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.