'Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this' ANGUS DONALD, author of The Outlaw Chronicles.

'Matthew Harffy's tale of England in the Dark Ages is nothing less than superb' HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY.

'Murder, betrayal and vengeance fuel tribal warfare and personal combat. Beobrand is the warrior to follow' DAVID GILMAN.

AD 634. Anglo-Saxon Britain. A gripping, action-packed historical thriller and second instalment in The Bernicia Chronicles. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.

Warlords battle across Britain to become the first king of the English.

After a stunning victory against the native Waelisc, Beobrand returns a hero. His valour is rewarded with wealth and land by Oswald, king of Northumbria. He retires to his new estate with his bride only to find himself surrounded by enemies old and new.

With treachery and death on all sides, Beobrand fears he will lose all he holds dear.

On a quest for revenge and redemption, he accepts the mantle of lord, leading his men into the darkest of nights and the bloodiest of battles.

Can't wait for the next instalment? BLOOD AND BLADE — Out NOW.

What readers are saying about The Cross and the Curse:

'The continuing story of Beobrand continues to enthrall'

'Gripping storyline, engaging characters, and you feel seriously connected to Beobrand'

'An enthralling mix of history and fiction'

'A must read for all'

'Leadership, love, fighting, loyalty and history all rolled into a fluent story'

'Gripping tales of bloodshed, battles and personal demons set in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK'

'A real page turner'

Blood and Blade