Labyrinth of Shadows

Merona pauses at the edge of the torchlight, a spectral path opening in the mist just past where the light gives out. Most heroines in this genre run from the dark. Merona has learned, the hard way, to be suspicious of the light instead. "I followed the darkness," she says, "because the light had lied to me first." It's a quiet, defining reversal for Labyrinth of Shadows—the shadows in this book aren't the threat, they're the map. Whatever's guiding Merona through the maze is

Ghostlike fragments of vanished kingdoms drift around her. Candle flames go out, one by one, like a countdown nobody else in the room can hear. "They envy the years I have lived," Merona says. "They never ask what those years took from me." It's the thesis statement of her entire character across the series—immortality in Labyrinth of Shadows was never framed as a gift to be envied. It's closer to a wound that never finishes healing, one life stacked on top of the last, each

Storm sky overhead, ancient stone beneath her, and a cloaked figure disappearing into the ruins just as Merona opens her eyes. This is where Labyrinth of Shadows actually begins — not with a death remembered, but with one erased. "I do not remember the blade," she says. "I remember the voice that told me to run." It's a rare gap in Merona's otherwise total recall, and the book treats it as exactly the kind of loose thread a reader should be suspicious of. Someone — or somethi

Visual: A close portrait of Merona—windblown black cloak framing her face, while branching corridors dissolve into other lifetimes behind her. It is the most literal image the series has for what she actually is: a woman standing at the center of every path she has ever walked. "Every path leads backward," she says, "toward the woman I was and the darkness I left behind." Labyrinth of Shadows opens the series on that exact, unyielding tension: rebirth as a forward motion that

If you have ever wondered whether The Witch’s Rebirth trilogy is truly rooted in real history — Chapter 26 of Labyrinth of Shadows is your answer. The Battle of Tolbiac. 496 AD. King Clovis of the Salian Franks facing the Alemanni. Six thousand soldiers on each side. Three days of brutal combat. And at the center of it all — a reborn witch holding the fate of Western civilization in her hands. This is not invented. The Battle of Tolbiac happened. King Clovis was real. His con

Every night she relives the flames. She Refused to Stay Dead: The Witch’s Rebirth Comes to Kansas City Some secrets are buried deep for a reason. But some—especially those forged in fire and fueled by centuries of injustice—have a way of clawing their way back to the surface. She is coming. And she is closer than you think. If you’ve been waiting for a dark fantasy that chills you to the bone and haunts you long after you turn the final page, it’s time to meet the woman who r

Shop at my store for all versions of books in The Witch's Rebirth Series (hint it won't be a trilogy soon). More on that later:). On May 30 I will be at the Fae Ball — a fantasy event where I am sponsoring an entire bar named after the world of The Witch's Rebirth. The cocktails are named after Merona and Murdach. The drinks have shimmer dust and custom dragon and labyrinth wafers floating on top. And I will have 150 personally signed copies of the trilogy with me — 50 of eac

Merona The Last Ember of Hope for Mankind Imagine being born with a predetermined path, a fate that has been etched into your very skin. A map of power and magic that glows with an otherworldly energy, connecting you to an ancient lineage and a prophecy that could change the course of history. Sounds like a dream come true, right? But what if this destiny is not a gift, but a cage? A constant reminder that your future was decided centuries ago, leaving you with little room to

For readers who savor romances that simmer with restrained passion and unfold over time, Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I is a spellbinding journey. This story of Merona and Murdach—a love bound by fate, magic, and lifetimes of sacrifice—will captivate those who cherish the quiet intensity of slow-burn relationships. If you’ve ever longed for a love story and romance that blossoms like a rose through thorns, across centuries of longing and heartbreak, this is

The cyclical nature of persecution and rebirth: Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I explores how the trauma of witch hunts and scapegoating echoes across centuries. Anna Koldings’s execution and subsequent rebirth as Merona highlight the persistence of injustice and the possibility of transformation. The narrative asks whether history is doomed to repeat itself or if individuals can break cycles of violence by healing old wounds and forging new paths.

The Witch's Rebirth Trilogy In a world where the boundaries of time and magic blur, one series is poised to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression: The Witch's Rebirth Series by Michaela Riley. This mesmerizing trilogy has been long listed for the prestigious Chanticleer International Book Awards 2025, a testament to its spellbinding narrative and the author's mastery of storytelling. The Witch's Rebirth Series is a sweeping epic that delves into the realm where his

Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Wins 8th award Michaela Riley invites readers into an enthralling tale of magic, power, and destiny with her latest novel, Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth . This spellbinding historical fantasy weaves rich mythology with gripping storytelling, delivering an unforgettable journey through time and mystery. Taking place in the upheaval of fifth-century Gaul, the novel begins with the Sicambrian Franks fleeing from the invading

LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 2025 – American Book Fest™ is proud to announce the winners and finalists of its prestigious 22nd Annual Best Book Awards (BBA), one of the world's largest international book award programs celebrating mainstream, independent, and self-published titles. Among the distinguished recipients, award-winning author Michaela Riley has secured a win in the highly competitive Horror category for her captivating novel, "Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth P

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. When that novel comes with the prestige of a major award, the anticipation intensifies. Today, we're absolutely thrilled to shine a spotlight on a book that has not only captured our imaginations but also the esteemed recognition of the NYC Big Book Award! A Journey into Fantasy: "La

Labyrinth of Prophecy: Michaela Riley’s Labyrinth of Shadows Conjures a Spot on the Prestigious Chaucer Long List We have thrilling news for fans of epic historical fiction, particularly those who delight in worlds where ancient history meets potent magic. We are ecstatic to celebrate Michaela Riley, whose gripping novel, Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I, has earned a coveted place on the Chaucer Long List for Historical Books written pre-1750. This recognitio

Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival, holds a profound significance in the dark fantasy series "The Witch's Rebirth" by Michaela Riley. The trilogy, which includes titles such as "Labyrinth of Shadows," "Cauldron of Dagda," and "Spear of Lugh. Connected by the Wheel of The Year

I'm still pinching myself. It's not every day you receive news that makes your heart do a little leap – or in my case, a rather dramatic somersault. My novel, "Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth," has been honored with the prestigious NYC Big Book Award. Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I Wins NYC Big Book Award in Fantasy A Monumental Achievement This is monumental. As an author, you pour so much of yourself into your stories, characters, and worlds. You

Prepare to be swept away into a world where ancient prophecies collide with historical intrigue in Michaela Riley's enthralling new...

Michaela Riley’s Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth begins with a breath of ancient power and mysticism, weaving together...

Michaela Riley’s Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth begins with a breath of ancient power and mysticism, weaving together...