THE SONG OF WAR

THE WITCHFINDER CHRONICLES

Elizabeth I sits upon the English throne. Many call it the Golden Age, as poetry, music and literature blossom across the land. But the peace in which England flourishes is a fragile thing. War with Spain looms ever closer as the Catholic Church seeks to overthrow the woman they call "The Heretic Queen."

As Elizabeth mobilises the country to face this threat, she has no idea that a far greater danger is stirring in the shadows.

For England was built on dark, Satanic hills. It is the land of Herne and the Wild Hunt. It's the home of the Bean Sídhe and the Black Shuck. It's where Red Caps lurk and Selkies linger. Nuckelavee swim in the oceans and ogres prowl the mountains.

And yet, they are not the worst of the horrors to come.

Thank God, one man stands between England and the coming storm: Lord Jon Willem Legray, Witchfinder General to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I.

The Song of War is currently in progress — a dark Elizabethan fantasy with Arthurian roots, blending monster-hunting action with the political intrigue of a kingdom on the edge of war. The plan is to bring it to readers via Kickstarter in early 2027.

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What readers said about The Witchfinder Chronicles:
"It's a banger — Mike writes with his cinematic flair for action." — Fantasy Book Nerd

"Terrifying, visceral, and beautifully dark and gritty." — Bearded Book Beast
"Dark Elizabethan-era fantasy monster hunting madness." — Andy Peloquin, author of Darkblade
"What Mike Shackle has given us is action, tension and deeply unsettling imagery. It's true to his strengths and it's brilliant." — The Yorkshire Book Collector
"I loved it." — Christian Cameron, master of historical fantasy