Waldgeist: A Gothic Tragedy (The Witch and the Ringmaster Duology)

Waldgeist: A Gothic Tragedy (The Witch and the Ringmaster Duology)

Once upon a haunted circus there was a frigid witch, a fiery ringmaster, and a thin tightrope between love and monomania. Book 1 in the Victorian Gothic duology "The Witch and the Ringmaster," Waldgeist explores the cynical psyche of a German aerialist/accused witch as she battles demonic influence... and her feelings for the disturbed ringmaster. In the late 1800s, a cynical orphan joins a traveling circus. Determined to win countywide fame, Yasmin Lange studies the true master of the troupe—Ringmaster Erbanhue, “the Dragon”—hoping to win his favor. But Yasmin's mordant manners thwart her own intentions. And over time, paranormal mystery and troupe-wide tragedy mingle in her shadow, earning Yasmin a reputation for witchcraft. As Yasmin attains womanhood, her darkening fate intertwines with the fate of the handsome ringmaster. The wicked yet charismatic Erbanhue treats Yasmin with vacillating awe, suspicion, and abuse. Despite the torment Yasmin endures, she cannot pry her cold heart from between the Dragon's sweltering claws. His masterful, inspiring energy is everything Yasmin ever longed for… everything she believes love emulates. A fictional diary transcribing social isolation and romantic obsession, Victorian Gothic tale Waldgeist submerses the reader in the battle for Yasmin's soul against demonic forces, agonizing love, and the devastating consequences of choosing apathy over truth and passion. "The writing is classic gothic with an eerie vibe. The descriptive narration is so immersive with emotional tension. The characterization of Yasmin is clever and well-written. A brilliant gothic tragedy from start to finish." —NN Light Book Heaven Title Information *Morgenstern's The Night Circus meets Jane Eyre *Morally-gray main characters with redemption arcs and a later-in-life romance in Book 2 *This novel is women's Gothic literary fiction including advanced vocabulary, narrative prose, and dark psychological themes including demonic possession and paranormal horror. See copyright page for full advisory list. Author’s Note : Waldgeist ("Forest Spirit") is Book 1 in The Witch and the Ringmaster Duology , yet it also stands on its own. For readers who prefer happy endings, the sequel Schattengeist (“Shadow Spirit”) : A Gothic Romance releases October 2025. Editorial Review: "The writing is classic gothic with an eerie vibe. The descriptive narration is so immersive with emotional tension. The characterization of Yasmin is clever and well-written. A brilliant gothic tragedy from start to finish." -NN Light Book Heaven Scribe of Gothic and fantasy fiction for women, Richelle Manteufel grew up relishing the psychological deep-dives of Poe, Stoker, and the Brontë sisters. She discovered her passion for writing fiction at nine years old. Now a married mother of two in Spanish Fort Alabama, she can be found shopping for gothic fashion or writing in her Victorian-style office, earbuds blasting heavy metal. Find her latest publications on manteufelbooks.com.