⋆ Julie Midtgaard

About the Author

Julie Midtgaard is an award-winning Danish YA Fantasy author, known for her multiple book series set in the magical world of Luscuro. Her first series, The Rift to Luscuro, is now being translated to English. The first book of four was published February 2023, and the sequel will follow in the fall.

Julie makes up alternate universes from the historical city of Aalborg in the dark north of Denmark, where she lives with her American boyfriend. World building is her passion, and the Luscuro books are full of elemental and herbal magic, original creatures, scheming, betrayal, friendship, and enchanting characters.

The books in the The Rift to Luscuro series have been awarded YA Book of the Year at the Mofibo Awards, Danish Fantasy Book of the Year by Dansk Fantasy and have been nominated for several awards at the prestigious Orla Awards.

Watch Book Trailer

Get a glimpse of Dawn’s dangerous adventures here.

The Rift to Luscuro is available as ebook and audiobook on most streaming platforms worldwide. Find it on Amazon right here. The hardback comes out October 2023.

“‘The Element Trial’ by @juliemidtgaard is a phenomenal reading experience. In a short time I have completely fallen in love with Luscuro and everything the world has to offer.”
/Juleslovesbooks

“Witches in our world, magicians in another, herbal magic, dangerous creatures, sheep with roots, scheming, betrayal, war, friendship and a seemingly invincible antagonist […] This is a series with potential and I am extremely excited to see where it takes us and to explore Luscuro further. I think the universe has a lot more in store. My warmest recommendation.”
/Bibliotekat

The Element Trial

The flames of the fire dance and hiss.
I writhe in my ropes. They tear at my skin.
The voices of the mob resound in my mind: “Witch, witch, witch!”
A dark rift cuts through the fire with a roar.
The rift expands. Flames, embers, and ashes whirl into the darkness.
I’m flung into the darkness as well.

In 17th century Denmark, witchcraft is a crime punishable by death.
One day, a wanton accusation sends fourteen-year-old Dawn straight to the fire, but the ravenous flames leave her unscathed.
Instead, mysterious forces send her on a dangerous journey to Luscuro; a magical world ravaged by war and destruction.
She can never return home, but will she find her place in Luscuro?
To prove her worth, she must pass the Element Trial.
Mighty forces are at work, and soon, Dawn uncovers a secret that someone will do anything to keep …

The Element Trial is the first book in the series The Rift to Luscuro. On her journey, Dawn discovers not only friendship and love – but enemies, a disastrous imbalance of power, and secrets much greater than any her hometown of Aalborg ever held.

Publisher: Tellerup
Publication Date: 23 February, 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy
Format: Available as audiobook and ebook in English
Original Title: Elementprøven
Pages: 384

Said about The Element Trial

(Translated from Danish)

“Terrific entertainment, well-crafted universe and believable characters. The book is engrossing, exciting and will be a big hit with readers who love alternative worlds, schools of magic and mystical alliances.”

The Danish Library Centre / Lektørudtalelse DBC. Read the full review here.

“Midtgaard’s novel has all the potential to become a great success […] tremendously good entertainment, and it bodes well for the rest of the series.”

/ Litteratursiden. Check out the full review here.

“The book contains everything I love. Friendship, magic, mystery, suspense and a realistic main character. I was sold from the first page and, like Gry, I was absorbed and taken to Luscuro.”

/ Sofies Bogverden. Read the full review here.

“Witches in our world, magicians in another, herbal magic, dangerous creatures, sheep with roots, scheming, betrayal, war, friendship and a seemingly invincible antagonist […] This is a series with potential and I am extremely excited to see where it takes us and to explore Luscuro further. I think the universe has a lot more in store. My warmest recommendation.”

/ Bibliotekat. Check out the review in full here.

“‘The Element Trial’ by @juliemidtgaard is a phenomenal reading experience. In a short time I have completely fallen in love with Luscuro and everything the world has to offer.”

/ Juleslovesbooks. Read the full review here.

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