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

Is there a particular scene or passage you’re incredibly proud of?

That’s a hard one because Winter’s Dawn is full of scenes and passages I am proud of. Everything came together in this book in a beautiful and perfect way, with intense scenes, huge payoffs, and everything answered in the end. But if I had to choose one, my favorite is when Kaeden and Brighid choose each other. It’s been a true enemies-to-lovers (they are literally on opposite sides of a war), slow burn romance. And to be together can’t be decided on just feelings. So when it finally happens *chef’s kiss* I love that chapter!

What surprising discoveries did you make during the writing process?

I always start with an outline. But it’s not until I’m actually writing that I discover the details of the story. I love this! The characters start to flesh out their personalities, hints at future outcomes appear, and the world starts to feel real. One great example is I have a set of twin warriors. I knew a little about them, but as I began to place them on the page, who they were came out. Brothers from two clans. One responsible and contemplative, the other loud and extroverted. They tease each other, but on the battlefield, they are loyal. They were fun characters to write about.

How has writing this book changed you?

The year I was writing Winter’s Dawn was one of the hardest years of my life. And at the end of it, I was in the middle of moving to another state, trying to sell our house, coming out of intense ministry hurt, and still trying to be a mom present for my teens. But I also had a deadline. So every morning, I would head to my nearest Panera, put in earbuds, and for a couple hours, tuned out the world and everything going on, and write.

To be honest, I don’t remember what I wrote. It was not easy to push aside the sale of our house, the move, or all the hurt from the last couple of years. Looking back, I know God had mercy on me and helped me write. It wasn’t until I was editing that I read those chapters from that time and was amazed. They were really good. Beautiful, aching words full of hope. Grace given to me by God. I will never forget that.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love the outdoors, so I go for lots of walks, hikes, and find reasons to be outside (I currently live in Texas, so it’s pretty hot in the summer, so I walk at night and let me tell you, the starry night sky is amazing here!). I also like playing games, both board games and video games. This is a pastime my family also enjoys and a great way for us to spend time together.

What are you working on next?

I’ve taken a year off from writing to fully move into our new home and ministry, along with heal from the past few hard years. But I can tell I’m about ready to start writing again. I’ll be going back to steampunk (Victorian science fiction). It’s a story about a cursed family and sky pirates set in a world of high fashion and society. I’m excited!