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 Award 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.
In this interview, Morgan talks with us about the first book in her new The Nordic Wars Series, titled Winter’s Maiden.
FF: What inspired the story in your book?
Back when I was writing Daughter of Light (my debut fantasy novel), I talked about something called the Nordic Wars and how it changed the world. I knew someday I wanted to write about the Nordic Wars and twelve years later, here’s that story. It involves a country that is inspired by the Viking culture and lifestyle but is its own entity. I have loved diving back into the world I first created years ago and revisiting places and races. And I’ve also enjoyed creating a new place and new characters.
FF: What can you tell us about the main characters in your book?
Brighid is the main female character. She is born clanless in a culture that highly values clans. Because of that, she struggles to find her place in the world. As she survives, she discovers she is a gifted fighter and eventually becomes a warrior in the upcoming war.
Kaeden is the main male character and a healer for the opposing side in the Nordic Wars. He is also a part of the Eldaran race, but because of deep personal trauma, has lost the power of his people and resents humanity. Through the help of his mentor, he is starting his journey towards healing his own heart.
FF: What can readers expect from the rest of this series?
Characters they can relate to, personal journeys, and unexpected encounters with God. Along with that, an intricate fantasy world with Viking overtones.
FF: What kind of research did you do for this book?
Because this is a Viking-inspired fantasy, I did a lot of research into the Viking culture and way of life, from the food they ate, to clothing and architecture, to philosophy and religion. However, since this is set in a different world, I made it my own, so it feels Viking, but is not Viking. So far, the reviews I am receiving say I created the right balance.
FF: What do you want readers to take away after reading your book?
Hope and reminder that God is always there. In my story, God is called the Word and His very words hold the world together. Through her journey, Brighid hears a subtle voice and slowly begins to discover who is speaking to her and the purpose He is calling her to. In the same way, I want my readers to realize God is everywhere, the world is never outside of His control, and to discover His purpose for their lives.
FF: What are the biggest challenges for you as an author writing in your specific genre?
The biggest challenge is usually all the research I need to do to build a new world for my story. It’s a lot of research! The second challenge is to make sure my readers connect to the world and the characters. It doesn’t matter if I create an incredible world and amazing characters if my readers don’t resonate with the story.
So, I work hard to bring my characters to life and create shared experiences the readers will also understand (like loneliness, anger, hurt, etc…). It doesn’t matter how many books I write, each one is a challenge and one I hope to overcome to present a great story for my readers.
Winter’s Maiden
The Nordic Wars Series #1
Morgan L. Busse
Enclave Publishing
Genres: SciFi/Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Release Date: August 6, 2024
ASIN: B0CSVLPHDY
ISBN-13: 979-8886051384
Book Summary:
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?
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