
Literary Titan
Mar 9, 2025
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I by Michaela Riley Interview
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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