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The Bernicia Chronicles #9
Forest of Foes
In this action-packed new Bernicia Chronicles adventure from Matthew Harffy, Beobrand finds himself in a dangerous foreign land, caught between warring factions of royalty and the Church.
AD 652. Beobrand has been ordered to lead a group of pilgrims to the holy city of Rome. Chief among them is Wilfrid, a novice of the church with some surprisingly important connections. Taking only Cynan and some of his best men, Beobrand hopes to make the journey through Frankia quickly and return to Northumbria without delay, though the road is long and perilous.
But where Beobrand treads, menace is never far behind. The lands of the Merovingian kings are rife with intrigue. The queen of Frankia is unpopular and her ambitious schemes, though benevolent, have made her powerful enemies. Soon Wilfrid, and Beobrand, are caught up in sinister plots against the royal house.
After interrupting a brutal ambush in a forest, Beobrand and his trusted gesithas find their lives on the line. Dark forces will stop at nothing to seize control of the Frankish throne, and Beobrand is thrown into a deadly race for survival through foreign lands where he cannot be sure who is friend and who is foe.
The only certainty is that if he is to save his men, thwart the plots, and unmask his enemies, blood will flow.
Reviews for Matthew Harffy
'A brilliant characterization of a difficult hero in a dangerous time. Excellent!' Christian Cameron
'He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown.' Jemahl Evans
'A genuinely superb novel.' Steven McKay
'Beobrand is the warrior to follow.' David Gilman
AD 652. Beobrand has been ordered to lead a group of pilgrims to the holy city of Rome. Chief among them is Wilfrid, a novice of the church with some surprisingly important connections. Taking only Cynan and some of his best men, Beobrand hopes to make the journey through Frankia quickly and return to Northumbria without delay, though the road is long and perilous.
But where Beobrand treads, menace is never far behind. The lands of the Merovingian kings are rife with intrigue. The queen of Frankia is unpopular and her ambitious schemes, though benevolent, have made her powerful enemies. Soon Wilfrid, and Beobrand, are caught up in sinister plots against the royal house.
After interrupting a brutal ambush in a forest, Beobrand and his trusted gesithas find their lives on the line. Dark forces will stop at nothing to seize control of the Frankish throne, and Beobrand is thrown into a deadly race for survival through foreign lands where he cannot be sure who is friend and who is foe.
The only certainty is that if he is to save his men, thwart the plots, and unmask his enemies, blood will flow.
Reviews for Matthew Harffy
'A brilliant characterization of a difficult hero in a dangerous time. Excellent!' Christian Cameron
'He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown.' Jemahl Evans
'A genuinely superb novel.' Steven McKay
'Beobrand is the warrior to follow.' David Gilman
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2022
76 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Harffy
35 books750 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 56 reviews
August 10, 2025
**Read 4.5 STARS!**
This exciting and eventful historical adventure is the 9th volume of the amazing series called the "Bernicia Chronicles".
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Frankia, AD652, with King Clovis and Queen Barthild as rulers of Neustria, and this is followed by a very useful list of Place names.
At the end of the book you'll notice a Historical Note, where the historical details are very well explained by the author.
Storytelling is excellent, all figures, whether real historical or fictional, come brilliantly to life in this tale of intrigue at various courts, loyalty, betrayal and brutal death, while the atmosphere of and treachery within 7th Century Frankia are wonderfully captured in this book.
This story is set in the year AD652, in Frankia, and mostly it will take part in and around Paris, with some interesting interactions in and around Lyon, while being guest of both Dalfinus and Annemund, but it is in Paris where the main intriguing and deceitful actions will take place, with the cunning and resourceful young monk Wilfrid at the heart of the political side of things.
Also there are some brutal exchanges between Beobrand, Cynan, and the rest of the Black Shields, in various parts of Frankia, in attempts to save their hides and limbs, but sadly not all of the Black Shields will make it through till the end of this entertaining tale.
What is to follow is a fascinating historical novel about Beobrand and his Gesithas in Frankia, where they have to fight and use their wits to counteract the treachery that is conspiring within the Frankish court, and that all in an effort to save this Kingdom of Neustria and thus King Clovis and Queen Barthild.
Very much recommended, for this is another great addition to this excellent series, and that's why i like to call this latest episode: "A Ferocious Frankia Spell"!
This exciting and eventful historical adventure is the 9th volume of the amazing series called the "Bernicia Chronicles".
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of Frankia, AD652, with King Clovis and Queen Barthild as rulers of Neustria, and this is followed by a very useful list of Place names.
At the end of the book you'll notice a Historical Note, where the historical details are very well explained by the author.
Storytelling is excellent, all figures, whether real historical or fictional, come brilliantly to life in this tale of intrigue at various courts, loyalty, betrayal and brutal death, while the atmosphere of and treachery within 7th Century Frankia are wonderfully captured in this book.
This story is set in the year AD652, in Frankia, and mostly it will take part in and around Paris, with some interesting interactions in and around Lyon, while being guest of both Dalfinus and Annemund, but it is in Paris where the main intriguing and deceitful actions will take place, with the cunning and resourceful young monk Wilfrid at the heart of the political side of things.
Also there are some brutal exchanges between Beobrand, Cynan, and the rest of the Black Shields, in various parts of Frankia, in attempts to save their hides and limbs, but sadly not all of the Black Shields will make it through till the end of this entertaining tale.
What is to follow is a fascinating historical novel about Beobrand and his Gesithas in Frankia, where they have to fight and use their wits to counteract the treachery that is conspiring within the Frankish court, and that all in an effort to save this Kingdom of Neustria and thus King Clovis and Queen Barthild.
Very much recommended, for this is another great addition to this excellent series, and that's why i like to call this latest episode: "A Ferocious Frankia Spell"!
December 2, 2022
Forest of Foes sees Beobrand in Frankia far from his beloved Ubbanford, longing for his homeland but constrained by a promise he made at the end of the last book to a woman he feels drawn to but who is seemingly out of reach. Beobrand is starting to feel his age – he’s about to become a grandfather – but, although he may be battle-scarred, he remains a formidable warrior and a leader whom men will follow unerringly into battle. However each victory comes at a price and the faces of the men he has killed, of fallen comrades or of people he was unable to save often haunt him. It’s at times like these he needs his friend Cynan to rouse him from despondency.
Actually I liked the introspective Beobrand the author gives us in this book. We really get an insight into Beobrand the human being, not just the man of action. He’s a leader who carries the burden of responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of a community, and for the lives of the men who follow him. And he’s keenly aware he may not be able to save them all. He’s also, at times, a rather lonely man who regrets the breakdown in his relationship with his son, and mourns the woman he loved and lost. Of course, Beobrand the fearless – and to be feared – man of action is pretty brilliant too and that side of him is never far away. As one character observes, ‘Beobrand is no normal man. He is like a storm, or a raging tide. A force of nature’.
If you love the action scenes that have become one of the trademarks of the series, then you needn’t wait long for Beobrand’s cry of ‘To me, my gesithas’ as he summons the famed Black Shields to his side to embark upon yet another bloody encounter. There are plenty of bone-crunching, skull-splitting, shield-shattering encounters involving sword, spear and axe. However, Beobrand and his comrades find themselves in some pretty sticky situations, with the odds seemingly stacked against them. As Beobrand observes at one point, ‘We are far from home. We are but few, and we are surrounded by a forest of foes’. He is also reunited with a ‘monster’, a ruthless enemy from his past with whom he has scores to settle – and he’s not the only one. What’s more, as Beobrand will discover, your deadliest enemies may not be those you face across the shieldwall.
As always the meticulous detail really immerses the reader in the period. The author’s Historical Note provides fascinating information about the events that underpin the plot and also about the character of Wilfred who plays a key role in the book. It also contains a tantalising promise of ‘more action, adventure and intrigue, and just maybe, love and peace’. To borrow Beobrand’s favourite curse, by Tiw’s cock, I’ll be disappointed if there isn’t.
Actually I liked the introspective Beobrand the author gives us in this book. We really get an insight into Beobrand the human being, not just the man of action. He’s a leader who carries the burden of responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of a community, and for the lives of the men who follow him. And he’s keenly aware he may not be able to save them all. He’s also, at times, a rather lonely man who regrets the breakdown in his relationship with his son, and mourns the woman he loved and lost. Of course, Beobrand the fearless – and to be feared – man of action is pretty brilliant too and that side of him is never far away. As one character observes, ‘Beobrand is no normal man. He is like a storm, or a raging tide. A force of nature’.
If you love the action scenes that have become one of the trademarks of the series, then you needn’t wait long for Beobrand’s cry of ‘To me, my gesithas’ as he summons the famed Black Shields to his side to embark upon yet another bloody encounter. There are plenty of bone-crunching, skull-splitting, shield-shattering encounters involving sword, spear and axe. However, Beobrand and his comrades find themselves in some pretty sticky situations, with the odds seemingly stacked against them. As Beobrand observes at one point, ‘We are far from home. We are but few, and we are surrounded by a forest of foes’. He is also reunited with a ‘monster’, a ruthless enemy from his past with whom he has scores to settle – and he’s not the only one. What’s more, as Beobrand will discover, your deadliest enemies may not be those you face across the shieldwall.
As always the meticulous detail really immerses the reader in the period. The author’s Historical Note provides fascinating information about the events that underpin the plot and also about the character of Wilfred who plays a key role in the book. It also contains a tantalising promise of ‘more action, adventure and intrigue, and just maybe, love and peace’. To borrow Beobrand’s favourite curse, by Tiw’s cock, I’ll be disappointed if there isn’t.
July 22, 2023
fantastic addition to the Beobrand tales
I don’t know how Harffy continues to write such captivating and engrossing stories about Beobrand and his men. This time they are in Frankia to escort Wilfrid on to Roma. But of course the road doesn’t ru. Straight, and they are detained. The battles are simply glorious. You are on the edge of your seat to see who lives and who dies. I, for one, am glad that there is very little romance between the characters here. And the villains are treacherous and so cunning. There are surprise twists that I had not seen coming. This is just historical fiction done better than right. It is astounding.
I don’t know how Harffy continues to write such captivating and engrossing stories about Beobrand and his men. This time they are in Frankia to escort Wilfrid on to Roma. But of course the road doesn’t ru. Straight, and they are detained. The battles are simply glorious. You are on the edge of your seat to see who lives and who dies. I, for one, am glad that there is very little romance between the characters here. And the villains are treacherous and so cunning. There are surprise twists that I had not seen coming. This is just historical fiction done better than right. It is astounding.
July 22, 2023
Exceptional.
4 of us read this at the same time and all landed on 5 stars
Utterly incredible that the 9th book of a series could be the best so far.
Amazing how Harffy makes every one of these books fresh, captivating and an absolute page turner.
This book was fantastic . The twists and turns ! The battles, the character work. Everything landed for me!!!
4 of us read this at the same time and all landed on 5 stars
Utterly incredible that the 9th book of a series could be the best so far.
Amazing how Harffy makes every one of these books fresh, captivating and an absolute page turner.
This book was fantastic . The twists and turns ! The battles, the character work. Everything landed for me!!!
July 19, 2023
With this 9th book in the series the author may have delivered his best yet. My emotions were all over the place. From punching the air in delight to being distraught over certain situations our characters found themselves in this was top tier all the way through.
July 21, 2023
Matthew has done it again!! Heartfelt, emotional combined with great action. It was absolutely fantastic to be back with Beo and his men.
November 15, 2022
I love this series of books.
If you like The last Kingdom and cannot wait for the next instalment I would highly recommend Beobrand.
He is a great leader and an even better fighter. The books glide along at a pace and the story never gets boring.
I can't wait for the next book.
Matthew get writing !
If you like The last Kingdom and cannot wait for the next instalment I would highly recommend Beobrand.
He is a great leader and an even better fighter. The books glide along at a pace and the story never gets boring.
I can't wait for the next book.
Matthew get writing !
December 10, 2022
Forest of Foes by Matthew Harffy is the 9th book in the Bernicia Chronicles. I've read nearly all of the books to date, but I know I've missed one or two out, and in this book, there are a few scenes where that comes home to roost - but not enough that I didn't get a general idea and neither did it distract from the rest of the story.
Forest of Foes starts with a really exciting fight scene, in which Beobrand and Cynan are thrust into the heart of a skirmish. This very much sets the scene for the rest of the book, with a great deal of added political intrigue until our hero finally manages to exact revenge at the end of the book.
This book takes our characters to Merovingian France, and as readers of the series will know this isn't Beobrand's first trip there. As such, we meet new and old characters as Beobrand endeavours to fulfil his promise to Queen Eanflæd that he'll get the monks Wilfrid and Baducing to Roma. Sadly, Beobrand hasn't quite factored in the weather or the strong will of Wilfrid, or indeed the conniving members of the nobility in Merovingian France, or indeed, the queen, Bathilde.
Forest of Foes is an entertaining addition to the Bernicia Chronicles. I enjoyed the split narrative between Beobrand and Cynan, although it is a little unevenly done. There are also occasions where Wilfrid is our narrator, perhaps pointing to future developments for this character, who, historically, is a bit of a wildfire. Time will tell. The beginning of the book is particularly exciting, and the ending is satisfying. I enjoyed my trip to Merovingian, France. The characters there are well drawn, and the peril to Beobrand is genuine and resolved particularly well.
I'm intrigued to see just how much trouble Beobrand and Cynan can get into as they finally resume their journey towards Roma, which I think they probably need to do quite quickly because there are forewarnings of trouble back home. We all know (I hope) that war is coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
Forest of Foes starts with a really exciting fight scene, in which Beobrand and Cynan are thrust into the heart of a skirmish. This very much sets the scene for the rest of the book, with a great deal of added political intrigue until our hero finally manages to exact revenge at the end of the book.
This book takes our characters to Merovingian France, and as readers of the series will know this isn't Beobrand's first trip there. As such, we meet new and old characters as Beobrand endeavours to fulfil his promise to Queen Eanflæd that he'll get the monks Wilfrid and Baducing to Roma. Sadly, Beobrand hasn't quite factored in the weather or the strong will of Wilfrid, or indeed the conniving members of the nobility in Merovingian France, or indeed, the queen, Bathilde.
Forest of Foes is an entertaining addition to the Bernicia Chronicles. I enjoyed the split narrative between Beobrand and Cynan, although it is a little unevenly done. There are also occasions where Wilfrid is our narrator, perhaps pointing to future developments for this character, who, historically, is a bit of a wildfire. Time will tell. The beginning of the book is particularly exciting, and the ending is satisfying. I enjoyed my trip to Merovingian, France. The characters there are well drawn, and the peril to Beobrand is genuine and resolved particularly well.
I'm intrigued to see just how much trouble Beobrand and Cynan can get into as they finally resume their journey towards Roma, which I think they probably need to do quite quickly because there are forewarnings of trouble back home. We all know (I hope) that war is coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.
October 29, 2022
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is the ninth book in this excellent series and while there are numerous references to our heroes previous escapades, it can easily be read as a standalone novel, in fact in my case it made want to read the series from the start, and as a result I have several in my to be read pile. Quality writing and research atmospheric descriptive with characters who leap of the page so you feel a part of the story. Engaging and entertaining from first to last page, with plenty of at times gruesome action.
Completely and utterly recommended.
This is the ninth book in this excellent series and while there are numerous references to our heroes previous escapades, it can easily be read as a standalone novel, in fact in my case it made want to read the series from the start, and as a result I have several in my to be read pile. Quality writing and research atmospheric descriptive with characters who leap of the page so you feel a part of the story. Engaging and entertaining from first to last page, with plenty of at times gruesome action.
Completely and utterly recommended.
December 30, 2022
Fighting for what is right has always been Beobrand's style and he follows through with it in Frankia, a land away from his beloved Ubbanford. Another epic story transporting us back in time, this time bringing to life the region of Frankia.
A good book to end the year withand a good book recommended to get oneself lost in the pages.
A good book to end the year withand a good book recommended to get oneself lost in the pages.
December 27, 2022
Great Addition
Mr. Harffy is an outstanding author. The layers in this story were many and I must say the quips, joking, and perspectives during the conversations make the story fun. It is hear that Harffy does an excellent job of showing that he himself is a salt of the earth type of man with a gift for writing. Beobrand has another outstanding adventure. And though there is sadness, the Black Shields will overcome them again and again.
Mr. Harffy is an outstanding author. The layers in this story were many and I must say the quips, joking, and perspectives during the conversations make the story fun. It is hear that Harffy does an excellent job of showing that he himself is a salt of the earth type of man with a gift for writing. Beobrand has another outstanding adventure. And though there is sadness, the Black Shields will overcome them again and again.
December 31, 2022
An absolute corker to finish the year.
March 7, 2023
The best book in the series yet! I read several different series taking place during similar times, Harffy does an amazing job of quickly bringing you back into his series, reminding you of the characters and the stakes at play. One more thing, Harffy is one of few authors that can bring a tear to my eye with his story. I can’t wait till the next adventure!
December 27, 2022
Brilliant.
What can you say, Matthew writes at such a fast pace you get swept along in the adventure. I think this series gets better and better and cannot wait to see where Beobrand ends up next
What can you say, Matthew writes at such a fast pace you get swept along in the adventure. I think this series gets better and better and cannot wait to see where Beobrand ends up next
December 28, 2022
Fantastic read, Matthew never lets down with his writing.
January 2, 2023
Forest of Foes continues the wonderful saga of Beobrand and his Black Shields. In this book, Beobrand finds himself in Frankia escorting a novice to Rome at the request of his queen. Sounds simple, right? Don't assume anything. Along the way, the band of warriors find violence, betrayal and death at almost every turn of the road.
This is the first book in the series where I got a sense of Beobrand getting older. He is still formidable, to be sure, but his past fights have begun to take their toll.
The story here is gripping. I could not put this book down. Matthew Harffy has carved out a well deserved place for himself among the best historical novelists out there. I cannot wait for Book 10.
This is the first book in the series where I got a sense of Beobrand getting older. He is still formidable, to be sure, but his past fights have begun to take their toll.
The story here is gripping. I could not put this book down. Matthew Harffy has carved out a well deserved place for himself among the best historical novelists out there. I cannot wait for Book 10.
December 30, 2022
This is such a brilliant adventure this time taking Beobrand and his men deep into the land of Frankia. Having agreed to escort the young Wilfrid to Roma Beobrand and his men are travelling through the cold and wet Frankian countryside when they hear the clashing of blades nearby. As soon as they near, they find a wagon and its guards under attack, and Beobrand and his men decide to help to fight off the attackers. It’s soon clear that the woman they have saved is the queen and Beobrand agrees to escort her to Paris. But later, when journeying deeper into Frankia, it’s soon clear that there are others with power that rivals the monarch’s and Beobrand and his men must tread carefully or risk losing favour with the powerful men of Liyon.
I have really enjoyed this new instalment of the Bernicia Chronicles series. After reading the last book in the series, For Lord and Land (still the only book of this series I’ve read so far), and discovering that the characters were to journey into Frankia and through to Roma, I was eager to find out what would happen as I’ve never read a story set in France during the rule of the Merovingian kings. The story begins after Beobrand and his men have spent several weeks stuck in a port town in Frankia, with Beobrand and another character becoming ill as a result. It isn’t long before they encounter the attack on a wagon in the woods and from then on the story is interesting with the characters all going on quite the journey all the way through Frankia and onto the city of Liyon.
I like what happens in this story and everything that happens with not only Beobrand but Cynan, Wifrid and the others too. A lot happens with all of the characters and I especially enjoyed what was happening after everyone arrives in Liyon and spends more and more time there. Chapters alternate sometimes between Beobrand, Cynan and occasionally Wilfrid and although I do like how this story felt a bit like a movie, keeping you guessing as to what would happen in many places, especially towards the ending, I did feel like some chapters build up to really exciting cliff hangers only for the following chapter to feel like a bit of a let down. The adventure lasts many months for all of the characters, and as a result some chapters, especially in the first half of the story tend to end on a dramatic cliffhanger moment with the following chapter taking place a while later with characters just recounting through flashbacks and such what happened rather than us seeing it happening in that next chapter. I don’t mind this style of story and it works in further places well like nearer the end when you have no idea what has happened to some characters, but there were a few chapters near the start where I felt a little disappointed that the next chapter moved on so quickly with a later recap as to what had happened, as it felt like the excitement of the moment had been lost a little. However this didn’t diminish from the overall excitement of the whole adventure.
There is a map at the front of the book as well as on the inside front and back covers which is good as it gives you an idea just how far the characters all end up travelling. There is also a list of place names at the start of the book and author’s notes at the back which were especially interesting to read as I didn’t know so much of the story was based on real history in particular of certain characters like Wilfrid, and it was interesting to know more about a certain religious group of people living in France at the time too, who make an appearance in the story too. The book has occasional mild swearing and violence which includes bloody violence, some deaths, some more gory than others. There is brief mention of sex and some assault too. The story builds up to such an exciting ending and the ending itself is very good and satisfying. The book keeps you guessing as to what will happen and I like how things eventually resolve in the final chapters.
Overall I have enjoyed this book so much as I love a good adventure and have really enjoyed Beobrand and his men travelling in Frankia and having such an amazing adventure. I liked the ending and how things wrap up well but also how it leaves the way open for a next book in the series which I’m looking forward to. The adventure is interesting and although in parts, especially near the beginning there were times that felt like some of the excitement that was built up was suddenly lost in a few places, overall it’s a really good historical adventure set in the early medieval period and it’s an adventure that keeps you turning the pages. I should say there are some more gruesome moments in the story, one particular death at the end was particularly gory for me, but if you don’t mind a bit of blood, death and gory violence then this book really is very good!
-Thanks to Aries/Head of Zeus for a free copy
I have really enjoyed this new instalment of the Bernicia Chronicles series. After reading the last book in the series, For Lord and Land (still the only book of this series I’ve read so far), and discovering that the characters were to journey into Frankia and through to Roma, I was eager to find out what would happen as I’ve never read a story set in France during the rule of the Merovingian kings. The story begins after Beobrand and his men have spent several weeks stuck in a port town in Frankia, with Beobrand and another character becoming ill as a result. It isn’t long before they encounter the attack on a wagon in the woods and from then on the story is interesting with the characters all going on quite the journey all the way through Frankia and onto the city of Liyon.
I like what happens in this story and everything that happens with not only Beobrand but Cynan, Wifrid and the others too. A lot happens with all of the characters and I especially enjoyed what was happening after everyone arrives in Liyon and spends more and more time there. Chapters alternate sometimes between Beobrand, Cynan and occasionally Wilfrid and although I do like how this story felt a bit like a movie, keeping you guessing as to what would happen in many places, especially towards the ending, I did feel like some chapters build up to really exciting cliff hangers only for the following chapter to feel like a bit of a let down. The adventure lasts many months for all of the characters, and as a result some chapters, especially in the first half of the story tend to end on a dramatic cliffhanger moment with the following chapter taking place a while later with characters just recounting through flashbacks and such what happened rather than us seeing it happening in that next chapter. I don’t mind this style of story and it works in further places well like nearer the end when you have no idea what has happened to some characters, but there were a few chapters near the start where I felt a little disappointed that the next chapter moved on so quickly with a later recap as to what had happened, as it felt like the excitement of the moment had been lost a little. However this didn’t diminish from the overall excitement of the whole adventure.
There is a map at the front of the book as well as on the inside front and back covers which is good as it gives you an idea just how far the characters all end up travelling. There is also a list of place names at the start of the book and author’s notes at the back which were especially interesting to read as I didn’t know so much of the story was based on real history in particular of certain characters like Wilfrid, and it was interesting to know more about a certain religious group of people living in France at the time too, who make an appearance in the story too. The book has occasional mild swearing and violence which includes bloody violence, some deaths, some more gory than others. There is brief mention of sex and some assault too. The story builds up to such an exciting ending and the ending itself is very good and satisfying. The book keeps you guessing as to what will happen and I like how things eventually resolve in the final chapters.
Overall I have enjoyed this book so much as I love a good adventure and have really enjoyed Beobrand and his men travelling in Frankia and having such an amazing adventure. I liked the ending and how things wrap up well but also how it leaves the way open for a next book in the series which I’m looking forward to. The adventure is interesting and although in parts, especially near the beginning there were times that felt like some of the excitement that was built up was suddenly lost in a few places, overall it’s a really good historical adventure set in the early medieval period and it’s an adventure that keeps you turning the pages. I should say there are some more gruesome moments in the story, one particular death at the end was particularly gory for me, but if you don’t mind a bit of blood, death and gory violence then this book really is very good!
-Thanks to Aries/Head of Zeus for a free copy
December 12, 2022
After the events of the last instalment we see Beobrand is sent on a mission by his Queen. This journeys target is Rome!
Although this will take him far from home his oath is ironclad and he will see Wilfrid safely to his destination. Oh Wilfrid.. this man had my life ha ha.. He has a wandering eye and things very highly of himself.. he’s going to cause some trouble.. you can feel it.
Nothing bad will happen on the journey though will it…Yeh right… it’s not going to go smoothly is it? Ha.
Beobrand and his warriors meet a group of individuals being attacked by wolf’s heads.. but these aren’t your average individuals, and this chance encounter sets Beobrand and his men on a different path that ultimately leads to betrayal & bloodshed….but there may be a chance for retribution.
I really enjoyed the latest instalment, Beobrand is older now, his eyes are not once what they were but he’s still just as deadly, but it was a real joy to see Beobrand share the limelight with his men, and you can really see the connection he’s made with each and everyone of them as they offer up their lives for him… to fight for what’s right.
The author spent a lot of time ensuring the development of Beobrand flowed well throughout the story, he still mourns the loss of his wife, he’s conflicted over his difficult relationship with his son and the shadows of the past walk with him daily…
… but not all of these shadows are in the past…and not all are friends either.
These insights help you envisage Beo, he’s not the young man we first met any longer.. the past has changed him.. is it his fate to survive while others die?
I particularly enjoyed the growth of Cynan, you can really see some of Beobrand in him and he has his own worries too.. he’s rash and impulsive at times.. just like his lord… but god I love him.
The twists in the plot quite honestly had me on tenterhooks.. There’s one moment I won’t spoil but the author sets the tense atmosphere perfectly and you can feel something is about to happen but when the story plays out it’s like a punch to the guts that you didn’t see coming.. it knocks the air out of you it’s that amazingly breath-taking.. and very bloody clever of the author too.. I knew something was brewing but could never have guessed what they had in mind.. wow.
Beobrand and his Black Shields are as powerful as ever as they band together chanting “Death”, the image of these men advancing is enough to scare most foes and those who don’t run will live to regret that choice…but will everyone make it back home.. time will tell.
Forest of Foes is the perfect addition to the series, the plot is strong and the characters have soo much depth and there’s plenty of detail and action just when you need it. It’s quite honestly the only series I feel like I want to start again with so I can enjoy this from the start all over again!
I’m more than eager to see what the author offers the readers next.
A raving 5 stars from me! and a big shout to Head of Zeus and their art team.. Love the cover and the colours
Although this will take him far from home his oath is ironclad and he will see Wilfrid safely to his destination. Oh Wilfrid.. this man had my life ha ha.. He has a wandering eye and things very highly of himself.. he’s going to cause some trouble.. you can feel it.
Nothing bad will happen on the journey though will it…Yeh right… it’s not going to go smoothly is it? Ha.
Beobrand and his warriors meet a group of individuals being attacked by wolf’s heads.. but these aren’t your average individuals, and this chance encounter sets Beobrand and his men on a different path that ultimately leads to betrayal & bloodshed….but there may be a chance for retribution.
I really enjoyed the latest instalment, Beobrand is older now, his eyes are not once what they were but he’s still just as deadly, but it was a real joy to see Beobrand share the limelight with his men, and you can really see the connection he’s made with each and everyone of them as they offer up their lives for him… to fight for what’s right.
The author spent a lot of time ensuring the development of Beobrand flowed well throughout the story, he still mourns the loss of his wife, he’s conflicted over his difficult relationship with his son and the shadows of the past walk with him daily…
… but not all of these shadows are in the past…and not all are friends either.
These insights help you envisage Beo, he’s not the young man we first met any longer.. the past has changed him.. is it his fate to survive while others die?
I particularly enjoyed the growth of Cynan, you can really see some of Beobrand in him and he has his own worries too.. he’s rash and impulsive at times.. just like his lord… but god I love him.
The twists in the plot quite honestly had me on tenterhooks.. There’s one moment I won’t spoil but the author sets the tense atmosphere perfectly and you can feel something is about to happen but when the story plays out it’s like a punch to the guts that you didn’t see coming.. it knocks the air out of you it’s that amazingly breath-taking.. and very bloody clever of the author too.. I knew something was brewing but could never have guessed what they had in mind.. wow.
Beobrand and his Black Shields are as powerful as ever as they band together chanting “Death”, the image of these men advancing is enough to scare most foes and those who don’t run will live to regret that choice…but will everyone make it back home.. time will tell.
Forest of Foes is the perfect addition to the series, the plot is strong and the characters have soo much depth and there’s plenty of detail and action just when you need it. It’s quite honestly the only series I feel like I want to start again with so I can enjoy this from the start all over again!
I’m more than eager to see what the author offers the readers next.
A raving 5 stars from me! and a big shout to Head of Zeus and their art team.. Love the cover and the colours
May 1, 2023
After feeling dampened by the last one, I have high hopes for this book. This time, Beo is heading to Rome, escorting Wilfrid, which excites me cause I get to learn about early medieval Europe. The first bits of the book started quite cheery as they familiarised themselves with the ways of the Franks. Of course, it was lighthearted only for a short time; trouble greeted them after leaving Quentovic.
Getting a glimpse of early medieval France history, I am very appreciative that Matthew Harffy decided to make the debated origin of Queen Balthild part of the storyline. At some point, the book looked like a Tour de France, though not on bikes. But I welcomed the change of scenery. The addition of Halinard since Storm of Steel proved helpful as he took the role of an interpreter on this trip. My reading journal noted that the portrayal of Eadgard reminded me of Hulk and how Black Widow was the only one that could calm him down after a battle. In this case, Grindan was the Black Widow.
I have never seen so much treachery within one book. As the book ends, the feeling I had about a beginning to an end lingers and persists. I noticed a different tone in Beobrand's thinking, plus all of my favourite characters were killed off, save for Bassus. After Beobrand's story in Maserfelth, I have a suspicion that his story will end with the Battle of Winwaed, which should happen two years after this book.
Now that I read the end of this book, I see two ways the next book will begin. But I'm not the author, and I will stay within his creative ways of writing. Also, I hope my suspicion is wrong and there will be many more of Beobrand's stories in the future.
Getting a glimpse of early medieval France history, I am very appreciative that Matthew Harffy decided to make the debated origin of Queen Balthild part of the storyline. At some point, the book looked like a Tour de France, though not on bikes. But I welcomed the change of scenery. The addition of Halinard since Storm of Steel proved helpful as he took the role of an interpreter on this trip. My reading journal noted that the portrayal of Eadgard reminded me of Hulk and how Black Widow was the only one that could calm him down after a battle. In this case, Grindan was the Black Widow.
I have never seen so much treachery within one book. As the book ends, the feeling I had about a beginning to an end lingers and persists. I noticed a different tone in Beobrand's thinking, plus all of my favourite characters were killed off, save for Bassus. After Beobrand's story in Maserfelth, I have a suspicion that his story will end with the Battle of Winwaed, which should happen two years after this book.
Now that I read the end of this book, I see two ways the next book will begin. But I'm not the author, and I will stay within his creative ways of writing. Also, I hope my suspicion is wrong and there will be many more of Beobrand's stories in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2022
I've read all of this series to date, as well as other Harffy books. It is a decent continuation switching between Beobrand and Cynan's stories, which was better done in For Lord and Land. The problem comes in switching timelines, going forward, then going back to explain something that happened, then forward again. It does not add anything, and all it does is create annoyances. Nearly all of the book seems to be unartfully foreshadowed. Sure, we realize that Beobrand is out of his element in a foreign land, unable to speak the language, and being taken in and deceived by lords. But really, hasn't he had enough of this to not be such a wide-eyed urchin at this point? Three stars.
December 8, 2022
The Bernicia Chronicles are always a fast paced, action packed, and highly entertaining read. You're never bored and I'm usually on the edge till the end
It's great to catch up with the characters and the historical background is well researched and vivid.
Another good story that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
It's great to catch up with the characters and the historical background is well researched and vivid.
Another good story that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
December 21, 2022
exceptionally exciting addition to the series!!
It’s late, as I’m tired from staying awake to finish this marvelous episode to the series. Well worth the bags under my eyes, this is an exceptional book, probably the best to date in The Bernicia Chronicles saga. Did not make us wait so long, however, for the next installment!
It’s late, as I’m tired from staying awake to finish this marvelous episode to the series. Well worth the bags under my eyes, this is an exceptional book, probably the best to date in The Bernicia Chronicles saga. Did not make us wait so long, however, for the next installment!
January 31, 2023
Great story for Beobrand yet again.
Could put book down once I began reading, as ever when I finish the newest instalment of (The Bernicia Chronicles) I want the next book to be there too.
More intrigues, court politics than usual for Beobrand, but his determination for vengeance as ever sets a fast with the usual great fights and action. Awaiting the next book impatiently.
Could put book down once I began reading, as ever when I finish the newest instalment of (The Bernicia Chronicles) I want the next book to be there too.
More intrigues, court politics than usual for Beobrand, but his determination for vengeance as ever sets a fast with the usual great fights and action. Awaiting the next book impatiently.
March 11, 2023
Another masterpiece in the bernicia chronicles.
It was a little slow at the start, but man it got intense. Probs the most intense in the series.
I just hope the journey to Rome is concluded quickly in the next novel.
Well written and every one of the gesiths that accompanied beobrand really had good character development. These ones have particularly become quite memorable.
It was a little slow at the start, but man it got intense. Probs the most intense in the series.
I just hope the journey to Rome is concluded quickly in the next novel.
Well written and every one of the gesiths that accompanied beobrand really had good character development. These ones have particularly become quite memorable.
May 12, 2025
Another good saga for Beobrand, the less than perfect hero, this time in Frankia, supposedly on the way to Rome, but of course nothing ever goes to plan. Mixing with kings and peasants as usual, with the Black Shields by his side, he has a horse, and a road, well sort of, what could possibly go wrong?
December 17, 2022
Another winner.
What a great read. I've hardly been able to put this book down.
Friends who are enemies and enemies turn out to be friends. Fast paced as usual, bloody battles and times you think Beobrand, Cynan and the other gesithas can never survive. 5 out of 5.
What a great read. I've hardly been able to put this book down.
Friends who are enemies and enemies turn out to be friends. Fast paced as usual, bloody battles and times you think Beobrand, Cynan and the other gesithas can never survive. 5 out of 5.
December 18, 2022
Another grand tale
Thanks Harffy for keeping me fully entertained. Beoband is complex and a worthy character to read. Though Beoband has not fought Grendel and a dragon, the tale is worthy.
Thanks Harffy for keeping me fully entertained. Beoband is complex and a worthy character to read. Though Beoband has not fought Grendel and a dragon, the tale is worthy.
January 9, 2023
An interesting read
What a read that proved to be! The man himself is back but travelling to Rome on what turns out to be a perilous journey. There is sadness but there is still blood and thunder, in an exceptionally crafted story, let me say you won't be disappointed.
What a read that proved to be! The man himself is back but travelling to Rome on what turns out to be a perilous journey. There is sadness but there is still blood and thunder, in an exceptionally crafted story, let me say you won't be disappointed.
March 27, 2023
Great book in the Beobrand series. Seems set for another rale although Beobrand is getting a bit long in the tooth for all the fighting. Cunnin figured strongly in this book. Hmmm. Could it be a new series focused on him?
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