About the Book

Book: Winter’s Dawn (The Nordic Wars Book 3)

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Release Date: August 11, 2026

Genre: Viking fantasy (adult)

Fearless. Defender. Shield Maiden.

Brighid returns to the Nordic forces. But she is not alone. Her newfound companion accompanies her, along with Kaeden, the Eldaran Truthsayer. Together, they approach the battlefield, powered by a unique bond forged since their first encounter.

Yet a dark and menacing presence grows within Brighid’s mind. Her connection to death has returned, and this time, there is no oath to numb the terror. Will she be able to fight and protect her people while sensing the reaper of life?

Kaeden’s recent conflict with one of the Shadonae has left scars across both his body and soul. Still, he is determined to finish what he has started and free both the Nordic people and the world of this great evil. To do so, he may have to sacrifice everything to reach the one who has bound the Nordic people to this deadly war.

Kaeden will need Brighid’s help. But when he reveals the truth behind the dreams they have shared, Brighid must make a choice that could change not only her future but the fate of her people: accept the bond between them or let it fade―and lose him along with it.

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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 the FOLLOWER OF THE WORD series, THE SOUL CHRONICLES, and THE RAVENWOOD SAGA. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and winner of both the INSPY and the 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

What we do today will determine the ending to our story.” -Gurmund, Winter’s Dawn

Legacy. I don’t think many people think about legacy. At least not until they start facing the end of their lives. So, what is legacy? One definition I found is something handed down from one generation to the next. I like this definition because it can be so many things. It can be wisdom, stewardship, an example of a life lived with integrity, leaving the world a better place, peace, and even hope. Perhaps another way to say it is legacy is living with the future of the next generation in mind.

The quote up above is from the last book in my Viking-inspired fantasy series, The Nordic Wars. In Winter’s Dawn, the leaders of the Nordic people are facing two impossible choices, both that will most likely cost their nation everything. Then the end comes. Discouraged, Brighid feels all hope is lost. But Gurmund reminds her that even if they lose everything, and their people cease to be no more, it still mattered how they finished.

They would leave hope and light for the next generation.

This is how I want to live. I once told my husband that I don’t think we will ever know the legacy we leave behind, because it will be spoken about after we are gone. But the choices I make today and the life I live, will determine the ending I leave behind for others to read. I want that ending to be full of hope and light so that when the next generation faces darkness, they will remember they are not alone and those who went before them.

Interview with the Author

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

No matter how much I think I know my characters, they always surprise me when I start writing their stories. I discover things about their past, their families, their hopes, their fears, that I didn’t realize when I first came up with them. That’s one of the many things I love about writing: the discovery. And I think that’s what makes my characters feel real, because there are many sides to them.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I love hearing from my readers! Even if it’s just a short note to tell me how much they loved the book or how it impacted them. Each message I receive is such an encouragement. It reminds me there are people out there reading my books and not just enjoying the stories, but connecting with my heart and finding hope.

How do you overcome writer’s block? Do you have any advice for others in finding their process to overcome it?

Usually, writer’s block occurs because you don’t know where to go next or you’ve written yourself into a corner. There are a couple things I do to overcome writer’s block. One is having a general plot before I write (so I know the main points of my story, my ending, and where I need to end up). Another is I allow myself to move on to scenes I know need to be in the book and let the middle part ruminate in the back of my head. In other words, I sometimes write out of order. This allows me to write what I know and sometimes in doing that, I figure out what I need to do to get to this scene. And sometimes, I just have to give the story time. I go for walks or do mundane things around the house while my mind puzzles away at what I call the “plot knot” until it untangles itself.

How did you come up with the title for your book?

I liked the title Winter’s Maiden. It perfectly described my character: strong but still feminine. A Nordic woman warrior. It also fit in well with the subsequent titles: Winter’s Chill and Winter’s Dawn.

What’s your favorite writing snack, drink, and/or music?

I usually drink something warm while I write, either tea or coffee. As for music, strictly instrumental, generally something that feels like the scene I am writing. If it’s a battle scene, I’ll have an epic soundtrack. If it’s a personal scene, something softer.