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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.
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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.
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
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