Picture a British storyteller who conjures the clash of swords and the grit of 7th-century Britain—meet Matthew Harffy! With his gripping historical fiction, Harffy transforms the rugged landscapes of Northumberland into vivid tales of vengeance, honor, and survival. From his debut, The Serpent Sword, to the pulse-pounding Wolf of Wessex, he’s carved a niche as a master of Anglo-Saxon adventure.
Born with a passion for history, Harffy’s novels pulse with authenticity, blending meticulous research with characters who feel like old friends (or foes). His journey from IT professional to rock singer to celebrated author is as thrilling as the battles he writes about. Let’s dive into the world of Matthew Harffy and discover why his stories captivate readers worldwide.
The Making of Matthew Harffy
Growing up in Northumberland, Matthew Harffy was surrounded by crumbling castles, windswept hills, and a rocky coastline that sparked his imagination. These landscapes, steeped in history, planted the seeds for his storytelling. Years later, a documentary on Northumbria’s Golden Age ignited his passion for the Anglo-Saxon era, leading to the creation of his acclaimed Bernicia Chronicles. Before writing, Harffy’s career was eclectic—he worked in IT, taught English in Spain, and even belted out tunes as a rock singer in the band Rock Dog. This diverse background infuses his novels with a unique blend of grit, rhythm, and precision.
Matthew Harffy’s Unforgettable Stories
Harffy’s debut, The Serpent Sword (2015), introduces Beobrand, a young farmhand turned warrior seeking vengeance in 633 AD Northumbria. This action-packed tale of loyalty and bloodshed sets the tone for the Bernicia Chronicles, a series praised for its vivid battle scenes and moral complexity. The series, now spanning ten books, including Shadows of the Slain (2024), immerses readers in a world of warring kingdoms and personal struggles.
In 2019, Harffy ventured into the 9th century with Wolf of Wessex, a standalone novel that critics called “a treat of a book” (The Times). This thrilling story follows Dunston, an aging warrior who must protect a young girl and unravel a deadly secret in Viking-era Wessex. Harffy’s A Time for Swords series, starting with A Time for Swords (2020), explores the dawn of the Viking Age through Hunlaf, a monk-turned-warrior. Known for fast-paced narratives and richly detailed settings, Harffy’s style draws comparisons to Bernard Cornwell, blending historical accuracy with heart-pounding drama.
Harffy’s themes—honor, survival, and the cost of vengeance—resonate deeply, while his ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of early medieval Britain makes every page immersive. Whether it’s the din of a shield wall or the quiet of a forest, his prose transports readers to a bygone era.
Why Matthew Harffy Matters
Matthew Harffy has revitalized historical fiction by bringing the lesser-known Anglo-Saxon and Viking eras to life. His meticulous research and relatable characters make history accessible and thrilling, earning him a devoted following and praise from peers like Angus Donald. Beyond his novels, Harffy engages fans through his podcast, Rock, Paper, Swords!, co-hosted with Steven A. McKay, where he shares insights on writing and history. His work not only entertains but also sparks curiosity about Britain’s turbulent past, cementing his place as a rising star in the genre.
- Birthplace: Northumberland, England
- Key Works: The Serpent Sword, Wolf of Wessex, A Time for Swords
- Fun Fact: Harffy once sang in a rock band called Rock Dog!
Ready to step into a world of warriors and intrigue? Snag The Serpent Sword or Wolf of Wessex and dive into Matthew Harffy’s thrilling historical adventures!