The Serpent Sword cover art

The Serpent Sword

The Bernicia Chronicles, Book 1

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The Serpent Sword

By: Matthew Harffy
Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
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About this listen

633AD. Anglo-Saxon Britain. A gripping, powerful, action-packed historical thriller about vengeance and coming of age. The Bernicia Chronicles are perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.

Beobrand is compelled by his brother's almost-certain murder to embark on a quest for revenge in the war-ravaged kingdoms of Northumbria. The land is rife with danger, as warlords vie for supremacy and dominion. In the battles for control of the region, new oaths are made and broken, and loyalties are tested to the limits. With no patronage and no experience, Beobrand must form his own allegiances and learn to fight with sword and shield.

Relentless in 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 and the bodies pile up, can Beobrand mete out the vengeance he craves without sacrificing his honour...or even his soul?

©2016 Matthew Harffy (P)2016 Audible, Ltd Historical Thriller & Suspense Revenge Royalty War
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If you are a fan of Uhtred and the Last Kingdom series, this book is for you!

fast paced plot

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I'll start by saying I happened upon this title by accident, so I knew nothing about it. I have an interest in the time period in which the book is set so I would consider my criticisms a little harsher than normal.
That said I very much enjoyed this book. I particularly liked the small portion at the end where the author explains the terminology used and the liberties they took with the history, bending it to suit their story but not breaking or ignoring history.

Well worth the "read"

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this was a good tale of the dark ages
enjoyed the narration
just downloading the next book

enjoyed the plot

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Brilliant narrator, fine story and strong historical base. In my view rivals Cornwell but possibly not quite as good in dialogue. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will purchase more.

Worth a listen.

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I look forward to listening to more of these novels. Bernard Cornwell has some serious competition!

James Alexander
Adelaide
South Australia

Well written and an enjoyable story

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Great read. But reads so similarly to that of a Cornwell novel. Is this a bad thing? Maybe not

Could have been written by Bernard cornwell

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Series has started well, characters are developing and the time is rich with potential stories. The dialogue is a little stilted so hoping the authors familiarity with his characters will make some improvements.
Narrator is good and l am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Good start......

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basically sword porn with a weak plot, one-dimensional characters and no sense of development or impact.

great reading though. differentiates the voices of different characters and does a great job of keeping the pace and tone appropriate for each scene. will be searching for more barnaby edwards readings but not more matthew harffy novels.

great reading of a very mediocre story.

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