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Matthew Harffy
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The Cross and the Curse (The Bernicia Chronicles Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Matthew Harffy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,202 ratings
THE NEW BERNICIA CHRONICLES NOVEL FROM MATTHEW HARFFY, SHADOWS OF THE SLAIN, AVAILABLE TO PREORDER NOW!

The life of an Anglo-Saxon warrior is full of blood and fury. For young fighter Beobrand, exploits in war will win him renown... but they will also make him many enemies. The second gripping, action-packed instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles.

AD 634. Confusion and conflict continue as warlords battle across Britain to become the first King of the English.

After a stunning victory against the native Waelisc, Beobrand returns to a hero's welcome. His valour is rewarded by wealth and land by Oswald, King of Northumbria.

Exhausted, he retires to his new estate with his bride only to find himself surrounded once again by enemies old and new. With treachery and death on all sides, Beobrand fears he will lose all he holds dear.

On a quest for revenge and redemption, he accepts the mantle of lord, leading his men into the darkest of nights and the bloodiest of battles.

'Murder, betrayal and vengeance fuel tribal warfare and personal combat. Beobrand is the warrior to follow' David Gilman
'Historical fiction at its finest' Stephanie Churchill
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  1. Book 2 of 10
    The Bernicia Chronicles
  2. Print length
    429 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    August 1, 2016
  7. File size
    7.0 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"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 (Author of God of Vengeance and the Raven series)

"The Cross and the Curse is a terrific novel that strikes just the right balance between fact and fiction, the plausible and the romantic, and it illuminates the Dark Ages like the bolt of lightning in its first few pages: in rare and unexpected ways. Top stuff."
TOBY CLEMENTS (Author of the Kingmaker trilogy)

"The best historical fiction enables the reader to simultaneously live in the here and now and the then and there. Matthew Harffy has this skill in abundance. He is one of the most accomplished and exciting voices in the field today. I love his novels."
MARTIN LAKE (Author of A Love Most Dangerous and The Lost King series)

"Harffy allows the reader to peel back the layers of Dark Age society beyond the implicit violence. His wordage is skilful and beautifully wrought, rather like a perfect damascened sword."
PRUE BATTEN (Author of The Gisborne Saga and The Triptych Chronicle)

"Matthew Harffy has created a gritty, authentic world, home to a hero who shows us the complexity of what it means to be human - the darkness and the delight. The Cross and the Curse is historical fiction at its finest."
STEPHANIE CHURCHILL (Author of The Scribe's Daughter)

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. The first of them is the action-packed tale of vengeance and coming of age, THE SERPENT SWORD. The sequel is THE CROSS AND THE CURSE. 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.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01DBZ51CM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 1, 2016
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 429 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1784978839
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 10 ‏ : ‎ The Bernicia Chronicles
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 4,202 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

4.4 out of 5 stars
4,202 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical novel excitingly action-packed and well-paced, with well-developed characters and brilliant writing. Moreover, the book keeps readers interested and provides good insight, with one customer noting it's more developed than the first book in the series.

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55 customers mention "Story quality"55 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-paced narrative of this historical novel, describing it as an excitingly action-packed tale that serves as a big jump into epic-style fiction.

"...Dialogue was raw and realistic, while various plots wove together in a manner that makes the story gripping yet enjoyably unpredictable...." Read more

"...But again, it's very engaging (for me) to read some convincing fiction set in early 7th century Britain." Read more

"...All in all this is a very well done book. It was better than the first, in my opinion, and I enjoyed the first quite a bit...." Read more

"The first part started out a bit slowly. But the prologue was very interesting as we meet someone’s mother who was a witch...." Read more

16 customers mention "Character development"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one review noting the protagonist's emotional depth and another highlighting how great leaders are often very real.

"...It's got an original vision, an immersive atmosphere, and a developed cast of characters that are only becoming more well-rounded as time passes...." Read more

"...His protagonist has real emotional depth, which perhaps appropriate to the time and place, tends to be violent and untempered by modern..." Read more

"...Second, new characters are introduced that add to the depth of perspective throughout the story...." Read more

"...Harffy's Beobrand has more nuance as a person, he's more complex, more dimensional, and it's for these reasons I love him...." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing style"16 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as brilliant, with one customer noting the raw dialogue and another highlighting the distinctive voice.

"...case of characters, 'The Cross and the Curse' showed clear maturation in writing style and imaginative ability to place a reader effortlessly into..." Read more

"Harffy is a talented writer, and this somewhat opaque period of British history is very fertile ground for historical fiction...." Read more

"...It is available in many forms as well as Audible. The audio version was great, too, and the performer did a great job with the text." Read more

"...This is an exciting, very well written novel that weaves real historical figures and events into the continuing story of Beobrand of Ubbanford...." Read more

13 customers mention "Entertainment value"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining, with one mentioning it's a great escape from everyday life.

"...While 'The Serpent Sword' was a fun read and set the stage for a strong case of characters, 'The Cross and the Curse' showed clear maturation in..." Read more

"...But again, it's very engaging (for me) to read some convincing fiction set in early 7th century Britain." Read more

"It's a good read not as good as Bernard Cornwall but it's entertaining...." Read more

"...This is an exciting, very well written novel that weaves real historical figures and events into the continuing story of Beobrand of Ubbanford...." Read more

6 customers mention "Development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's development, with one noting it's more advanced than the first book in the series, while another highlights its well-researched content.

"...a reader effortlessly into Dark Age Britain, yet also demonstrated originality in a field where within other books there's often a strong temptation..." Read more

"...Beobrand to overcome his difficulties, beat his enemies and succeed in his life goals...." Read more

"A good incite to times past and historic sites / old English place names explained in bok. A decent read" Read more

"...The story gives a good insight of how people lived at this time and how Christendom had no effect on the constant warfare, which continues up to..." Read more

A book even the gods would enjoy
5 out of 5 stars
A book even the gods would enjoy
Excellent read!!! Comparable to Bernard Cornwell or James Nelson. Love seeing Beobrand's story unfold. The man has been through so much. With death surrounding him he always seems to manage to come out on top. I can easily lose myself in a book so well written. I put on my Wardruna soundtrack or Elder Scrolls soundtrack while reading and I can easily imagine myself back in that era of history. Very much looking forward to the next book.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Bookwyrm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cross and the Curse - Even Better than the First.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    In my opinion, this was Harffy's big jump into epic-style historical fiction, and he pulled it off marvelously. While 'The Serpent Sword' was a fun read and set the stage for a strong case of characters, 'The Cross and the Curse' showed clear maturation in writing style and imaginative ability to place a reader effortlessly into Dark Age Britain, yet also demonstrated originality in a field where within other books there's often a strong temptation to move towards certain archetypes and one-dimensional character styles that can make the work unenjoyable. This had none of these problems, and was refreshing in the way that few sequels in a historical fiction series can be. Dialogue was raw and realistic, while various plots wove together in a manner that makes the story gripping yet enjoyably unpredictable.

    In comparison with other historical fiction works I've had the pleasure to read, this was a rare spot of true originality. Harffy doesn't make his hero - the equally maturing Beobrand - into some monolithic and infallible character, but instead portrays him as a deeply troubled and imperfect man in a dark time. At times, he's courageous and brave, while in others, he seems stuck in a cycle of uncertainty and violence that he has no choice but to participate in. And wow, if there's a book that shows how chaotic and black the Dark Ages must have been, this takes the cake - the brutality, the sadness, the almost complete lack of security and safety in the midst of constant conflict is woven into the lives of Harffy's characters in a way that seems realistic yet heartbreaking all the same. There's no romanticism here that's all too common in many historical fiction works, but instead a gritty realism of men and women living in a time where little was certain, lifespans were short, violence was common, and struggle and sacrifice were everyday realities.

    The Cross and the Curse is an enjoyable book by an emerging voice in historical fiction. It's got an original vision, an immersive atmosphere, and a developed cast of characters that are only becoming more well-rounded as time passes. Even better, this was a world-building book, and sets the stage for more adventures to come. Easy to recommend for those interested in historical fiction, particularly if you want to get a raw feel of what the Dark Ages must have been like.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nos N'Hoj
    4.0 out of 5 stars The 'new' Saxon tales? Engaging story set in 7th century Britain.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Harffy is a talented writer, and this somewhat opaque period of British history is very fertile ground for historical fiction. The pacing and larger plotting is a little vague, but he places his story in a fairly accurate and believable historical framework. His chrarcters have a bit more depth than is usual in this genre. His protagonist has real emotional depth, which perhaps appropriate to the time and place, tends to be violent and untempered by modern sensibilities. The 'action' is authentic, and there is plenty of 'atmosphere'. I would say that Harffy is in a position to give Cornwell's Saxon tales a run for the money, especially as Bernard's characters often seem a little caricaturish and anachronistic, and his plotlines have become rather formulaic (don't get me wrong, I still love Uhtred, et al). But again, it's very engaging (for me) to read some convincing fiction set in early 7th century Britain.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars What I especially liked about this book is that it takes a look ...
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The Cross and the Curse is the second installment in Matthew Harffy's Bernicia Chronicles. The book picks up where the first left off. Beobrand, a young man, is finding his way in a world begining to form into what we think of when we think of the Middle Ages. What I especially liked about this book is that it takes a look at a time period many seem to forget. It is the time period between when Rome falls and the attack on Lindisfarne and the subsequent "Viking Era."

    This book earned 5 stars from me for a variety of reasons. First, the plot is highly entertaining but also believable and unpredictable. Second, new characters are introduced that add to the depth of perspective throughout the story. Third, Beobrand is seeing the world in a time that many have not learned about and Harffy's research into making a true setting are clearly well developed.

    I do wish the book spent a bit more time on the landscape. As a reader from the United States who has been to Europe, but not this portion of England, I struggle at times to picture what the setting really looks like, especially when Beobrand travels to various parts of northern England and Scotland throughout the book.

    All in all this is a very well done book. It was better than the first, in my opinion, and I enjoyed the first quite a bit. I found that I learned new things, was entertained, and am considerably more attached to characters now than I was going into book two.

    If you are reading this review I hope you find it helpful. I tried to keep spoilers out of the review. Truely, you won't regret reading this book. It is available in many forms as well as Audible. The audio version was great, too, and the performer did a great job with the text.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Marilyn
    4.0 out of 5 stars a very good sequel
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The first part started out a bit slowly. But the prologue was very interesting as we meet someone’s mother who was a witch. This was a foreshadowing of things to come.
    Beobrand had some very good people around him. He became a favorite of the king Oswald and was bequeathed a few things. Life seemed pretty good u til it wasn’t. So the second half really picked up the pace. There were surprises and tragedies.
    It was great to see Coenred again. I hope he becomes more a part of Beo’s life. So much of what we knew until now has ended. I assume there will be a new path going forward.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic series
    Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I am really enjoying this series. I have read all of Giles Kristian's books and Bernard Cornwell's books and was so happy to find this series. Book arrived on time in good condition.
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  • C H
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Triumphant Second Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 28, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    When I read the first book in the series, The Serpent Sword, last year, I was very impressed. So much so that I immediately looked for a sequel - there wasn't one, at least not then. The next book came out last week on 22nd January. It arrived on my Kindle that morning. I was excited. I had read some of the previews, but I was also apprehensive. Would it be as good as I hoped? I can tell you now - It is better.

    Perhaps it was just me, but the book seemed to start slowly. If you can call a battle between thousands of men, in the dark, in a torrential thunder storm, slow. And a marathon gallop on a powerful black stallion. I know know that stallion well - I spent many hours on his back when I was young (in my mind!) I now know his name, Sceadugenga.

    In the first book we got to know Beobrand as he tried to find his way in a strange land, far from his home. In this book, as a reward for his part in the battle he becomes a thegn of Bernicia and is given a home (as well as the horse.) He soon finds that with power comes responsibility. Arriving in his new home, blood is spilt causing a feud with his new neighbours. The story appears to pause as he explores his new position, but underneath, the tension rises. Even the annual Blotmonath sacrifice is fraught - will the gods accept the sacrifice or is Beobrand's family doomed? Just as he is needed at home, he is called by the King. However much he wants to stay, he must obey. A warrior must always serve his Lord.

    I must admit that I find Sunniva, by now Beoband's wife, a bit annoying, always hanging round his neck in tears when he has to leave. I feel like giving her a good shake, he has enough to deal with without all that. I was near tears myself though, later in the book. Beoband has always felt cursed. On the long journey across the winter mountains, he meets a witch, who knows more about him than he expects, and curses him properly. If you want to find out how to rack up the tension, just read the journey to the witch's cave.

    By this point I was caught. I had to read on. Through the blood and fire, death and betrayals. At one point I had to unpeel my fingers from my Kindle, I was gripping it so hard my knuckles were white. By the end Beobrand must make a decision. Does he kill the man he has vowed to kill or does he hold back to preserve the peace? Is he a mindless killing machine or can he become a proper lord to his own men?

    This is not just Beobrand's story, but that of other men, characters as vividly realised as him. It is the story of the battle between the old gods and the new Christ God. Of the new king, Oswald trying to control the mixed population of his kingdom. It is also the story of the ordinary man and woman, trying to survive in this violent time.

    Now. How long do I have to wait for the next book?
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  • e
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in Australia on March 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The book had you entertained through out the story and kept you reading to the end to see what happens next in the series of books.
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  • Mr. Martin Brown
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - make sure you read book 1 first though.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I really am very impressed. The first book was good but gave an unfortunate impression of being 'copied' from the Uhtred series. This second book has really shown how well Matthew Harffy can develop his characters. He quickly fleshes them out with a combination of description and dialogue so that you 'know' them and empathise with them. Perhaps more importantly you remember them next time they appear in the developing saga.

    I was really sorry to come to the end of this book and I look forward keenly to the third of the chronicles. I will definitely buy it.

    Although I liked this very much, I can't give it 5 stars or what would I reserve for the masters - such as Bernard Cornwell?
    (Sorry Matthew, you are getting close but Cornwell still has the upper hand.)
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  • Tonto Kowalski
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Grim Dark Age comes to life. improvement compared to book 1
    Reviewed in Germany on February 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a direct continuation of book 1. The first third of the book shows the resolution of the Cadwallon (Waelisc) problem which started in book one. The rest of the book is a new position for our main character and some travelling for his king also happens.

    For me, this is a big improvement compared to book 1. In book one the main character was a bit bland for me. And his actions were a bit brash and prone to violence. The main character Beobrand develops in this book, he matures a bit. Although still a young man, he is no longer all the time the simple "violence is the solution for everything" character. It is a violent time and brawn was more important than brains during that time, while he also stays a child of his time and can fall into a (battle) fury. Even so, Beobrand questions some of his actions and he also experiences that actions (especially rash ones) have consequences (even if they are unintended). Now he has lo live with these consequences.

    One thing that kept me reading (even in book 1) was the atmosphere created by the author. There are no page-long descriptions of everything but even so you get a sense of the locations and how everything could be looking. He really brings the 7th century to life.

    I was a bit apprehensive about reading book 2 but now I am looking forward to book 3 to see where Beobrand's way will lead.
    Report

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