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?

Book 1 of the Nordic Wars series

Brighid has barely survived a clanless childhood with her adopted mother on the fringes of her Viking society. Now she is alone, and invasion draws nigh, provoking her to join the army with the hope of a new life after the war. Meanwhile, the orphaned Eldaran, Kaeden, has turned from his heritage to guide people towards the Word, but this dark conflict is calling him back to divinely appointed role. Morgan L. Busse’s Winter’s Maiden starts the Nordic Wars fantasy series that explores the realistic horrors of trauma endured by soldiers. Thanks to a quick pace and complex characters, readers will find some resolutions yet anticipate more challenges to come.

Best for: Older teens to adults who enjoy political intrigue or war stories.

Discern: Many battle scenes yet without graphic details, demon-like beings attack people, minimally described attempted assault of women.