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Series

The Bernicia Chronicles

The Bernicia Chronicles follow Beobrand, an outsider who rises from inexperienced warrior to powerful Northumbrian warlord during the seventh century. Set amid the rival kingdoms of Bernicia, Deira, Mercia, Wessex and the British north, the series places personal vengeance, loyalty and family conflict within the formation of Northumbria and the contest between pagan and Christian rulers. Its campaigns range from shield-wall battles in Britain to Frankia and Rome.

Reading order

Books in this series (11 books)

The Serpent Sword cover

#1 – The Serpent Sword

Matthew Harffy

In 633, the young outsider Beobrand joins the household of King Edwin as war divides the Northumbrian kingdoms. Forced to learn the disciplines of the shield wall, he discovers that his brother's death may have been murder. His search for the killer draws him through changing…

Blood and Blade cover

#3 – Blood and Blade

Matthew Harffy

In 635, King Oswald prepares an alliance through marriage, but news of unrest among the Picts disrupts his plans. Beobrand is charged with escorting the new queen north through dangerous country while enemies pursue him and concealed loyalties threaten the royal party. The journey forces him…

Killer of Kings cover

#4 – Killer of Kings

Matthew Harffy

In 636, Beobrand is sent south to escort churchmen carrying sacred relics, delaying the blood feud he is determined to settle. When Penda of Mercia leads an army into the southern kingdoms, the mission becomes entangled in war. Amid battle and political betrayal, Beobrand must decide…

Warrior of Woden cover

#5 – Warrior of Woden

Matthew Harffy

In 642, Beobrand has become a wealthy warlord and trusted commander of King Oswald. Penda of Mercia invades Northumbria, bringing the pagan Mercian king into direct conflict with Oswald's Christian rule. Beobrand and his black-shielded warriors face the decisive Battle of Maserfield, where the future of…

Storm of Steel cover

#6 – Storm of Steel

Matthew Harffy

In 643, Beobrand travels south and becomes involved in the search for a kidnapped girl. The pursuit takes him onto the sea and into a network of piracy and slavery, far from the armies and courts that usually define his service. Storm, betrayal and violence test…

Fortress of Fury cover

#7 – Fortress of Fury

Matthew Harffy

In 647, Penda of Mercia invades Bernicia and catches the northern kingdom unprepared. Beobrand is tasked with defending the fortress of Bebbanburg while enemies inside and outside the walls pursue their own vengeance. Conflicting oaths and a dangerous attachment divide his loyalties as the siege places…

For Lord and Land cover

#8 – For Lord and Land

Matthew Harffy

In 651, rivalry between Oswiu of Bernicia and Oswine of Deira threatens to divide Northumbria. Beobrand's mission to rescue a friend in East Anglia alters the political balance, while Cynan rides into Rheged on a separate quest connected to his past. Both men face betrayal and…

Bane of Bernicia cover

#11 – Bane of Bernicia

Matthew Harffy

Returning from Rome, Beobrand uncovers evidence that Pictish and Mercian enemies may be coordinating against Bernicia. King Oswiu, however, is pursuing peace through a marriage alliance with Penda's family and blames Beobrand for endangering the truce. When Oswiu's young son is taken as a hostage, Queen…