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The trees bow. Not in reverence, not in surrender—but under a burden too crystalline, too cruel to bear. Their boughs, once proud and reaching, now arch like the backs of elders worn thin by winters too long. Ice creeps along their limbs like a thief in the night—silent, insidious, claiming what was never offered. It wraps each branch in glass, turning wood to wire, strength to brittleness. The storm moved west to east, a creeping invasion, and left behind not snow, but a kin

17th Century Witch Hunter Matthew Hopkins The year was 1500. In Copenhagen, a young woman named Merona was tied to a stake. The accusers called her a witch, and her punishment was fire. This tragic event was not an isolated act of medieval brutality; it was the kindling for a fever that would sweep across Europe. It was the beginning of a contagion of fear, a paranoid hunt for the "other" that would stain the centuries to come. My book Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirt

Five Uplifting Books to Read When Life Sucks or the Zombie Apocalypse Looms Let’s be honest—sometimes life feels like it’s straight out of a dystopian novel. Whether you’re navigating a rough patch, battling burnout, or just watching the news with a growing sense of dread, it’s easy to feel like the world is collapsing. And hey, it might not actually be zombies (yet), but if you’ve ever found yourself mentally rehearsing emergency supplies while stuck in traffic, you’re not a

Cast your vote, share and like By Merona’s moonlit mane and Murdach’s extremely taxable backdraft, THE BALL IS COMING and I have the honor of sponsoring a bar which will be all about The Witch's Rebirth Trilogy. Hey there, you magnificent creature of questionable morality and excellent taste! Yes, you—lurking in the shadows with a glass of something suspiciously glow-in-the-dark and a copy of The Witch’s Rebirth tucked under your arm (I hope so) like it's contraband (it is).

If you’ve been scrolling through the endless sea of indie releases on Amazon, BookBub, or Goodreads, one title has been popping up in every list this year: Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I  by Michaela Riley . What started as a modest self‑published fantasy has become a tour‑de‑force of recognition , racking up nine prestigious honors  across fantasy, horror, and literary fiction. For writers, agents, and readers alike, the book’s award résumé reads like a mas

Happy New Year 2026 Sneak Preview for the New Year

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

Hey there, fellow book lovers! Are you ready for a Christmas adventure like no other? Look no further! Michaela Riley's Christmas children's books, featuring the dynamic duo Morrigan and Carlos, are here to bring laughter, excitement, and holiday cheer to your little ones (and let's be honest, to you too!)! Book One: Morrigan's Christmas Adventure in Poland with Carlos Morrigan's Christmas Adventure in Poland With Carlos Imagine a Christmas in Poland, complete with snowflakes

The last days of Smashwords super sales are approaching fast! I’m excited to announce that my book, Labyrinth of Shadows, will be available as part of the Smashwords 2025 End of Year Sale! This is a chance to get my book, along with books from many other great authors, at a promotional discount. https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MichaelaRiley You can find the promo here: http://smashwords.com/sale https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1801113 Get The Witch's Rebirth Tr

Historical fantasy stories have a unique way of captivating readers by blending the rich tapestry of history with the imaginative elements of fantasy. This genre invites us to explore worlds where the past is not just remembered but reimagined with magic, mythical creatures, and extraordinary adventures. The allure lies in the seamless fusion of fact and fiction, offering a fresh perspective on familiar eras while sparking the imagination. Exploring Popular Historical Fantasy

United States Summary: Michaela Riley’s dark fantasy novel Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I  has garnered eight prestigious awards, cementing its place as a standout in the literary world. Award-winning author Michaela Riley celebrates a series of accolades for her novel Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I , which has earned eight notable awards in 2025. Riley has also been named Best Historical Fantasy Author in the US of 2025 , further solidifyi

(A Heartfelt – and Slightly Furious – Message from an Indie Author) Yes one star reviews happen and they can actually be helpful! Sometimes we even deserve them...ouch! One Star Reviews from the Reaper Okay, let's get this out of the way upfront. If your actual name is Bob or Karen, please understand that this isn't about you, personally. Not unless, of course, you're the specific "one-star bandit" I'm addressing. In which case, yes, this is about you. I love and hate reviews

Happy Thanksgiving As the leaves turn and the holiday season officially kicks off, it feels like the perfect time to pause and truly reflect. While the focus this week is often on turkey, football, and time with loved ones, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for a different reason: you. First and foremost, I want to take a moment to say a massive thank you to those of you who have supported my writing journey. It has been an incredible ride, and your belief in my stories

First of all thank you to the thousands of readers that have downloaded Dark Scales of Justice on Kindle. You make my heart soar with happiness. I apologize that some necessary changes had to be made to enhance the story and remove any information that may have affected your ability to enjoy the story of Jennifer Campbell. Suffice it to say, my original editors and publishers are no longer working with me. If you have purchased the Kindle version please reupload to receive th

Crafting a historical fantasy novel is a unique challenge that blends the rich textures of history with the boundless creativity of fantasy. This genre invites writers to transport readers to a world where the past is alive with magic, mythical creatures, and extraordinary adventures. To create a compelling story, authors must balance historical accuracy with imaginative elements, ensuring the narrative feels both authentic and enchanting. Understanding the Foundations of Wri

Dark Scales of Justice In life, strength takes many forms. It’s not always about physical power; sometimes, it’s about resilience, emotional courage, and the ability to make tough decisions. In Michaela Riley’s “ Dark Scales of Justice ,” Jennifer Campbell shows us just how many faces strength can have. Her journey from vulnerability to self-assurance is both inspiring and deeply human.   A Woman with a Dream Jennifer Campbell begins her story with a dream: to own a home by t

Dark Scales of Justice tackling corruption and manipulation.

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

Dark Scales of Justice Michaela Riley announces the release of her highly anticipated novel, Dark Scales of Justice .  A fascinating fiction debut set against the idyllic yet ominous backdrop of Ocean View, Norfolk. The story follows Jennifer Campbell, a resilient woman seeking a fresh start after enduring years of sacrifice and hardship. Jennifer's dream of a peaceful life in her beach cottage is abruptly shattered when an unexpected package containing weapons and ammunitio

Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch's Rebirth Part II Award-winning author Michaela Riley, clearly not content with merely dazzling us, has decided to pull humanity to the very brink of extinction... just for a laugh, presumably. Her latest epic fantasy,  Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch's Rebirth, Part II , plunges us headfirst into a delightful tableau of global catastrophe circa 540 A.D. Because, apparently, medieval Europe wasn't quite chaotic enough. Picture this: an ancient darkne