AD652, and after surviving dark intrigues at the Merovingian court of Frankia, Beobrand is finally able to undertake the mission his queen set him: to escort a party of pilgrims to the holy city of Rome.
But Beobrand’s life is never easy. His party includes a scheming novice churchman whose ambition is boundless, and a mysterious envoy from Frankia.
Entering the lands of the Langobards, Beobrand discovers unexpected similarities to his native Northumbria in their speech and customs… and their willingness to spill blood.
The roads heading south are filled with danger. Meeting other pilgrims who have been attacked and robbed, Beobrand soon finds himself reluctantly responsible for their safety. Confronting brigands and robbers at every turn, they press on towards their goal.
But when Beobrand reaches the snakepit of ruins and relics that is Rome, his difficulties truly begin… and his homeland has never been further away.
Shadows of the Slain by Matthew Harffy is published on 5 December, 2024. It’s the 10th in his Bernicia Chronicles series.
Read Matthew’s feature about Rome in the 7th century.
Our list of over 200 books published this year may give you some more historical fiction reading ideas.
And watch out for Historia’s big feature about books coming out in 2025 — it’s up on New Year’s Day.
