon the unsuspecting world.
Destiny calls to Merona, the reborn witch who emerged from the labyrinth’s maw with unwavering resolve. Empowered by the divine strength of the Gods and wielding the legendary Cauldron of Dagda and the Spear of Lugh, she stands as humanity’s last line of defense against the encroaching evil and the resurgence of potent witchcraft.
But even as she prepares to unleash their power, Merona is burdened by a chilling truth: she is a harbinger, poised to extinguish even her last flicker of hope. The quest to save humanity may demand the ultimate sacrifice, forcing her to choose between her own well-being and the fate of the world. Will they survive this battle?
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Set in the year 540 A.D., Riley expertly crafts a historical backdrop teeming with political intrigue and the ever-present threat of a rising evil. As chaos descends upon the Eastern Roman Empire, threatening to engulf Constantinople and extinguish humanity’s flame, Merona, known only as The Witch, must emerge from the shadows. Her mission: to protect the legendary Cauldron of Dagda, humanity’s last hope against the encroaching darkness.
“Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth, Part II” is more than just a historical fantasy novel; it’s a character-driven story fueled by compelling relationships and impossible choices. By Merona’s side stands Murdach, the fierce, immortal warrior and shapeshifting dragon, whose unwavering loyalty and formidable strength are only surpassed by his deep, abiding love for her. Rounded out with a goddess of war and a wise seer, the group faces impossible odds in protecting the Cauldron.
Riley seamlessly weaves together elements of sword and sorcery, historical fantasy, and dark fantasy, creating a richly textured and immersive reading experience. Readers will be captivated by the heart-pounding action, the meticulous historical detail, and the complex relationships that drive the narrative forward.
But at the heart of “Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth, Part II“, is the epic love story between Merona and Murdach. Their connection, a love that transcends lifetimes, flickers with hope amidst the encroaching darkness. As Merona feels the undeniable pull towards Murdach, the stakes become even higher. Can her magic, combined with the power of the Cauldron of Dagda, be enough to defeat the imminent doom? And can she save not only their world but also the very soul of humanity? Will their pasts consume them, or will they find the strength to rise together against the looming darkness?
This is a story that will captivate fans of historical fiction, myths, and legends. “Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth, Part II” is an exhilarating journey through realms of magic and mayhem, where every page brims with danger, intrigue, and the desperate fight for survival.
Don’t miss out on this enthralling tale!
Grab your copy of “Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth, Part II” today and step into a world where destiny awaits!
Continue Merona’s journey with the other books in the Witch’s Rebirth Series by Michaela Riley:Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I
Spear of Lugh, The Witch’s Rebirth Part III
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
They Deserve Your Love
Dylan’s Dilemma follows a young cocker spaniel in South Korea, who is searching for his forever home, leading him on a wild adventure that brings him to sunny Southern California. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Dylan’s Dilemma is based on the true story of my dog Dylan. It originally began when a friend, an American professor, moved to South Korea to teach. He was lonely and so he bought Dylan, an American Cocker Spaniel, from Walmart. (Yes, you can buy almost anything at a Walmart in Daejeon.) I told my friend that he needed to train Dylan and he thought not. It was his plan to have a dog with no restrictions. All was well until my friend married. Dylan had become a serial chewer by that time and destroyed their apartment—eating all the furniture, the coverings off all the electrical wiring and eating the interior of their BMW. But when he ate their wedding pictures and the negatives, my friend’s wife declared Dylan’s time was up. Dylan was sent to me.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I believe that there is no such thing as a bad dog. All dogs want to please. They deserve your love and respect and will benefit and thrive with consistency. High on the list is pet responsibility and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Dylan provides readers with a lot of entertaining moments to enjoy. What was your favorite scene in this story?
The ending.
Aiden, Dylan’s former owner, comes to California to visit. Dylan is excited to see Aiden again. All too soon Dylan realizes that Aiden is only there because Dylan is now famous and can do something for him. Aiden tells Dylan to choose: Dylan can go home with him or stay with Casey. Dylan is torn. There was a time when Dylan would have given anything for Aiden to want him again. Dylan looks to Casey but Casey stays silent. Dylan doesn’t understand and his heart starts to break all over again. But then Casey raises his right hand and uses American Sign Language to sign, I love you. Dylan realizes that is the answer he needs and wants and runs to Casey.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Dylan and the direction of the second book?
Casey and Dylan continue to bond and grow by learning Agility Training, Obedience Training, American Sign Language and complete American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen training. They also begin learning search and rescue techniques. After a successful search and rescue mission on Catalina Island, California, they dream of having their own dog training school someday. But someday seems a long way off.
Dylan’s training is soon put to the test when he accidentally gets lost. Dylan is determined to get home but he also knows in his heart that he and Casey are a team—Casey will and does find him. Not long after, their best friend, Sumo, runs away from home. The police have no leads and it looks hopeless. It’s up to Casey and Dylan to use their search and rescue skills to find Sumo and to bring him home. That’s when Casey, Sumo and Dylan decide to become Dylan’s Dog Squad—it’s a dream they can have now.
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A heartwarming, page-turning adventure perfect for readers ages 8 to 13—and for dog lovers of all ages.
Life gets exciting when Dylan, a spirited pup with a knack for trouble and a heart of gold, joins Casey and his mom’s home. From charming the neighborhood to bringing joy to the jumbo screen at the baseball game to young patients at a nearby children’s hospital, Dylan quickly becomes everyone’s favorite furry friend. But life with Dylan is anything but simple.
With dognappers lurking and a bully with his reckless dog causing trouble, Casey and Dylan find themselves in a race against time to unravel the mystery behind this mischief.
Will Dylan’s loyal heart and nose for adventure help him outwit the bad guys?
Reading level: Longer chapter books and middle-grade books, Lexile score 790L
LITERARY TITAN 