I have read a couple of books from this series and enjoyed them, and this book was no exception. When you read a Harffy book you know that you will get an action-packed historical read.
The author really transports you back to Rome in AD 652 and builds great character profiles that make you feel that you are transported there and a part of his travelling party..
It is quite a long read so be ready for an epic journey.. Even though this is book 10 in the series it still reads well as a standalone

Shadows of the Slain is the tenth book in The Bernicia Chronicles and if you’ve been following the adventures of Beobrand in previous books you’ll know he’s far from his home in Northumbria – and his family – and would return in a heartbeat were it not for the oath he has sworn to escort young novice, Wilfred, to Rome. Having said that, Beobrand has broken the odd oath in his time.

Beobrand finds himself in unfamiliar territory, unable to speak the language of some of the places he and his band of warriors pass through, and reliant on others to translate and negotiate on his behalf. And Beobrand hates having to rely on others; he’s been betrayed too many times before. As always, Beobrand is acutely aware of his responsibility for the lives of his gesithas, the warriors who have sworn allegiance to him. And things are made more complicated because Beobrand’s closest friend, Coenred, is accompanying Wilfred on the journey.

After quite a few adventures, including making some dangerous enemies, Beobrand arrives in Rome. What he finds is evidence of the fall of the once powerful Roman Empire, with great buildings lying abandoned and in ruins. What hasn’t changed is the presence of powerful individuals vying for wealth and influence, most of whom possess few scruples about how they achieve it. Add in conflict over religious doctrine and the increasingly reckless actions of the ambitious and wily Wilfred, and you’ve got a heady mix. No wonder Beobrand’s thoughts increasingly turn to home.

For those seeking action, there’s plenty of it as Beobrand and his gesithas find themselves in all sorts of sticky situations. Uttering his rallying cry, “Black Shields, with me!”, Beobrand is, of course, always at the centre of things. ‘The dark shapes of men around him seethed, grunting and screaming. The clang of metal on metal, and the thump of blades connecting with shields was loud in the night.’ Sadly, not everyone will emerge unscathed.

Opening in trademark breathless fashion, Shadows of the Slain is another thrilling story that will appeal to those who like their historical fiction full of authentic detail, and the cut and thrust of battle.

Beobrand and his followers pull escort duty to Rome - but Wilfred gets them in a pickle!

Not an easy trip with many a hazard along the way but it is Rome that causes him untold problems stoked by the wayward Wifred and his desire to own a book that seems to belongs to someone else. One things for sure - they have to sleep with one eye open and sword in hand. Unrelenting from cover to cover you wont want to stop until you have read it.

In Shadows of the Slain, Matthew Harffy has once again given readers a fabulous adventure to devour in the latest instalment from the Bernicia Chronicles. Beobrand continues his journey to Rome and, as usual, he finds trouble along the way.

It is interesting to see Beobrand out of his comfort zone, in a place where he does not know the language and is relying on others to convey his needs and wishes. What he does discover is that politics and the pursuit of power is the same the world over. Beobrand has to navigate this in Rome – not always successfully. And it is hard to know who to trust when some are pursuing their own agendas and a supposed enemy may be a friend – or may not!

The one thing that you can say about Beobrand is that life is never boring!

Beobrand and his small band of gesithas, including the loyal Cynan, have been charged with escorting the ambitious monk, Wilfrid, to Rome. Wilfrid seems to be able to smell out power and influence and attach himself to the priests and nobles who can best serve his ambition, regardless of the trouble that causes everyone else. He is little liked among Beobrand’s small warband and even Coenred, the affable monk who is a long-time friend of Beobrand’s, finds Wilfrid hard to work with.

Shadows of the Slain is a wonderful, fast-paced read that keeps the reader engrossed to the very end. The action comes thick and fast. And Matthew very cleverly weaves within the storyline a reference to his other series, involving Hunlaf from his wonderful A Time for Swords series, but I will say no more on that…

In Shadows of the Slain, Matthew Harffy again brings the Dark Ages to life, demonstrating how colourful and diverse the 7th century could be. That Beobrand could even contemplate travelling from Northumberland to Rome is quite a feat; a journey that would have taken months to complete, and for which there would have been few maps.

And once his objective is achieved, he will have to start the return journey, which I am anticipating with great relish!

Another triumph every one of Mr Harffys books have been brilliant. Beobrand is a fierce fighter and a fair leader. Definitely to rival Uthred.
Fingers crossed for a tv serial. As I always say if you miss the last kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell read these books. Full of fights and bloodshed but with a great story running alongside.
If you like Dan Jones , Bernard Cornwell don't hesitate just read it.

Matthew Harffy is and will continue to be an autobuy author for me. I have been invested in Beobrand and his many foes and friends from the very beginning. I have personally pledged my oath to Beobrand and will stand by his side and read his tales for as long as Matthew puts them out into the world.

With this read, I remain fully up to date on MH releases, and I might again be the first goodreads review. What an honour

With this story, we are miles from our usual fighting and feasting in England and have finally made our way to Rome. As you would expect from Beobrand, new lands just mean new enemies.

Beo is a man of honour and pride. However, the world is full of men who will betray, steal, and manipulate others. Consequently, it doesn't take long for Beo and his men to run into trouble.

This story twists and turns, new friends are made, old friends are saved, further enemies aquired and events are driven by a holy book.

The highlight of the book is being part of Beos warband. The friendships and loyalty are my favourite moments.

There were a few moments in the book, where the story has to slowdown to set up events, which pulled this one from a five star read, but with the events unfolding as they did, the future Beobrand stories are set up and I can not wait to continue the journey

I always enjoy a Beobrand tale, even if things can get rather violent for female taste. What was particularly good about this one was the evocation of dark age Rome after the fall. The decrepit buildings the ascendancy of the catholic church, internecine disputes and the foreshadowing of the mafia. Glad to see Beo has found a new member for his war band, or he'd be fighting alone soon! Excellent.

Once agaim Beobrand and his warriors have to fight unknown enemeies and negotiate political intrigue as they struggle to escort two monks to Rome through hostile territory.
Who can they trust on the outside and can they trust everyone in their group as they walk the streets of 6th century Rome.
Another good read though I prefffered some of the ealier books in the series.

I’m obviously very late to the party as this is my first book by this author (thanks Netgalley)
Having read quite a few Saxon/Viking sagas it was nice to get Rome out into the mix, fast paced and heavy on honour (well it is fantasy after all) a jolly good read