A Time for Swords Books

When the Vikings attack, a novice monk's life is changed forever in Matthew Harffy's new historical adventure. Lindisfarne, AD793. There had been portents – famine, whirlwinds, lightning from clear skies, serpents seen flying through the air. But when the raiders came, no one was prepared. They came from the North, their dragon-prowed longships gliding out of the dawn mist as they descended on the kingdom's most sacred site. It is 8th June AD 793, and with the pillage of the monastery on Lindisfarne, the Viking Age has begun. While his fellow monks flee before the Norse onslaught, one young novice stands his ground. He has been taught to turn the other cheek, but faced with the slaughter of his brothers and the pagan desecration of his church, forgiveness is impossible. Hunlaf soon learns that there is a time for faith and prayer... and there is a time for swords. Praise for Matthew Harffy: 'Harffy is a master of the Dark Age thriller... A Time for Swords is a bold opening to yet another enthralling series . It promises to be one heck of a ride' Theodore Brun, author of A Mighty Dawn ' Terrific white-knuckle action , absolutely gripping storytelling... Can't wait for the next one. Highly recommended!' Angus Donald author of Robin Hood and the Caliph's Gold 'The gripping novel evokes the turbulence and violence of the first onslaught of the Vikings. I couldn't put it down!' Christian Cameron author of Hawkwood's Sword 'Nothing less than superb ... The tale is fast paced and violence lurks on every page' Historical Novel Society 'Harffy's writing just gets better and better... He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown ' Jemahl Evans, author of The Last Roundhead

In the wild lands of Norway, Hunlaf must quell a violent revolt in Matthew Harffy's new historical adventure. Northumbria, AD 794. Those who rule the seas, rule the land. None know the truth of this more than the Vikings. To compete with the seafaring raiders, the king of Northumbria orders the construction of his own longships under the command of oath-sworn Norseman, Runolf. When the Vikings attack again, the king sends cleric turned warrior, Hunlaf, on a mission to persuade the king of Rogaland into an alliance. But Hunlaf and Runolf have other plans; kin to seek out, old scores to settle, and a heretical tome to find in the wild lands of the Norse. Their voyage takes them into the centre of a violent uprising. A slave has broken free of his captors and, with religious fervour, is leading his fanatical followers on a rampage – burning all in his path. Hunlaf must brave the Norse wilderness, and overcome deadly foes, to stop this madman. Can he prevent a night of flames and slaughter? Reviews for Matthew Harffy: 'Harffy is a master of the Dark Age thriller' Theodore Brun 'Absolutely gripping storytelling' Angus Donald 'Nothing less than superb' Historical Novel Society 'Harffy's writing just gets better and better' Jemahl Evans

Warrior-monk Hunlaf and his shipmates battle peril and intrigue on a dangerous voyage to Muslim Spain as they seek an object of immense power. A thrilling historical adventure set in the Anglo-Saxon era. AD 796 . Sailing in search of an object of great power, Hunlaf and his comrades are far from home when they are caught up in a violent skirmish against pirates. After the bloody onslaught, an encounter with ships from Islamic Spain soon sees them escorted under guard to the city of Qadis, one of the jewels of the Emirate of Al-Andalus and the true destination of their voyage. Hunlaf believes the Emir's lands hold the key to his search, but there are dangerous games at play. To achieve his goal, Hunlaf and his allies must walk a difficult path where friends and enemies alike are not always what they seem - and where a weapon deadlier than any yet seen could change the future of all the kingdoms in Europe. The third thrilling historical adventure in the A Time for Swords series by Matthew Harffy, perfect for fans of Ben Kane, Simon Scarrow and Bernard Cornwell. Readers love A Day of Reckoning 'Top class adventure writing, with action that moves as fast and keen as a whetted blade.' Ian Ross 'A fascinating and thrilling tale set in eighth-century Europe, with vivid battle scenes and well-rounded characters.' Alex Gough 'Harffy is a master storyteller' Grimdark Magazine 'First-class adventure from a true master of the genre' Peter Gibbons

Hunlaf voyages to the Holy Land in search of powerful relics but risks the wrath of mighty Byzantium. A rip-roaring Viking-era adventure from the author of the Bernicia Chronicles, perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow. AD 797, Cyprus. Warrior-monk Hunlaf and his crew are on a voyage to acquire an important Christian relic before it falls into the hands of the Byzantines and their scheming Empress Eirene. Hunlaf's crew receive unexpected help as they seek their treasure, but soon find themselves betrayed. About to leave for home empty-handed, the adventurers instead sail further east: to Jerusalem, the Holy Land, abundant in relics. And dangerous intrigues. Hunlaf and his friends will face a deadly race against time as they attempt to secure a holy treasure, outwit the zealous agents of Byzantium, and avoid a grisly death at the hands of the local rulers. ''Harffy is the gold standard of historical action adventure.' Theodore Brun 'The rightful heir to Gemmell's crown.' Jemahl Evans