A FORMER Solihull student is building her reputation as a published author as she waits for her third book to be released.
Rachel Grosvenor, an Tudor Grange alumni, is celebrating the release of her third novel, Witchborne, a medieval fantasy that tackles themes of female empowerment and social conformity.
Witchborne tells the story of Agnes, a young woman in medieval Locklear who harbours a dangerous secret – she can touch fire without being burned.
Set against a backdrop of witch-hunt paranoia, the novel explores how women navigate a society that fears their power and enforces conformity through the constant threat of accusation and execution.
Rachel said: “This is a story about finding strength in the face of oppression.
“While it’s set in medieval times, the themes of how society responds to female power feel remarkably relevant today.”
Rachel, who was born and educated in Solihull before moving to Wales, has built a literary career with a PhD, MA and BA in Creative Writing.
Her debut novel The Finery was spotlighted in The Guardian and praised for its “refreshing” approach to fantasy storytelling.
Witchborne will be available in bookshops from September 1.
