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Labyrinth of Memory
Spear of Lugh follows a powerful and timeless witch reborn across centuries, as she confronts an ancient evil and embraces her destiny as the Keeper of Balance. What were some themes that you felt were important to highlight in this story?
As I delved into the captivating narrative of Spear of Lugh, following Merona, a powerful and timeless witch reborn across centuries, I found myself drawn to several profound themes crucial to her journey. Her epic quest to confront an ancient evil and embrace her destiny as the Keeper of Balance provided a rich foundation, but it was the nuanced exploration of destiny, immense power, and universal equilibrium that truly resonated with me. I aimed to highlight not only her external battles but also her deeply personal struggle through a symbolic labyrinth of memory, ultimately showing that true strength lies in understanding darkness both within oneself and the world.
What was the initial idea behind The Witch’s Rebirth series, and how did that transform as you were writing the series?
Where does the true magic begin? For me, The Witch’s Rebirth series wasn’t with potion-making or incantations, but with the chaotic, exhilarating magic of creation itself. A journey that transformed a simple idea into a thrilling saga far larger and more intricate than my initial scribbled notes ever hinted at. What began as a deceptively straightforward concept, envisioning a witch protagonist facing the harsh trials of historical witch hunts in 1590 Scotland, quickly proved to be just the initial spark for an unpredictable genesis. My restless creative mind, clearly unburdened by sensible notions, soon realized this tale demanded more than mere historical accuracy. It rapidly blossomed into a vibrant blend of fantasy, ancient lore, and profound Celtic mythology. Through numerous revisions, unexpected bursts of inspiration like stumbling upon a real labyrinth, and a deep dive into the very essence of ancient deities, the series evolved. Which gave its primary witch, Merona, a far more ancient lineage, making her a destined embodiment of the land’s primal powers. This enchanting and deeply personal process truly embodies the magic of evolution, a testament to how humble beginnings can lead to an epic, multi-layered narrative that is still unfolding.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Reflecting on my work, the question of whether I fully realized every aspiration for my characters is a nuanced one, landing somewhere between a resounding ‘yes’ and a quiet ‘no’. It’s an immense challenge to condense centuries of intricate past lives and epic battles into a mere three-book series. While I wanted to delve deeper into Murdach’s past conflicts and his individual journey, his narrative threads were so intrinsically woven with Merona’s that extracting them proved incredibly difficult without disrupting the core story. This experience has certainly shaped my approach for the upcoming trilogy, where I aim to not only further develop the main protagonist but also dedicate significant attention to exploring the depths of other key characters.
Now that you have concluded this series, what is the next book that you are working on?
Having just concluded this series, I, too, am wondering: what’s next? Well, the cauldron’s already bubbling again, which probably means more unexpected twists, demanding deities, and quite possibly, a new variety of fictional trouble with my favorite witch. Wish me luck; I’m absolutely going to need it.
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The final battle for humanity looms. Will Merona rise to meet her destiny, or be consumed by the encroaching darkness?
Return to the shadowed world of 544 AD Septimania, a long-lost town in ancient Gaul, where the echoes of a devastating plague still linger. A fragile hope has bloomed amongst the untamed bonfires and lingering sorrow, but it is about to be extinguished. Samhain approaches, and with it, the veil between worlds thins, allowing an ancient darkness, thought to be defeated, to rise once more.
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.
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.
Prepare to be captivated by a dark fantasy steeped in Celtic mythology, historical grounding, and a high-stakes narrative where magic clashes with ancient evil. Spear of Lugh: The Witch’s Rebirth Part III explores the profound themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness, promising a thrilling and unforgettable conclusion to the Witch’s Rebirth trilogy.
In this final chapter, ask yourself:Can Merona harness the power of the Gods to vanquish the ancient darkness once and for all?
What sacrifices will she have to make to fulfill her destiny?
Will hope prevail, or will the world succumb to the shadows that threaten to engulf it?
Dive into Spear of Lugh: The Witch’s Rebirth Part III and witness the epic climax of Merona’s journey!
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
LITERARY TITAN 