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Wolf of Wessex
AD 838. Deep in the forests of Wessex, Dunston's solitary existence is shattered when he stumbles on a mutilated corpse.
Accused of the murder, Dunston must clear his name and keep the dead man's daughter alive in the face of savage pursuers desperate to prevent a terrible secret from being revealed. Rushing through Wessex, Dunston will need to use all the skills of survival garnered from a lifetime in the wilderness. And if he has any hope of victory against the implacable enemies on their trail, he must confront his past - becoming the man he once was and embracing traits he had promised he would never return to. The Wolf of Wessex must hunt again; honour and duty demand it.
Accused of the murder, Dunston must clear his name and keep the dead man's daughter alive in the face of savage pursuers desperate to prevent a terrible secret from being revealed. Rushing through Wessex, Dunston will need to use all the skills of survival garnered from a lifetime in the wilderness. And if he has any hope of victory against the implacable enemies on their trail, he must confront his past - becoming the man he once was and embracing traits he had promised he would never return to. The Wolf of Wessex must hunt again; honour and duty demand it.
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First published November 14, 2019
About the author
Matthew Harffy
28 books765 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 - 30 of 382 reviews
June 15, 2020
A great self-contained historical fiction novel.
If you’re into historical fiction and Bernard Cornwell’s work, you probably have heard about The Bernicia Chronicles series by Matthew Harffy. I wasn’t ready for another commitment to a long historical fiction series at the moment, but at the same time, I also wanted to try Harffy’s work. Seeing that Wolf of Wessex has been praised by many of his readers as one of his finest work—and it’s standalone—I decided to start my journey with Harffy’s books here. And the book met my expectation.
The year is AD838, deep in the serene forest of Wessex, Dunston’s solitary life turns chaotic when he stumbles upon a mutilated corpse. Accused of the murder, Dunston has to keep Aedwen—the dead man’s daughter—alive while finding the truth surrounding the brutal murder. The story is as simple as the premise implies; there weren’t any notable surprises or twists to the plotlines, and there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to predict how the story starts, progresses, and ends. However, don’t let this opinion fool you into thinking that Wolf of Wessex isn’t worth checking out; it does, especially if you’re a fan of a self-contained historical fiction novel with well-written characters and action sequences.
I’m sure I have mentioned this somewhere before, but I enjoy reading stories about a parent figure—with no blood relations—that suddenly has to do everything in their power to protect their newfound daughter/son. This is pretty much the main strength of Wolf of Wessex’s narrative. Dunston is almost 50 years old, and although he has Odin—his one-eyed dog—by his side, he continues to long for the past. This is why I loved Aedwen’s sudden and unpredictable emergence into Dunston and Odin’s life; witnessing the relationship developments with each other gradually being strengthened amidst their journey of survival felt wholesome. Plus, Harffy has a writing style that shows his knowledge of what he’s writing about is real. The atmosphere of the forest, the weapons-handling, and the battles felt real to me.
I haven’t started Harffy’s supposed magnum opus, The Bernicia Chronicles series, yet and I can already see why many readers mentioned him to be the next successor to Bernard Cornwell. Wolf of Wessex is a gripping and satisfying standalone. The story may not surprise you, but if you’re looking for a well-told historical fiction story to read, you can’t go wrong with choosing this one. It probably won’t be soon—I still need to finish reading The Last Kingdom series first—but I definitely will look into reading The Bernicia Chronicles eventually.
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Devin, Hamad, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas.
If you’re into historical fiction and Bernard Cornwell’s work, you probably have heard about The Bernicia Chronicles series by Matthew Harffy. I wasn’t ready for another commitment to a long historical fiction series at the moment, but at the same time, I also wanted to try Harffy’s work. Seeing that Wolf of Wessex has been praised by many of his readers as one of his finest work—and it’s standalone—I decided to start my journey with Harffy’s books here. And the book met my expectation.
“…there were only two things you could ever be sure of in life: the passage of time and the unexpected. Today, he had been reminded of both.”
The year is AD838, deep in the serene forest of Wessex, Dunston’s solitary life turns chaotic when he stumbles upon a mutilated corpse. Accused of the murder, Dunston has to keep Aedwen—the dead man’s daughter—alive while finding the truth surrounding the brutal murder. The story is as simple as the premise implies; there weren’t any notable surprises or twists to the plotlines, and there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to predict how the story starts, progresses, and ends. However, don’t let this opinion fool you into thinking that Wolf of Wessex isn’t worth checking out; it does, especially if you’re a fan of a self-contained historical fiction novel with well-written characters and action sequences.
“Men always strive for what they do not have. But to reach the object of their desire does not make them content. When a man attains his goals, he merely looks further to the horizon, for the next prize. It is why men will never be happy and why we will never know peace.”
I’m sure I have mentioned this somewhere before, but I enjoy reading stories about a parent figure—with no blood relations—that suddenly has to do everything in their power to protect their newfound daughter/son. This is pretty much the main strength of Wolf of Wessex’s narrative. Dunston is almost 50 years old, and although he has Odin—his one-eyed dog—by his side, he continues to long for the past. This is why I loved Aedwen’s sudden and unpredictable emergence into Dunston and Odin’s life; witnessing the relationship developments with each other gradually being strengthened amidst their journey of survival felt wholesome. Plus, Harffy has a writing style that shows his knowledge of what he’s writing about is real. The atmosphere of the forest, the weapons-handling, and the battles felt real to me.
“How quickly the years washed by, sweeping away loved ones and youth and leaving only fading memories.”
I haven’t started Harffy’s supposed magnum opus, The Bernicia Chronicles series, yet and I can already see why many readers mentioned him to be the next successor to Bernard Cornwell. Wolf of Wessex is a gripping and satisfying standalone. The story may not surprise you, but if you’re looking for a well-told historical fiction story to read, you can’t go wrong with choosing this one. It probably won’t be soon—I still need to finish reading The Last Kingdom series first—but I definitely will look into reading The Bernicia Chronicles eventually.
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Devin, Hamad, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas.
January 19, 2026
BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
“Time is the hunter that always catches his prey.”
*2026 REREAD - I could not wait to dive back into this for the January Booksworn Bookclub read! Once again, it was such a pleasure to read this standalone. Compelling characters, smooth prose, immersive world-building, intriguing mysteries and significant drive. This does everything it sets out to do so well.*
Wolf of Wessex is an engaging, riveting read with an immersive mystery and fantastic characters that hooked me from the very first page.
My brother and many reviewers whose opinions I trust thoroughly enjoyed Wolf of Wessex, and I felt pretty certain that I would as well. Historical fiction, set in the 9th century in wild Britain, with the central figure being a solitary man, a former warrior, with his one-eyed dog. Of course this was going to be brilliant!
“When a man has nothing to lose, he is as dangerous as a savage animal.”
Accused of a murder, Dunston must clear his name, and protect a young girl whose father has been killed, whilst trying to uncover who the enemy are, and also facing his own demons from the past.
Wolf of Wessex is a fantastic standalone that has everything you can ask for. It is immersive and atmospheric, with smooth prose that crafts a page-turner of a read with an array of vivid characters and an engaging mystery. We have great action, twists, politics and also a great deal of depth to both the characters and the world.
“Whosoever could do such a thing as keep themselves from thinking would be able to find peace indeed.”
This is a great read for those who want to try out historical fiction for the first time, as well as those who already love the genre. Matthew Harffy is a great writer, and Wolf of Wessex shows his craft at its best!
"Kindness is all too often accepted and not repaid."
A really great, simple concept that was executed brilliantly, with huge depth of character to the main figures, the retired warrior Dunston at the forefront. A great tale set in Wessex, with crime and mystery added to the mix.
5/5 STARS
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
“Time is the hunter that always catches his prey.”
*2026 REREAD - I could not wait to dive back into this for the January Booksworn Bookclub read! Once again, it was such a pleasure to read this standalone. Compelling characters, smooth prose, immersive world-building, intriguing mysteries and significant drive. This does everything it sets out to do so well.*
Wolf of Wessex is an engaging, riveting read with an immersive mystery and fantastic characters that hooked me from the very first page.
My brother and many reviewers whose opinions I trust thoroughly enjoyed Wolf of Wessex, and I felt pretty certain that I would as well. Historical fiction, set in the 9th century in wild Britain, with the central figure being a solitary man, a former warrior, with his one-eyed dog. Of course this was going to be brilliant!
“When a man has nothing to lose, he is as dangerous as a savage animal.”
Accused of a murder, Dunston must clear his name, and protect a young girl whose father has been killed, whilst trying to uncover who the enemy are, and also facing his own demons from the past.
Wolf of Wessex is a fantastic standalone that has everything you can ask for. It is immersive and atmospheric, with smooth prose that crafts a page-turner of a read with an array of vivid characters and an engaging mystery. We have great action, twists, politics and also a great deal of depth to both the characters and the world.
“Whosoever could do such a thing as keep themselves from thinking would be able to find peace indeed.”
This is a great read for those who want to try out historical fiction for the first time, as well as those who already love the genre. Matthew Harffy is a great writer, and Wolf of Wessex shows his craft at its best!
"Kindness is all too often accepted and not repaid."
A really great, simple concept that was executed brilliantly, with huge depth of character to the main figures, the retired warrior Dunston at the forefront. A great tale set in Wessex, with crime and mystery added to the mix.
5/5 STARS
March 1, 2026
This was our Booksworn Bookclub pick for January... You can join our book-club
here...!
Like True Grit if John Wayne had a sword and an awesome hound by his side. This is a book that achieves everything it sets out to. A girl's father in 838 Wessex has been brutally murdered, and there is one man who can help her find justice - Dunston. He's grey-haired, solitary, bit of an old sod really, but very loveable.
It's a great yarn and Harffy is a very reliable author.
Like True Grit if John Wayne had a sword and an awesome hound by his side. This is a book that achieves everything it sets out to. A girl's father in 838 Wessex has been brutally murdered, and there is one man who can help her find justice - Dunston. He's grey-haired, solitary, bit of an old sod really, but very loveable.
It's a great yarn and Harffy is a very reliable author.
July 8, 2022
Historical fiction at its best, Wolf of Wessex, tells the tale of an old warrior. Dunston lives by himself in the deep forest with his one-eyed hound Odin. He has put up his killing blade and mourns the death of his beloved, but is not unhappy in his solitude. He wishes for his quiet days many times, after finding an eviscerated corpse in the wild, foully murdered and tortured too.
Dunston discovers that the victim had a daughter who was hiding, but now must be dealt with along with her father's body. He has a friend who is a magistrate in the local town, so he decided to take them there. No good deed goes unpunished and this one lands Dunston in deep trouble.
An action-packed humdinger of a tale of the 800s, I was enthralled from the start and I hope the author writes a sequel.
Dunston discovers that the victim had a daughter who was hiding, but now must be dealt with along with her father's body. He has a friend who is a magistrate in the local town, so he decided to take them there. No good deed goes unpunished and this one lands Dunston in deep trouble.
An action-packed humdinger of a tale of the 800s, I was enthralled from the start and I hope the author writes a sequel.
October 1, 2019
I was fortunate enough to be granted the privilege to read advanced copy of this grand historical saga covering the year 838 when plots were uncovered against Wessex, where King Ecgberht reigned. The Danes had eyes on Cornwall and the story begins with brutal killings in trying to prevent a monk to deliver a message of warning to the king.
The author provides the reader with a helpful guide at the beginning with definitions such as: Cornwalum= Cornwall, the westernmost part of the older kingdom of Dumnonia...and the people were known as the Westwalas (West Welsh)", etc.
Our hero in this tale is an older former warrior, Dunston, who prefers living quietly in the woods with his dog. He served the king for many years in battle but promised his deceased wife he would stop killing. One day, however, he finds the body of a man brutally killed close to his home. Soon after the frightened daughter of this man appears. The plan becomes one of transferring the body on a cart to the nearby Reeve.
The challenge of being accused of the murder and jailed after finding there was "a new sheriff in town" is just one of the many hurdles Dunston along with Aedwen, the daughter of the murdered man, must face in this action filled and moving story.
There are many well described combat scenes including axes, swords, spears and arrows. Now that I have had a taste of this author's writing and commitment to historical research I will be reading more of his books.
The author provides the reader with a helpful guide at the beginning with definitions such as: Cornwalum= Cornwall, the westernmost part of the older kingdom of Dumnonia...and the people were known as the Westwalas (West Welsh)", etc.
Our hero in this tale is an older former warrior, Dunston, who prefers living quietly in the woods with his dog. He served the king for many years in battle but promised his deceased wife he would stop killing. One day, however, he finds the body of a man brutally killed close to his home. Soon after the frightened daughter of this man appears. The plan becomes one of transferring the body on a cart to the nearby Reeve.
The challenge of being accused of the murder and jailed after finding there was "a new sheriff in town" is just one of the many hurdles Dunston along with Aedwen, the daughter of the murdered man, must face in this action filled and moving story.
There are many well described combat scenes including axes, swords, spears and arrows. Now that I have had a taste of this author's writing and commitment to historical research I will be reading more of his books.
July 13, 2022
Dunston is hunting in the woods when he comes across a young girl and her murdered father. Together with the girl he tries to find out what exactly happened and this brings them in many a hair raising situation. I thoroughly enjoyed it although it was a bit bloody at times :)
November 16, 2021
This extremely entertaining historical adventure is the tale about Dunston, aka the Wolf of Wessex.
Storytelling is once more of atop-notch quality, all characters, whether they are real historical pr fantastic fictional, come splendidly to life within this excellent historical tale, and the atmosphere of the 9th Century Wessex in Britain comes wonderfully off the pages.
Right at the inside of the book you'll see two well-drawn maps of the Wolf of Wessex's world and of the British Isles in AD 838, and this is followed with a list of Place Names in Old English and new, and those places will play an important part in this tale of bravery and treachery.
At the end of the book you'll notice a very well documented Historical Note, where the historical details concerning this story are superbly explained by the author.
This tale is set in the year AD 838, and with our main protagonist, Dunston, living and working on his own in Sealhwudu (Selwood Forest) with as companion his dog, Odin, after the death of his wife, Eawynn.
All of a sudden he stumbles upon the mutilated corpse of the travelling salesman, called Lytelman, and this is followed by an encounter with the salesman's daughter, Aedwen, who's witnessed the murder form a close distance, and this murder will set into motion a dangerous, gripping and deadly journey for Dunston and Aedwen, towards various parts of Wessex in a desparate attempt to reach King Ecgberht.
What is to come is an enthralling historical adventure, in which deceit and backstabbing will play a very important part, and this treacherous behaviour will cause a lot of killings, innocent and guilty, and in this environment of betrayal and death, our heroes Dunston and Aedwen will play their relentless and courageous part, and in doing so save the fate and life of King Ecgberht and the people living within the Kingdom of Wessex.
Highly recommended, for this is a great eventful historical tale, with hopefully others to follow, and that's why I like to call this one: "A Glorious Heroic Wolf"!
Storytelling is once more of atop-notch quality, all characters, whether they are real historical pr fantastic fictional, come splendidly to life within this excellent historical tale, and the atmosphere of the 9th Century Wessex in Britain comes wonderfully off the pages.
Right at the inside of the book you'll see two well-drawn maps of the Wolf of Wessex's world and of the British Isles in AD 838, and this is followed with a list of Place Names in Old English and new, and those places will play an important part in this tale of bravery and treachery.
At the end of the book you'll notice a very well documented Historical Note, where the historical details concerning this story are superbly explained by the author.
This tale is set in the year AD 838, and with our main protagonist, Dunston, living and working on his own in Sealhwudu (Selwood Forest) with as companion his dog, Odin, after the death of his wife, Eawynn.
All of a sudden he stumbles upon the mutilated corpse of the travelling salesman, called Lytelman, and this is followed by an encounter with the salesman's daughter, Aedwen, who's witnessed the murder form a close distance, and this murder will set into motion a dangerous, gripping and deadly journey for Dunston and Aedwen, towards various parts of Wessex in a desparate attempt to reach King Ecgberht.
What is to come is an enthralling historical adventure, in which deceit and backstabbing will play a very important part, and this treacherous behaviour will cause a lot of killings, innocent and guilty, and in this environment of betrayal and death, our heroes Dunston and Aedwen will play their relentless and courageous part, and in doing so save the fate and life of King Ecgberht and the people living within the Kingdom of Wessex.
Highly recommended, for this is a great eventful historical tale, with hopefully others to follow, and that's why I like to call this one: "A Glorious Heroic Wolf"!
December 3, 2019
I believe it is safe to claim that Mr. Harffy is now a ‘heavyweight’ in the Historical Fiction genre.
November 14, 2019
Matthew Harffy cites his childhood and formative years growing up in Northumberland as his inspiration for this standalone historical thriller. Being a Northumberland native I can certainly see how the rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline could inspire a story such as this. It follows unlikely hero and recluse Dunston, the Wolf of Wessex, as he attempts to shake off the unfair accusation of murder after a body was found close to where he lived. He is later incarcerated for the killing by a new and corrupt presence in town. This is a tale of good vs evil, corrupt vs truthtellers and I was hoping that Dunston could fight the good fight against a force for evil and tyranny. This book reminds us that no matter how "strangely" a person may live it does not mean they are not to be trusted but it also highlights that powerful people will scapegoat those they know are innocent just to prove a point or to get themselves out of the quagmire.
This is a well written, tense and pacey historical saga of the finest quality; in fact, it had touches of Bernard Cornwell for me and although not a genre I read an enormous amount of I was kept entertained and fascinated throughout by all of the goings-on. Right from the beginning the likeable protagonist, Dunston, has you cheering him on. The time period in which it is set, circa 9th century, is brought vividly to life along with the countryside and tradition; I felt as though I was transported there every time I started to read. I was quite surprised at quite how much action is present throughout the narrative and it really is packed with danger and excitement; it all amalgamates to make this historical fiction epic worth picking up. A word of warning, however: there is animal sacrifice taking place although not gratuitous as this, of course, would've been prevalent at the time. Many thanks to Aria for an ARC.
This is a well written, tense and pacey historical saga of the finest quality; in fact, it had touches of Bernard Cornwell for me and although not a genre I read an enormous amount of I was kept entertained and fascinated throughout by all of the goings-on. Right from the beginning the likeable protagonist, Dunston, has you cheering him on. The time period in which it is set, circa 9th century, is brought vividly to life along with the countryside and tradition; I felt as though I was transported there every time I started to read. I was quite surprised at quite how much action is present throughout the narrative and it really is packed with danger and excitement; it all amalgamates to make this historical fiction epic worth picking up. A word of warning, however: there is animal sacrifice taking place although not gratuitous as this, of course, would've been prevalent at the time. Many thanks to Aria for an ARC.
August 13, 2020
Wessex in the year 838 is a dangerous place to be, even for an experienced hunter & warrior like the aging Dunstan. Dunstan's peaceful life takes a dramatic turn when he takes care of a young girl after her father is brutally murdered.
Wolf of Wessex is a novel that revolves around these two main characters as they try to survive a perilous journey to Exanceaster. This location was an added bonus for me as the city is now called Exeter & it is where I live.
Matthew Haffry provides a fast paced narrative, & the setting draws obvious comparisons with Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom novels. However, Haffry's story is unique & he populates it with plenty of interesting characters.
The reason for the book's opening murder is much like a MacGuffin in a Hitchcock film. It's necessary for the character's motivation, but is pretty uninteresting in itself.
While Wolf of Wessex may not have entertained me quite as much as a Bernard Cornwell novel it's certainly more than good enough to recommend to any fans of historical fiction.
Wolf of Wessex is a novel that revolves around these two main characters as they try to survive a perilous journey to Exanceaster. This location was an added bonus for me as the city is now called Exeter & it is where I live.
Matthew Haffry provides a fast paced narrative, & the setting draws obvious comparisons with Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom novels. However, Haffry's story is unique & he populates it with plenty of interesting characters.
The reason for the book's opening murder is much like a MacGuffin in a Hitchcock film. It's necessary for the character's motivation, but is pretty uninteresting in itself.
While Wolf of Wessex may not have entertained me quite as much as a Bernard Cornwell novel it's certainly more than good enough to recommend to any fans of historical fiction.
January 27, 2022
“Much of what I have learnt, the forest has taught me. You can learn much if you watch and listen. With patience and time the woodland will give up its secrets. All learning comes from being patient and thinking what you can glean of use from what is around you.”
I was surprised by this book because I didn’t assume what I got in the end, I love this!
“Wherever their king had sent them, the Wolves would hunt. They had become feared by all of the enemies of Wessex.”
I was expecting the book to be about a viking. I had no idea I could see the events from the other side. Dunston is one of the king’s shieldwall fighters who is already in his retirement years. But he has to become the old warrior he once was.
I loved this story. Matthew Harffy incorporated Dunston's role very well into real historical events. The plot was exciting and action-packed, the investigation was good (though a little predictable) and there was no lack of emotion. I loved the battle in the chapter 33, it described Dunston’s fight with the traitors in great detail, I liked the way he knew so many tricky movements even at such an old age and of course the big surprise at the end of the fight.
“When you lose something, the best way to find it is to go back over the ground you have covered.”
I don’t deny I cried the chapter 36 because it was touching. There were plenty of sad and sentimental moments here, I liked the few dialogues that took place here. Aedwen loved Dunston very much, I think a lot of horror brought them closer together. Dunston finally got someone worth fighting for. Their relationship turned into a father-daughter relationship.
“No man remained young for ever. Even kings grew old. Even warriors who once basked in battle-fame and were renowned as being bold.”
Well, the end of the book... I'll be honest, I didn't feel this was completely closed, there were some unsewn threads left about the future. Such one is the possibility of another viking attack. Or just how Dunston and Aedwen’s lives evolve in the future.
I was surprised by this book because I didn’t assume what I got in the end, I love this!
“Wherever their king had sent them, the Wolves would hunt. They had become feared by all of the enemies of Wessex.”
I was expecting the book to be about a viking. I had no idea I could see the events from the other side. Dunston is one of the king’s shieldwall fighters who is already in his retirement years. But he has to become the old warrior he once was.
I loved this story. Matthew Harffy incorporated Dunston's role very well into real historical events. The plot was exciting and action-packed, the investigation was good (though a little predictable) and there was no lack of emotion. I loved the battle in the chapter 33, it described Dunston’s fight with the traitors in great detail, I liked the way he knew so many tricky movements even at such an old age and of course the big surprise at the end of the fight.
“When you lose something, the best way to find it is to go back over the ground you have covered.”
I don’t deny I cried the chapter 36 because it was touching. There were plenty of sad and sentimental moments here, I liked the few dialogues that took place here. Aedwen loved Dunston very much, I think a lot of horror brought them closer together. Dunston finally got someone worth fighting for. Their relationship turned into a father-daughter relationship.
“No man remained young for ever. Even kings grew old. Even warriors who once basked in battle-fame and were renowned as being bold.”
Well, the end of the book... I'll be honest, I didn't feel this was completely closed, there were some unsewn threads left about the future. Such one is the possibility of another viking attack. Or just how Dunston and Aedwen’s lives evolve in the future.
March 29, 2021
Sort of a murder mystery set in AD 838 in the forest of Wessex but much more gritter and action packed. The story was intruging and quite the exciting story. I definitely enjoyed it and would like to read something else by Matthew Harffy in the future
May 8, 2020
Its been ages since I've read a Matthew Harffy book. His Bernicia Chronicles are excellent and hugely popular, so I was interested to see what he would come up with when given the chance to break away.
This book is, in short - superb! The world building is immersive, the forests of old Wessex seep out from the page, bringing with them the smell of rain on the leaves, the crunch of tinder underfoot. The devil is in the detail, as they say, and the details here spot on. Matthew has a skill of putting just enough in to get you hooked, and also knows when to leave it sparse to keep driving the plot forwards.
Dunston, our protagonist, is a warrior of old. Feared and respected by many, he had retired to the forest long ago, thinking of seeing his days out in peace. But, as with any good story, things don't quite go to plan for him. He is a wonderful character, there really is something endearing about the gruff old soldier, defying age and a run down body to better men half his age. My one quibble with him is that he is a bit clean cut, I thought he would come with a darker back story, to give him more of an edge. But having said that, I found I connected with him quickly and was rooting for him all the way.
Aedwen too is a great creation. A young girl trying to find her place in the world. Parents both dead, you can feel the conflict in her, the longing to have a place to call home.
Overall a terrific read. An immersive thriller with a plot as sharp as the axe on the cover. Loved it
This book is, in short - superb! The world building is immersive, the forests of old Wessex seep out from the page, bringing with them the smell of rain on the leaves, the crunch of tinder underfoot. The devil is in the detail, as they say, and the details here spot on. Matthew has a skill of putting just enough in to get you hooked, and also knows when to leave it sparse to keep driving the plot forwards.
Dunston, our protagonist, is a warrior of old. Feared and respected by many, he had retired to the forest long ago, thinking of seeing his days out in peace. But, as with any good story, things don't quite go to plan for him. He is a wonderful character, there really is something endearing about the gruff old soldier, defying age and a run down body to better men half his age. My one quibble with him is that he is a bit clean cut, I thought he would come with a darker back story, to give him more of an edge. But having said that, I found I connected with him quickly and was rooting for him all the way.
Aedwen too is a great creation. A young girl trying to find her place in the world. Parents both dead, you can feel the conflict in her, the longing to have a place to call home.
Overall a terrific read. An immersive thriller with a plot as sharp as the axe on the cover. Loved it
March 23, 2020
Amazing historical fiction. It has elements of Gemmell and Cornwell mixed. The history is well researched ( although i cant say im an expert on the time). The action is intense and so much fun. I love the pacing and plot of this novel and the characters are just perfect ( i got a small Druss ode here). Defs a writer for me to watch. Loved it
January 16, 2023
4/5
“You cannot change the past, old friend. To rake over those old coals will only cause you pain.”
When I saw this book was essentially a murder mystery set in the 800s AD, I was instantly hooked. Harffy plunges us into a wild, savage world of tiny kingdoms at odds with each other. There are good men trying to live for peace, and discontented men willing to step on the backs or throats of their fellows for more power.
Dunstan is a reluctant hero archetype played to it's finest tune. Hermited away in his small clearing, he is content to leave the days of bloodshed and war far behind him and live in peaceful retirement with his hound, Odin.
When he, or rather Odin, goes in search of strange terrors in the forest, Dunstan follows, and his days of peace come to a grisly end as he witnesses the aftermath of a horrible murder and discovers a survivor.
I always appreciate contrasting main characters in the books I read, and I thoroughly loved this pairing.
This is a great TBR addition to anyone who loves historical fiction set in the British Isles, reluctant heroes and coming of age parallels, mystery, suspense, and the tenacity of a protagonist willing to set his life and his peace on the line to see justice done.
“You cannot change the past, old friend. To rake over those old coals will only cause you pain.”
When I saw this book was essentially a murder mystery set in the 800s AD, I was instantly hooked. Harffy plunges us into a wild, savage world of tiny kingdoms at odds with each other. There are good men trying to live for peace, and discontented men willing to step on the backs or throats of their fellows for more power.
Dunstan is a reluctant hero archetype played to it's finest tune. Hermited away in his small clearing, he is content to leave the days of bloodshed and war far behind him and live in peaceful retirement with his hound, Odin.
When he, or rather Odin, goes in search of strange terrors in the forest, Dunstan follows, and his days of peace come to a grisly end as he witnesses the aftermath of a horrible murder and discovers a survivor.
I always appreciate contrasting main characters in the books I read, and I thoroughly loved this pairing.
This is a great TBR addition to anyone who loves historical fiction set in the British Isles, reluctant heroes and coming of age parallels, mystery, suspense, and the tenacity of a protagonist willing to set his life and his peace on the line to see justice done.
April 4, 2021
Think of this like Logan and Laura but set in medieval England and Logan doesn’t have adamantium blades - just a big fooking axe
Loved it
“Even an old wolf has fangs”
Loved it
“Even an old wolf has fangs”
November 29, 2020
An historical fiction that grew on me the further I got into the story. A grizzled old ex-warrior, way past his best, trying to live a quiet life, stumbles across murder, villains and an orphan teenage girl who needs help. Actually this type of plot probably forms the basis of some of the better Westerns I’ve seen in recent years!
It’s a fairly simple, well told story. The author has gone out of his way to bring as much 9th century Anglo-Saxon lifestyle details into it as he can, as he explains in an Appendix to the book. It’s the area of England where I live nowadays so the place names are often familiar. And although the landscape has changed a lot in 1200 years the climate hasn’t - realistically depicted as grey skies, damp, muddy! Places I can drive or even cycle between in an hour or two are major treks of many days in that era.
No big battles or world shattering events. A well told basic fiction, rich on everyday social details of the time, a plot that’s not fantastical, and with plot twists that hang together well. A shame that the young female lead was more of an observer of events than an active participant in many of the dramatic or violent acts. I’d prefer a gutsier character, but that’s my taste.
4* for the entertainment and history.
It’s a fairly simple, well told story. The author has gone out of his way to bring as much 9th century Anglo-Saxon lifestyle details into it as he can, as he explains in an Appendix to the book. It’s the area of England where I live nowadays so the place names are often familiar. And although the landscape has changed a lot in 1200 years the climate hasn’t - realistically depicted as grey skies, damp, muddy! Places I can drive or even cycle between in an hour or two are major treks of many days in that era.
No big battles or world shattering events. A well told basic fiction, rich on everyday social details of the time, a plot that’s not fantastical, and with plot twists that hang together well. A shame that the young female lead was more of an observer of events than an active participant in many of the dramatic or violent acts. I’d prefer a gutsier character, but that’s my taste.
4* for the entertainment and history.
November 7, 2020
WOLF OF WESSEX is another total triumph for Matthew Harffy.
As he himself writes in his historical note, a single line in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for the "Year of Our Lord 838" was enough to form the seed that brought this red-blooded dark age thriller to life.
In the old warrior, Dunston, Harffy has created another wonderful character, at the other end of life from his young hero, Beobrand, in THE BERNICIA CHRONICLES, but no less dangerous for that. And in some ways, he’s more relatable. You feel every ache in his joints, every twist in the knotted muscles of his back, the throb of every bruise from his many fights. And there is something very real about his desire to walk away from it all, to live a quiet life and die a quiet death, as he promised his beloved wife (now dead) that he would do.
But a peaceful end is not to be this ageing killer’s fate. Instead, as protector to the young innocent, Eadwyn, Dunston becomes embroiled in a deadly web of betrayal and brutal bloodshed. Together, they must unearth the roots of a conspiracy that threatens to bring the kingdom of Wessex to ruin. Dunston the old woodsman must become Dunston the Bold, a ruthless “wolf-head” once more.
Matthew Harffy has nothing more to prove to assure his place among the front rank of historical fiction authors writing today. But this novel has such balance and richness to it that one can surely sense a master hitting his stride. Above all I loved the humanity in this book, a commodity which can be in all too short supply in tales of this dark and bloody age. But Eadwyn’s girlish innocence and Dunston’s incorruptible integrity and courage make an unlikely but touching pairing. She needs him to keep her alive. But in a different way, he needs her just as much to bring him back to life.
The novel is shot through with Anglo-Saxon words and names, strange to the eye (or ear if listening on Audiobook as I did), and yet all is somehow resonant, as if, in Harffy’s lyrical prose, you can hear the language of our ancestors singing down to us through the ages.
From every angle, this is a brilliant novel. Doubtless the start of another thrilling series, but WOLF OF WESSEX is completely satisfying standing on its own two feet. I look forward to seeing what treasures Harffy produces next from his rich hoard of dark age adventure.
(Did someone yell "Vikings!"?)
As he himself writes in his historical note, a single line in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for the "Year of Our Lord 838" was enough to form the seed that brought this red-blooded dark age thriller to life.
In the old warrior, Dunston, Harffy has created another wonderful character, at the other end of life from his young hero, Beobrand, in THE BERNICIA CHRONICLES, but no less dangerous for that. And in some ways, he’s more relatable. You feel every ache in his joints, every twist in the knotted muscles of his back, the throb of every bruise from his many fights. And there is something very real about his desire to walk away from it all, to live a quiet life and die a quiet death, as he promised his beloved wife (now dead) that he would do.
But a peaceful end is not to be this ageing killer’s fate. Instead, as protector to the young innocent, Eadwyn, Dunston becomes embroiled in a deadly web of betrayal and brutal bloodshed. Together, they must unearth the roots of a conspiracy that threatens to bring the kingdom of Wessex to ruin. Dunston the old woodsman must become Dunston the Bold, a ruthless “wolf-head” once more.
Matthew Harffy has nothing more to prove to assure his place among the front rank of historical fiction authors writing today. But this novel has such balance and richness to it that one can surely sense a master hitting his stride. Above all I loved the humanity in this book, a commodity which can be in all too short supply in tales of this dark and bloody age. But Eadwyn’s girlish innocence and Dunston’s incorruptible integrity and courage make an unlikely but touching pairing. She needs him to keep her alive. But in a different way, he needs her just as much to bring him back to life.
The novel is shot through with Anglo-Saxon words and names, strange to the eye (or ear if listening on Audiobook as I did), and yet all is somehow resonant, as if, in Harffy’s lyrical prose, you can hear the language of our ancestors singing down to us through the ages.
From every angle, this is a brilliant novel. Doubtless the start of another thrilling series, but WOLF OF WESSEX is completely satisfying standing on its own two feet. I look forward to seeing what treasures Harffy produces next from his rich hoard of dark age adventure.
(Did someone yell "Vikings!"?)
October 13, 2019
GRIPPED BY A LONE WOLF
As a fellow historical novelist I was thrilled to receive an advanced review copy of Matthew Harffy’s new book. I’ve enjoyed his Bernicia Chronicle novels since I read the first book, The Serpent Sword. I immediately realised that there was a major new talent on hand. The rest of the series went from strength to strength.
I think Wolf of Wessex is even better.
Wolf of Wessex is set in the south west of England in the early ninth century. A time of hardship made ruinous by the first Norse incursions.
I was gripped from the very first sentence. ‘It had been a good morning until Dunston found the corpse.’
The story concerns the plight of Aedwen, the dead man’s daughter, and her burgeoning friendship with the old warrior Dunston. Both characters are complex and Harffy describes them with sharply honed description, honesty and sympathy. Dunston is a somewhat difficult older man, a heroic warrior in his youth. All he craves now is a quiet and simple life and to be left alone. Some hope.
The book is well plotted and the reason for the death of Aedwen’s father, plus the slew of later corpses, remains a mystery until near the end. The battle scenes are, as always with Harffy, harsh yet finely judged. The final battle between Dunston and his enemies is a tour de force.
Other characters are well drawn. The villains are unpleasant and very threatening, their hunting of the two protagonists extremely gripping. King Ecgberht of Wessex is a fine portrait of an aged and powerful lord. Ordinary folk are very well drawn, whatever their station and calling. In addition, the descriptions of the west country are sublime. I lived in the west country for nearly thirty years and it felt like I was walking familiar fields and paths along with Dunston and Aedewn. The landscape and weather are almost as much characters as the people.
Harrfy’s latest venture is a more than worthy addition to his work. I thoroughly recommend it for all historical fiction readers.
Martin Lake
As a fellow historical novelist I was thrilled to receive an advanced review copy of Matthew Harffy’s new book. I’ve enjoyed his Bernicia Chronicle novels since I read the first book, The Serpent Sword. I immediately realised that there was a major new talent on hand. The rest of the series went from strength to strength.
I think Wolf of Wessex is even better.
Wolf of Wessex is set in the south west of England in the early ninth century. A time of hardship made ruinous by the first Norse incursions.
I was gripped from the very first sentence. ‘It had been a good morning until Dunston found the corpse.’
The story concerns the plight of Aedwen, the dead man’s daughter, and her burgeoning friendship with the old warrior Dunston. Both characters are complex and Harffy describes them with sharply honed description, honesty and sympathy. Dunston is a somewhat difficult older man, a heroic warrior in his youth. All he craves now is a quiet and simple life and to be left alone. Some hope.
The book is well plotted and the reason for the death of Aedwen’s father, plus the slew of later corpses, remains a mystery until near the end. The battle scenes are, as always with Harffy, harsh yet finely judged. The final battle between Dunston and his enemies is a tour de force.
Other characters are well drawn. The villains are unpleasant and very threatening, their hunting of the two protagonists extremely gripping. King Ecgberht of Wessex is a fine portrait of an aged and powerful lord. Ordinary folk are very well drawn, whatever their station and calling. In addition, the descriptions of the west country are sublime. I lived in the west country for nearly thirty years and it felt like I was walking familiar fields and paths along with Dunston and Aedewn. The landscape and weather are almost as much characters as the people.
Harrfy’s latest venture is a more than worthy addition to his work. I thoroughly recommend it for all historical fiction readers.
Martin Lake
November 23, 2019
Wolf of Wessex sees Matthew Harffy move away from the comfort of his Bernicia Chronicles Series.
To say I was excited is an understatement.. I was more than a little keen to see how the author would fair with a completely new set of characters.
Following the tale of Dunston was a pure joy! He’s pushing on a years a little as he likes to remind everyone but he's thrust back into a life he thought he’d left long behind.
As Dunston goes about his normal day he stumbles upon a grisly murder..it’s pretty gruesome.. what makes it worse is Dunston’s dog Odin leads him to a young girl… it’s her father who’s just been murdered.
Thrust together Dunston and the girl Aedwen set out for safety.. Dunston’s wants nothing more than just to live out his days in peace as he’s promised his late wife… unfortunately for him he’s about to walk right into the biggest mess you can imagine.
Dunston is forced to hunt… to use every skill he's got and Aedwen wants to come along for the ride... the only way to get the quiet life he's after is to face one last trial.
As they travel the connection between the two grows.. Dunston’s reminded of the past and Aedwen needs that father figure.. a rather unconventional convergence but it’s what they both need... they don't know it but they can help each other.
Dunston will make those who murdered Aedwen’s father pay. He doesn’t want to be a hero..her saviour.. but he can’t let her down... he's too honourable to do that.
Down to the nitty-gritty… plot… bloody loved it! Moving away from Beobrand and the Bernicia Chronicles was a gamble of sorts but with talent like Harffy’s it’s a no brainer! My only question throughout the book was would it work.. an old man and a young girl.. can they connect.. will it make sense..and you know what it really did.
While Dunston takes the limelight there is an ensemble of supporting characters who add to the tale, combine this with a wonderfully detailed setting and you’ve got a winner!
I particularly liked the charcoal burners, learning about their lives and how lonely it could have been for them, shunned by many. It proves you can write a cracking plot whilst also sharing knowledge that will stick with the reader long after the book is finished.
The thing about Dunston is he’s complex..his motivations subdued.. until he can hide no longer.. he’s not the young man he once was but he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Gripping from the first page the last, the hero who didn’t want to be, a young girl seeking true justice.
There is one thing in this book better than everything though.. Odin! Dunston’s four legged companion.. his tale is one of pain, loyalty and strength.the connection between the two runs deep.. I loved it.
Wolf of Wessex is a cracking read, dark and brutal just the way I like it. The plot grows at a decent pace and at every turn you are led by the author on a heart-gripping adventure..
As much as I want to see Beobrand return Harffy has proved I’ll love anything he writes… more please!
To say I was excited is an understatement.. I was more than a little keen to see how the author would fair with a completely new set of characters.
Following the tale of Dunston was a pure joy! He’s pushing on a years a little as he likes to remind everyone but he's thrust back into a life he thought he’d left long behind.
As Dunston goes about his normal day he stumbles upon a grisly murder..it’s pretty gruesome.. what makes it worse is Dunston’s dog Odin leads him to a young girl… it’s her father who’s just been murdered.
Thrust together Dunston and the girl Aedwen set out for safety.. Dunston’s wants nothing more than just to live out his days in peace as he’s promised his late wife… unfortunately for him he’s about to walk right into the biggest mess you can imagine.
Dunston is forced to hunt… to use every skill he's got and Aedwen wants to come along for the ride... the only way to get the quiet life he's after is to face one last trial.
As they travel the connection between the two grows.. Dunston’s reminded of the past and Aedwen needs that father figure.. a rather unconventional convergence but it’s what they both need... they don't know it but they can help each other.
Dunston will make those who murdered Aedwen’s father pay. He doesn’t want to be a hero..her saviour.. but he can’t let her down... he's too honourable to do that.
Down to the nitty-gritty… plot… bloody loved it! Moving away from Beobrand and the Bernicia Chronicles was a gamble of sorts but with talent like Harffy’s it’s a no brainer! My only question throughout the book was would it work.. an old man and a young girl.. can they connect.. will it make sense..and you know what it really did.
While Dunston takes the limelight there is an ensemble of supporting characters who add to the tale, combine this with a wonderfully detailed setting and you’ve got a winner!
I particularly liked the charcoal burners, learning about their lives and how lonely it could have been for them, shunned by many. It proves you can write a cracking plot whilst also sharing knowledge that will stick with the reader long after the book is finished.
The thing about Dunston is he’s complex..his motivations subdued.. until he can hide no longer.. he’s not the young man he once was but he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Gripping from the first page the last, the hero who didn’t want to be, a young girl seeking true justice.
There is one thing in this book better than everything though.. Odin! Dunston’s four legged companion.. his tale is one of pain, loyalty and strength.the connection between the two runs deep.. I loved it.
Wolf of Wessex is a cracking read, dark and brutal just the way I like it. The plot grows at a decent pace and at every turn you are led by the author on a heart-gripping adventure..
As much as I want to see Beobrand return Harffy has proved I’ll love anything he writes… more please!
October 17, 2019
GRIPPED BY A LONE WOLF
As a fellow historical novelist I was thrilled to receive an advanced review copy of Matthew Harffy’s new book. I’ve enjoyed his Bernicia Chronicle novels since I read the first book, The Serpent Sword. I immediately realised that here was a major new talent. The rest of the series went from strength to strength.
I think Wolf of Wessex is even better.
Wolf of Wessex is set in the south west of England in the early ninth century. A time of hardship made ruinous by the first Norse incursions.
I was gripped from the very first sentence. ‘It had been a good morning until Dunston found the corpse.’
The story concerns the plight of Aedwen, the dead man’s daughter, and her burgeoning friendship with the old warrior Dunston. Both characters are complex and Harffy describes them with sharply honed description, honesty and sympathy. Dunston is a somewhat difficult older man, a heroic warrior in his youth. All he craves now is a quiet and simple life and to be left alone. Some hope.
The book is well plotted and the reason for the death of Aedwen’s father, plus the slew of later corpses, remains a mystery until near the end. The battle scenes are, as always with Harffy, harsh yet finely judged. The final battle between Dunston and his enemies is a tour de force.
Other characters are well drawn. The villains are unpleasant and very threatening, their hunting of the two protagonists extremely gripping. King Ecgberht of Wessex is a fine portrait of an aged and powerful lord. Ordinary folk are very well drawn, whatever their station and calling. In addition, the descriptions of the west country are sublime. I lived in the west country for nearly thirty years and it felt like I was walking familiar fields and paths along with Dunston and Aedewn. The landscape and weather are almost as much characters as the people.
Harffy’s latest venture is a more than worthy addition to his work. I thoroughly recommend it for all historical fiction readers.
Martin Lake
As a fellow historical novelist I was thrilled to receive an advanced review copy of Matthew Harffy’s new book. I’ve enjoyed his Bernicia Chronicle novels since I read the first book, The Serpent Sword. I immediately realised that here was a major new talent. The rest of the series went from strength to strength.
I think Wolf of Wessex is even better.
Wolf of Wessex is set in the south west of England in the early ninth century. A time of hardship made ruinous by the first Norse incursions.
I was gripped from the very first sentence. ‘It had been a good morning until Dunston found the corpse.’
The story concerns the plight of Aedwen, the dead man’s daughter, and her burgeoning friendship with the old warrior Dunston. Both characters are complex and Harffy describes them with sharply honed description, honesty and sympathy. Dunston is a somewhat difficult older man, a heroic warrior in his youth. All he craves now is a quiet and simple life and to be left alone. Some hope.
The book is well plotted and the reason for the death of Aedwen’s father, plus the slew of later corpses, remains a mystery until near the end. The battle scenes are, as always with Harffy, harsh yet finely judged. The final battle between Dunston and his enemies is a tour de force.
Other characters are well drawn. The villains are unpleasant and very threatening, their hunting of the two protagonists extremely gripping. King Ecgberht of Wessex is a fine portrait of an aged and powerful lord. Ordinary folk are very well drawn, whatever their station and calling. In addition, the descriptions of the west country are sublime. I lived in the west country for nearly thirty years and it felt like I was walking familiar fields and paths along with Dunston and Aedewn. The landscape and weather are almost as much characters as the people.
Harffy’s latest venture is a more than worthy addition to his work. I thoroughly recommend it for all historical fiction readers.
Martin Lake
November 3, 2019
"The Wolf of Wessex is a breathtaking novel that sweeps the reader into a dark and dangerous world. Dunston is a brilliant creation - a reluctant hero, scarred by the brutal warrior’s life he has led. But circumstances throw him into a quest for justice with the young and headstrong Aedwen and a cracking tale it is.
Dunston is my kind of hero. A veteran of many battles and shield walls, and with the aches and pains of age to prove it, he is no longer the bold warrior of his youth. He is a great character and I hope that both he and Aedwen will feature in many more stories."
Dunston is my kind of hero. A veteran of many battles and shield walls, and with the aches and pains of age to prove it, he is no longer the bold warrior of his youth. He is a great character and I hope that both he and Aedwen will feature in many more stories."
February 20, 2020
This was my first book from Matthew Harffy. I did not know the author, but was seduced by a £1 Kindle deal and good reviews. Probably the best £1 ever spend on a book. Really loved it. It is a good paced historical novel set in 838 about a former warrior who now lives in seclusion, but gets drawn into finding the killers of a cruel murder against his will in order to protect the young daughter of the victim. If you like Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom series, good chance you will like this book too.
July 27, 2020
enjoyed this novel based in Wessex but it took awhile to get going but didn't disappoint once got to the action of the plot, loosely based on actual events
February 19, 2020
BLURB
AD 838. Deep in the forests of Wessex, Dunston's solitary existence is shattered when he stumbles on a mutilated corpse.
Accused of the murder, Dunston must clear his name and keep the dead man's daughter alive in the face of savage pursuers desperate to prevent a terrible secret from being revealed.
Rushing headlong through Wessex, Dunston will need to use all the skills of survival garnered from a lifetime in the wilderness. And if he has any hope of victory against the implacable enemies on their trail, he must confront his long-buried past – becoming the man he once was and embracing traits he had promised he would never return to. The Wolf of Wessex must hunt again; honour and duty demand it.
REVIEW
By the author's own admission, this tale was partly inspired by the Charles Portis novel, True Grit. There's a scene in Wolf of Wessex, where the protagonist, Dunston, an aging warrior of some distinction, is alone facing ten mounted foes...the verbal give and take reminded me of Lucky Ned Pepper and Rooster Cogburn to wit: Lucky Ned - I call that bold talk for a one-eyed fat man. Rooster - Well fill your hands you son of a bitch. The ensuing battle in Wolf is just one of the many edge of the seat encounters Dunston faces in this gripping tale of remembrance, honor bound fortitude, and yes grit. While this story does have its share of gruesome events, the periods when Dunston and Aedwyn enjoy even a brief peaceful rest, bring a nice counterbalance to the violence they follow; e.g. teaching the young girl how to track and read sign. Reaching into the history of Wessex prior to Alfred, the author has created a convincing tale that is rather hard to put down. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
AD 838. Deep in the forests of Wessex, Dunston's solitary existence is shattered when he stumbles on a mutilated corpse.
Accused of the murder, Dunston must clear his name and keep the dead man's daughter alive in the face of savage pursuers desperate to prevent a terrible secret from being revealed.
Rushing headlong through Wessex, Dunston will need to use all the skills of survival garnered from a lifetime in the wilderness. And if he has any hope of victory against the implacable enemies on their trail, he must confront his long-buried past – becoming the man he once was and embracing traits he had promised he would never return to. The Wolf of Wessex must hunt again; honour and duty demand it.
REVIEW
By the author's own admission, this tale was partly inspired by the Charles Portis novel, True Grit. There's a scene in Wolf of Wessex, where the protagonist, Dunston, an aging warrior of some distinction, is alone facing ten mounted foes...the verbal give and take reminded me of Lucky Ned Pepper and Rooster Cogburn to wit: Lucky Ned - I call that bold talk for a one-eyed fat man. Rooster - Well fill your hands you son of a bitch. The ensuing battle in Wolf is just one of the many edge of the seat encounters Dunston faces in this gripping tale of remembrance, honor bound fortitude, and yes grit. While this story does have its share of gruesome events, the periods when Dunston and Aedwyn enjoy even a brief peaceful rest, bring a nice counterbalance to the violence they follow; e.g. teaching the young girl how to track and read sign. Reaching into the history of Wessex prior to Alfred, the author has created a convincing tale that is rather hard to put down. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 10, 2019
Not being a huge fan of war-based fiction I tend to avoid books that feature weapons prominently on the cover. But behind the axe head on ‘Wolf of Wessex’ is a forest, mysteriously shrouded in mist. And the ancient forest is as much a character in this novel as the two oddly matched protagonists who are thrown together in its depths by an act of violence more horrific than any encountered on a battlefield.
The unusual silence of the birds, which usually fill the forest canopy with sound, draws lone hunter Dunston, an ageing hero of the Saxon wars against the Vikings, to the appalling sight of a man’s mutilated body lying among thick vegetation. And hiding, terrified, in the undergrowth is the victim’s young daughter. What follows is a breathtaking chase through the wild Wessex countryside, the two unlikely companions using all the old soldier’s forest cunning and knowledge of nature to evade the murderers, seek justice and solve the mystery of why the girl’s father was killed in the first place.
Matthew Harffy tells a great story, set in an era when it was hard to tell friend from foe and his ability to get into the head of a girl on the cusp of womanhood demonstrates that his sense of humanity is a strong as his appreciation of nature. Page-turner may be a cliché but there is no other way to describe Wolf of Wessex.
The unusual silence of the birds, which usually fill the forest canopy with sound, draws lone hunter Dunston, an ageing hero of the Saxon wars against the Vikings, to the appalling sight of a man’s mutilated body lying among thick vegetation. And hiding, terrified, in the undergrowth is the victim’s young daughter. What follows is a breathtaking chase through the wild Wessex countryside, the two unlikely companions using all the old soldier’s forest cunning and knowledge of nature to evade the murderers, seek justice and solve the mystery of why the girl’s father was killed in the first place.
Matthew Harffy tells a great story, set in an era when it was hard to tell friend from foe and his ability to get into the head of a girl on the cusp of womanhood demonstrates that his sense of humanity is a strong as his appreciation of nature. Page-turner may be a cliché but there is no other way to describe Wolf of Wessex.
July 18, 2021
I finished this audio book because of the narration and a certain authentic feel to it. As the author‘s note at the end of the book confirms, this was a well researched story.
But while I was intrigued by the idea of a mystery set in olden times, and with a warrior of advanced years as the hero, it ended up being less mystery and more gore than I like.
I was disappointed in the female main character, a young girl who is left behind after the gruesome murder of her father. Duncan once mentions that she is resourceful, but except for her interest in learning woodcraft she seemed very passive to me.
Everything is resolved in a very tidy way, the solutions quite predictable, even to me. I was underwhelmed by the resolution to the mystery, disgusted by the atrocities committed by the (extremely) bad guys and not all that interested in the fights. Maybe I was the wrong audience for the book.
I liked that Odin and the goat ended up being alright, and I enjoyed meeting the charcoal men.
But while I was intrigued by the idea of a mystery set in olden times, and with a warrior of advanced years as the hero, it ended up being less mystery and more gore than I like.
I was disappointed in the female main character, a young girl who is left behind after the gruesome murder of her father. Duncan once mentions that she is resourceful, but except for her interest in learning woodcraft she seemed very passive to me.
Everything is resolved in a very tidy way, the solutions quite predictable, even to me. I was underwhelmed by the resolution to the mystery, disgusted by the atrocities committed by the (extremely) bad guys and not all that interested in the fights. Maybe I was the wrong audience for the book.
I liked that Odin and the goat ended up being alright, and I enjoyed meeting the charcoal men.
May 12, 2020
A refreshingly different book about early Middle Ages England and a middle aged warrior turned woodsman.
I enjoyed his Bernicia books but Matthew has truly matured as a writer in the Wolf Of Wessex. Anyone who has experienced the aches and pains of middle age can relate to Dunstan, and his heroics are not just those of a young man who wants to be a hero but that of a tested warrior with experience. I loved the titular character and also thought the writer did a good job with. aedwen. In both his series, I appreciate his mains are principled people and that women are respected and active characters. I love the historical accuracy and the notes at the end to read. I studied Old English in college and now I can say it wasn’t useless!
So refreshing too to read about commoners rather than nobles and that the story is a murder mystery!
I enjoyed his Bernicia books but Matthew has truly matured as a writer in the Wolf Of Wessex. Anyone who has experienced the aches and pains of middle age can relate to Dunstan, and his heroics are not just those of a young man who wants to be a hero but that of a tested warrior with experience. I loved the titular character and also thought the writer did a good job with. aedwen. In both his series, I appreciate his mains are principled people and that women are respected and active characters. I love the historical accuracy and the notes at the end to read. I studied Old English in college and now I can say it wasn’t useless!
So refreshing too to read about commoners rather than nobles and that the story is a murder mystery!
December 29, 2019
What a marvelous read! I found myself on the edge of my seat so many times I thought I might fall off of it. Wolf of Wessex by Matthew Harffy is so well-written, I must seek out whatever else he has written. His research shows in every line. The action is suspenseful and realistic. Historical fiction has been a favorite genre of mine since childhood and Wolf of Wessex is a superb example of it. I highly recommend this book and doubly so as it deals with a little known time frame.
November 2, 2019
This is not my typical book to read but it sounded interesting. It was a very descriptive book, lots of shock and awe. The story was good and kept me turning the pages. Definitely recommend to historical fiction fans! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
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