The Serpent Sword (Bernicia Chronicles Book 1) (45 page)

“The Serpent Sword is a stunning debut: fast, confident, adrenaline-pumped, this story of a young warrior's coming of age in the maelstrom of the Dark Ages has the flavour of early Giles Kristian or James Aitcheson: it's raw, rugged and rich in colour and texture. Beobrand is a hugely likeable character with just the right blend of vulnerability and heroism and his story is clearly set to run for a good, long, loveable series. I stayed up till after midnight to finish this. What more could you ask for?”

Manda (M.C.) Scott

“From the early years of the 7th century, The Serpent Sword tells the story of young Beobrand, who sets out on a journey to take revenge on the man who killed his brother. With powerful language and gripping action, Harffy tells a tale of courage, revenge and love as Beobrand is transformed by his quest. A journey that will test both his mettle and his steel.”

Justin Hill

“The Serpent Sword by Matthew Harffy is a stunning debut novel. It is a fast-paced tale of historical adventure beautifully written. I found myself transported into villages, halls, camps, forest and the coastal regions of early medieval Northumberland, all atmospherically and convincingly portrayed. The Serpent Sword is a story of revenge, passion, betrayal, honour, love and loss. Above all, it contains both a quest and a love story. Kings, thegns, warriors and commoners leap out from its pages with superb vividness. Harffy’s characters are portrayed with depth and humanity. Readers of Bernard Cornwall and Giles Kristian will enjoy The Serpent Sword. They will wait with anticipation to visit Beobrand’s further adventures during the Dark Age of the seventh century, a time of emergent monasteries and warfare between kings. It is wonderful story and a fascinating world in which I thoroughly enjoyed spending time.”

Carol McGrath, author of The Daughters of Hastings Trilogy

THE SERPENT SWORD

First Published 2015

Copyright © Matthew Harffy 2014

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Matthew Harffy has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

www.matthewharffy.com

Paperback ISBN: 978-1508995708

E-book ASIN: B00V2IIHPE

This book is a work of fiction and, except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Acknowledgements

Cover photograph: Copyright Matthew Bunker

Excerpts from The Venerable Bede taken from ‘A History of the English Church and People’, translated by Leo Sherley-Price. Penguin Classics, Penguin Books, 1965.