The Serpent Sword cover art

The Serpent Sword

The Bernicia Chronicles, Book 1

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The Serpent Sword

By: Matthew Harffy
Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
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About this listen

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
Historical Revenge Exciting Scary
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What listeners say about The Serpent Sword

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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The Serpents Sword

The story starts with a young man who has lost most of his family to the plague he decides to find his older brother who has also been murdered. This really when the story starts in his quest to find the murderer & many other atrocities. Of course love comes into it, so you have a softer feel. I hope you enjoy this book as I did, I thoughorly recommend it

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Gripping

Gripping & Hard to put down, great narration - can't wait to start book 2

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A Gripping Story

A Gripping novel in my opinion as good as and very much like Bernard Cornwell fast paced action packed a really enjoyable listen I have started the second in the series which proves to be just as good.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Bloody & Brilliant

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

Bloody, Emotional, Gritty

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Serpent Sword?

The main scene for me is when Beo learns the men he is travelling with aren't nice men at. Emotional charged and something not easy to forget once you've read it.

What does Barnaby Edwards bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Grittiness, his voice suits the tone of the story perfectly

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I guess you could but I prefer to split the tale in the chunks so I can reflect before moving on

Any additional comments?

Bloody Brilliant!

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Brutal but engaging

Set in a time when life was cheap and brutal, and allegiances somewhat fluid. Battle is bloody and frequent.

The lead characters are engaging, and likeable, and the narration is perfectly suited to the story. Enough hooks to keep me wondering about what is to come.I will be downloading the rest of the series in the hope that the quality standard is maintained.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Handsome hero, ugly villain, pretty wenches

Against a 'historical ' background that brings the usual slaughter, bloodshed and heroic combat a tale of vengeance and coming of age.
Fairly predictable plot line and the usual 'noble' hero and dastardly villain mixed in with a few pretty wenches. All a little stereotypical really.
The author has done his research and all is set amid a sound social history of the time.
All said, an enjoyable romp and it is quite likely I will follow the series for at least another episode, when in the mood for a non-taxing listen.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent. Gripping.

I would recommend to any fan of Bernard Cornwells Saxon stories. Bring Me More please!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Only ok

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Found the book very predictable.Story line was easy to work out. Could be better.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Less predictable

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Narration was good

Do you think The Serpent Sword needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not for me

Any additional comments?

No

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Great Story, well told

Thoroughly enjoyed this tale and looking forward to the next installment. we'll presented by the reader and I also appreciated the historical insight provided by the author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good start to a warriors beginning.

Great book, a really enjoyable read/listen. I like to think I would have been side by side in the shield wall.
A nice way to fill a rainy Sunday.
On to the next book now.

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