Forest of Foes

The Bernicia Chronicles, Book 9

By: Matthew Harffy

Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards

Length: 14 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Beobrand finds himself caught between the perilous intrigues of royalty and the Church in this latest thrilling Bernicia Chronicles adventure.

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.

©2022 Matthew Harffy (P)2023 W. F. Howes Ltd

excellent

another excellent book. I can't wait for the next book of the series. amazing story

A great story!

Matthew has done it again! Forest of Foes is a great tale of warriors from northern England who travel to what is now known as France, on their way to Rome. They have a few side quests on the way, which slows their progress significantly. I won’t go into too many details, but the ending is very exciting and unexpected. The narrator, Mr. Edwards is one of the best in his business. It is a joy to listen to his narration. It’s also nice to hear Matthew speak for a while at the end of the book. He also has a great podcast called “Rock, Paper, Swords!” along with author Steven A. McKay, where he gives you some background into his writing process and upcoming work. Overall, a wonderful and exciting story!

30% story, 70% filler

This author loves to repeat the same self loathing nonsense, and to tell the same story from multiple perspectives. These books would be better of they were shorter, and were to cut the unnecessary fat. Reminds me of someone who loves to hear himself speak

The Fact are

This story line is one of the best and I enjoy the story ends with the extra facts on the background. If you like being pulled in and be apart of the story this series is for you.

Favorite series of books

I love this genre of historical fiction. I’ve read most of Mr. Harffy’s books and have not found one that I dislike. I know this one was just released but I can’t wait for the next. Long live Beo. Also, Barnaby Edwards is a awesome narrator.

Beo has become too melancholy

Was a risky take on the series but it worked. but if beobrand continues to brood then I’m afraid I’ll have to put down the series. Also, I am hopeful beo’s son will reunite with his father and together they can overcome a great foe

terrible dialogue

loved all the other books in the series. This one was a huge letdown. Very lazy plot writing, scenarios that only work if no one thinks at all, and wayyyy too many cringy repeated attempts at 7th century sex jokes and all around poor dialogue. Overall felt like an attempt at a quick cash grab.

Ended Nice but Cheap Writing

I’ve enjoyed the series so far. My problem with this book is the filler and the shabby plot line. Many times I caught myself saying this has nothing to do with the story and you’re just filling pages Mr. Harffy, let’s get on with it. More egregiously, he has the protagonist put himself in the same stupid situation so often that it defies belief. How many times are we going to find ourselves in a “**knife to the throat** Drop your weapons” scenario?!? Apparently even when Beobrand KNOWS he’s going to get executed if he gives up, he’d rather die by hanging or some other means than with a weapon in his hands. Seems far fetched to me. I hope the writing gets better, this book was a tad disappointing,