About the Book

Book: Winter’s Maiden

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Genre: Adult Viking Fantasy

Release date: August 6, 2024

Warrior. Survivor. Daughter of the North.

From the moment she is born, Brighid fights to survive in the wastelands of Nordica as a clanless one. But when a new power arrives offering a trial to join the Nordic warriors, Brighid enters, hoping to rise above her station. Soon she becomes one of their fiercest fighters and joins the war against the south.

Kaeden carries the blood of the ancient Eldaran race in his veins but turns away from his heritage after the death of his parents. Years later, he is called back to his homeland and invited to be a healer for the southern forces. With the help of an old mentor, the power inside of him starts to awaken. However, his life is turned upside down when a mighty warrior of the Nordic forces is captured.

As Kaeden interacts with the enemy, he discovers there is a darkness behind the Nordic Wars, one that is manipulating the people of the north. But who will believe him? And is there a power strong enough to break the hold of this hidden adversary? Or will the world burn in the flames of war?

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About the Author

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of multiple series including The Ravenwood Saga and Skyworld series. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and won the INSPY, Selah, and Carol Award for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.

More from Morgan

A long time ago when I wrote Daughter of Light (the first book in my Follower of the Word series), I mentioned the Nordic Wars and how it changed people’s perspective on beings with power. It was a side comment to answer my main character’s question, but I was intrigued with the idea and knew someday I wanted to write about it.

Now almost twenty years later, here is that story.

Some questions I’m asked when people realize Winter’s Maiden ties in with Daughter of Light is do they need to read my first series? The answer is no. Winter’s Maiden takes place 400 years before the events in Daughter of Light. It involves a country and culture I never explored in my previous series, not to mention the world looked different back then. However, fans of my first fantasy series will appreciate seeing familiar places, races, and what happened back then to create the world in Daughter of Light.

So, what do new readers have to look forward to? Here are a few: a Viking-Inspired culture with my own twist, a female character who is strong but doesn’t need to prove that, a healer who is built like a berserker but is actually a pacifist, a power that allows a person to see inside the soul of another, battles that don’t read like a historical textbook, and deep questions I’m known to explore in my novels.

In the end, I love that I was able to revisit a world I created over twenty years ago and write a story that’s been on my heart for almost as long. I consider it one of my best books yet and cannot wait for readers to finally get to read Brighid’s story.

MY REVIEW

The beginning of the story sets the stage for a riveting adventure. Brighad’s birth is filled with tragedy as her mother slips away while her father walks away from her. Her future may seem uncertain but the woman who raised her has instilled within her strength. I loved how Brighad is fearless as she starts her journey to see what her gift is.

As they set out to another place to look for work, it struck me how vivid the details are of the land and the people they encounter. There is definitely a division among the people as Brighad starts to realize that not everyone accepts her because of her heritage. It does remind me of how people are treated today with discrimination. I loved when Elphsaba says, “Searching for one’s purpose will never change. Or else there is no reason for life.” Wise words that Brighad will forever remember from the woman who has raised her with unconditional love.

When Brighad is left alone she wanders the streets looking for somewhere to belong. It is intriguing that her ability to fight has caught the attention of someone. She has been given a place to eat and stay warm if she fights for this group. Will she join them or stay on her own?

I enjoyed the book but wished that a certain character had entered the story much sooner. His addition heightens the adventure and brings a relationship that I was excited to see. If you love adventure, danger, a bit of inspiration and a determination to survive this book is for you.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.