I have to admit that this was my first book by Matthew Harffy, I enjoyed my first visit into Harffey’s Anglo-Saxon world so much I went on to read the next in the series too (review of that one to come).

Fortress of Fury is the seventh book in the Bernicia Chronicles, I did get the feeling I had missed out on something whilst reading so I do believe that the series needs to be read in order instead of doing what I do and jump in halfway through (no change there) but despite my initial misgivings that I wouldn’t be able to follow the story as I had missed the first six adventures, I did enjoy it immensely and soon fell into the Beobrands life and journey – but I will be reading the previous books as soon as I can and this time I will be starting from book one.

Beobrand is a complex character – or maybe he isn’t, as I have missed so much of his previous journey, maybe I just think he’s complicated, I may have missed out on something with starting a series so far in – anyway he is an interesting character, one who I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and following as he sets out on his journey. He is a brilliant leader and I thought a decent man, the way he loves his horse, in particular, made me like him all the more. I have always said you can judge a man by how he treats animals and his fondness for his aged horse set in stone that this man is a great hero to follow.

Fortress of Fury is a great historical novel it’s daring, thrilling, exciting and addictive. It’s one of those books where you start and become so immersed into the story you refuse to put it down for a moment with a fear that you are going to miss out on something. I loved the pacing and how easily it flowed, I have always like faster-paced books and this one has it perfectly, it kidnaps you, takes you hostage until the very last word.

Matthew Harffey is an incredibly talented writer, he transports you from your comfy chair and plonks you right down in the middle of Northumberland (or Bernicia), the settings and each scene are stunning, the descriptions of the area and the time are breath-taking I felt as though I was standing right beside Beobrand.

Overall, Fortress of Fury is a dramatic, thrilling, intense, gloriously vivid and meticulously researched novel that engages the reader from page one and compels them to keep reading right to the very end. If you love edgier, historical adventures with heroes you can’t help but back all the way and then keep thinking about well after closing the last page then Fortress of Fury is the book you need to read.

Beobrand of Bernicia defends his Fortress of Fury from Penda's invading attacks. Wonderful dark ages England series with the king's strong arm as the protaginist. Bloody battles, betrayals and historical nitty gritty at its best.

Though this was my first time reading this author or a book from this series, I felt like it did not matter. The action and dialogue between the characters keep you the reader going and drawn to the story until the end. Beobrands Black Shields are the ones protecting the king and the people in and around. When he finds out that the Mercians have decided to invade and he must find out if that is true or not. He must prepare for an attack, while he is also fighting within himself the feelings, he has for the Queen which he knows is wrong but still can’t deny his feelings.
There seems like a lot going on but the story is done in a way that you get to know the characters and the time. You feel yourself there back in time and I found myself wanting to go and read the previous books. This one though is an excellent story and I enjoyed the characters very much.

Although Fortress of Fury is the seventh book in the series it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. The book has brief references to events and characters in previous books but this is done in a such a way that it certainly won’t stop me going back and reading earlier books.

As fans of the series have come to expect, there are thrilling battle scenes with vivid descriptions of blood-splattered, bone-crunching encounters between Beobrand’s loyal Black Shields and their enemies, in this case the marauding Mercians. Beobrand himself is a fearsome warrior. “He was born to this… Now there was nothing but the night, cold steel and the hot blood of his enemies. This was the dance of death, and Beobrand knew every step.” For Beobrand though, each victory comes at a price, as the faces of the men he has killed often haunt his nightmares.

Without in any way intruding on the story or the pace of events, the book has a mass of fascinating detail about domestic life in a noble house of the period, weaponry and the political landscape of 7th century Anglo-Saxon Britain, with its different tribes and factions. I loved the scenes set within the beseiged fortress of Bebbanburg as its inhabitants and those who have sought refuge behind its supposedly impregnable walls prepare to withstand the enemy onslaught. I really felt I was there manning the barricades alongside them.

As well as his prowess with a sword and seax, Beobrand possesses numerous other qualities. I confess the references to the broadness of his chest, his powerful arms and the shape of his muscled legs made me think it might not be such a burden to be stuck in a besieged castle alongside him. However, since I’d have a much more well-connected and alluring rival it would definitely make it a fortress of fury!

I liked how the author explored the responsibilities that come with leadership. As Beobrand confides, “a man’s promise to his lord is both a treasure and a burden“. His gesithas are not just men sworn to serve him, they are his ‘shield-brothers’ whom he has a duty to protect. “He was their leader and must be stronger than any of them. That was his wyrd, the destiny of a lord.”

From time to time, the reader gets to see events from the point of view of Cynan, one of Beobrand’s loyal gesithas. Despite proving himself on an important mission and earning the trust of a group of men, Cynan underestimates his own leadership ability. “He knew they were not truly his men, they were but ceorls who had turned to a warrior with a horse, helm and sword in a moment of need.” The inclusion of this different point of view also provides another perspective on Beobrand’s character and the way his brooding silences and sudden changes of mood affect his men.

In the tense final chapters, Beobrand finds himself “trapped between two oaths“. He is faced with a terrible choice: to carry out the command of the king he has sworn to obey which will involve betraying his own code of honour; or to break his oath of allegiance with all the consequences that will follow both for him and those who stand with him. Which course will he choose? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

As the prospect of war looms, Beobrand and the people of Bernicia are entitled to wonder how events will play out “on the great tafl board of kings“. Beobrand has a reputation for being lucky but, as the author confides in his historical note, “The future looks uncertain, with intrigues and danger lurking over every hill and in every shadow”. That seems a pretty enticing prospect to me.

In recent years, the Matthew Harffy new book release has become one of the highlights of my year, and 2020 is no exception. Fortress of Fury is the 7th book in his wonderful series, The Bernicia Chronicles. And it is probably the best so far! Beobrand has returned home after his recent journey to France in Storm of Steel, and now must defend the kingdom of Bernicia (now known as Northumbria) – and Bebbanburgh itself – from Welsh and Mercian invaders.

Fast paced, full of suspense and action, it is a non-stop rollercoaster ride of action and emotion for the reader. Matthew Harffy expertly combines the story with the known history and recreates 7th century Northumbria perfectly, giving the reader vivid descriptions of the landscape, the harsh reality of life in a kingdom suffering from invasion and fight scenes to die for – literally!

The fears of the characters are palpable.

Matthew Harffy’s storytelling abilities are second-to-none, he pulls you into the story from the very first, action-packed pages, and keeps you constantly gripped to the very last. And he always leaves you wanting more. Fortress of Fury is no exception! Waiting for book no. 8 is going to really test my patience!

There is not just one aspect of this book you can look at and point to and say ‘that’s what makes this a good book’; it is the combination of history, atmosphere, action, characters and storytelling that makes Fortress of Fury the perfect novel. Matthew Harffy uses the background of real events behind the invasion of Bernicia, and weaves it seamlessly into the lives of his characters. Beobrand, now the most feared and renowned warrior in Bernicia, is tasked with defending the great fortress of Bebbanburgh.

Fortress of Fury feels like it is a seminal book in the series, a turning point for Beobrand, as he matures into a great leader of men, whose own men are now becoming leaders. The decision he takes in this book will decide his future. I have yet to see if I’m right – I will have to wait for book no. 8 – but this feels like a momentous book for its hero. The events of Fortress of Fury will have a major influence on where Beobrand goes next – I can feel it!

I still haven’t worked out if ‘unputdownable’ is a word, but it is the best way to describe Fortress of Fury. I lost two afternoons of work because I couldn’t leave the book at crucial moments in the story, then stayed up til midnight, just so I could finish the last 50 pages.

I have long thought that the books of the Bernicia Chronicles are addictive and Fortress of Fury is no exception.

Simply put, Fortress of Fury by Matthew Harffy is a fabulous feat of storytelling.

This is an excellent historical fiction read. I have been completely gripped and engaged by this book. This is an addictive read which I have devoured in just one sitting.

The author has set the scene perfectly in this book, I have had a very clear image in my head whilst reading this one. There is nothing negative I can say about this one. It is an absolutely perfect read which has kept me completely captivated.

I absolutely recommend this gorgeous five star read. I have found this impossible to put down and it is a book which has pleasantly surprised me with how much I have liked it.

Public review to follow on blog tour

A gripping and excellent historical fiction that kept me hooked till the last page.
It's epic, well written and the story-line is excellent. The cast of characters is well thought and the historical background is vivid.
I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine.