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For Lord and Land (The Bernicia Chronicles Book 8) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 3,023 ratings

THE UNMISSABLE NEW NOVEL FROM MATTHEW HARFFY, DOMINION OF DUST, AVAILABLE TO PREORDER NOW!

Greed and ambition threaten to tear the north of Anglo-Saxon England apart in this exciting Bernicia Chronicles novel.

AD 651. War rages between the two kingdoms of Northumbria. Kin is pitted against kin and friend becomes foe as ambitious rulers vie for supremacy.

When Beobrand of Ubbanford travels south into East Angeln to rescue a friend, he unwittingly tilts the balance of power in the north, setting in motion events that will lead to a climactic confrontation between Oswiu of Bernicia and Oswine of Deira.

While Beobrand is entangled in this clash of kings, his most trusted warrior, Cynan, finds himself on his own quest, called to the aid of someone he thought never to see again. Riding into the mountainous region of Rheged, Cynan faces implacable enemies.

Forced to confront their pasts, and with death and betrayal at every turn, both Beobrand and Cynan have their loyalties tested to breaking point. Who will survive the battle for a united Northumbria, and who will pay the ultimate price for lord and land?

Reviews for Matthew Harffy:

'Nothing less than superb'
Historical Novel Society
'Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this'
Angus Donald
'Matthew Harffy tells a great story'
Joanna Hickson
'Harffy is proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown'
Jemahl Evans
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
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Editorial Reviews

Review

PRAISE FOR THE BERNICIA CHRONICLES:

'Matthew Harffy's tale of England in the Dark Ages is nothing less than superb... The tale is fast paced and violence lurks on every page'
Historical Novel Society.

'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.

'Murder, betrayal and vengeance fuel tribal warfare and personal combat. Beobrand is the warrior to follow' David Gilman.

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

'I was gripped from the very first sentence…I thoroughly recommend it for all historical fiction readers'” ―Martin Lake

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08QY72YXB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 8, 2021
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 487 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1801102254
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 8 of 10 ‏ : ‎ The Bernicia Chronicles
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 3,023 ratings

About the author

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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
3,023 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers love this historical novel series and find the story engaging, with one review noting how the author intertwines historical elements effectively. The book features intriguing characters and admirable writing skills, making it a must-read in the genre.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, with one customer describing it as the best historical novel series they've read.

"...It’s still worth reading as the historical aspect is great...." Read more

"One of the best historical novel series I've read (and I've read A LOT) continues to get better and better with each installment...." Read more

"Anyone who overlooked this wonderful series is missing a treat...." Read more

"...This makes for a must read series and this latest installment is well worth reading!" Read more

6 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, with one customer highlighting its engaging narrative and another noting its complex plot.

"...While it is always well written and a great tale, that said our hero Beobrand is getting too tiresome for me. He’s not so interesting as he once was...." Read more

"A great story that gives, I think, as accurate a picture of the period as possible in historic fiction...." Read more

"This story was great. Looking forward to more tales of Boebrand and his Black Shields. I find this time period in history to be very fascinating...." Read more

"Matthew Harffy is a master of historical tales, bringing to life England’s early history, century by century...." Read more

5 customers mention "Historical accuracy"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, with one noting how the author skillfully weaves historical elements into the narrative.

"...It’s still worth reading as the historical aspect is great...." Read more

"A great story that gives, I think, as accurate a picture of the period as possible in historic fiction...." Read more

"Beobrand is an intriguing character. Harffy does an excellent job of weaving historical events with Beobrand's fictional exploits...." Read more

"I love these characters and I love the way the author intertwined the tales of history. I also love the way he teaches us of Godly principles." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...turning and twisting of character plots and the unexpected changes within the characters lives, and you have the making of an excellent read...." Read more

"Beobrand is an intriguing character. Harffy does an excellent job of weaving historical events with Beobrand's fictional exploits...." Read more

"I love these characters and I love the way the author intertwined the tales of history. I also love the way he teaches us of Godly principles." Read more

"...His fictional characters are exciting and complex." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing skills"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's writing skills, with one noting their improved storytelling abilities.

"...While it is always well written and a great tale, that said our hero Beobrand is getting too tiresome for me. He’s not so interesting as he once was...." Read more

"...He's one of the best authors I've had the privilege to read. Can't wait for the next one!" Read more

"...Mr. Harvey's writing skills are admirable and make the landscape come alive! I highly recommend the series and look forward to the next adventure!" Read more

"...the writing clearly goes from good raw talent to more experienced story telling skills...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2022
    Even though I gave it a 5 star, my review explains my negative viewpoint. It’s still worth reading as the historical aspect is great. While it is always well written and a great tale, that said our hero Beobrand is getting too tiresome for me. He’s not so interesting as he once was. His character is developing into someone I am losing interest in. I’m not happy that Cynan didn’t get to return to Stagg hall and let the lady of the hall know his true heart. I found the return of Sulis not great nor did it get resolved that Cynan let her stay with her family. Truly as an oath sworn warrior does Cynan not believe Beobrand should have his vengeance. And if Beobrand’s murdered wife had such an impact on his entire soul how could he not seek justice for her death. This part was like it was just thrown in and left as oh well. I’m not anxious to get to read book 9, but do hope it brings back the Beobrand of the past. Otherwise he’s turned into an old warrior who doesn’t care anymore.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2021
    One of the best historical novel series I've read (and I've read A LOT) continues to get better and better with each installment.
    Harffy's style of getting the reader emotionally invested in the lives of his characters is excellent, add to that the turning and twisting of character plots and the unexpected changes within the characters lives, and you have the making of an excellent read.
    He's one of the best authors I've had the privilege to read. Can't wait for the next one!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2023
    “For would it not be foolish to blunder along a road, knowing that it was heading the wrong way, but too stubborn to turn back to the fork in the path?” Said by our beloved monk, Coenred.
    This quote seems to explain so many actions and decisions that happened during this story. We get to know Cynan and Cuthbert here. Their lives are changed and reshaped. I guess after some reflection that we won’t see much of Cuthbert. But maybe we will. Cynan has grown as a man and as a warrior, and I expect great things of him to come.
    There are some amazing twists and jaw dropping events that I didn’t think would happen. What will be the repercussions in the future?
    Again I was fully immersed in their lives and battles, on the field and at home. I haven’t found anything to not like. Onward!
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2021
    Anyone who overlooked this wonderful series is missing a treat. If you like historical fiction, particularly that set in Early Medieval Britain, you need to read this series. In this volume, Beobrand faces enormous challenges and heartbreaking betrayal. War is raging in Northumbria and pits family members against each other and friends facing other friends across shield walls. Lots of blood is shed.
    Some readers have lamented that books in this genre are too violent and too graphic regarding battle scenes. They are that, but the times in which these books are set were violent times. War is never pretty and wars in medieval times were bloodier than most. Yet there is still honor and heroism aplenty here. The characters, Beobrand, Cynan and others, are well developed and likeable in spite of their human weaknesses.
    I loved this book and this series. The author hints at more books to come and I can't wait.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2021
    A great story that gives, I think, as accurate a picture of the period as possible in historic fiction. Mr. Harvey's writing skills are admirable and make the landscape come alive! I highly recommend the series and look forward to the next adventure!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2021
    First way too much attention on Cuthbert. I feel Matthew was overly impressed with himself for working him into his story.

    Second Beobrand has become wholly unlikable. He’s just a bore now.

    And the cliffhanging ending of chapters then jumping to a different scene. Stop it! And the cliffhangers aren’t really cliffhangers at all. Was anyone really surprised at who had arrived at Sulis’ hiding place first?

    The whole book was just kind of boring. If I want to hear an old man walk around grumbling I’ll call my dad.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2021
    Beobrand is an intriguing character. Harffy does an excellent job of weaving historical events with Beobrand's fictional exploits. This makes for a must read series and this latest installment is well worth reading!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2022
    First of all, Beo the protagonist is a bumbling fool. Living on past glories he fumbles from one disaster to another. Oftentimes he either caused the disaster, but if he didn’t, he almost always made it worst.

    His desire to see his legacy move forward with Octa, caused much of the terrible results of the plot. A high likelihood things would’ve been much better off for most people if he got over his pussy-footing and his incessant trying to get a godawful son to respect him. Beo’s hubris killed more people than a Saxon champion.

    He should’ve let the viper, Octa, die of his own demented, evil folly, instead of subjecting so many people to death and destruction.

    I wanted to read a novel where the hero was real, not a bumbling oaf with big muscles. If I wanted to read about Schwarzenegger I’d read his bio.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • PB_66
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great characters and perfect pace
    Reviewed in France on December 27, 2022
    A book that moves with a pace and excitement that keeps the reader riveted. A host of characters old and new that all do their part in bringing this part of Saxon history to life, in all its gorey, bloody glory. A wonderful addition to the series
  • David Baird
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great development, the series goes from strength to strength.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 20, 2021
    We are back with Beobrand for the 8th instalment in The Bernicia Chronicles series. As a long-time fan of the series I’ve been impressed how the author manages to keep the things fresh and exciting, and latest effort doesn’t disappoint.

    From the outset Beobrand puts his neck on the line when his friend Coenred looks to be in danger. Brobrand and his black shields turn the tide of war but this only angers their King who seems to enjoy making Beobrand squirm as much as possible.. it’s like he purposely will find fault, spiteful.. the pressure has been building for a while now and it’s only a matter of time before things come crashing down around them.

    Beobrand is still very much in awe of the Queen and this affection continues to plague his mind..he knows he can never have her, but can he keep his feelings secret? Or does the King already know?

    What the author did superbly in this instalment was bring in Cynan to the forefront, one of Beobrand’s sworn men. He has his own adventure when a face from the past reappears in need of assistance.. but will this cost Cynan is life? His lord isn’t going to be pleased when he finds out who Cynan has been helping.

    We also see great development of the ensemble cast too Brinin and Cuthbert particularly shine through and keep the reader guessing as to what will happen next. We know Beobrand pretty well now, we know how he will react..but not the other characters, this leads to some rather astonishing developments and gives the tale the shock factor!

    Beobrand’s son Octa also plays his part in this adventure. There’s no love lost between father and son.. but why? And can Beobrand do anything to mend the family bond?

    For anyone who is familiar with the authors work you’ll know the action is going to come thick and fast but by god it’s good and there’s plenty of blood and guts for the fans of the grizzly details! The pace is perfect, and the detail added to the battle scenes is just mesmerising.

    The author manages to give us fresh action with each instalment, that yearns to be devoured from the first page, each new book better than the last!
  • Magicm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
    Reviewed in Germany on July 25, 2021
    Yet another great book in the series, without becoming repetitive or boring. It just transports you right back to where you left off, bringing each page to life and before you know it, you have finished reading the book already.
  • Joshua Stewart
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another exciting historical romp
    Reviewed in Australia on July 21, 2021
    Always enjoy returning to spend time with Beobrand. Loved this edition which although it includes a dual storyline keeps the reader engaged throughout. Another exciting tale.
  • Chris Huggett
    1.0 out of 5 stars Lacking in action
    Reviewed in Australia on May 15, 2022
    While some of the book continues the theme of Beobrand of action I found my myself skim reading more and more sections where a character becomes obsessed with God. Made for dull reading in parts and not what I expected from previous books.

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