Matthew Harffy is well known for his Bernicia Chronicles, set in Northumbria in the turbulent mid-7th century. For his new book he moves place and era, and his research has led him to ask an intriguing question: were there two kings of Wessex who could claim to be called ‘the Great’? My latest novel, Wolf […]
Storm of Steel by Matthew Harffy
643 AD. Heading south to lands he once considered his home, Beobrand is plunged into a dark world of piracy and slavery when an old friend enlists his help to recover a kidnapped girl. Embarking onto the wind-tossed seas, Beobrand pursues his quarry with single-minded tenacity. But the Whale Road is never calm and his […]
Review: Storm of Steel by Matthew Harffy
It’s been an exciting few days for readers of Matthew Harffy’s Bernicia Chronicles, his series set in 7th-century Britain. The fourth book, Killer of Kings, came out in paperback on 2 May, 2019, the same day that its sequel, Warrior of Woden, was published. A week later, Beobrand returns in a “stunning new instalment”, Storm […]
Warrior of Woden by Matthew Harffy
AD 642. Anglo-Saxon Britain. Oswald has reigned over Northumbria for eight years and Beobrand has led the king to ever greater victories. Rewarded for his fealty and prowess in battle, Beobrand is now a wealthy warlord, with a sizable warband. Tales of Beobrand’s fearsome black-shielded warriors and the great treasure he has amassed are told […]
Killer of Kings by Matthew Harffy
Beobrand has land, men and riches. He should be content. And yet he cannot find peace until his enemies are food for the ravens. But before Beobrand can embark on his bloodfeud, King Oswald orders him southward, to escort holy men bearing sacred relics. When Penda of Mercia marches a warhost into the southern kingdoms, […]
Killer of Kings by Matthew Harffy
Beobrand has land, men, and riches. He should be content. And yet he cannot find peace until his enemies are food for the ravens. But before Beobrand can embark on his blood feud, King Oswald orders him southward, to escort holy men bearing sacred relics. When Penda of Mercia marches a war host into the […]
Blood and Blade by Matthew Harffy
Oswald is now King of Northumbria. However, his plans for further alliances and conquests are quickly thrown into disarray when his wedding to a princess of Wessex is interrupted by news of a Pictish uprising. Rushing north, Oswald leaves Beobrand to escort the young queen to her new home. Their path is fraught with danger […]
Historia Q&A: Matthew Harffy
Matthew Harffy is the author of The Bernicia Chronicles. His latest novel, Killer of Kings, is published on 1st June. What is your earliest memory? I think my earliest memory is playing with some toy soldiers and cannon that fired ball bearings. They were Christmas presents and I must have been about four or five. What is […]