About the Book
AD 652. After surviving dark intrigues at the Merovingian court of Frankia, Beobrand is finally able to undertake the mission his queen set to escort a party of pilgrims to the holy city of Rome.
But Beobrand’s life is never easy. His party includes a scheming novice churchman whose ambition is boundless, and a mysterious envoy from Frankia.
Entering the lands of the Langobards, Beobrand discovers unexpected similarities to his native Northumbria in their speech and customs… and their willingness to spill blood.
The roads heading south are filled with danger. Meeting other pilgrims who have been attacked and robbed, Beobrand soon finds himself reluctantly responsible for their safety. Confronting brigands and robbers at every turn, they press on towards their goal.
But when Beobrand reaches the snakepit of ruins and relics that is Rome, his difficulties truly begin… and his homeland has never been further away.
Format: Hardcover (464 pages) Publisher: Head of Zeus
Publication date: 5th December 2024 Genre: Historical Fiction
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My Review
Shadows of the Slain is the tenth book in The Bernicia Chronicles and if you’ve been following the adventures of Beobrand in previous books you’ll know he’s far from his home in Northumbria – and his family – and would return in a heartbeat were it not for the oath he has sworn to escort young novice, Wilfred, to Rome. Having said that, Beobrand has broken the odd oath in his time.
Beobrand finds himself in unfamiliar territory, unable to speak the language of some of the places he and his band of warriors pass through, and reliant on others to translate and negotiate on his behalf. And Beobrand hates having to rely on others; he’s been betrayed too many times before. As always, Beobrand is acutely aware of his responsibility for the lives of his gesithas, the warriors who have sworn allegiance to him. And things are made more complicated because Beobrand’s closest friend, Coenred, is accompanying Wilfred on the journey.
After quite a few adventures, including making some dangerous enemies, Beobrand arrives in Rome. What he finds is evidence of the fall of the once powerful Roman Empire, with great buildings lying abandoned and in ruins. What hasn’t changed is the presence of powerful individuals vying for wealth and influence, most of whom possess few scruples about how they achieve it. Add in conflict over religious doctrine and the increasingly reckless actions of the ambitious and wily Wilfred, and you’ve got a heady mix. No wonder Beobrand’s thoughts increasingly turn to home.
For those seeking action, there’s plenty of it as Beobrand and his gesithas find themselves in all sorts of sticky situations. Uttering his rallying cry, “Black Shields, with me!”, Beobrand is, of course, always at the centre of things. ‘The dark shapes of men around him seethed, grunting and screaming. The clang of metal on metal, and the thump of blades connecting with shields was loud in the night.’ Sadly, not everyone will emerge unscathed.
Opening in trademark breathless fashion, Shadows of the Slain is another thrilling story that will appeal to those who like their historical fiction full of authentic detail, and the cut and thrust of battle.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of Head of Zeus via NetGalley.
In three words: Action-packed, dramatic, exciting
Try something: A Time for Swords by Matthew Harffy
About the Author
Matthew Harffy grew up in Northumberland where the rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline had a huge impact on him. He now lives in Wiltshire, England with his wife and their two daughters. Matthew is the author of the critically acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles and A Time for Swords series, and he also presents the popular podcast Rock, Paper, Swords! with fellow author Stephen A. McKay.
Connect with Matthew
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What Cathy Read Next... 
I think seeing a book set at the end of the Roman age would be very interesting.
Thanks for sharing this review with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.
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