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The Bernicia Chronicles #10
Shadows of the Slain
The thrilling new instalment in the action-packed Bernicia Chronicles from Matthew Harffy. Warlord Beobrand travels to holy Rome... but sinister plots and bloody conflict line his path once more.
AD 652. After surviving dark intrigues at the Merovingian court of Frankia, Beobrand is finally able to undertake the mission his queen set to escort a party of pilgrims to the holy city of Rome.
But Beobrand's life is never easy. His party includes a scheming novice churchman whose ambition is boundless, and a mysterious envoy from Frankia.
Entering the lands of the Langobards, Beobrand discovers unexpected similarities to his native Northumbria in their speech and customs... and their willingness to spill blood.
The roads heading south are filled with danger. Meeting other pilgrims who have been attacked and robbed, Beobrand soon finds himself reluctantly responsible for their safety. Confronting brigands and robbers at every turn, they press on towards their goal.
But when Beobrand reaches the snakepit of ruins and relics that is Rome, his difficulties truly begin... and his homeland has never been further away.
'Harffy is the gold standard of historical action adventure.' Theodore Brun
'The rightful heir to Gemmell's crown.' Jemahl Evans
AD 652. After surviving dark intrigues at the Merovingian court of Frankia, Beobrand is finally able to undertake the mission his queen set to escort a party of pilgrims to the holy city of Rome.
But Beobrand's life is never easy. His party includes a scheming novice churchman whose ambition is boundless, and a mysterious envoy from Frankia.
Entering the lands of the Langobards, Beobrand discovers unexpected similarities to his native Northumbria in their speech and customs... and their willingness to spill blood.
The roads heading south are filled with danger. Meeting other pilgrims who have been attacked and robbed, Beobrand soon finds himself reluctantly responsible for their safety. Confronting brigands and robbers at every turn, they press on towards their goal.
But when Beobrand reaches the snakepit of ruins and relics that is Rome, his difficulties truly begin... and his homeland has never been further away.
'Harffy is the gold standard of historical action adventure.' Theodore Brun
'The rightful heir to Gemmell's crown.' Jemahl Evans
464 pages, Hardcover
Published March 4, 2025
91 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Harffy
35 books741 followersMatthew Harffy is the author of the action-packed series of historical novels, the Bernicia Chronicles.
Matthew’s 2020 novel, Wolf of Wessex, was his first departure from the seventh century. Taking place a couple of centuries later in the early years of the Viking Age, it tells the tale of ageing warrior, Dunston, as he tries to find a man’s vicious murderers, keep the victim’s orphaned daughter alive and uncover the dark secret that threatens to plunge the kingdom into war. The book was very well received, with The Times calling it “a treat of a book”.
His A Time for Swords series is set at the dawn of the Viking Age. It follows the adventures of monk-turned-warrior, Hunlaf, who witnesses the first attack on the monastery of Lindisfarne and feels compelled to pick up a blade and organise the defence against the Norse raiders.
Before becoming a full-time author, Matthew worked in the IT industry, where he spent most of his days 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.
Matthew’s 2020 novel, Wolf of Wessex, was his first departure from the seventh century. Taking place a couple of centuries later in the early years of the Viking Age, it tells the tale of ageing warrior, Dunston, as he tries to find a man’s vicious murderers, keep the victim’s orphaned daughter alive and uncover the dark secret that threatens to plunge the kingdom into war. The book was very well received, with The Times calling it “a treat of a book”.
His A Time for Swords series is set at the dawn of the Viking Age. It follows the adventures of monk-turned-warrior, Hunlaf, who witnesses the first attack on the monastery of Lindisfarne and feels compelled to pick up a blade and organise the defence against the Norse raiders.
Before becoming a full-time author, Matthew worked in the IT industry, where he spent most of his days 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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 14, 2025
**Read 4.5 STARS!**
This eventful and thrilling historical adventure is the 10th volume of the wonderful "Bernicia Chronicles".
At the beginning of the book you'll find well-drawn maps of Frankia & Italia, as well as one of Roma around AD652/653, and a Place Names list.
At the end an extensive documented Historical Note is to be found where important features and facts concerning this tale are superbly explained.
Storytelling is wonderful, all characters are very believable and lifelike, and the hostile and at times murderous atmosphere in Rome comes splendidly off the pages.
The book starts off in AD652 when Beobrand and his gesithas are heading from Frankia towards Roma, and bringing Coenred and Wilfrid to their destination, the one by choice the other by sworn oath.
What will befall Beobrand and his Black Shields in this nest of vipers that is called Rome, is a lot of threats and deaths from several kind of gangs, while also the conspiracy and animosity within the Catholic Church will be a fight to the death between the rulers from East and West, and in this poisonous ecclesiastical environment combined with criminal gangs, Beobrand and his gesithas must somehow seem to survive in a bid to hopefully return to Bernicia unscathed.
Highly recommended, for this another excellent addition to this sublime series, and that's why i like to call this episode: "A Thrilling Lethal Roman Stay"!
This eventful and thrilling historical adventure is the 10th volume of the wonderful "Bernicia Chronicles".
At the beginning of the book you'll find well-drawn maps of Frankia & Italia, as well as one of Roma around AD652/653, and a Place Names list.
At the end an extensive documented Historical Note is to be found where important features and facts concerning this tale are superbly explained.
Storytelling is wonderful, all characters are very believable and lifelike, and the hostile and at times murderous atmosphere in Rome comes splendidly off the pages.
The book starts off in AD652 when Beobrand and his gesithas are heading from Frankia towards Roma, and bringing Coenred and Wilfrid to their destination, the one by choice the other by sworn oath.
What will befall Beobrand and his Black Shields in this nest of vipers that is called Rome, is a lot of threats and deaths from several kind of gangs, while also the conspiracy and animosity within the Catholic Church will be a fight to the death between the rulers from East and West, and in this poisonous ecclesiastical environment combined with criminal gangs, Beobrand and his gesithas must somehow seem to survive in a bid to hopefully return to Bernicia unscathed.
Highly recommended, for this another excellent addition to this sublime series, and that's why i like to call this episode: "A Thrilling Lethal Roman Stay"!
November 30, 2024
Matthew Harffy is and will continue to be an autobuy author for me. I have been invested in Beobrand and his many foes and friends from the very beginning. I have personally pledged my oath to Beobrand and will stand by his side and read his tales for as long as Matthew puts them out into the world.
With this read, I remain fully up to date on MH releases, and I might again be the first goodreads review. What an honour
With this story, we are miles from our usual fighting and feasting in England and have finally made our way to Rome. As you would expect from Beobrand, new lands just mean new enemies.
Beo is a man of honour and pride. However, the world is full of men who will betray, steal, and manipulate others. Consequently, it doesn't take long for Beo and his men to run into trouble.
This story twists and turns, new friends are made, old friends are saved, further enemies aquired and events are driven by a holy book.
The highlight of the book is being part of Beos warband. The friendships and loyalty are my favourite moments.
There were a few moments in the book, where the story has to slowdown to set up events, which pulled this one from a five star read, but with the events unfolding as they did, the future Beobrand stories are set up and I can not wait to continue the journey
With this read, I remain fully up to date on MH releases, and I might again be the first goodreads review. What an honour
With this story, we are miles from our usual fighting and feasting in England and have finally made our way to Rome. As you would expect from Beobrand, new lands just mean new enemies.
Beo is a man of honour and pride. However, the world is full of men who will betray, steal, and manipulate others. Consequently, it doesn't take long for Beo and his men to run into trouble.
This story twists and turns, new friends are made, old friends are saved, further enemies aquired and events are driven by a holy book.
The highlight of the book is being part of Beos warband. The friendships and loyalty are my favourite moments.
There were a few moments in the book, where the story has to slowdown to set up events, which pulled this one from a five star read, but with the events unfolding as they did, the future Beobrand stories are set up and I can not wait to continue the journey
December 12, 2024
Shadows of the Slain is the tenth book in The Bernicia Chronicles and if you’ve been following the adventures of Beobrand in previous books you’ll know he’s far from his home in Northumbria – and his family – and would return in a heartbeat were it not for the oath he has sworn to escort young novice, Wilfred, to Rome. Having said that, Beobrand has broken the odd oath in his time.
Beobrand finds himself in unfamiliar territory, unable to speak the language of some of the places he and his band of warriors pass through, and reliant on others to translate and negotiate on his behalf. And Beobrand hates having to rely on others; he’s been betrayed too many times before. As always, Beobrand is acutely aware of his responsibility for the lives of his gesithas, the warriors who have sworn allegiance to him. And things are made more complicated because Beobrand’s closest friend, Coenred, is accompanying Wilfred on the journey.
After quite a few adventures, including making some dangerous enemies, Beobrand arrives in Rome. What he finds is evidence of the fall of the once powerful Roman Empire, with great buildings lying abandoned and in ruins. What hasn’t changed is the presence of powerful individuals vying for wealth and influence, most of whom possess few scruples about how they achieve it. Add in conflict over religious doctrine and the increasingly reckless actions of the ambitious and wily Wilfred, and you’ve got a heady mix. No wonder Beobrand’s thoughts increasingly turn to home.
For those seeking action, there’s plenty of it as Beobrand and his gesithas find themselves in all sorts of sticky situations. Uttering his rallying cry, “Black Shields, with me!”, Beobrand is, of course, always at the centre of things. ‘The dark shapes of men around him seethed, grunting and screaming. The clang of metal on metal, and the thump of blades connecting with shields was loud in the night.’ Sadly, not everyone will emerge unscathed.
Opening in trademark breathless fashion, Shadows of the Slain is another thrilling story that will appeal to those who like their historical fiction full of authentic detail, and the cut and thrust of battle.
Beobrand finds himself in unfamiliar territory, unable to speak the language of some of the places he and his band of warriors pass through, and reliant on others to translate and negotiate on his behalf. And Beobrand hates having to rely on others; he’s been betrayed too many times before. As always, Beobrand is acutely aware of his responsibility for the lives of his gesithas, the warriors who have sworn allegiance to him. And things are made more complicated because Beobrand’s closest friend, Coenred, is accompanying Wilfred on the journey.
After quite a few adventures, including making some dangerous enemies, Beobrand arrives in Rome. What he finds is evidence of the fall of the once powerful Roman Empire, with great buildings lying abandoned and in ruins. What hasn’t changed is the presence of powerful individuals vying for wealth and influence, most of whom possess few scruples about how they achieve it. Add in conflict over religious doctrine and the increasingly reckless actions of the ambitious and wily Wilfred, and you’ve got a heady mix. No wonder Beobrand’s thoughts increasingly turn to home.
For those seeking action, there’s plenty of it as Beobrand and his gesithas find themselves in all sorts of sticky situations. Uttering his rallying cry, “Black Shields, with me!”, Beobrand is, of course, always at the centre of things. ‘The dark shapes of men around him seethed, grunting and screaming. The clang of metal on metal, and the thump of blades connecting with shields was loud in the night.’ Sadly, not everyone will emerge unscathed.
Opening in trademark breathless fashion, Shadows of the Slain is another thrilling story that will appeal to those who like their historical fiction full of authentic detail, and the cut and thrust of battle.
December 8, 2024
The tenth book of the Bernicia Chronicles following the life of Beobrand, Lord of Ubbanford, an 8th century Northumbrian Warlord and his warband, Again, Matthew harffy has excelled in reaerching historical fact and weaving a tale of triumphs, losses. and general mahem! The book takes us to Rome, the Eternal City. Not the Rome of Ben Hur or Gladiator, but the post Empire Rome when 'Families' ruled the remans of the once proud city. Intrigue, double deaing and violence await Beobrand and his loyal 'gesrithas' (Sworn Men).
I read the book in 3 days. It is, like all of the other books by this excellent author, spellbinding. You really do feel that you are there sharing the hardships of the Nortumbrian men as they battle against the corruption of Rome.
I
I read the book in 3 days. It is, like all of the other books by this excellent author, spellbinding. You really do feel that you are there sharing the hardships of the Nortumbrian men as they battle against the corruption of Rome.
I
December 25, 2024
4.5/5* round up for the fantastic narration by Barneby Edwards.
It is hard to give an indepth feedback for the 10th book in a series without spoilers, so i will limit this to my overall thoughts.
Matthew Harffy is one of my favorite HF authors and not without reason. His ability to combine so much heart and blood in a story is fantastic. I am always gripped from start to end.
Beobrand travelling to Roma was interesting. And i was absolutely thrilled Coenred was part of the whole journey. These two together are like brothers. I love their dynamic but also the whole relationships to the gesithas and Beo is filled with much love.
It is hard to give an indepth feedback for the 10th book in a series without spoilers, so i will limit this to my overall thoughts.
Matthew Harffy is one of my favorite HF authors and not without reason. His ability to combine so much heart and blood in a story is fantastic. I am always gripped from start to end.
Beobrand travelling to Roma was interesting. And i was absolutely thrilled Coenred was part of the whole journey. These two together are like brothers. I love their dynamic but also the whole relationships to the gesithas and Beo is filled with much love.
December 3, 2024
Another triumph every one of Mr Harffys books have been brilliant. Beobrand is a fierce fighter and a fair leader. Definitely to rival Uthred.
Fingers crossed for a tv serial. As I always say if you miss the last kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell read these books. Full of fights and bloodshed but with a great story running alongside.
If you like Dan Jones , Bernard Cornwell don't hesitate just read it.
Fingers crossed for a tv serial. As I always say if you miss the last kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell read these books. Full of fights and bloodshed but with a great story running alongside.
If you like Dan Jones , Bernard Cornwell don't hesitate just read it.
December 23, 2024
Another good yarn
Yet another great book from a brilliant series; these books never disappoint. Looking forward to reading the next adventure for Beobrand.
Yet another great book from a brilliant series; these books never disappoint. Looking forward to reading the next adventure for Beobrand.
January 5, 2025
This book in the series finds Beobrand and his warriors escorting an upstart novice priest to Rome (Roma). Along the way, they find more trouble than anyone could have possibly bargained for. They are attacked by errant bands of thieves, betrayed by more than a few supposedly friendly individuals, both clergy and laymen and forced to fight their way out of many tight spots. It begins to look as though this journey will never end.
One of the things I liked about this book was that it gave me a good overview of life in Medieval Italy, or what was to become Italy. Rome is described as it must have been following the collapse of the Empire. Much of the city was abandoned and even the inhabited portions were in various states of disrepair. The author also writes of the socioeconomic way of life in mid Seventh Century Rome. The seeds of what would become the modern day Cosa Nostra have already sprouted here. Powerful families ran their sectors with iron fists and gangs if hired thugs enforced what passed for law. It was a grim period. The author describes it well.
The Benicia Chronicles is an excellent series and has held up well through ten books. There will be further adventures for Beobrand and his theigns and I can't wait to read them.
One of the things I liked about this book was that it gave me a good overview of life in Medieval Italy, or what was to become Italy. Rome is described as it must have been following the collapse of the Empire. Much of the city was abandoned and even the inhabited portions were in various states of disrepair. The author also writes of the socioeconomic way of life in mid Seventh Century Rome. The seeds of what would become the modern day Cosa Nostra have already sprouted here. Powerful families ran their sectors with iron fists and gangs if hired thugs enforced what passed for law. It was a grim period. The author describes it well.
The Benicia Chronicles is an excellent series and has held up well through ten books. There will be further adventures for Beobrand and his theigns and I can't wait to read them.
December 20, 2024
review soon
December 27, 2024
“It was a strange world, fraught with danger, where you could never be sure of who was friend or foe.” So the author describes Rome in the seventh century, when imperial order and grandeur had given way to urban decay and the rise of rival criminal families, and warring factions even in the church.
This is the place where the Anglo-Saxon lord Beobrand and his troop of forthright, seasoned warriors find themselves when their queen asks them to accompany one of her clerics from Northumbria to the Eternal City. The story is told mostly from the points of view of Beobrand and his good friend Coenred. The comradeship between these two men, one a pagan and a warrior, the other a Christian and a monk, gives a personal dimension to this adventure-filled narrative. There are cameos by several historical figures, one of which Harffy depicts as just as much of a pain in the neck as he appears in the historical record! There is also an intriguing crossover with his A Time for Swords series, set more than a century later. This is a vividly-imagined tale with danger and swordplay around every corner. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is the place where the Anglo-Saxon lord Beobrand and his troop of forthright, seasoned warriors find themselves when their queen asks them to accompany one of her clerics from Northumbria to the Eternal City. The story is told mostly from the points of view of Beobrand and his good friend Coenred. The comradeship between these two men, one a pagan and a warrior, the other a Christian and a monk, gives a personal dimension to this adventure-filled narrative. There are cameos by several historical figures, one of which Harffy depicts as just as much of a pain in the neck as he appears in the historical record! There is also an intriguing crossover with his A Time for Swords series, set more than a century later. This is a vividly-imagined tale with danger and swordplay around every corner. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 16, 2025
I've held off submitting a review on The Bernicia Chronicles as a whole until I had read the entire 10 available novels in one " fell swoop" This is now D one. Been living in the 7th century for the past months.
Greatly enjoyed the books, the stories their histoical authenticity. Having read the books one after another you get to meet the new characters, get to share their development in the stories and in many cases their demise. You have known some for so long there is a genuine feeling of regret at their passing. The a stories paint a vivid picture of what life must have been like as a Lord of the individual a l Realms. Your responsibility to the King ( or Queen) of your particular area. You get to understand the responsibilities involved in looking after the tenanted eoples of your land. Their well being and of course their responsibility to you as their local Lord.
The books are really worth reading both individually or as I did as one 10 volume set. Either way you will enjoy the stories, the plots and above all the plethora of characters.
Greatly enjoyed the books, the stories their histoical authenticity. Having read the books one after another you get to meet the new characters, get to share their development in the stories and in many cases their demise. You have known some for so long there is a genuine feeling of regret at their passing. The a stories paint a vivid picture of what life must have been like as a Lord of the individual a l Realms. Your responsibility to the King ( or Queen) of your particular area. You get to understand the responsibilities involved in looking after the tenanted eoples of your land. Their well being and of course their responsibility to you as their local Lord.
The books are really worth reading both individually or as I did as one 10 volume set. Either way you will enjoy the stories, the plots and above all the plethora of characters.
December 19, 2024
I have read a couple of books from this series and enjoyed them, and this book was no exception. When you read a Harffy book you know that you will get an action-packed historical read.
The author really transports you back to Rome in AD 652 and builds great character profiles that make you feel that you are transported there and a part of his travelling party..
It is quite a long read so be ready for an epic journey.. Even though this is book 10 in the series it still reads well as a standalone
The author really transports you back to Rome in AD 652 and builds great character profiles that make you feel that you are transported there and a part of his travelling party..
It is quite a long read so be ready for an epic journey.. Even though this is book 10 in the series it still reads well as a standalone
January 30, 2025
I have loved every book in this series (this is #10) and consider Beobrand and his warriors to be like old friends! This one takes a little longer to get into the usual warrior shenanigans I’ve grown familiar with, with much of it coming from the monk Coenred’s perspective and being more about Ancient Rome than the familiar shores of old England, but it’s all necessary preparation for the main event which didn’t fail to entertain as usual. I love the (perhaps not so) subtle reference to Harffy’s other series about Hunlaf too. Looking forward to seeing if this crossover is going somewhere…
December 7, 2024
I always enjoy a Beobrand tale, even if things get rather violent for female taste. What was particularly good about this one was the evocation of dark age Rome after the fall. The decrepit buildings, the ascendancy of the Catholic church, internecine disputes and the foreshadowing of the mafia. Glad to see Beo has found a new member for his war band, or he'd be fighting alone soon! Excellent
December 23, 2024
Absolutely brilliant. Bloody, adventurous and brutal, but magnificently gripping. Shadows of the Slain sees Beobrand enjoy a not so calm tour of Rome as he navigates the dangerous fractions of power, politics and religion. He makes a few new friends, but many more enemies, meaning we get to enjoy his violence unleashed.
May 4, 2025
After reading the whole series this felt a little tired especially the narrative with phrases that seemed a little corny....the first 6 or 7 books are some of the best historical action books I've read but this one for me was average and everything seemed a little tame and predictable.
I will still continue with the series as Matthew Harffy is a formidable writer.
I will still continue with the series as Matthew Harffy is a formidable writer.
January 3, 2025
Intense!
Adventure and of course more trouble for Beobrand and his loyal men on the road to Rome and within the ancient city. Edge of the seat, nail biting clashes against some local gangs.
A fantastic read as usual.
Adventure and of course more trouble for Beobrand and his loyal men on the road to Rome and within the ancient city. Edge of the seat, nail biting clashes against some local gangs.
A fantastic read as usual.
December 19, 2024
Beo
Another riviting ride with beo and co in rome it was hard to put down is there one or two books left in beo's journey?
Another riviting ride with beo and co in rome it was hard to put down is there one or two books left in beo's journey?
January 9, 2025
Another brilliant Beobrand novel from Harffy. Thoroughly recommended!
March 13, 2025
And The Road Goes Brilliantly On
Yet another excellent and gripping stage in the saga of Bernicia. Thank you Matthew. Hope you’ve written the next one already!
Yet another excellent and gripping stage in the saga of Bernicia. Thank you Matthew. Hope you’ve written the next one already!
March 17, 2025
Another amazing addition to the Bernicia Chronicles.
Thankyou Matthew Harffy for another entertaining read!
Loved the crossover to the Time for Swords series
Thankyou Matthew Harffy for another entertaining read!
Loved the crossover to the Time for Swords series
May 5, 2025
I am a big fan of this series and wish it would go on and on. I have some qualms about all the blood and gore, but I'm able to read through that without too much trouble.
July 1, 2025
Good adventure, commentary on lifestyles of the time.
July 20, 2025
A good interesting read, quite a few plot twists and lots of descriptions of the tha travel through various countries…
October 15, 2025
Be carried away to another time when the world was unsettled and not peaceful. There are not many authors that write action and adventure historical fiction as well as Matthew Harffy.
January 2, 2025
I have enjoyed this series overall. I did find this one a bit slow and wordy. Will continue reading the series. Still good read
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews