North Country
- Vanessa Bettencourt
- Mar 6
- 9 min read
Four women, each with a secret. None will return from the North Country unchanged.
North Country takes place in the year 2372, a time when Earth is recovering from floods, fires, pandemics, and war. Amidst this post-apocalyptic world, the pirate nation of Bosch is thriving—but not without its complications. The focus is on four fierce women who must navigate their way through both external dangers and their own personal demons.
● Master Commander Kat Wallace, haunted by a past filled with violence, takes on a dangerous mission to the North Country in search of peace.
● Carisa Morton, struggling with her failing body and independence slipping away, embarks on one last adventure before it's too late.
● Sergeant Flossie Porter hides a hidden family fortune and a deep infatuation with her commanding officer, putting everything on the line for the chance to be by her side.
● Master Sergeant Diamond Miata, driven by ambition and beauty, will stop at nothing to advance her own agenda—even if it means testing her loyalty in the process.
As they trek through the barren land, each woman faces betrayal, desire, and the harsh truths of their own hearts. North Country is an exploration of strength, vulnerability, and the bonds that form between women in even the toughest circumstances.
My review:
5
I had a great time with this one because I love a team on a quest. Different POVs and plot twists, they all have their agenda and secrets. Kat is going back to such a horrible place with old traditions and superstitions in seek of vengeance. Not only are their beliefs terrible, but they are the memories of the tragedy of what happened 25 years ago. Diamon is such a fun character (grumpy and ready for a fight), but this time, I loved reading Carisa. Emotional. She can live one more adventure before her body quits. I love the author's writing style when it comes to dialogue. It always makes me laugh or giggle with the character's crude, direct, but always fun remarks.
It works well as a standalone, too, because it makes people curious to go back and read Kat's story. Great sci-fi, dystopian, with badass pirates who fight slave markets.
Author bio:
Sarah Branson, an award-winning author, writes thrilling tales of action, adventure, and heart, often featuring strong female leads in sci-fi and dystopian settings. After nearly thirty years as a midwife, Sarah has channeled her experiences into stories about the strength of women in extraordinary circumstances. She believes that badass women will inherit the Earth—and that Earth will be better for it.
Website: https://www.sarahbranson.com/
Author Marketing Experts:
X: @Bookgal
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Praise:
"A rollicking page-turner, North Country captured my heart and imagination from the very first page. Sarah Branson's storytelling shines with rich, narrative prose and heart-pounding pacing. She crafted a story of resilience and empowerment that kept me on the edge of my seat." —Heidi McIntyre, author of Sea Magic
"North Country is a vivid adventure read with a social pulse. It ignites the pirate in us all who wants to throw off inhibitions and go after what we want in life. This book is both loads of fun and inspiring!" —Paulette Stout, multi-award-winning author and podcaster
"Sarah Branson weaves a high-octane adventure with deeply resonant themes of emotional growth, the search for belonging, and the pursuit of truth. I was drawn to each of the four main characters' personal journeys of self-discovery and transformation. Loved this read that kept me hooked from start to end!" —Shail Rajan, author of The Summer Breeze series
"Sarah Branson's latest novel, North Country, returns Kat Wallace to another heart-stopping sci-fi adventure. Imagine a steampunk world laced with pirates and special interests. This is no world for a woman to navigate—but Kat does so with zest. Readers and book clubs seeking strong can't-put-it-down sci-fi reading will find North Country filled with insights and vibrant encounters powered by likable, realistic women." —Diane Donovan, Senior Editor, Midwest Book Review
"Kat Wallace is in charge. But that doesn't mean she's in control. This ensemble piece moves thrillingly fast, yet Branson captures the subtleties of character and interactions between women with care. I could not put the book down. Kat has grown into a woman of emotional maturity, decisive and compassionate. I strongly recommend this book!" —Annie Ballard, author of The Sisters of Stella Mare series
"One mission, four women, four life-changing outcomes. Kat Wallace leads her pirates deep into the frozen North Country to face bigots, guns, biffo thugs, and torturous Chinese agents. Sarah Branson writes with insightful depth about women entangled in complex and dangerous relationships. Another stellar swashbuckling novel about the pirates of New Earth." —Steven Savanna, author of the Hotel Exotica future crime series
Trigger Warnings: Language, sexual content, references to sexual abuse, some violence
On writing:
How did you do research for your book?
It depends on the book! For my series, I took up boxing to understand the nuances of fights; I took shooting lessons, and I learned (via computer simulation) how to fly a plane. For my YA book, Unfurling the Sails, I learned how to sail. For North Country, I explored Norse mythology as well as the Inuit culture in Greenland. I connected with two dear people that deal with MS on a daily basis to get their perspective. And I kept a daylight calendar up to refer to so I’d know if my characters would be functioning in the dark.
Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?
I think Diamond was the most difficult character to write, because I knew her the least. In fact, she got a heavy re-write that expanded and deepened her character after I had reached the “all done” stage. It made her far more complex and far more interesting. Kat certainly is the easiest to write because I know her so intimately after seven books.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
Inspiration is everywhere. But these days you don’t have to go far to find inspiration for feminist speculative fiction– a quick scan of the headlines or ten minutes on reddit is all that is needed to pose the question, how would Kat and her colleagues deal with something like this?
There are many books out there about adventure. What makes yours different?
The characters. Kat Wallace is an amazing character, she is a strong woman to be sure, but she is also a bit of a mess. She screws up, makes mistakes and fails. Then she picks herself up and tries again. Her inner voice resonates with readers who find her relatable. And she’s also a pirate, and who doesn’t love pirates?
Your book is set in Bosch and the North Country. Have you ever been there?
Well since the setting is three hundred years in the future in a world remade, only in my mind. However, I certainly have been to Maine and explored the islands there. I would love to go to Greenland, but have not yet traveled there.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
For thirty years I worked as a nurse-midwife in all the venues. I also spent time as a middle and high school teacher, both in the US and overseas.
How long have you been writing?
Somewhere between five and fifty-nine years. I have always loved writing and storytelling and fancied myself a poet as a kid. Perhaps you have a crumpled copy of “The King of the Sea” in your possession? Okay, probably not. But I did not start writing professionally until 2020 with the publication of my debut novel A Merry Life.
What is your next project?
There are three New Earth projects simmering currently: another Kat Wallace adventure, a second YA Grey Shima adventure, and a second middle grade adventure featuring the boys, Kik & Mac.
What genre do you write and why?
This is a great question, because it should be an easy answer, but for me it is not. I really had no idea the genre until my editor for my debut novel said, “Sarah, it’s set in the future–it’s science fiction.” I tried to convince him that perhaps it was historical fiction that just hadn’t happened yet, but he was having none of my shenanigans. Then I found the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and read that women’s fiction is characterized by the emotional journey of the main character. “Aha, I must write women’s fiction then!” Which I do, sorta. Honestly, it was not until North Country was published that I found a descriptor that could encompass all the aspects of my stories. I write feminist speculative fiction.
If your book were made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?
Oooo! I have a soundtrack on Spotify!
A few songs on it:
“Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan
“It’s Not Over Yet” by King & Country
“Mean” and “Mine” by Taylor Swift
“Real Friends” by Camila Cabello
“All Your Lies” by Dean Lewis
“Cold Rain and Snow” Grateful Dead
Go listen and suggest more!
In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like?
Publishing North Country, my seventh novel, was pretty straightforward, however, for my debut novel, A Merry Life, the road to publishing was like standing mere feet in front of a blasting firehose of learning, hoping I drink in enough but still avoid drowning.
Who is the author you most admire in your genre?
So many: Butler, LeGuin, L’Engle, Heinlein, Asimov, Bradbury, Taylor, Weir, Jemisin, Mandel. My father loved science fiction, so he introduced me to so many of the foundational authors in science fiction, and I think they stayed with me. My mother was feminist before feminist was a thing. So it is no surprise I became a feminist speculative fiction author.
On rituals:
Where do you write?
While I have a lovely desk looking out my back window that I occasionally write at, I prefer to write curled up, either in bed or in the corner of the couch. Probably not the best ergonomically, but it seems to be the space where the most writing gets accomplished.
Do you write every day?
In some fashion, even if I don’t put words down on paper, I do write every day. If I am not actively writing, then I am pre-writing– imagining scenarios and events that will appear in the next book. If it is a day for promotion work, then I am writing about writing. So the written word is a part of most every day for me.
In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?
I outline and pre-write on big sheets of poster paper with multi-colored markers to get an idea of the character arcs and the structure of the book I am about to begin. These bright, colorful pages then go up on the walls where I can see them as I begin the writing process.
Fun stuff:
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
Can I go forward? I’d like to see what three hundred years from now really looks like!
Favorite travel spot?
I currently have two– from the past, the Manitou islands in Lake Michigan and more recently, Nice, France. Both of these places give me a chance to swim in some beautiful waters and see some magnificent sights.
Favorite dessert?
I do love chocolate. But recently coffee ice cream with salted caramel sauce has been a favorite.
What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
Taking the leap from a well-paid career I loved to being an author (which I also love) full time.
Name a quirky thing you like to do.
I really, really like to hit the heavy bag. There’s something about it that is just the right combination of exercise and therapy.
What is something you've learned about yourself during the pandemic?
That I could do things I never thought possible. Like write a book, or four…or seven.
What song is currently playing on a loop in your head?
“Take Me to Church” by Hozier
What is your go-to breakfast item?
Hard-boiled egg with Maldon salt and everything bagel seasoning
What is the oldest item of clothing you own?
The Dead Fish skirt that was my mother’s when she was young. Lord knows I can’t fit into anymore, but I have it!
Tell us about your longest friendship.
While I have friends from high school I have reconnected with, I am pretty sure that distinction goes to my husband of almost forty-three years (known each other for 45). We met my freshman year of college and have been together ever since. He has been my best friend through all the highs and lows of life, and I can’t imagine a better partner.
What is the strangest way you've become friends with someone?
Over a decade ago, I put an ad out on social media for a birth assistant and the woman who answered it became one of my dearest friends and an amazing midwife.
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