Michaela Riley Receives Eight Prestigious Awards for Labyrinth of Shadows and is Named Best Historical Fantasy Author in the US for 2025
- Michaela Riley
- Dec 6, 2025
- 3 min read
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 solidifying her growing influence in the literary community.
Michaela Riley, the acclaimed author of The Witch’s Rebirth series, proudly announces that her novel Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I has earned eight prestigious awards in 2025. This recognition further enhances the novel’s reputation for its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and its seamless fusion of historical fiction and fantasy. These recent accolades, including several highly sought-after literary honors, underscore the immense success of Riley’s writing career.
Recent Major Award: Best Historical Fantasy Author in the US of 2025
In addition to the multiple prestigious awards won by Labyrinth of Shadows, Michaela Riley has been recognized as Best Historical Fantasy Author in the US of 2025 by Best of Best Review. This esteemed title acknowledges her exceptional contribution to the historical fantasy genre. Riley’s unique ability to weave historical facts with rich supernatural elements has made her a standout voice in the literary world. Her continued success reflects not only her storytelling prowess but also the significant impact her work has on readers worldwide.
Michaela Riley Celebrates Eight Prestigious Awards for Labyrinth of Shadows: The
Award Highlights Riley’s latest recognition includes eight prestigious awards that celebrate both her writing talent and the success of Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I. Among the awards are:
Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Fiction
International Impact Book Award – Fantasy (August 2025)
Gold Winner, StoryTrade Book Award – Fantasy
First Place, BookFest Fall 2025 – Historical Fiction
First Place, NYC Big Book Award – Historical Fiction
Gold Book Award Winner, Literary Titan – Fiction
Silver Winner, Readers’ Choice Book Award – Fantasy
Finalist, 2025 IAN Book of the Year Awards – Fantasy
Longlisted, 2025 Chaucer Award (Early Historical Fiction – Pre-1750)
These accolades celebrate the novel's exceptional narrative qualities, the powerful characters, and the impact of its complex historical setting.
“I am deeply humbled by the recognition of these awards,” says Riley. “Creating Labyrinth of Shadows has been a transformative journey for me, and seeing readers respond so positively to Merona’s world of magic and history affirms the story's resonance. These honors inspire me to continue pushing the boundaries of historical fantasy.”
A Deeply Immersive Historical Fantasy
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I immerses readers in the turbulent Merovingian Dynasty, blending the rich history of 5th-century Gaul with a world filled with magic and supernatural intrigue. The protagonist, Merona, is a witch reborn with powerful ancient magic. She is forced to navigate a world rife with political intrigue, dangerous alliances, and her own destiny as humanity's reluctant protector.
Riley’s ability to intertwine the magic and mythology of this era with its complex politics and culture has earned her praise from readers and critics alike. The vivid depictions of historical figures, ancient beliefs, and powerful deities have created an expansive world that feels both grounded and fantastical.
The Witch’s Rebirth Series: A Journey Through Magic, History, and Self-Discovery
Set to be a trilogy, The Witch’s Rebirth series promises to continue Merona’s journey through a world of ancient magic, self-discovery, and destiny. Fans of historical fiction, dark fantasy, and powerful female protagonists can look forward to more twists and turns as the series progresses.
Michaela Riley’s masterful blend of history and fantasy makes Labyrinth of Shadows a must-read for those seeking immersive, thought-provoking storytelling.
About Michaela Riley
Michaela Riley is an award-winning author of dark fantasy, best known for her The Witch’s Rebirth series. A retired critical care nurse and educator, Riley draws on her deep understanding of history and storytelling to craft novels that captivate and engage readers. Her debut novel, Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth Part I, has earned multiple prestigious awards in 2025, solidifying her place as a significant voice in historical fantasy literature.
Michaela Riley’s books are available for purchase on Amazon and other major platforms. To stay up-to-date with Michaela’s upcoming releases, visit her website at Michaela Riley.
Media Contact Michaela Riley Email: authormichaelariley@gmail.comWebsiteAmazon Author PageFacebookInstagramTikTokX
Relevant Industries: Publishing, Literature, Entertainment, Books, Fiction
