Warrior of Woden Paperback – April 1, 2018

Bro turns into a shadowy blithering idiot and is naught but an erratic squish in this book.He agrees to give his word to a dead king, one that will make all other books drip with over emotional and overwrought, long periods of thinking that isn’t worth much of anything.It’s almost as if the author can’t think of much to write and just does the wash-rinse-repeat style of writing…just filling up the book with words that mean nada.

I have really enjoyed this series of books (The Bernicia chronicles) by Matthew Harffy and I can't wait to read the next in the series. If you like historical fiction that is based on the ancient Anglo Saxon times and is full of brutal battles and bloody sword fights, but stays true to the historical aspect of the times, people, places, and the kings of those ancient times and the battles fought in there name, then you should give this series a try, especially if you are fans of Bernard Cornwells- Last kingdom series, or his books in general. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

I think Matthew did a great job again. Beobrand stays true to himself and his oaths. One oath made him appear a coward yet he fulfilled it. As mentioned in another comment he had to be reminded of what kind of man he was. Although every part of his being wanted to go the other way, in the end he stayed true.Let me preface this by saying I couldn’t write a book in ten years. Twenty years. But I just wish they came out more quickly because I find I don’t remember what happened in previous books. Took me half this book to recall who Cynan was. I have an idea that in the next book Beibrand has a certain king he will want to have a long talk with, and I’m looking forward to that encounter, but fear by next summer I will hardly recall it.

Read all five. Well written. Interesting plot. Worth your time if you like Cornwell and Gilman. Only drawback for me is the amount of time the main character spends brooding about one thing or another. Main character is depicted as a formidable warrior. And a worrywart.

I'm a relatively new reader of Matthew Harffy's books, but I am so glad I found his work. The Bernicia Chronicles feature historical accuracy, excellent depictions of day-to-day life as well as period fighting techniques, and wonderful characters (even if he did kill off one of my favorites). Highly recommended!

Well written with minor copy reader errors. If you enjoy learning about Anglo Saxon England, the author has done his homework --sometimes, but not too often, bringing in mythical and/or historical events to add to the story. I've enjoyed each of the books in this series. Just as good a read as Bernard Cornwell's

This is book 5 in The Benicia Chronicles series. Loved it. Can' t get enough of these tales. Can't put these books down once I begin reading. I'm addicted. Thank you, Mr. Harffy!

More action continues with Beobrand and his war host. More historical facts.

Matthew Harffy is one of the most exciting writers around. Warrior of Woden is the latest novel in his Bernicia Chronicles and provides a gripping and thrilling insight into seventh century Britain.This book is even stronger than the earlier ones, with the protagonist, Beobrand, showing more complexity and depth, although still a troubled, tortured man. The cast of characters widens still further and Harffy shows skill in handling such a large number of people who travel far and fast across England and take place in events both bloody and loving.I particularly like the fact that women feature so strongly in this book. It gives an added layer to these ancient times.Once again, character, landscape, battles and journeys are wonderfully described. You can almost feel the land and the people on your skin.Martin Lake, author.

I’m going to be honest from the start..this book killed me..my heart feels as shattered as Beobrand's. So much happens in this book not only to excite you but also to crush you.This series continues to go from strength to strength and it shows real skill by the author to keep the series going with such exciting plots.So what is in store this time for Beo? Well war is fast approaching and Oswald must march to stop Penda’s advance.Lets just say things don’t go the way Beo would like but he does get to show what he’s made of and he certainly makes sure the enemy remember his name.What this tale really does well is show the growth of Beobrand. He’s older now.. his connection with men stronger but as the book goes on you can really see how events have taken a toll on Beo. He’s tired of this life but peace seems to be something he will never know.I really enjoyed the addition was ÁstÍgend. I won’t spoil it for you but he stole the show for me, his character shining above others easily.I also loved the development of Cynan the once thrall who really shows his worth to his lord and there’s a little side story with him that plays out that really give him some depth.Ok so let’s get down to it..yeh this author holds no favourites and characters will die.. and you know it isn’t going to be pretty. It hit me hard this time..it was a death I didn’t see coming although I knew it could always happen to anyone. The great thing about Harffy is how he uses death to build on the emotional side of his characters which helps you form a  connection with them.Another cracking tale that really knocks you for six. Brutal has always been my word of choice for The Bernicia Chronicles and I stand by that.

I read all of the previous Bernicia series and then faced the unbearable thought of having to wait several months for Warrior of Woden to be published. I came to this author direct from Bernard Cornwell. I have seen a lot of reviews comparing Matthew Harffy to Cornwell but I think that’s a bit disengenuous. He is a decent author in his own right and I enjoy the difference. Without giving the game away it is hard to comment on the twists and turns in the book but be prepared for shocks and unexpected outcomes. I look forward to Storm of Steel but have to wait another year before I can read it so I have bought Kin if Cain for another fix before the long wait. Don’t read this book without reading the others, you need to develop an understanding of the character so have to start at book 1. It’s worth the journey.

This very enthralling novel is the 5th volume of the amazing "Bernicia Chronicles", featuring Beobrand of Ubbanford, from the formidable author, Matthew Harffy.Before I come to my review as a whole I have to say that these books have a lot in comparison with the "Last Kingdom" (Uhtred) series, from the master of historical fiction, Bernard Cornwell, in so far what the set up of the books is concerned, f.e. Place Names, divided into various parts, and Historical Note, but also the storytelling from this author is absolutely of the same level or at times even better than that of the master himself.All characters, whether they are great historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life in this superb historical tale, the atmosphere and surroundings of the Dark Ages in 7th Century Albion come splendidly off the pages.Right inside the book you'll see a very well-drawn map of Albion in AD 642, with Northumbria, divided in Bernicia and Deira, and surrounded by very important and powerful neighbours, and a list with Place Names, while at the back of the book you'll notice a very informative Historical Note, where the historical details concerning this period of history are beautifully explained.The book starts off with a short prologue, before being divided into four parts, and these parts are set in the year AD 642.This astonishing story contains great battles, bloodletting, loyalty, treachery, friendship and animosity in all kind of actions and forms, as well as the brutal slaying of a great and just King.What is to follow is a marvellous story where history and fiction are superbly entwined, where Beobrand's faith and oath to his King Oswald will be tested to the limit, also his undying friendship with Acennan and Eowa will receive a lethal blow by his enemies, not to forget Beobrand's battles against his foes from old, the Waelisc, Gwalchmei and the Mercian, Haldan, will end with death and gore, while the main interaction will be the war between the forces of the pagan, King Penda of Mercia and that of the Christ follower, King Oswald of Northumbria, and when that war is over what the consequences will be for Beobrand and his gesithas at home in Ubbanford and abroad in the rest of Albion.Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this amazing series, which is in my view just as great as Bernard Cornwell's "The Last Kingdom" (Uhtred) series, and that's why I like to say that this episode is for me: "A Wonderful Woden Warrior"!

I write this review based on my hdecades as an avid reader especially anything historicalThis book, is amongst a series set in the time of the early Saxons and fairly early in regard to Christianity in England.Set very roughly to recorded historical events and real locations, I find it very interesting.Following the advance of our central warrior character, who is now advanced to a lord and granted land, property and his own group of followers.Superstition, battle, shield to shield it comes over as what must have been a truely hard and barbaric way of lifeMore books follow but as with other books in the series it very quickly gets repetitive in terms of speech pattern, travel and fighting scenes.Overall though, an entertaining read and I am so far into them, I have to find out what happens next. I will not spoil it here