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Warrior of Woden (The Bernicia Chronicles Book 5) Kindle Edition

by Matthew Harffy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,762 ratings
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AD 642. Anglo-Saxon Britain. A gripping, action-packed historical thriller and the fifth instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.
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 throughout the halls of the land.

Many are the kings who bow to Oswald. And yet there are those who look upon his realm with a covetous eye. And there is one ruler who will never kneel before him.

When Penda of Mercia, the great killer of kings, invades Northumbria, Beobrand is once more called upon to stand in an epic battle where the blood of many will be shed in defence of the kingdom.

But in this climactic clash between the pagan Penda and the Christian Oswald there is much more at stake than sovereignty. This is a battle for the very souls of the people of Albion.

What readers are saying about the series:

'Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this' ANGUS DONALD, author of The Outlaw Chronicles.

'Matthew Harffy's tale of England in the Dark Ages is nothing less than superb' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY.

'Murder, betrayal and vengeance fuel tribal warfare and personal combat. Beobrand is the warrior to follow' DAVID GILMAN.
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  1. Book 5 of 10
    The Bernicia Chronicles
  2. Print length
    596 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
  6. Publication date
    April 1, 2018
  7. File size
    6118 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“PRAISE FOR MATTHEW HARFFY:

'A tale that rings like sword song in the reader's mind. Harffy knows his genre inside out and The Cross and the Curse proves it' Giles Kristian.

'The author has done a brilliant job of drawing the reader in, and making you feel like you can actually see whats happening in your minds eye'” ―Stephen Walker, Netgalley

About the Author

Matthew Harffy lived in Northumberland as a child and the area had a great impact on him. The rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline made it easy to imagine the past. Decades later, a documentary about Northumbria's Golden Age sowed the kernel of an idea for a series of historical fiction novels that became THE BERNICIA CHRONICLES.

Matthew has worked in the IT industry, where he spent all day writing and editing, just not the words that most interested him. Prior to that he worked in Spain as an English teacher and translator. He has co-authored seven published academic articles, ranging in topic from the ecological impact of mining to the construction of a marble pipe organ.

Matthew lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters.

Matthew was the singer in Rock Dog.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B071J8RJW3
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book; 1st edition (April 1, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 1, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6118 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 596 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,762 ratings

About the author

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Matthew Harffy

Matthew Harffy

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Matthew Harffy lived in Northumberland as a child and the area had a great impact on him. The rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline made it easy to imagine the past. Decades later, a documentary about Northumbria's Golden Age sowed the kernel of an idea for a series of historical fiction novels. The first of them is the action-packed tale of vengeance and coming of age, THE SERPENT SWORD.

Matthew has worked in the IT industry, where he spent all day writing and editing, just not the words that most interested him. Prior to that he worked in Spain as an English teacher and translator. Matthew lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters.

For all the latest news and exclusive competitions, join Matthew online:

www.matthewharffy.com

twitter.com/@MatthewHarffy

www.facebook.com/MatthewHarffyAuthor

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
2,762 global ratings
Great reading!!
5 Stars
Great reading!!
Wonderful and very believable swashbuckling action! Loved it!!
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Top reviews from the United States

Michael S. Higgins
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2018
Verified Purchase
I think Matthew did a great job again. Beobrand stays true to himself and his oaths. One oath made him appear a coward yet he fulfilled it. As mentioned in another comment he had to be reminded of what kind of man he was. Although every part of his being wanted to go the other way, in the end he stayed true.

Let me preface this by saying I couldn’t write a book in ten years. Twenty years. But I just wish they came out more quickly because I find I don’t remember what happened in previous books. Took me half this book to recall who Cynan was. I have an idea that in the next book Beibrand has a certain king he will want to have a long talk with, and I’m looking forward to that encounter, but fear by next summer I will hardly recall it.
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BAF
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good But
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2021
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Read all five. Well written. Interesting plot. Worth your time if you like Cornwell and Gilman. Only drawback for me is the amount of time the main character spends brooding about one thing or another. Main character is depicted as a formidable warrior. And a worrywart.
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Marilyn
5.0 out of 5 stars another great novel
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2023
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This series about 7th century Britain is just amazing. There are people and events that I love and I despise. There are particular deaths here for which I’m especially aggrieved. I guess certain warriors will become even more important now to Beobrand. I hope they prove themselves.
One thing that bothers and amuses me is that men are so easily manipulated by women. Even women who dislike them! Oh how times have not changed.
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Cocosmom
5.0 out of 5 stars So glad I found this wonderful writer!
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2019
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I'm a relatively new reader of Matthew Harffy's books, but I am so glad I found his work. The Bernicia Chronicles feature historical accuracy, excellent depictions of day-to-day life as well as period fighting techniques, and wonderful characters (even if he did kill off one of my favorites). Highly recommended!
One person found this helpful
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EdgeWise
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2018
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I have really enjoyed this series of books (The Bernicia chronicles) by Matthew Harffy and I can't wait to read the next in the series. If you like historical fiction that is based on the ancient Anglo Saxon times and is full of brutal battles and bloody sword fights, but stays true to the historical aspect of the times, people, places, and the kings of those ancient times and the battles fought in there name, then you should give this series a try, especially if you are fans of Bernard Cornwells- Last kingdom series, or his books in general. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!
4 people found this helpful
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Bullman
3.0 out of 5 stars A decent continuation
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2020
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I did enjoy the book. It seems there was a little big of filler as parts of the book seemed to drag on. I will definitely continue the series.
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Marc
5.0 out of 5 stars The best so far!
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2020
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I have enjoyed all of the previous books in this series but this installment is a step above. The author took chances that I feel paid off to keep this story fresh and unpredictable. I will now start reading the next book immediately!
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Kindle Customer. P.J.P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Warrior of Woden (The Bernicia Vhronicles
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2018
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All of this series has been exciting and illuminating. Although they are fiction, I feel that they reveal a great deal of truth and fact relevant to the time period. They are a great read and leave you wanting more from each new book. I look forward to the next release.
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Top reviews from other countries

Johanna Bond
5.0 out of 5 stars Warrior of woden
Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2021
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love the series, great read
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Clemens Schoonderwoert
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Woden Warrior!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2021
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This very enthralling novel is the 5th volume of the amazing "Bernicia Chronicles", featuring Beobrand of Ubbanford, from the formidable author, Matthew Harffy.

Before I come to my review as a whole I have to say that these books have a lot in comparison with the "Last Kingdom" (Uhtred) series, from the master of historical fiction, Bernard Cornwell, in so far what the set up of the books is concerned, f.e. Place Names, divided into various parts, and Historical Note, but also the storytelling from this author is absolutely of the same level or at times even better than that of the master himself.

All characters, whether they are great historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life in this superb historical tale, the atmosphere and surroundings of the Dark Ages in 7th Century Albion come splendidly off the pages.

Right inside the book you'll see a very well-drawn map of Albion in AD 642, with Northumbria, divided in Bernicia and Deira, and surrounded by very important and powerful neighbours, and a list with Place Names, while at the back of the book you'll notice a very informative Historical Note, where the historical details concerning this period of history are beautifully explained.

The book starts off with a short prologue, before being divided into four parts, and these parts are set in the year AD 642.

This astonishing story contains great battles, bloodletting, loyalty, treachery, friendship and animosity in all kind of actions and forms, as well as the brutal slaying of a great and just King.

What is to follow is a marvellous story where history and fiction are superbly entwined, where Beobrand's faith and oath to his King Oswald will be tested to the limit, also his undying friendship with Acennan and Eowa will receive a lethal blow by his enemies, not to forget Beobrand's battles against his foes from old, the Waelisc, Gwalchmei and the Mercian, Haldan, will end with death and gore, while the main interaction will be the war between the forces of the pagan, King Penda of Mercia and that of the Christ follower, King Oswald of Northumbria, and when that war is over what the consequences will be for Beobrand and his gesithas at home in Ubbanford and abroad in the rest of Albion.

Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this amazing series, which is in my view just as great as Bernard Cornwell's "The Last Kingdom" (Uhtred) series, and that's why I like to say that this episode is for me: "A Wonderful Woden Warrior"!
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antony brennan
5.0 out of 5 stars Oh My God.
Reviewed in Australia on April 3, 2018
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Oh My God. This series is fabulous. The only complaint I have is that I want more, and I want it now. Compelling narrative, believable characters, and great writing draws you in to Anglo-Saxon Britain where life is hard and a battle is never very far way.

In this edition we continue to follow Beobrand and his sworn warriors through the ever evolving political landscape of the time. There is little diplomacy except that which comes at the point of a blade. You don't know who you can trust and the old gods still hang on as Christianity begins to spread it's wares.

I binge read this over two days. It's not enough, I can't wait for the next one. It's been a while since I felt I didn't want a book to end.
3 people found this helpful
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farmer
4.0 out of 5 stars great dual story lines
Reviewed in Canada on October 11, 2021
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good book in the series. Nice to have two story lines.
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JPS
4.0 out of 5 stars Beobrand loses his King
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 30, 2018
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This is volume 5 of the Bernicia Chronicles and the story of Anglo-Saxon England during the seventh century AD, as Northumbria and Mercia and their respective kings violently compete for supremacy over the island.

The book – and the whole story - is centred around the battle of Maserfield where King Oswald of Northumbria was defeated and killed by King Penda of Mercia. As the author explains in his historical note, he has chosen to locate the battle in Northumbria and to have Oswald reacting to an attack and invasion that almost caught him by surprise rather than the alternative version where the battle is located in Shropshire and would correspond to a Northumbrian attack. When linked with the battle of Tadcaster, some three years before, where the author also shows King Oswald almost caught by surprise by a Mercian invasion during Easter (Penda and the Mercians were pagans), Matthew Harffy’s choice appears quite logical.

The tale of the battle itself is fictional and exciting. There is no evidence that it took place over a couple of days although it does seem that Oswald was significantly outnumbered, especially since his brother’s forces were absent and Penda was accompanied by Welsh allied war bands. Fans of brutal shield wall struggles will love it, even if having Beobrand and his trusted warriors taking the brunt of the fighting with hardly any casualties (only one as you will see) is rather unrealistic.

The author also introduces a number of interesting twists that all place the hero warlord Beobrand at the heart of the action and explain his reputation and highest regard in which he is held by Oswald. One such is the role he plays three years before Maserfield in bringing victory at the battle of Tadcaster when he takes things in his own hands. Another such feat is the suicide mission he is given by Oswiu, the dead King’s brother and successor to recover the body of the slain King. We do know from the sources that part of it was recovered and the book clearly shows the importance of such a defiant act. Finally, the attack on Ubbanford – Beobrand’s hall – in his absence and the pursuit and catching of the raiders that follows as he seeks revenge is well done and certainly more typical of the kind of warfare waged at the time. Set battles were probably relatively rare and only took place when one king gathered his forces to resist or retaliate against the invasion of another – an invasion which was essentially a larger scale raid. The main purpose was to destroy, loot and to take slaves, as well shown in the book, rather than to conquer territory.

The main characters are also interesting. Beobrand himself, now a thegn of Northumbria with his ow land, war band and a decade of warring behind him although only in his late twenties, is of course the archetype of the leading warrior as seen with through the author’s eyes. While his strengths are very expected, it is his relative weak points, and in particular his fear that he will enjoy killing too much and become some kind of sadistic murderer that make him sympathetic and perhaps also believable. I also liked the author’s takes on pious, ruthless but perhaps too trustful Oswald and on the little known but noble Eowa – Penda’s brother who does seem to have opposed him and to have sided with the Northumbrians. I was less enthusiastic about Oswiu, whom the author casts as some jealous, envious and traitorous villain and found this character a bit harder to believe, although living for so long in the shadow of his more famous and pious brother may indeed have generated some hard feelings.

This was an exciting read worth a strong four stars and making me eager to get my hands on volume 6.
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