A Night of Flames

By Matthew Harffy

In the wild lands of Norway, Hunlaf must quell a violent revolt in Matthew Harffy's new historical adventure.

Northumbria, AD 794. Those who rule the seas, rule the land. None know the truth of this more than the Vikings. To compete with the seafaring raiders, the king of Northumbria orders the construction of his own longships under the command of oath-sworn Norseman, Runolf.

When the Vikings attack again, the king sends cleric turned warrior, Hunlaf, on a mission to persuade the king of Rogaland into an alliance. But Hunlaf and Runolf have other plans; kin to seek out, old scores to settle, and a heretical tome to find in the wild lands of the Norse.

Their voyage takes them into the centre of a violent uprising. A slave has broken free of his captors and, with religious fervour, is leading his fanatical followers on a rampage – burning all in his path. Hunlaf must brave the Norse wilderness, and overcome deadly foes, to stop this madman. Can he prevent a night of flames and slaughter?

Reviews for Matthew Harffy:

'Harffy is a master of the Dark Age thriller' Theodore Brun

'Absolutely gripping storytelling' Angus Donald

'Nothing less than superb' Historical Novel Society

'Harffy's writing just gets better and better' Jemahl Evans

• Language: English
• Publisher: Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
• Release date: Mar 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781801102308

Matthew Harffy

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 Steven A. McKay. Follow Matthew at @MatthewHarffy and www.matthewharffy.com.

Reviews for A Night of Flames

[melisende-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This follows on from A Time For Swords, and we begin with Hunlaf - in old age - recounting his earlier years.The motley group of warriors continue their quest - the search for the sacred book The Tree of Life, stolen in the Viking raid that set Hunlaf on the warrior path. But there is an added urgency to their quest, as one of their own must also be found.Harrfy follows the well-trodden path of the "Hero's Journey" - in "A Time For Swords" we had the departure, wherein young Hunlaf leaves his ordinary existence for adventure, accompanied by his mentor - companion, Runolf. In this second of the series, we see Hunlaf undertake the initiation component, wherein during the course of his adventures he faces many trial and tribulations (or in this case, many battles) with the assistance of his loyal warband. Overcoming the enemy, there is the reward.Harrfy's narrative is such that the reader finds themselves not only drawn into Hunlaf's world but posited into the warband itself. Again, Harrfy's extensive knowledge of this period comes to the fore. The next instalment is eagerly awaited.