From a Single Seed to an Eight-Book Epic: The Story Behind "The Witch's Rebirth"

The Witch's Rebirth Series

They say that writing a book is like birthing a world. But sometimes, that world turns out to be much larger than you ever intended.

Hi, I'm Michaela Riley — 11-time award-winning author of The Witch's Rebirth series. If you had told me when I sat down to write Labyrinth of Shadows that I was embarking on an eight-book journey, I wouldn't have believed you. I planned to write one book. Just one.

But when I finished the final page of Labyrinth of Shadows, I looked at what I had built: a closed temporal loop, fifteen hundred years of real European history that fit together like a lock. I realized that my story wasn't just a book — it was a tapestry that was nowhere near finished.

Uncovering the Roots

The spark for this series began with my own family lineage. While researching my roots, I stumbled upon a history that felt forgotten — a hidden narrative involving witches, witch hunters, signers of the Declaration of Independence, and even founders of Ivy League universities.

My curiosity propelled me back through the centuries, past the landing of the Mayflower, all the way to 4th and 5th-century ancient Gaul. The history of the Merovingian dynasty is a swirling vortex of mystery, battles, and legends. I became obsessed with the idea of telling this history my way — blending historical accuracy with epic fantasy.

Enter Merona: an extraordinary witch, destined to be reborn to save mankind. Along with her, we have Murdach, the immortal shape-shifting dragon, and The Morrigan — the Goddess of War, who shapeshifts into a red wolf (inspired by my own German Shepherd, also named Morrigan). And, of course, every hero needs a villain: the ancient Daemon Armaeus waits in the shadows, desperate to reshape the world in his own dark image.

The Geography of the Soul

I've had readers ask me how a book filled with ancient labyrinths, Celtic myths, and divine lineages could ever be considered 'predictable.' Honestly? I'm not sure how it's possible either!

Labyrinth of Shadows begins with tragedy and rebirth in the very real, still-standing village of Septimania in the South of France. The labyrinth where Merona is reborn was inspired by my own hikes — places of solitude where I go to center myself and focus on my dreams.

Through this writing process, I've come to believe in reincarnation. Perhaps it means we are constantly recreating our identity as we learn and grow, or perhaps it is the literal soul returning again and again. Regardless of your beliefs, I hope you find a piece of yourself in these pages.

The Tapestry Unfolds

The mythology essentially wrote itself. Every time I pulled a thread from the historical record, three more appeared — the Book of Enoch, the sacred hair of the Merovingian kings, the Bronze Age standing stones of ancient Ireland. The world was alive.

I have spent years inside this world. It is the most complete, immersive thing I have ever created.

The Books So Far

• Book I: Labyrinth of Shadows (1590 Copenhagen / 478 AD) — Series entry point. Available now.

• Book II: The Cauldron of Dagda (540 AD Constantinople) — Merona's divine lineage. Available now.

• Book III: The Spear of Lugh (544 AD, The Battle of Septimania) — Rebirth & Immortality. Available now.

• Book IV: The Gambit of Queens (567–597 AD, The War of Two Queens) — Coming September 2026.

What's Next?

I am thrilled to announce that Book IV — The Gambit of Queens, covering the War of Two Queens and the rise of Fredegund — arrives this September 2026!

The journey from the 5th century all the way to the origin story in 988 BC is paved with magic, history, and heart. I invite you to dive into the series, meet Merona and Murdach, and lose yourself in the labyrinth.

I hope you love these characters as much as I do. To keep up with the latest news on Books IV through VIII, follow my author page and watch this space for updates.