Winter’s Maiden Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Winter’s Maiden Review

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?

My Winter’s Maiden Review:

There is a huge problem with this book. It’s the first in the series, and it just released. That means I’ll more than likely have to wait for a year to read the next one. Not fair! I devoured this book and loved every minute, staying up late and making myself sleep-deprived and cranky the next day. But it was worth it.

I’d never really considered viking fantasy. But I’ve loved this author’s other books. So, when the opportunity to read this one came along, my lack of previous interest in the genre didn’t even cause me pause. I’m so glad it didn’t. The world the author creates is both familiar and completely foreign. I’m not sure how that’s possible, but she makes it seem like I’ve been there and seen it for myself, even though I don’t know about viking lore or geography.

The characters are equally developed. I feel the situations the characters find themselves in, though I’ve never experienced anything like them. I want to know these people more. I want to know how their personal struggles end and how the battle ends. I want to see evil eradicated and peace brought to the land. For Brighid and Kaeden and for all of their friends. I understand their struggles with fear and doubt, and I’m anxious to see their growth, more than I already have.

The tale the author weaves is worthy of the big screen. I give Winter’s Maiden a solid five stars as it’s probably my favorite book of 2024 so far.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

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.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, August 15

Madi’s Musings, August 15

By the Book, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Inklings and notions, August 18

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 21

Simple Harvest Reads, August 22 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 22

Blossoms and Blessings , August 23

Stories By Gina, August 24 (Author Interview)

Romances of the Cross, August 24

Labor Not in Vain, August 25

Hannahbandanarama, August 26

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 26

Wishful Endings, August 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Morgan is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2d973/winter-s-maiden-celebration-tour-giveaway

Please follow and like us:

Get in on the conversation

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

9 Comments

    The Conversation

  1. Jcp says:

    Thank you for the review.

  2. Rita Wray says:

    Thank you for the review.

  3. Lisa Vance says:

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This sounds like a great read.

  4. MICHAEL A LAW says:

    This looks really good. Thanks for sharing and hosting this tour.

  5. Allyson Jamison says:

    Such a beautiful cover!