Book excerpt: THE NEW BERNICIA CHRONICLES NOVEL FROM MATTHEW HARFFY, SHADOWS OF THE SLAIN, AVAILABLE TO PREORDER NOW! The first thrilling instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles. Adventure and agony, bloodshed and burning hatreds collide in the story of mighty young Anglo-Saxon warrior Beobrand of Ubbanford. 'HISTORICAL FICTION DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS' ANGUS DONALD AD 633. Beobrand is a young man with a shadowy past. As an outsider in the kingdom of Bernicia, he is compelled to join his brother as a warrior in the household of King Edwin. He must learn to fight with sword and shield to defend the war-ravaged kingdoms of Northumbria. It is a period of great upheaval, and the land is rife with danger as warlords vie for supremacy and dominion. All Beobrand finds is despair, death and war. Amongst the blood and the betrayals, he learns of his brother's near-certain murder. Inexperienced but ruthless, Beobrand must form his own allegiances as a warrior. Driven by his desire for vengeance and a relentless pursuit of his enemies, he must face challenges which will transform him from a boy to a man who stands strong in the clamour and gore of the shieldwall. Can Beobrand mete out the retribution he craves, and avenge his brother, without sacrificing his honour... and even his soul? Reviews for Matthew Harffy 'Nothing less than superb' Historical Novel Society 'Beobrand is the warrior to follow' David Gilman 'A tale that rings like sword song in the reader's mind' Giles Kristian 'A brilliant characterization of a difficult hero in a dangerous time.' Christian Cameron 'A terrific novel. It illuminates the Dark Ages like a bolt of lightning' Toby Clements 'Battles, treachery, revenge and a healthy dose of Dark Age adventure' Simon Turney 'Matthew Harffy tells a great story' Joanna Hickson 'Harffy's writing just gets better and better... the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown' Jemahl Evans 'A genuinely superb novel' Steven A. McKay 'A breathtaking novel that sweeps the reader into a dark and dangerous world' Paul Fraser Collard