Can the books in The Bernicia Chronicles be read as standalones?

While each book features a distinct main conflict or battle, the series follows a continuous, overarching narrative of Beobrand's life and the shifting politics of 7th-century Britain. It is strongly recommended to read them in order to appreciate the character growth and plot continuity.

Where does the novella Kin of Cain fit in?

Chronologically, Kin of Cain takes place in AD 630, making it a prequel to the first novel, The Serpent Sword . However, it was published after Book 3, Blood and Blade , and can be read either first or as Book 3.5 without spoiling the main story.

Is there a connection between Beobrand and the A Time for Swords series?

Yes. The A Time for Swords series follows a protagonist named Hunlaf, who is raised in Ubbanford —the settlement established by Beobrand in The Bernicia Chronicles . The series is set roughly 150 years later at the start of the Viking Age.

How historically accurate is The Bernicia Chronicles?

Matthew Harffy conducts extensive research into 7th-century Anglo-Saxon England. Real historical figures, such as King Oswald, King Oswiu, and King Penda of Mercia, play major roles, and key events like the Battle of Maserfield are depicted with high accuracy.

Who is the main protagonist of the series?

The main protagonist is Beobrand , a warrior who starts out as an inexperienced youth seeking revenge for his brother's murder and eventually becomes one of the most feared and respected warlords in Bernicia.

What is the latest book in The Bernicia Chronicles?

The eleventh book in the series is Bane of Bernicia , which was published on June 4, 2026. It picks up immediately after Beobrand's return from his journey to Rome.

The Bernicia Chronicles Books in Order

Where to Start Reading The Bernicia Chronicles

If you are ready to plunge into the brutal, shield-clashing world of 7th-century Britain, the best place to start is with the first published novel, The Serpent Sword. While there is a prequel novella set before the events of the first book, starting with the original novel allows you to meet the series protagonist, Beobrand, as the author intended. You will watch him grow from a naive, vengeful farm boy into a battle-hardened warlord, experiencing the character development in the most natural progression.

The Bernicia Chronicles in Publication Order

Following the publication order is the most straightforward way to read the series. This order keeps you aligned with Matthew Harffy's writing journey and ensures that the emotional beats and world-building unfold seamlessly. Here is the publication order of the main novels and the key novella:

The Serpent Sword (2015)
The Cross and the Curse (2016)
Blood and Blade (2016)
Kin of Cain (Novella, 2017)
Killer of Kings (2017)
Warrior of Woden (2018)
Storm of Steel (2019)
Fortress of Fury (2020)
For Lord and Land (2021)
Forest of Foes (2022)
Shadows of the Slain (2024)
Bane of Bernicia (2026)

Chronological Order: Navigating the Prequel

For readers who prefer a strict timeline approach, the order changes slightly due to the prequel novella, Kin of Cain. This short story is set in AD 630, three years before the events of The Serpent Sword. Instead of Beobrand, it focuses on his older brother, Octa. Reading it first offers interesting context regarding Beobrand's family and the dangerous political landscape of Bernicia before the main story begins.

Here is the chronological timeline of the series:

Kin of Cain (Set in AD 630)
The Serpent Sword (Set in AD 633)
The Cross and the Curse (Set in AD 634)
Blood and Blade (Set in AD 635)
Killer of Kings (Set in AD 636)
Warrior of Woden (Set in AD 642)
Storm of Steel (Set in AD 643)
Fortress of Fury (Set in AD 647)
For Lord and Land (Set in AD 651)
Forest of Foes (Set in AD 652)
Shadows of the Slain (Set in AD 652-653)
Bane of Bernicia (Set in AD 653)

Inside the Shield-Wall: A Book-by-Book Breakdown

Kin of Cain (Book 3.5 / Prequel)

Set in AD 630. This prequel novella follows Beobrand's older brother, Octa, and a band of elite warriors sent by King Edwin into the wild valleys of Bernicia to hunt down a savage beast that is slaughtering villagers. It acts as an excellent atmospheric introduction to the grit and dangers of Anglo-Saxon Britain.

The Serpent Sword (Book 1)

Set in AD 633. Young Beobrand arrives in the kingdom of Bernicia seeking vengeance for the murder of his brother, Octa. He joins the warband of King Oswald, learning the harsh realities of the shield-wall and the cost of honor in a land torn by war.

The Cross and the Curse (Book 2)

Set in AD 634. Now a recognized warrior, Beobrand faces internal betrayals and external enemies. As King Oswald tries to unite the warring kingdoms under the Christian cross, Beobrand must battle the ghosts of his pagan past and a ruthless new enemy seeking his ruin.

Blood and Blade (Book 3)

Set in AD 635. Beobrand is tasked with a dangerous mission: escorting a royal Wessex bride across hostile territory. Surrounded by political intrigue and deadly ambushes, he must rely on his trusted warband to survive a treacherous journey.

Killer of Kings (Book 4)

Set in AD 636. War looms as Penda of Mercia seeks to expand his territory. Beobrand leads his men into East Anglia to protect its king, finding himself in the middle of a conflict that will decide the fate of multiple kingdoms.

Warrior of Woden (Book 5)

Set in AD 642. The peace of Northumbria is shattered when Penda's Mercian forces clash with King Oswald's army at the Battle of Maserfield. Beobrand must fight for his life, his lord, and the future of his homeland in a devastating clash of kings.

Storm of Steel (Book 6)

Set in AD 643. Beobrand leaves the shores of Britain for the mainland, traveling to Frankia on a rescue mission. Navigating unfamiliar territory and foreign politics, he discovers that the storm of steel is just as fierce across the channel.

Fortress of Fury (Book 7)

Set in AD 647. The forces of Mercia lay siege to the great stronghold of Bebbanburg. Beobrand is called upon to defend the fortress against overwhelming odds, testing his tactical brilliance and the loyalty of his men to their absolute limits.

For Lord and Land (Book 8)

Set in AD 651. Conflict erupts within Northumbria as King Oswiu of Bernicia clashes with Oswine of Deira. Beobrand is caught in the middle of a tragic civil dispute, forced to choose between his oath to his lord and his personal morals.

Forest of Foes (Book 9)

Set in AD 652. Deep in the ancient forests of Britain, Beobrand hunts down a gang of brutal killers. The dense woods hide deadly traps and old enemies, turning a hunt into a desperate struggle for survival.

Shadows of the Slain (Book 10)

Set in AD 652-653. Beobrand accepts a mission that takes him far from home, escorting a group of pilgrims on a long and perilous journey to Rome. He must protect his charges from bandits, harsh winter passes, and political conspiracies plotting in the shadows of the Alps.

Bane of Bernicia (Book 11)

Set in AD 653. Returning from his long pilgrimage to Rome, Beobrand finds his homeland on the brink of disaster. Secret alliances between the Picts and the Mercians threaten Bernicia, forcing the aging warlord back into the shield-wall to protect everything he has built.

The Hunlaf Connection: Spinoffs and Shared Universes

While Beobrand's story remains centered in The Bernicia Chronicles, Matthew Harffy has created a shared universe through his A Time for Swords series. Set roughly 150 years later, in AD 793, this series follows the monk-turned-warrior Hunlaf. Crucially, Hunlaf is raised in Ubbanford, the very settlement established by Beobrand in the original series. Reading the Hunlaf books offers a fascinating look at how Beobrand's legacy and the world of Bernicia have evolved by the dawn of the Viking Age.

What to Know Before You Start

The series is highly praised for its historical authenticity, drawing inspiration from the real-world history of Northumbria's Golden Age. The clash between pagan Norse-Saxon traditions and the rapid spread of Christianity forms a core thematic element throughout the books. If you enjoy the gritty shield-walls and detailed battle tactics of Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom or Conn Iggulden's works, you will feel right at home with Beobrand's saga.