The Serpent Sword

AD 633

Beobrand is a young man with a shadowy past. As an outsider in the kingdom of Bernicia, he is compelled to join his brother, Octa, as a warrior in the household of King Edwin. He must learn to fight with sword and shield to defend the war-ravaged kingdoms of Northumbria.

In a period of great upheaval for Dark Age Britain, all he finds is death and war. Men and women strive to seize control of their destinies in a time of despair, and the land is rife with danger as warlords vie for supremacy and dominion. Amongst the blood and the betrayals, Beobrand learns of his brother''s near-certain murder. Inexperienced but ruthless, Beobrand must form his own allegiances and learn to fight as a warrior with sword and shield.

Driven by a desire for vengeance and a relentless pursuit of his enemies, he faces challenges which transform him from a boy to a man who stands strong in the clamour and gore of the shieldwall. As he closes in on his kin''s slayer, can Beobrand mete out the retribution he craves without sacrificing his honour... or even his soul?

''Nothing less than superb ... The tale is fast paced and violence lurks on every page'' Historical Novel Society

''Beobrand is the warrior to follow'' David Gilman

''A tale that rings like sword song in the reader''s mind'' Giles Kristian

''A brilliant characterization of a difficult hero in a dangerous time. Excellent!'' Christian Cameron

''A terrific novel. It illuminates the Dark Ages like a bolt of lightning'' Toby Clements

''Battles, treachery, revenge and a healthy dose of Dark Age adventure'' Simon Turney

''Matthew Harffy tells a great story'' Joanna Hickson

''Harffy''s writing just gets better and better ... He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell''s crown'' Jemahl Evans

''Harffy has a real winner on his hands ... A genuinely superb novel'' Steven McKay

''A breathtaking novel that sweeps the reader into a dark and dangerous world'' Paul Fraser Collard