Killer of Kings

The Bernicia Chronicles, Book 4

By: Matthew Harffy

Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards

Length: 11 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Beobrand has land, men and riches. He should be content. And yet he cannot find peace until his enemies are food for the ravens. But before Beobrand can embark on his bloodfeud, King Oswald orders him southward, to escort holy men bearing sacred relics. 

When Penda of Mercia marches a warhost into the southern kingdoms, Beobrand and his men are thrown into the midst of the conflict. Beobrand soon finds himself fighting for his life and his honour. 

In the chaos that grips the south, dark secrets are exposed, bringing into question much that Beobrand had believed true. Can he unearth the answers and exact the vengeance he craves? Or will the blood-price prove too high, even for a warrior of his battle-fame and skill?

©2017 Matthew Harffy (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

Good yarn - character flaw

I really like the main character, Beobrand. He is very brave, basically good and honorable when times were terribly brutal. He is skillful and creative in battle and has empathy for the oppressed - making him an appealing hero to me. The problem I have with Beobrand’s character is that the author repeatedly takes Him back into a depressive state of self-recrimination and moral self doubt. You can almost envision him repeatedly curling up into the fetal position - which doesn’t jive well with the rest of his character. Even when the events going wrong contain elements he is powerless to do anything about he continually blames himself. The author dips into that well too frequently, in my opinion. It gets old. Fortunately the excellent storyline saves the story from this flaw in the hero’s characterization. I usually can’t wait to hear what comes next!

Love this story

Revenge is a satisfying thing when taken. This was a very satisfying story bringing answers and revenge to the surface of beobrands story!! Again Edwards does a brilliant job creating a personal voice to each character!! Looking forward to the next tale!!

High Adventure in the Dark Ages

Matthew Harffy continues to deliver on Dark Ages thrill and chills with the fourth volume of his Bernicia Chronicles. As usual there is brilliant battle action and political intrigue, but many sub-plots set in motion in the early volumes come to fruition in this story in very satisfying ways. Harffy's writing is a joy to read (or listen to, as I listened to the audiobook narrated by Barnaby Edwards), full of evocative prose that effectively recreates seventh century England. It's a land peopled by warriors, thanes, witches, peasants and kings of every stripe. It's a time when Christianity wars with older religions for the souls of kings and common men. It's a trip well worth taking and I cannot recommend Killer of Kings too highly... although I strongly recommend that any new reader start with volume one. Excellent work.

Good story

Love the series and this edition did not disappoint…Barnaby Edwards has the perfect voice to read midevil type stories

Awesome

I usually don’t write reviews. This series is one of the best series I have listen too
love it.

Great book!

I would give this 5 stars but the first 3 books are 5 stars. I didn’t think this book was as perfect but it’s a must read because is ties everything together. The battles and war isn’t as strong but this book answers all the questions. Great read

Another fantastic story

A lot of questions were answered in this novel of the young warrior . Cannot wait to read the next adventure

good pacing

still enjoying this series. really like the closing historical notes from the author. onto the next one.

Better and Better

This series keeps getting better! Every time I think I know where the story is going or I begin to feel the sense of predictability the author keeps me guessing. Matthew Harffy has become one of my favorites!

Death and Vengeance, his faithful hounds!

Just put Matthew Harffy’s latest bone-splitter of a book between your ears, sit back and be prepared to feel the need to wipe the blood sweat from your shoulders afterwards. These continuing tales of his hero Beobrand are just thundering good yarns. Blood and vengeance follow this Thane of Mercia about like faithful hounds with enormous fangs ready to sink into your ears at a moment’s notice.

This one does develop into a slightly darker, more troubled Beobrand, he is like a hot cauldron of anger constantly threatening to boil over. The only death his loyal followers can be assured of avoiding is boredom. He just never stops looking for trouble and trouble never stops looking for him.

As for the narration, for someone with such a posh name Barnaby Edwards might sound like a Paddington Bear wannabe but he gets down and dirty with these warriors and yet gives them and their kings genuine gravitas. It’s a fine performance.

Harffy's enthusiasm for the historical period and his characters shines through including the excellent ten minutes or so of historical notes at the end. Personally I really enjoy it when authors reveal a little of their research, thought process and how their stories match against what we know of these dark ages. His promise at the end of more tales to come is extremely welcome!

phenomenal

Such an amazing series and just gets better with every book. I adored this story more than any of the rest and I think it's mainly down to how much you connected with the characters from the first book.

This book has by far the most action and battles, all excellently portrayed and believable.

No spoilers, but one part really got me. How could you!

5/5

another great book

I love the series and the historical references really help make it come to life... book 5 is waiting.

Better than other historical fictional worlds

I've read alot of historical fiction and this is by far one of my favourite ones so far. Dare I say better than Bernard Cornwells stuff.

killer of kings

Good story the narrator as always makes the story his portrayal of the characters is believable as the historical research is based around the time good listen now for book 5

Great Story, lots of action

love the characters and the ongoing saga. a book that makes you want more

Guilty Pleasure

Cliched writing, a hero who’s a bit of a nob and a plot device that assumes the population of England at this time was about twelve people but still strangely enjoyable.

Cry me a river

Whilst I do enjoy these books immensely, our hero cries more than a baby! He seems to blubber over something every chapter, I know it’s not unmanly to cry but that’s a relatively new concept.

Really enjoyed this book

At last not so invincible. I really enjoyed this story line and gave time over to other characters which I really liked. Look forward to the next book

WOW.

Loved it.So many twists and turns.So many ways to die.So many ways to fail.
So many ways to.......
Read it yerself and find out😆