Winter's Dawn

by Morgan L. Busse

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 accept the bond between them or let it fade—and lose him along with it.

407 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2026

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.

Reviews

[Jasmine]

Her past, his present, all hope for a future...

Wow, what a conclusion to an epic fantasy trilogy... Once I started, I couldn't seem to put Winter's Dawn down. I've been invested from the first book in The Nordic Wars series and I just had to know how it all would play out. Morgan L. Busse did not disappoint, this story was big and the final showdown was both heroic, and, well, epic.

I've been a fan of Morgan L. Busse since reading her Mark Of The Raven trilogy a few years ago and I must say that every book in The Nordic Wars series has more than lived up to its predecessors – Winter's Dawn very much included.

Fantasy is a genre that I rarely read as a kid or teen but have really come to appreciate as an adult reader. It's stories like Winter's Dawn and the rest of The Nordic Wars trilogy that keep me coming back time and again. Morgan L. Busse's worldbuilding skill is both wonderful and fascinating. Multiple cultures and landscapes are fully fleshed out in a way that keeps you completely immersed in the story-world.

The character's, too, have come to feel like friends and I was completely invested in their survival and well-being. Brighid and Kaeden are both likable and in this book, their struggles fear and compassion are surprisingly easy to relate to despite them being in a war zone in a fantasy world.

Anyway, whether you are an older YA or adult reader who loves fantasy with a strong faith element and you enjoy a good fight scene, or several, may I recommend Winter's Dawn and the entire The Nordic Wars series from Morgan L. Busse. It's well-written, entertaining, and enjoyable. And there just might be some rather large and furry surprises in this book....

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Dona Watson]

I completely enjoyed every volume of this nordic fantasy series, and in this third volume, we find a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. We get to struggle along with Brighid as she comes to terms with her heritage and her future—and her heart. Same with Kaeden as he continues to discover who the Word made him to me. There’s so much I could write but in an attempt to keep this spoiler free, I will say: Just buy the book. This is an amazing series and you won’t regret it.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book for review purposes and all reviews and opinions are my own.

[Linette Los]

Chills. I literally had goosebumps leading into the conclusion of this series. In my opinion, Morgan L. Busse is a master of Christian fantasy for this generation. This series is gritty and gripping. The Nordic setting was a fascinating change from what I’ve been reading lately. I highly, highly recommend this series.

[Daryl]

Another amazingly, wonderful series ends by one of my favourite authors. Thank you.

[Lara Jester]

great read

I really enjoyed this book and the book series. I look forward to her future writings
Blessings in The Word.

[Robin Bridgette]

wonderful conclusion.

A fast paced, page turning, whirlwind of activity- I really enjoyed how this series wove threads of faith, honor, hope and love.