The Serpent Sword

The Bernicia Chronicles, Book 1

By: Matthew Harffy

Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards

Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

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

This is the very best yet 6 stars

i have been listing to historical fiction ,I've went through most of titles in the group this is by far the best yet ..i would give a hint but its to good to spoil,, hats off to Mathew, where is the next books ,this is a very good story story

really like it

alot like barnard cornwells books with uhtred and was a very good story line 😁

great but...

story is great!..but does this narrator really not know how to pronounce woden or wyrd????

Better than The Anglo Saxon Stories

Anyone saying this is like Bernard Cornwell is wrong, because it's just better. Though I still have to listen to Agincourt. Seriously, just get it, you won't be disappointed. Let's make the author rich enough to get a show made of this series.

Fantastic!

If you could sum up The Serpent Sword in three words, what would they be?

Taking up this book based on the comment about it being a good one for Bernard Cornwell fans, of which I am a huge fan, it started a bit slow. But I stayed with it and was rewarded by a gripping tale every bit as worthy of the genre. The tale covers a wide array of emotional tides other than revenge and grief. Mr. Harfly weaves this tale well and makes it a hard book had to put down. I look forward to the next two books to see what happens to the boy who became a warrior, Beobrand.

Have you listened to any of Barnaby Edwards’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've never listened to any of Mr. Edwards' narrations but I am now a fan. It is difficult to remember that all of those voices are being said by one narrator and not an entire company of actors.

very enjoyable

very good book, interesting characters and development and historical time period . I am now going to listen to the next 1.

Well Written!

This was my first read from this author and I found myself searching for more books from him upon immediately finishing this audiobook. Briefly, there is plenty of action with an entertaining storyline. Well worth the audio experience which was enhanced by the narrator. I hope the saga continues.

Good for the most part

Good storyline- would have given 5 stars had there not been what seemed to be a random roaming part with the outlaw warriors with little purpose or direction other than brutal, savage encounters then back to where they started when the main character joined them. Other than that, good tale.

good story, light on history.

an interesting enough story. it iswell written. battle scenes are well done. good narrator. extremely light on history.

NORTHUMBRIA LIVES!

Fantastic book!
If you are looking for a fix to smooth your Bernard Cornwell craving, this is it.
It has a slow build in the beginning, but the characters come together nicely and the story is well told.
The narrator also gives an excellent performance.