Spotlight and Giveaway: Winter's Chill (the Nordic Wars Book Two) by Morgan L Busse

About the Book

Book: Winter’s Chill (the Nordic Wars Book Two)

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Release Date: August 5, 2025

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.

 

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

How I Created My Viking-Inspired World

World building. One of the foundational parts of writing a fantasy novel. When I began writing the Nordic Wars series, I wanted a setting that felt like the Viking era but fit the context of the story, to recreate the feel but not copy everything exactly. For example, there are no longboats, sailing, or pillaging. But there are warriors, an emphasis on honor, and the country is in the far north. When I build a world for my books, I use the history and culture of our own world and weave it together with my imagination to create a new realm in which my novel takes place.

Here are some examples of how I built this world.

Places. The country of Nordica is set in the cold north. For inspiration, I used my own home in the Pacific Northwest and my childhood in Montana. From towering mountains to deep snow, to massive forests to valleys of green, Nordica feels like a real place because I used real places to create it.

Words. I studied Nordic words and phrases, then created my own that “sounded” like them. Some examples are the leaders of the clans are called Hjars (after the jarls of Scandinavia), Til Val (a victory shout and chant that I borrowed from the phrase “Til Valhalla” from Norse mythology), and places like Folkvar and Udenhalla (both my own creations). I also found a fantasy name-generating site that helped me craft the names of places and people.

Lastly, I studied the Viking culture itself, including food, furniture, homes, occupations, hairstyles, clothing, etc… Then I used that knowledge for my own creations or drew directly from the source. Even the smallest details were either inspired by my research or a real part of the Viking life.

In the end, when readers step into the Nordic Wars series, I want them to feel like they’ve entered a time from the past, and yet wholly different. I want them to smell the smoke from a firepit, feel the furs across a bed of hay, see the mountains, and feel the bitter cold of winter. And when they finish the book, it feels like they’ve visited a real place.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, August 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 10

For Him and My Family, August 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12 (Spotlight)

Blogging with Carol, August 13

Texas Book-aholic, August 14

By the Book, August 15

Labor Not in Vain, August 16

To Everything There Is A Season, August 17

Wishful Endings, August 18

Simple Harvest Reads, August 19 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Hannahbandanarama, August 20

CeCe Reads and Sings, August 20

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 21

Guild Master, August 22 (Author Interview)

Romances of the Cross , August 22

Giveaway

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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54275

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Winter's Maiden by Morgan L Busse

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?

 

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

My Review

I am not a huge fan of the genre of fantasy. However, I have always enjoyed those from Morgan L Busse and was honored to have the chance to read her newest release, Winter's Maiden. It starts off her series, The Nordic Wars. I thought it was a pretty good story to read. It was easy for me to keep reading on to find out what happens with Brighid and Kaeden. It was a pleasure taking this journey. 

I am giving Winter's Maiden four stars. I recommend it for fans of fantasy fiction, as well as, tales of Vikings. I am interested in the next release from The Nordic Wars series to see what happens next. 

I received a digital copy of Morgan L Busse's Winter's Maiden from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Blood Secrets by Moran L Busse

About the Book

Book: Blood Secrets

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Genre: YA Steampunk Fantasy

Release date: August 9, 2022

Not everyone wants to see the world saved . . .

Time is running out. Cities are being engulfed in the Mist and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Theo believes he has found a way to stop mankind from Turning, but he doesn’t know how to alter Cass’s unique blood into a cure. Or if it can even be done.

Meanwhile, Cass struggles with the idea that she is possibly the savior of the world—a world she is not sure is worth saving.

From the Winchester manse to the steel city of Decadenn, there is something more chasing Cass than the House of Lords or the masked man who can walk in the Mist. Soon she must decide if she will use her blood to save mankind or let those who only care about themselves perish.

 

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 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

A lot of stories involve the hero saving the world. But is that realistic if you consider what the hero has been through? What if saving the world means saving the villain? Or that bully who made the hero’s life terrible back in high school? Or the person who lied and it cost the hero his or her job, home, or even their first love?

 

When I started writing Blood Secrets, it hit me (and therefore Cass as I was writing her story), that if she saved her world—all the people who were forced to live on mountaintops, airships, and sky islands because of the deadly Mist that covered everything else—she would be saving the people who saw her as lesser than. The people who forced everyone else off the mountains to die in the Mist, including her parents. The same people who would never think of saving someone like her.

 

As I wrote her story, I felt Cass’s resentment and anger towards the “echelons”—those at the top of society and literally the world. She was fine with saving others like her. But the thought of saving the people who ordered the purges that killed so many made her feel sick. In her mind, they didn’t deserve her sacrifice.

 

Honestly, I had never thought about it before. The hero saves the world. It’s what a hero does. But this was the first time I really thought about what that meant, and who it meant saving. It made me look at myself. Would I be willing to save everyone? Even those who have hurt me? Who have cost me so much in my life? Ugh. That’s a hard thought.

 

People love heroes, and sometimes even want to be one themselves. But the reality is being a hero is really hard. It’s not just saving the world; it’s saving those who live in the world. The good and the bad. Those deserving and those not so much. That’s what a real hero does.

 

I won’t share what decision Cass made because that is part of her story. But I am glad I was able to write her story because it made me think more about how I would react in her situation. And about God, who ultimately gave all to save a world that did not want Him.

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 31

Remembrancy, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 1

Texas Book-aholic, September 2

Blogging With Carol, September 2

Inklings and notions, September 3

Christina’s Corner, September 3

The Christian Fiction Girl, September 4

For Him and My Family, September 5

Labor Not in Vain, September 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 6

Aryn the Libraryan, September 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 7

deb’s Book Review, September 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 9

Daysong Reflections, September 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 11

Rebecca Tews, September 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 12

Simple Harvest Reads, September 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Morgan is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon and signed 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/21361/blood-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

I enjoyed the first book from Morgan L Busse’s Skyworld series, Secrets in the Mist. I was honored to have the opportunity to read book two, Blood Secrets. I thought it was just as good as the first. Since it is part of a series, I think it would be best to start it from the beginning. I loved catching up with Theo and Cass once again to see what is happening to them. Such a fun, entertaining and adventurous read. 

Blood Secrets will be getting four and a half stars from me. I believe readers who love to read clean science fiction and fantastical stories. I hope to see a third installment from the Skyworld series in the future. 

I received a digital copy of Blood Secrets from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Secrets in the Mist by Morgan L Busse

About the Book

Book:  Secrets in the Mist

Author: Morgan L. Busse

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Release date: August 10, 2021

What’s lurking in the Mist is the least of their worries…

In a world where humanity lives in the sky to escape a deadly mist below, Cass’s only goal is survival. That is, until she finds a job on the airship Daedalus as a diver. Now she explores ruined cities, looking for treasure and people’s lost heirlooms until a young man hires her to find the impossible: a way to eradicate the Mist.

Theodore Winchester is a member of one of the Five Families that rule the skies. Following in his father’s footsteps, he searches for the source of the Mist and hopes to stop the purges used to control overpopulation. But what he finds are horrifying secrets and lethal ambition. If he continues his quest, it could mean his own death.

The Mist is rising and soon the world will be enveloped in its deadly embrace, turning what’s left of humanity into the undead.

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 the Follower of the Word series and the award-winning steampunk series, The Soul Chronicles. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light, was a Christy and Carol Award finalist. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel. 

More from Morgan

I’m afraid to fly. At first, I tried to ignore it. Then the panic attacks came. And the one time I accidentally grabbed my neighbor’s arm during turbulence, which was really embarrassing. But it was when I was waiting for my flight at the airport and felt like I was going to burst into tears right there at the gate that I knew I needed help.

I didn’t want to stop flying. I love traveling! But the fear of plummeting to the ground scared me, so I talked to my doctor and was given medicine to help me calm down. The problem is it made me really groggy. But hey, at least I could fly again.

Then I started writing Secrets in the Mist. Half of this book is about flying and one third is hang gliding. You know, flying with just a kite on your back. To write realistically about hang gliding, I started studying the sport. I read all the articles I could find, watched a lot of YouTube videos, and in the end spent over 10 hours immersing myself in the sky.

As I first imagined, then wrote each scene in Secrets in the Mist, something started to happen. I started to lose my fear of flying. It wasn’t the first time I tried to read the science behind flight to help me lose my fear of flying, but this time, I was doing it in my head. I was feeling the air and wind, tilting my glider, catching the air drafts, and not just understanding how to fly in my mind, but also with my heart.

I realized a plane couldn’t fall out of the sky just like my character couldn’t fall out of the sky. That an experienced flyer understood what to do in storms and sudden gusts of wind. And should the plane actually lose its engines, the pilot would help it glide to the ground the same way my gliders eased their way to a landing.

Not only that, by creating the exhilarating feelings my character felt when she was gliding began to seep into my psyche. I felt her joy and freedom, her lack of fear, and even more, how she felt more connected to God when it was just her, the wind, and the sky. I saw the beauty of flying through my character’s eyes.

I can fly now. Without medication. I actually enjoy the takeoffs and the feeling of the plane gliding through the air. Will I try hang gliding someday? Probably not, I still hate heights. But I never dreamed that writing about flying would help me overcome my fear of it. This is the power of imagination, and the power of story.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Texas Book-aholic, September 1

Wishful Endings, September 2

Inklings and notions, September 2

Remembrancy, September 3

For Him and My Family, September 3

deb’s Book Review, September 4

Blogging With Carol, September 4

The Christian Fiction Girl, September 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 6

Mia Reads, September 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 7

Rebecca Tews, September 7

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, September 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, September 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 9

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 11

Mary Hake, September 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 12

Simple Harvest Reads, September 12 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Through the fire blogs, September 13

Daysong Reflections, September 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Morgan is giving away the grand prize package of Steampunk themed basket that includes a signed book, coffee by barnies, a soy candle (so it should be safe for everyone), and a $20 B&N gift card!!

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/11621/secrets-in-the-mist-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of books in the fantasy genre but I have enjoyed books from Morgan L Busse in the past. So, I was honored to have the opportunity to read her the beginning of her new Skyworld series, Secrets in the Mist. I thought it was a good read. It took me a few chapters to get into at first, but once I caught on as to what was going on, I was hooked. I enjoyed the characters, Cass and Theo, and had to find out what would happen to them. 

I am giving Secrets in the Mist four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean young adult fantasy. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Skyworld series. 

I received a copy of Secrets in the Mist from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

12 Days of Fantasy for Christmas and Giveaway: Flight of the Raven by Morgan L Busse

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Flight of the Raven

(The Ravenwood Saga #2)

By Morgan L. Busse

Christian Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages

April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family's destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new life as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill. 

While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself.

With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: embrace the Dark Lady's offer, or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking. One path offers power, the other offers freedom. But time is running out, and soon her choice will be made for her.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Excerpt

Dark.

So dark.

Selene shivered and pulled her cloak and hood closer around her shoulders. Her clothes were still damp from crossing the Hyr River and the cold wind did not help. The trees that lined Trader’s Road appeared like bony fingers reaching up toward the darkening sky. Twilight slipped across the road, blending the forest edge with the dirt path. Above, streaks of red split the sky as if some large animal had torn open the heavens.

Brittle leaves crunched beneath her boots as she followed the guards Sten and Karl. Karl was a couple inches taller than Sten, and younger by at least ten years. His dark hair curled along the edge of his cloak and his hand hovered near the hilt of his sword. Sten was round and muscular, with greying hair and a neck as thick at a man’s hand. He pointed at something and Karl answered in a low, gruff voice.

Cohen the monk quietly walked beside her, his presence warm and friendly. He was as tall as he was skinny, with straw-colored hair that stuck up around his face. And behind her…

Her stomach lurched and her fingers curled around the edge of her cloak. Lord Damien followed a couple feet behind, his steps firm. No, not lord, not to her anymore.

Damien. Her husband.

Selene kept her eyes ahead, but every part of her could sense him behind her. The moment the monk had finished the rites, and warmth had spread between their hands, she knew him. Most of it she had already discovered during her dreamwalks, but seeing his memories and having that knowledge imparted into her innermost mind and soul were two completely things. And just as much as she now knew him, he knew her as well. He knew who she really was. He knew what she could do.

He knew her gift.

She could still see the shock in his face the moment her dreamwalking gift was revealed to him. Yet he was still able to turn away and maintain enough mental capacity to raise the river barrier in time to save them.

Selene lifted her right hand and brushed her cheek. That power. To raise water and crush men. It was amazing. And terrifying. And if he hadn’t chosen to bond with her minutes before—

Her hand slid down and gripped her throat. She would have been drowned alongside those men.

Instead, Damien had chosen to save her. In a permanent way.

Other Books in the Series

Mark of the Raven

(The Ravenwood Saga #1)

By Morgan L. Busse

Christian Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 352 Pages

November 6th 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person’s dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.

As she discovers her family’s dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family’s legacy–a legacy that supports her people–or seeking the true reason behind her family’s gift.

Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

And coming soon in February 2020...

Cry of the Raven

(The Ravenwood Saga #3)
By Morgan L. Busse

Christian Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

February 4th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

Lady Selene Ravenwood has come into her full power as a dreamwalker just as the war with the Dominia Empire begins. Working with the other Great Houses, Selene and Damien use their gifts to secure the borders and save those devastated by the war. But conflict, betrayal, and hatred begin to spread between the Great Houses, destroying their unity as the empire burns a path across their lands. At the same time, Damien Maris starts to lose his ability to raise the waters, leaving the lands vulnerable to the empire's attacks.

The only one who can unite the houses and restore her husband's power is Selene Ravenwood. But it will require that she open her heart to those who have hurt her and let go of her past, despite the one who hunts her and will do anything to stop her power.

Will Selene survive? Or is she destined to fall like the dreamwalkers before her?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

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 and the steampunk series THE SOUL CHRONICLES. She is a Christy Award finalist and recently won 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. Visit her online at www.morganlbusse.com.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | BookBub | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

December 1st: Launch

December 2nd: Rebecca Belliston - Heart of Red, Blood of Blue

December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse - Flight of the Raven

December 4th: Jes Drew - Tales of Parallel Worlds

December 5th: Ronie Kendig - Brand of Light

December 6th: Alisha Klapheke - Fate of Dragons

December 7th: Jessica Leake - Through the White Wood

December 8th: Belle Malory - Electric Skies

December 9th: Melissa McShane - Burning Bright

December 10th: Jennifer Silverwood - Blackbriar Cove

December 11th: Melissa Wright - Shadow and Stone

December 12th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive an Amazon Fire Tablet and a $50 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally (as long as winner is eligible to receive prizes)

Ends December 16, 2019

ENTER HERE