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.
Morgan talks about how her main character’s determination and tenacity reflected her own mindset while writing this series in the middle of extreme personal difficulties.
FF: What inspired the story in your book?
While I was writing the Nordic Wars Series, my husband and I were going through the hardest years of our lives: ministry hurt, family issues, no income for almost a year, and no visible hope for the future. It was difficult. So of course, many of my own questions, fears, and desperation came out on the pages. And yet God showed up as well, both in my life and within the story. I think that’s why readers who are facing their own dark nights of the soul have resonated with this story. It’s not just a fantasy, it’s about raw people facing incredible hurt and fears, and realizing although we cannot see God sometimes, He’s still there.
FF: What can you tell us about the main characters in your book?
In Winter’s Chill, Brighid’s story continues. Brighid is a clanless woman of the North who fights to survive in a harsh environment. In book 2, she is traveling back to her people after discovering a terrible secret that will end them all. I love her story in Winter’s Chill. She shows she’s still a survivor, makes a discovery about her past that will shape her future, and although he is a warrior, she is still fully feminine.
The second main character, Kaeden, continues his own journey of healing. He is overcoming his anger towards humanity and learning to love, along with harness the newly awakened power inside of him. In some ways, Kaeden is a reflection of my own healing after being hurt in ministry and finding my way back to the Light.
FF: Which character surprised you the most?
Spoilers (so you’re warned). In book 2, you meet a set of adult twin brothers. They are opposites in every way and surprised me by their appearance in the story. I found them to be incredibly fun to write about and help Brighid on her journey of discovery.
FF: What can readers expect from the rest of this series?
I’m currently finishing the third book in this series (it’s a trilogy) and let me say, each book gets better and better. Readers will become more invested in the characters, discovery new ones to love, and find hope. This is also a slow burn romance, and the pay off in book 3 will make the wait all the better. I also love how God shows up on the pages, kind of how He showed up during the darkest part of the last few years for me.
FF: What kind of research did you do for this book?
This is a Viking-inspired fantasy, so I did a lot of research into the Viking history and culture. Using that information, I created my own world and I am very happy with how it turned out. The Nordic Wars has this familiar feel of everything Viking, but without the ships and pillaging.
FF: What do you want readers to take away after reading your book?
Hope and perseverance, and a realization that God is there, even when you cannot see Him.
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Winter’s Chill
The Nordic Wars #2
Morgan L. Busse
Publisher: Enclave Publishing
Genre: Fantasy
Release August 5, 2025
Available Formats: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
ASIN: B0DVP9YHY6
ISBN-13: 979-8886052145
Book Summary:
Fighter. Emissary. Long-Lost Daughter.
Brighid has one mission as she returns to the north: to warn her people of the oath that binds them. But the mountains are treacherous, and snow comes early, leaving her on death’s doorstep—until she has an unexpected encounter that not only reveals a secret about her past, but also brings new allies into her life.
Meanwhile, the healer Kaeden must come to terms with the awakening of his Eldaran power. With winter approaching and the war on hold, he ventures to the White City to uncover his heritage. As he walks the ancient halls of his people’s birthplace, he discovers not all adversaries are across the battle line. He must navigate political opponents while searching for a way to stop those of his kind who have turned to the darkness.
Yet even the bitterness of winter cannot keep Brighid and Kaeden apart. A connection has been forged between them, and their bond might be the one thing that could save the Nordic people and end the war.
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