Back of Book: 

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?

Book Number: One 

Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Christian

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A epic Nordic fantasy that follows two people on opposing sides that are fighting in their own unique ways. 

Brighid has fought for her life since the moment she was born. The wastelands of Nordica are a viscious place for a child, but she will do everything to protect her adoptive mother. That is, until she passes away and Brighid must find a new purpose to live. Kaedan carries the blood of the Eldaran in his veins. This gives him the ability to heal others at the cost of his own wellbeing. With the help of his old mentor, Kaedan must face his fears to help his people triumph. Nothing is certain except that Brighid and Kaeden's people are determined to kill each other.

I borrowed this one as Hoopla's bonus borrow of August. I was intrigued by the cover, but unfortunately, this one was too war centered for me to care all that much. 

I found the start of this one to be rather engaging. It was obvious that Brighid would eventually fulfill a destiny that her humble beginnings don't reflect. Seeing her try to survive through all the things life throws at her is rather inspiring, but I wish there would have been another character early on that would have captured my attention because I found my thoughts drifting before too long. 

Kaeden doesn't appear until over halfway through this book. I found his introduction to be abrupt and confusing, but it eventually becomes clear why he is important in the plot. I soon found his perspective’s more interesting than Brighid’s, so that was something. 

The story really picks up once Brighid and Kaeden encounter one another. By this point, the war is raging and their people hate one another. All the elements about the Word has me very intrigued, though I wish some of this plot thread would have been introduced early on. 

I think this series has some great potential growing forward, because I'm definitely intrigued by the things that went down at the very end of this one. However, I'm not overly invested, so this one will probably be tabled for quite some time. 

Overall, "Winter's Maiden" is a Nordic fantasy that centers around a great war. I'm not a huge fan of war stories, so it wasn't really surprising that I didn't love this one. However, I did find myself intrigued by the magic and the gods that appeared toward the tail end of this one. I may continue this series at some point, but it's definitely not a priority. 

Audiobook Note: This one is narrated in its entirety by Rachanee Lumayno. This one does alternate PoVs between Brighid, Kaeden, and a few others, but I think Lumayno did a good job with all of them.

Back of Book: 

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.

Book Number: Two

Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Christian

Review: ? 

Back of Book: 

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.

Book Number: Three (Last Book) 

Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Christian

Review: ?