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  • A Time for Swords

  • A Time for Swords, Book 1
  • By: Matthew Harffy
  • Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
  • Length: 17 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (172 ratings)
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A Time for Swords cover art

A Time for Swords

By: Matthew Harffy
Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
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Summary

When the Vikings attack, a novice monk's life is changed forever in Matthew Harffy's new historical adventure.

Lindisfarne, AD 793. There had been portents - famine, whirlwinds, lightning from clear skies, serpents seen flying through the air. But when the raiders came, no one was prepared. They came from the North, their dragon-prowed longships gliding out of the dawn mist as they descended on the kingdom's most sacred site. It is 8th June AD 793, and with the pillage of the monastery on Lindisfarne, the Viking Age has begun. While his fellow monks flee before the Norse onslaught, one young novice stands his ground. He has been taught to turn the other cheek, but faced with the slaughter of his brothers and the pagan desecration of his church, forgiveness is impossible.

©2020 Matthew Harffy (P)2021 W F Howes

Critic reviews

"Harffy's writing just gets better and better.... He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown." (Jemahl Evans)

What listeners say about A Time for Swords

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a good tale

this book is worth a listen, it has plenty of action although the story line is fairly weak, but surprisingly enjoyable.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed the listen

A good story well told.. the historical aspect at the end ties things together a bit.. but it was a bit predictable to do this more humour is needed I think the main character is a bit of a Tortured soul that gets a bit monotonous for me..
but I’m not a writer! Well narrated and I would get the next book if there was one

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Best yet

have listened to 3 of harffy,s books now and this is the best so far .narrator is excellent.A sort of magnificent 7 in viking times,can't wait for the sequel

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Recommended.

Having Finished a number of books in similar series to this by other authors, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this particular book. However, it turned out to be a fantastic lesson well narrated and I thoroughly recommend it to people who enjoy the genre.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

Brilliant book fantastic story from start to finish, the narrator is absolutely awesome, one of Matthews best

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Is immersive after a very shaky start

I have listened to the series of books that are linked to this, avidly. I was expecting the same ‘jump in and go’ from this book. Not so, for me. This was due to the narration. I found the voice over acted and annoying to the point that I wanted to return the book. I couldn’t, do I thought I may as well carry on. At some point, the narration and story clicked and it was super. I’m searching now for more in this series!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another great Saga starting. Here

Loved it, great that it continues on from Beobrand and he is mentioned in this book.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic story and storytelling

Narrator just gets better and better with each book. This is a story well deserved of the top notch Barnaby Edwards. Highly recommended this evenly paced listen.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic new series

Have read and enjoyed ‘Benicia Series’ but not sure we’re it has left to go. Then started this new series by Mathew Harffy and just excellent! Loved the fact that you weren’t sure where it was going next and the tip of the hat to magnificent 7 and Seven samurai just brought the whole thing together. Cant wait!!
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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

I like Matthew Harffey's books, especially the historical notes at the end. It gives insight to the actual historical facts and what he has based the story around. That makes it more interesting and more feasible.

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2 people found this helpful