The Witch’s Rebirth Series – Book Tour and Giveaway
This Samhain, awaken the legend.
Confront the darkness.
Labyrinth of Shadows
The Witch’s Rebirth Part I
by Michaela Riley
Genre: Dark Epic Historical Fantasy
The Empire Falls. A Witch Rises. Humanity’s Last Hope.
What if the world’s salvation depended on the rebirth of its most feared woman?
Award-winning author Michaela Riley delivers a groundbreaking saga with The Witch’s Rebirth Series, beginning with the electrifying Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I.
Born on Samhain, under the ominous shroud of an eclipse, Merona’s destiny is a spell woven through centuries. As the mighty Western Roman Empire crumbles into dust and a new king rises amidst the ashes, an ancient prophecy demands her awakening. This is no mere historical reimagining; it is a cosmic tension, an eerie beauty where history and myth conspire to ignite a forgotten power.
Forget the villains of myth. In this epic tale, the world’s salvation rests on the shoulders of its most feared woman. Merona’s rebirth isn’t just a beginning; it’s the genesis of humanity’s last hope. Journey with her through a labyrinth of shadows, where destiny, reclamation, and the profound cost of becoming who you were always meant to be collide.
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I doesn’t just sound epic—it feels like a spell cast across time. Prepare for a story that flips archetypes, raises the stakes to unimaginable heights, and will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about fate and fear.
The Witch’s Rebirth Series by Award-Winning Author Michaela Riley. Her rebirth begins. The world will never be the same.
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Cauldron of Dagda
The Witch’s Rebirth Part II
This Samhain, the veil thins, and a legend awakens.
Michaela Riley, the award-winning storyteller whose words have captivated readers, invites you on a journey back to a time when magic thrummed in the very soil and darkness lurked at the edges of the known world. Step into The Witch’s Rebirth Series, a saga that begins not with a whisper, but with a shattering revelation on the most sacred night of the year.
The year is 540 A.D. The air in Gaul is thick with an unspoken dread, a chilling premonition spreading like wildfire from the East. For nearly three decades, a name whispered with fear, a figure known only as The Witch, has remained a phantom, a recluse safeguarding truths too powerful to be spoken. Merona, the woman behind the myth, has lived a life of quiet vigilance, her existence a shield against a nameless terror.
But the shadows are lengthening. An ancient, lurking darkness, a force older than empires and more insidious than plague, has begun to stir. This is not a foe that wields steel; it is a corruption that feasts on despair, a creeping night threatening to extinguish the last embers of humanity. And Merona, the reclusive witch, is no longer hidden. She is drawn from her sanctuary, her slumbering power ignited by an imperative she cannot ignore.
Her mission is immense, her burden profound. Merona is the solitary guardian of the Cauldron of Dagda, an artifact of immense power, a beacon of hope in a world teetering on the precipice of eternal night. Humanity’s fate rests not on armies, but on the whispered incantations and fierce determination of one woman.
Beside her, though the odds are stacked against them, stand those who have pledged their unwavering loyalty. Murdach, Morrigan, and Mairead. Their faces, etched with the weariness of countless battles against the encroaching darkness, mirror the grim resolve in Merona’s own eyes. Her voice, though carrying the weight of prophecy and the echo of a fragile world, is not one of despair, but of a fierce, unwavering commitment.
The Witch’s Rebirth Series is more than a story; it is an immersion into a visceral world where pagan lore collides with cataclysmic threats. It is a testament to the power of resilience, the strength of chosen family, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to stand against the tide of oblivion.
Prepare to be spellbound. Prepare to witness the impossible. Prepare for The Witch’s Rebirth Series by Michaela Riley.
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Spear of Lugh
The Witch’s Rebirth Part III
Prepare for the Rebirth. Prepare for War.
She was reborn on Samhain. And that was only the beginning.
From the award-winning imagination of Michaela Riley comes a sweeping saga where ancient myth bleeds into brutal history, and humanity’s fate rests on the shoulders of one formidable woman. Welcome to THE WITCH’S REBIRTH SERIES.
In the shadowed year of 544 AD, the ancient Gaul town of Septimania lies scarred, but not broken. A devastating plague had gripped its very soul, until the Witch, through powerful, arcane deeds, began to loosen its deadly hold. Now, as the sacred eve of Samhain approaches, the air hums with the promise of roaring bonfires, desperate festivity, and a fragile new dawn.
But beneath the surface of celebration, an unsettling truth stirs: an ancient darkness, long thought defeated, is awakening once more. This menacing, primeval force threatens to extinguish the fragile light of renewal, to plunge Septimania, and indeed all humanity, into an eternal night.
With the raven’s call echoing through the labyrinth’s core, the Witch emerges, reborn and wielding the legendary Cauldron of Dagda and the mighty Spear of Lugh. She is poised for one final, desperate battle. To preserve humanity, she must summon the enigmatic, divine strength of the Gods – the awe-inspiring might of the Tuatha De Danann. For in this coming conflict, so cataclysmic are the stakes, there will be no victor left standing unless the ancient powers heed her plea.
Will the Witch’s rebirth be humanity’s salvation, or its final, desperate gasp?
Dive into THE WITCH’S REBIRTH SERIES by Award-Winning Author Michaela Riley and witness the epic struggle for survival where myth is made, and legends are forged in fire and blood.
Your journey into ancient magic and desperate heroism begins on Samhain.
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Michaela Riley: Where Virginia Trails Meet Ancestral Magic
From the front lines of critical care to the enchanting worlds of fiction, Michaela Riley, a retired Army Critical Care Nurse with a Masters in Nursing Education, is the award-winning author behind “The Witch’s Rebirth” series.
Nestled in Virginia, Michaela shares her life with her husband and a distinctive duo of canine muses: Morrigan, a majestic red German Shepherd, and Carlos, a spirited Chihuahua-terrier. Her inspiration roots deep in the local mountains and forests, where each hike is a pilgrimage that connects her to ancestral whispers. These profound journeys directly fuel her captivating stories, weaving together magic, history, and the transformative power of self-discovery.
Through evocative prose, Michaela invites readers to explore their own heritage and embrace the extraordinary magic found in uncovering one’s deepest truths.
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How long does it take you to complete a project?
The time it takes to write a book varies wildly, but for me, the process is quite structured. The Witch’s Rebirth Series, for example, demanded a full year dedicated solely to research. This upfront investment in historical accuracy and detail lays the groundwork for the actual writing. Once I have a solid timeline and the necessary research compiled, the writing phase itself becomes much more streamlined. At that point, I can typically draft a 500-page novel in approximately one month, leveraging the pre-existing framework to propel the story forward.
What would you say is your strength as a writer?
My strength as a writer lies in my ability to craft vivid details and build immersive worlds without overwhelming the reader. I strive to paint a clear picture, drawing the audience into the environment and atmosphere I envision, while leaving room for their own imaginations to flourish. Furthermore, I excel at developing strong, relatable characters who possess flaws and imperfections, mirroring the complexities of real individuals. These characters, with their vulnerabilities and struggles, resonate with readers and make the story feel authentic and emotionally engaging.
What do you think makes a good story?
A truly captivating story hinges on a compelling plot, one that’s not afraid to take unexpected twists and turns. These surprises keep readers on the edge of their seats, constantly guessing and eager to discover what comes next. Beyond plot, a rich tapestry of worldbuilding is essential, painting a vivid backdrop against which the narrative unfolds. And what’s a story without memorable characters? Some we’ll adore, becoming our stand-ins within the narrative, while others will rile us up, serving as necessary antagonists or complex moral compasses. To truly engage, the protagonist must face a significant challenge, a hurdle that builds tension and leads to a pivotal climax. A satisfying resolution is the ultimate reward, but perhaps more importantly, the story should leave us invested in characters we genuinely want to see succeed, characters whose triumphs resonate long after the final page is turned.
What inspired the storyline of your latest book?
The Witch’s Rebirth series bloomed from a deep connection with the natural world, cultivated through countless hours spent hiking and truly observing the subtle nuances of the landscape. This immersive experience sparked a fascination with the hidden stories whispered by the earth itself, forming the bedrock of the series’ atmosphere and themes. Further inspiration arose from a personal connection to the past: research into family lineage unearthed intriguing accounts of ancestors accused of witchcraft, adding a layer of personal resonance and prompting a deeper exploration of the historical context surrounding these accusations. To ground the fantastical elements, the historical timeline of the series relies heavily on meticulous research and a long-standing fascination with old France and its rich, often enigmatic relationship with magic.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
The best advice for aspiring authors boils down to this: first and foremost, write the story that burns within you. Don’t get bogged down in market trends or perceived expectations before you’ve even put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Cultivate unshakable faith in your abilities and your unique perspective. Remember that the publishing landscape is vast and ever-evolving, offering more avenues than ever before for your work to find its audience. As you navigate this journey, don’t shy away from advocating for your vision; your voice and your story matter. Most importantly, brace yourself for the inevitable challenges and rejections, and never, ever give up on your dream of becoming a published author.
Tell me something about yourself
As a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter, family is clearly at the heart of who I am. My experiences are further shaped by my service as a retired Major, Army Reserve Nurse Corp, a role that undoubtedly instilled discipline and resilience. Now, with more time to pursue passions, I find joy in the companionship of my beloved pets, Morrigan, my German Shepherd who remarkably inspired a character in my books, and Carlos Santana, my charming chihuahua terrier mix. My adventurous spirit leads me on hikes and travels around the world, always eager to explore new places and cultures. This passion extends to delving into my lineage and uncovering historical details, providing rich inspiration for my writing. It’s surprising to me that I’ve embraced the dark fantasy genre, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it, and dedicated to continuing the Witch’s Rebirth Series with the upcoming sequel series, Guardians of the Veil.
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Nov 3
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Looks like a good read
Alma,
I hope that you take the time to get the series and it becomes your next epic obsession. The first book Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth lays the ground work for Merona and her rebirth. Beginning as a newborn in the town of Septimania in 478 AD. She has no memory of her previous lives but this will change beginning on her 12th birthday. It's about awakening to who you are meant to be. Enjoy!
I am so loving the cover of this book. I would love to read this one this fall season.
Heather,
I would love for you to read Merona's story. It is perfect for fall and Samhain when the veil thins and she is reborn.
This looks like a great read. The plot and characters are intriguing.
Clovis I in the book Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Trilogy Part I is an actual person. He was the first King of France and was a pagan before he converted to Christianity during the Battle of Tolbiac. Merona the reborn witch is fictional but the rest of the characters and their information can be found on my website https://www.meronarebirth.com/. There you can learn about the characters in The Witch's Rebirth Series. I hope you get your copies of the trilogy today. Enjoy
This historical fantasy series has some great characters. Clovis I was the first King of France and a pagan that deeply believed in magic before converting to Christianity after the Battle of Tolbiac. Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I centers on his journey and the impact the Reborn Witch will have on his destiny. If you love history and magic you will love the characters, witches, Kings, shape shifting dragons and celtic lore, this series is for you.
love the cover
Thank you so much for comment on the cover. The wolf in the cover photo next to Merona the reborn witch is inspired by my own German Shepherd named Morrigan.
What a book cover!
How has the main character evolved throughout the books?
Merona is reborn as an infant on Samhain 478 AD in Gaul (present day France). She has no memory of her past lives and must embrace the magic and power within her. She begins as we all do afraid of her destiny and path forward. But she embraces the destiny and battles she must overcome. In 540 AD she returns to Gaul as an adult remembering her past life and the power she has to stop the Justinian Plague. She has evolved into a powerful witch with compassion for mankind. She never forgets what her destiny is or the sacrifices that must be made to stop the darkness that hopes to consume mankind.
Thanks for the great excerpt. The book sounds fantastic. Love the cover!
Thank you!
Aw, you're so welcome! Thrilled you loved the excerpt and that the book sounds fantastic! And seriously, that cover is pure enchantment, isn't it? ✨ Prepare for even more magic in The Witch's Rebirth Series!
Thank You! you can check out my website at https://www.michaelariley.com/ to learn more about the books. Please sign up for a chance to win the autographed trilogy.
Sounds like a good book.
Hello Shelly,
Thank you! The first book Labyrinth of Shadows has won several awards. If you love ancient stories that take you away to a distant time and place these are the books for you. I hope you get the trilogy today.
This sounds like a book that I would like to read. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Marcy,
I hope you do get them today! Prepare for a thrilling descent into a world where the veil between myth and reality is thin, where ancient legends stir, and where the shadows hold secrets both potent and perilous. It's not a light read. That is intentional. I want you to love the characters and cheer for them and cry with them. Merona's story awaits! Step into the Labyrinth.
This sounds like a great read.
There's a special kind of magic in discovering a truly captivating fantasy novel, one that sweeps you away to realms unknown and introduces you to characters who linger long after the final page. And when that novel comes with the prestige of a major award, the anticipation intensifies. I hope you purchase The Witch's Rebirth Trilogy today and absolutely love Merona's story. Happy Reading!
This sounds like a great book!
Hi Michelle,
Good? Honey, it's bewitching! Just don't be surprised if your own magic starts tingling. 😉🔮
I love the cover
Hope its a great read!
Looks very exciting Do you write in a daily journal ?
Heather, I don't keep a journal but I do keep have notes on my cell phone to write ideas down as they come to me. Thank you for asking.
Heather, I don't journal but I do use notes on my cell phone to narrate the ideas about my stories. I never know when the inspiration will strike. Thank you for asking.
The Witch's Rebirth Series looks so good!! I love all of the covers!
Thank you! I love them too. 🤯 Reborn witches, dragon lovers, ancient prophecies, and a Labyrinth of Shadows?! I'm ready for the saga! ✨🐉 Currently writing the next saga of The Witch's Rebirth Trilogy. Hope you enjoy them.
This sounds like an intense fantasy with interesting characters.
I enjoyed getting to know your novels, intense cover.
Jeanna,
Yes the trilogy is intense but written that way purposely to paint a dramatic scene. I want the readers to experience the books as if they are watching a movie in vivid detail. All the characters in the series have interesting back stories but all is not revealed until the second and third part of the series. I hope you get them today.
I enjoy witch stories!
What a great series.
Thank you for the excerpt.
Barbara,
I hope you get the chance to read the trilogy. In medieval Denmark, midwife Anna is burned for witchcraft, her fiery death a key to rebirth. Her immortal dragon lover, Murdach, watches, knowing he’ll find her again. Reborn in 478 AD Septimania, a new Anna awakens in the Labyrinth of Shadows, unaware of her past or the immense magic surging within. As ancient enemies rise and Merovingian shadows lengthen, Murdach must guide her to harness her power, fulfill a prophecy, and reclaim her destiny. An epic saga of eternal love, perilous rebirth, and a witch’s triumphant rise from the ashes.
This sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
Ann thank you! I love the overs also. Each cover is inspired by the book in the series. Merona the reborn witch is visited by The Goddess of War known as Morrigan. She appears to Merona as the red wolf, inspired by my own German shepherd named Morrigan. The Morrigan guides Merona to develop her powers as a powerful witch.
The second book Cauldron of Dagda, is inspired by the Tuatha Dé Danann Cauldron of Dagda. The magical powers of the cauldron are used to heal the land and people from the dark plague.
The third book once again uses ancient relics from Tuatha Dé Danann this time The Spear of Lugh to battle against an ancient darkness that wants to end mankind.
I hope you get a chance to get the trilogy today. Happy Reading
Was there anything significant that got cut from the final version?
Hello Soha,
I love that question. Yes lots of things were cut from the first version of Part I. Initially the Labyrinth of Shadows was going to be just one book. I spent a year researching and making notes, outlines, magical components and of course the Celtic Lore. Elements that were cut would have been more details about Clovis I and his family. Because I was focusing on Merona and the "why "she was reborn these additional historical elements were removed. Instead there are 2 stories, Merona the reborn witch and Clovis. Their lives parallel in the story intentionally and the timeline had to match so they would meet at various times of importance in both of their lives. I love the historical element. I have spent many years researching my lineage and it was important to honor my distant great-grandfather Clovis I. Hope that you will love The Witch's Rebirth Trilogy as much as I do.
I like the book details.
Hello Stephanie,
I am thrilled that you like the book details and hope that you get the series today. Excited to know what you think of Merona's story.
This looks like a great trilogy! Thank you for the giveaway!
Debbi,
I would love for you to win the autographed trilogy! Thank you for entering the contest.
exciting
It is exciting to get to share my books with you. Enjoy!
This sounds like a great book.
Good Morning Sara,
Thank you! The trilogy follows the life of Merona the reborn witch. Ancient Gaul, three eras, and a witch's Samhain rebirth. Merona's journey is a spellbinding read!
The cover looks scary and riveting.
Good morning David,
The cover does look scary doesn't it? I had something else in mind for the cover but my publisher had other ideas. The first book is about Merona's awakening when she meets the red wolf Morrigan. Merona will come into her powers on her 12th birthday and the Goddess Morrigan also a shifter appears to Merona and guides her to her destiny. I hope you get the chance to get the trilogy today.
Fabulous guest post
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for the comment. So happy you like the guest post. What kind of books do you like to read?
This sounds like a great read.
Good Morning Nickie,
Ancient Gaul, three eras, and a witch's Samhain rebirth. Merona's journey is a spellbinding read! Even the spells are in Irish as the books are heavily based on Celtic Lore. Get your copies today! Enjoy a warm beverage, a blanket and immerse yourself in Merona's stories. Enjoy!
Sounds like a fascinating series.
Cynthia,
It's like Game of Thrones and Harry Potter had a baby.
And that baby, my friend, is about to inherit a kingdom of ancient magic and a destiny steeped in blood. So excited for you to dive into The Witch's Rebirth Trilogy! Merona's journey across three distinct eras of Gaul is… well, let's just say things get complicated. And yes, Samhain is the perfect time for her rebirth. You'll see why.
The cover is definitely eye catching and a little spooky--which is appropriate for the subject matter!
Carol,
Yes it is a spooky cover which is necessary based on the story of Merona who is reborn from the ashes on Samhain in 478 AD in present day France. The Wolf on the cover is inspired by my own German Shepherd, Morrigan. I hope you get the books today and immerse yourself in a spellbinding series.
Looking forward to reading this
I look forward to you reading the trilogy also. It’s ancient magic with an apocalyptic heartbeat, myth colliding with mortality. The kind of story that doesn’t just entertain… it summons you.
A great book to read for this spooky season
Michele,
The books are a bit spooky but Merona isn't your average witch with a hat and broom. She is an ancient witch that is reborn to fulfill her destiny and save mankind. If you love witches, epic love, shape shifters and of course history these are the books for you. Happy reading!
I definitely want to check this series out, I hadn't heard of it. How many books do you plan to have in the series?
Hello and thank you for the question. Currently there are 3 in the series but working on the next 3 and hope to have the first one published by the first of the year. I hope you have the opportunity to get the series today!
I love the book covers. Is the witch on the covers a real person or did you hire a designer to draw her based on the book?
I created the characters while writing the books with vivid descriptions. I gave that information to the publisher that came up with the images.
"Hi Michaela! I just wanted to drop a comment to say how absolutely stunning the cover for Cauldron of Dagda: Part II is. It immediately sets the mood for the book. The visual elements—the dark, atmospheric colors, the evocative imagery of the cauldron, and the powerful figure of Merona—perfectly capture the intense, mythic atmosphere of the story and its deep Celtic roots.
The cover really hints at the exploration of ancient lore and the high stakes involved in the story. It's a gorgeous visual representation that perfectly matches the rich, poetic writing inside the book. The cover art sets a great vibe and makes you want to dive right into the magic and history. Fantastic work by the cover artist!"