AD 797, and we’re in Cyprus. Warrior-monk Hunlaf and his crew are on a voyage to acquire an important Christian relic before it falls into the hands of Byzantium’s scheming Empress Eirene. Hunlaf’s crew receive unexpected help as they seek their treasure, but soon find themselves betrayed. About to leave for home empty-handed, the adventurers […]
Shadows of the Slain by Matthew Harffy
It’s AD652, and after surviving dark intrigues at the Frankish royal court, Beobrand is finally able to undertake the mission his queen set him: to escort a party of pilgrims to the holy city of Rome. Yet Beobrand’s life is never easy. His party includes a scheming churchman whose ambition is boundless, and a mysterious […]
Dark Frontier by Matthew Harffy
In 1890 Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes of the British Army left behind the horrors of war for a role in the Metropolitan Police. Though he rose quickly through the ranks, the squalid violence of London’s East End proved just as dark and oppressive as the battlefield. With his life falling apart, and longing for peace and […]
Christmas reading 2024 – top historical books to give or to treat yourself to
We asked eight much-loved authors to each recommend a couple of historical books for Christmas 2024 to give, receive, or treat yourself to — fiction and non-fiction. There are ideas for history-loving children and teens as well. We hope these suggestions help to inspire your Christmas reading. Sharon Bennett Connolly For fiction, it has to […]
Shadows of the Slain by Matthew Harffy
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 […]
Early medieval Rome: the changing face of the Eternal City
By the 7th century, the ‘grandeur that was Rome’ had faded, thanks to wars, sackings and plagues. Power had shifted eastwards. Yet the lure of the Eternal City drew pilgrims and tourists along an ancient route, says Matthew Harffy, author of Shadows of the Slain. He describes early medieval Rome for Historia. Shadows of the […]
Dark Frontier by Matthew Harffy
1890. Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes of the British Army has left behind the horrors of war in Afghanistan for a role in the Metropolitan Police. Though he’s risen quickly through the ranks, the squalid violence of London’s East End proves just as dark and oppressive as the battlefield. With his life falling apart, and longing for […]
Why I’ve written a Western
From the ‘Dark Ages’ to a Dark Frontier: Matthew Harffy, author of the Bernicia Chronicles, explains why he’s written a Western — and how it’s not such a big leap after all. I have wanted to write a Western for as long as I can remember. I always enjoyed Western movies and fell in love […]