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.
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- 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.
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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.
You can get North Country at Amazon.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
What song is currently playing on a loop in your head?
“Take Me to Church” by Hozier
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.
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.
You can get North Country at Amazon.
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.
Find out more:
Website: https://www.sarahbranson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.branson.author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_sarah_branson
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorsarahbranson
© 2025- Ronovan Hester Copyright reserved. The author asserts his moral and legal rights over this work.
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