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Matthew Harffy
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Killer of Kings: a thrilling tale of war in Anglo-Saxon Britain (The Bernicia Chronicles Book 4) Kindle Edition

by Matthew Harffy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 3,285 ratings
PREORDER THE THRILLING NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL FROM MATTHEW HARFFY, DOMINION OF DUST - AVAILABLE NOW!

Anglo-Saxon warlord Beobrand marches to war in this thrilling historical adventure. Part of the critically acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles, perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.

AD 636. Northumbrian warlord Beobrand has won renown and gained 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 of Northumbria orders him southward, to escort holy men bearing sacred relics.

When Penda of Mercia marches a warhost into the southern kingdoms, Beobrand and his men are thrown into the midst of the conflict. Beobrand soon finds himself fighting for his life and his honour.

In the chaos that grips the south, dark secrets are exposed, bringing into question much that Beobrand had believed true. Can he unearth the answers and exact the vengeance he craves? Or will the blood-price prove too high, even for a warrior of his battle-fame and skill?

'Beobrand is the warrior to follow' David Gilman
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  1. Book 4 of 10
    The Bernicia Chronicles
  2. Print length
    386 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    June 1, 2017
  7. File size
    5.4 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“PRAISE FOR THE BERNICIA CHRONICLES SERIES:

'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.

'Matthew Harffy's tale of England in the Dark Ages is nothing less than superb'” ―Historical Novel Society

About the Author

Matthew Harffy grew up in Northumberland where the rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline had a huge impact on him. He now lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters. Matthew is the author of the critically acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles and A Time for Swords series, and he also presents the popular podcast, Rock, Paper, Swords!, with fellow author Steven A. McKay.

Follow Matthew at @MatthewHarffy and www.matthewharffy.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01M9D3EQP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 1, 2017
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 386 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1784978853
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 4 of 10 ‏ : ‎ The Bernicia Chronicles
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 3,285 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
3,285 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a fabulous page turner with excellent storytelling, describing it as a historical fiction series about early English history. They appreciate the interesting characters and well-written narrative, with one customer noting how the characters' emotions are felt by the reader. The book maintains a great pace throughout.

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35 customers mention "Readability"35 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fabulous page turner.

"...I have thoroughly enjoyed the four books that I have read to date, and look forward to the next volume." Read more

"Great read. I have been a avid fan of Harffy's ever since reading the first book in this series The serpent sword...." Read more

"This is one of the most addictive, page turning historical fiction series I've ever read...." Read more

"I liked all the books and enjoyed them, this is my favorite time in historical novels...." Read more

21 customers mention "Story quality"21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as an excellent and page-turning historical fiction series.

"...and enjoys historical fiction with interesting characters, plenty of action, and intriguing time and place, this well written series is for you...." Read more

"...This is a great book about the Saxon people who have settled in England and gives a good glimpse into the violent and hard times that were the early..." Read more

"...The characters' emotions are felt by the reader, and the suspenseful and realistically written battle scenes are top notch." Read more

"...I feel like I really know them. So there was excellent storytelling of these two different situations...." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning how the hero's emotions are felt by the reader, and another highlighting the believable portrayal of a hero engaged in vicious tribal fighting.

"If one reads for pleasure and enjoys historical fiction with interesting characters, plenty of action, and intriguing time and place, this well..." Read more

"...The characters' emotions are felt by the reader, and the suspenseful and realistically written battle scenes are top notch." Read more

"...Bad things are brewing back in the homestead. These characters are so real. I feel like I really know them...." Read more

"...in the 7th century, full of action, brutal battle scenes and memorable characters...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting it is well researched.

"...plenty of action, and intriguing time and place, this well written series is for you...." Read more

"...Well researched and well written it's very hard to put down until the final page. If you like Cornwell or Giles Kristian you'll love this!" Read more

"...I appreciate the work the author has done and thank him for an enjoyable read." Read more

"...Well written books and look forward to the fifth book." Read more

4 customers mention "Pace"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pace, with one describing it as a fast read.

"...All and all enjoyed books! They are a fast read." Read more

"Being a big fan of the Bernicia Chronicles, I was not disappointed. Great pace and action!" Read more

"Moves fast. Good airplane read." Read more

"...of life at the time and it wasn’t easy even if you were big, fast and smart." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • VAM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Entertainment!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    If one reads for pleasure and enjoys historical fiction with interesting characters, plenty of action, and intriguing time and place, this well written series is for you. I have thoroughly enjoyed the four books that I have read to date, and look forward to the next volume.
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  • EdgeWise
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Great read. I have been a avid fan of Harffy's ever since reading the first book in this series The serpent sword. This is a great book about the Saxon people who have settled in England and gives a good glimpse into the violent and hard times that were the early dark ages of England, before King Alfred the great. The story is told through the eyes of Beobrand a young warrior who comes to Northumbria to from Kent. This particular book is the 4th in the series. You definitely want to start with the first, Serpent sword. Anyways this book finds Beo riding south from Northubria on a errand for his king through hostile territory, this book like the first three is full of action, blood feuds and the roaring clash of the shield wall and it grabs your attention from beginning to end. I really enjoy his development of the main character Beobrand and how Beo is constantly at odds with his inner demon his anger, temper and quickness to resort to violence with out thinking of the consequences, and how he fears that he is just like his father was, a mean bully who loved to hurt people, and that he will become just like him or maybe he already is just like him. Anyways this is a action packed story of the sword song and about a blood feud and how far some will go to claim it. If you enjoy Bernard Cornwell then you will love this series!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • B Daven
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must read series!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the most addictive, page turning historical fiction series I've ever read. The characters' emotions are felt by the reader, and the suspenseful and realistically written battle scenes are top notch.
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  • Marilyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars another great adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    It was easy to immerse myself straight into this third story about Beobrand. I’m still wondering who the men in the prologue were though.
    But anyway, where is Beobrand when we meet him? He’s in trouble again albeit not of his making. He’s on a mission to deliver monks and gifts to King Sigeberht, but ends up involved in a battle of which he shouldn’t be a part. While he’s so far, Rowena is becoming more and more upset with Reaghan. Bad things are brewing back in the homestead. These characters are so real. I feel like I really know them.
    So there was excellent storytelling of these two different situations. I was always excited to get back to the story to see what would happen next to our beloved characters. So many questions I had. Will Beo ever get revenge against Wybert? Is Reaghan safe without Beo around? Will more close friends lose their lives in these battles? Is Nelda still interfering in Beo’s life and will she get her revenge?
    These are answered and I can’t imagine what’s next!
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  • L Thaxton
    4.0 out of 5 stars Liked Beobrand,,,,but he is not Utred
    Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I liked all the books and enjoyed them, this is my favorite time in historical novels. I just wished that the author didn't contently repeat what Beobrand was thinking all the time, yes, we know he felt guilty about leaving his gethisa or everything else, it felt like the author was trying to fill up chapters even at a critical point seconds before a battle "did I make a mistake being here well its too late now. All and all enjoyed books! They are a fast read.
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  • JGD
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great installment in this compelling series.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I've enjoyed all the Bernicia Chronicles novels and this one was no exception. An exciting trip through Anglo Saxon England in the 7th century, full of action, brutal battle scenes and memorable characters. Well researched and well written it's very hard to put down until the final page. If you like Cornwell or Giles Kristian you'll love this!
    One person found this helpful
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  • C. David Bridges
    3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story, distracting use of language
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    this is a tale about a little known period of English history. It seems to be part of a series, but I have not read anything else by this author. I have to confess my irritation at the way the author makes his characters speak. They just don't seem genuine and it is distracting . I assume the author has spent some time researching the words and spelling, and I am sure some of it is authentically used. But some of it isn't quite right at all.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mark Walsh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2017
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    Once again Harffy leaves you begging for more. The only bad thing about this book is that it had to end. If you like incredible battle scenes then you have to read the Bernicia Chronicles! This series is by far one of the best I have ever read. It rivals that of Bernard Cornwell. Simply put it is just amazing!!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • antony brennan
    5.0 out of 5 stars The story lines are compelling and there are twists and turns and shocks built in to every one.
    Reviewed in Australia on June 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    He does not think of himself as a hero, yet in the ale houses they sing of his battles and activities from his first skirmishes up until his present actions in recent battles.

    Harffy writes him well, develops his character as he grows into the hardened warrior he has become. Kings, Eorls and Lords know his name and his fame. Although torn and tormented within he is a champion amongst men.

    As with the previous novels Beobrand fights mostly for the honour and safety of others. The story lines are compelling and there are twists and turns and shocks built in to every one.

    Harffy' Bernicia tales are great reading. He brings the period alive with a gritty realism, he fills it with people you can believe existed.

    We have to wait until next year for the next edition. Hurry up Harffy, it's tool long.
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  • Tonto Kowalski
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beobrand is in thick of it (again)
    Reviewed in Germany on May 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Beobrand gets send on a diplomatic, or rather ecclesiastical, mission. He is tasked with escorting monks and holy relics to the king of another kingdom. And promptly gets drawn into defending said kingdom from attack. At the same time, back home, an old enemy of his is plotting revenge.

    Dark, brutal, gritty and full of atmosphere. Harffy is able to create a sense of the life the people were leading in the 7th century: short, tough and brutal. Gripping fiction, looking forward to more. Very interesting to see the development and growth of the main character over time.
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  • Jemahl
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love Matthew Harffy’s Bernician Chronicles set in Dark Age Britain
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 10, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I love Matthew Harffy’s Bernician Chronicles set in Dark Age Britain. I discovered the books by chance last summer (thank you twitter)and devoured the first three in a matter of weeks.Book 4 in the series, Killer of Kings, continues the bloody, brutal, but altogether human life of Beobrand of Ubbanford as he serves his King, battles enemies, discovers dark personal secrets and struggles with his role in all the death and violence.

    It is the particularly fragile humanity of Beobrand set against the killing machine in battle that really sets the series apart. Too many heroes of historical action are caricatures, blissfully unaware or disinterested in the effects of their carnage. Beobrand is different, his angst is brilliantly depicted, his self-doubt contrasted by his confident action. It reminds me in that respect of Forster’s Hornblower books with a self-aware self-doubting leader. I love Cornwell’s Uthred, but he rarely displays the level of reflection that elevates Beobrand’s personality. Don’t get me wrong, BC is still the master whose quality of writing I think we all aspire to, but Matthew Harffy is damn close.

    Onto the plot: Beobrand is sent by his lord, King Oswald, to escort a couple of monks and a reliquary south into the kingdom of East Anglia. What should be a simple journey is complicated by the invasion by Penda of Mercia, and Beobrand (as is his wyrd) gets dragged into the conflict. The East Anglians have their own problems with an apathetic monarch who has retired to a monastery and his ineffectual successor. Beobrand rapidly realises he has been sent into the situation by Oswald, used is another word, to sort the East Anglians out. There is a massive battle which really demonstrates Harffy’s skill in blood-soaked brutal combat, but ends catastrophically for Beobrand who just about escapes to Kent (alone) to his family and his past. His past has secrets he is about to uncover, blood vows to fulfil, dead wives to avenge...

    I must confess, I dislike the character of King Oswald in the books, although he is not as prominent in Killer of Kings, his machinations are. I think it is some innate Welsh bias having been brought up on stories where Oswald and the Mercian Offa were always antagonists. You know, Cadwallon wasn’t so bad. By contrast Reghan is one of my favourite characters in the series. Stuck in Ubbanford whilst Beobrand wanders around Britain wreaking havoc, her story is really engaging and often a good breather from the fighting.

    I have an ARC of the next book in the series, which I was going to read after a couple of others on my, ever expanding, reading list. That didn’t happen, I’m already about a third of the way through it, and my own productivity has dropped considerably. Total immersion in the story is what happens when a master writer grabs you by the balls with his books and gives them a twist. To sum up: bloody brilliant! Matthew Harffy just gets better and better.
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  • Robin Isard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in Canada on August 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a hard book to review without throwing out spoilers. I don’t like doing that generally, as it kills the suspense for anyone wanting to read it. In short, this is a great book!

    Killer of Kings brings closure to some of the threads running through the previous books, going all the way back to The Serpent Sword. Beobrands travels even take him back to his home village, and this book brings the first books together the way the last book in a trilogy does (even though there are four books). That’s not to say there isn’t anything to look forward to: there are definitely irons left in the fire, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where Beobrand goes next!

    The storytelling is very tight and polished, which is one of the reasons it’s hard to write a review without giving away the character’s fates. Harffy doesn’t waste a sentence. I will say there’s the usual dynamic action that one expects from a Matthew Harffy book.

    Highly recommended!
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  • Astrid
    4.0 out of 5 stars Killer of Kings - englisch gelesen! geht so halbwegs
    Reviewed in Germany on April 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Ich habe die 1. drei Bände von Harffy gelesen, war natürlich neugierig, wie es wohl weitergeht.... aber! ich habe heraus gefunden, dass es bis jetzt 9 (NEUN!!!) Bände insgesamt gibt, ab Band 4 alle in englischer Sprache. Also habe ich Band 4 englisch bestellt, wer halbwegs englisch kann, für den ist es wenig Mühe, die Folge zu lesen, obwohl natürlich Wörter vorkommen, die mir nicht geläufig waren, bezogen sich allerdings meist auf die Schlachten, also venrachlässigbar!
    Ich habe nur 4 Sterne vergeben, da es nicht mehr so spannend und packend weitergeht wie in den ersten 3 Bänden, aber doch irgendwie unterhaltsam, obwohl oft so grausam. Auch löst sich endlich das Rätsel um seine Herkunft, was mich ja dazu bewogen hat, diese Serie weiterzulesen!
    Ich habe den deutschen Verlag, der die ersten 3 Bände herausgegeben hat, angeschrieben, leider ist an eine Übersetzung der weiteren Bände nicht gedacht, schade!
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