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Wolf of Wessex Paperback – January 1, 2021

by Matthew Harffy (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 5,857 ratings
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THE THRILLING NEW BERNICIA CHRONICLES NOVEL FROM MATTHEW HARFFY, SHADOWS OF THE SLAIN, AVAILABLE TO PREORDER NOW!

'Harffy's Dunston is a fantastic creation – old, creaking and misanthropic. The forest is beautifully evoked. A treat of a book' The Times

AD 838. Deep in the forests of Wessex, Dunston's solitary existence is shattered when he stumbles on a mutilated corpse.

Accused of the murder, Dunston must clear his name and keep the dead man's daughter alive in the face of savage pursuers desperate to prevent a terrible secret from being revealed.

Rushing headlong through Wessex, Dunston will need to use all the skills of survival garnered from a lifetime in the wilderness. And if he has any hope of victory against the implacable enemies on their trail, he must confront his long-buried past – becoming the man he once was and embracing traits he had promised he would never return to. The Wolf of Wessex must hunt again; honour and duty demand it.

'A page-turner... Matthew Harffy tells a great story' Joanna Hickson
'A breathtaking novel that sweeps the reader into a dark and dangerous world' Paul Fraser Collard
'Harffy's writing just gets better and better... He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown' Jemahl Evans
'Harffy has a real winner on his hands... A genuinely superb novel' Steven McKay

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  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    5.05 x 0.95 x 7.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1838932836
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1838932831
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“An absorbing stand-alone novel... Harffy's Dunston is a fantastic creation – old, creaking and misanthropic. The forest is beautifully evoked. A treat of a book'” ―The Times

About the Author

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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book (January 1, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1838932836
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1838932831
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.05 x 0.95 x 7.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 5,857 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Matthew Harffy

Matthew Harffy

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Matthew Harffy lived in Northumberland as a child and the area had a great impact on him. The rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline made it easy to imagine the past. Decades later, a documentary about Northumbria's Golden Age sowed the kernel of an idea for a series of historical fiction novels. The first of them is the action-packed tale of vengeance and coming of age, THE SERPENT SWORD.

Matthew has worked in the IT industry, where he spent all day writing and editing, just not the words that most interested him. Prior to that he worked in Spain as an English teacher and translator. Matthew lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters.

For all the latest news and exclusive competitions, join Matthew online:

www.matthewharffy.com

twitter.com/@MatthewHarffy

www.facebook.com/MatthewHarffyAuthor

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
5,857 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the story and found it engaging. They appreciated the historical fiction and interesting perspective. The characters were described as wonderful, realistic, and likable. Readers appreciated the writing style as well-written, easy to read, and descriptive. They also mentioned that the action was fast-paced and suspenseful. Overall, customers felt the book was well-researched and presented with nice cover art.

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Select to learn more
Story qualityHistorical fictionCharacter developmentWriting stylePacingResearch quality
66 customers mention "Story quality"66 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find the mystery engaging and the relationships forged by the protagonists interesting. The book sets a nice tone of life during those times, with detailed descriptions of battles and attention to customs of the time. Overall, readers describe it as an enjoyable read with a happy ending.

"Enjoyed the read and feel of authenticity to a past era. Well written and characters you hated and especially ones you loved." Read more

"...I found that to be beyond belief. But overall, I enjoyed this tale, the mystery, the relationships forged by Dunston out of mutual love,..." Read more

"...I love the historical accuracy and the notes at the end to read. I studied Old English in college and now I can say it wasn’t useless!..." Read more

"This was a very good story, fast paced, believable, often violent story that was also sentimental at times...." Read more

50 customers mention "Historical fiction"46 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging historical fiction story with interesting references and perspectives. They find the backstories and good pacing draw them in with good character development. The gritty realism keeps them focused on the action, while the novel is not complex.

"Enjoyed the read and feel of authenticity to a past era. Well written and characters you hated and especially ones you loved." Read more

"...But overall, I enjoyed this tale, the mystery, the relationships forged by Dunston out of mutual love, friendship, honor and respect." Read more

"...I love the historical accuracy and the notes at the end to read. I studied Old English in college and now I can say it wasn’t useless!..." Read more

"...This book has an interesting perspective as it is written from the viewpoint of Dunston an old warrior who is looking back on his life as he tries..." Read more

33 customers mention "Character development"33 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and historical references. They find the characters likable, realistic, and principled. The women are respected and active. Readers appreciate the gruff but honorable woodsman and his loyal Odin.

"...Well written and characters you hated and especially ones you loved." Read more

"...I liked the gruff but honorable woodsman and his loyal Odin...." Read more

"...appreciate his mains are principled people and that women are respected and active characters...." Read more

"I liked the character of Dunston. Seldom do I read of a protagonist battling with age as well as humans...." Read more

27 customers mention "Writing style"27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the book easy to read with an attention to detail and descriptive writing. The characters are well-developed and believable. Readers appreciate the fast-paced, gritty realism that keeps them focused on the story.

"Enjoyed the read and feel of authenticity to a past era. Well written and characters you hated and especially ones you loved." Read more

"This was a very good story, fast paced, believable, often violent story that was also sentimental at times...." Read more

"...seeing a character struggle with old sounds and injuries in a realistic way...." Read more

"...time period when English wasnt that well developed but the style was very very simple and unproblematic...." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive2 negative

Customers find the book has good pacing and interesting characters. They appreciate the suspenseful battle scenes and human relationships that carry the story. The action keeps moving, with chance encounters with fringe groups like the charcoal people and Acuff. While some parts are fiction, there are enough real people to make it worthwhile reading.

"...I enjoyed the chance meetings with the fringe of society such as the charcoal people and Acuff and his merry band of outlaws...." Read more

"This was a very good story, fast paced, believable, often violent story that was also sentimental at times...." Read more

"...protagonists go on is a really good ride, and the people they meet along the way are interesting. It's a page-turner for certain." Read more

"...learned some new "old" words and although obvious fiction, had enough real people to make it worthwhile reading...." Read more

5 customers mention "Research quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book authentic and well-researched. They appreciate the proofreading and attention to detail.

"...It had enough twists and turns enough detail and enough research done that it was pleasant to read even for a historian...." Read more

"...That dog needs more adventures!! Reader- this author works hard on all of the details; you are eating the meager berries, dressing a putrid..." Read more

"...Professionally presented, nice cover art, proof read by someone who cared, all complement a fine novel." Read more

"...Solid and impressive storytelling. It feels authentic and very well researched I highly recommend this book!" Read more

Reviewed by Discovering Diamonds
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Discovering Diamonds
"Matthew Harffy has triumphed again with this novel, a stand alone that works brilliantly."This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:Helen Hollickfounder #DDRevs
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Marie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good morrow!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed the read and feel of authenticity to a past era. Well written and characters you hated and especially ones you loved.
    Helpful
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  • Shadowfax
    4.0 out of 5 stars An Old Man & His Dog plus an Orphan Girl in a Historical Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Having read Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom Series, I've been looking for another historical fiction author and glad I found author Matthew Harrfy via his novel, "The Wolf of Wessex". I must admit I have been spoiled by the Last Kingdom novels as Cornwell has set the bar for excellence quite high, but I found myself overall enjoying this novel and look forward to reading other novels by this author. I liked the gruff but honorable woodsman and his loyal Odin. I enjoyed the chance meetings with the fringe of society such as the charcoal people and Acuff and his merry band of outlaws. I particularly enjoyed reading the author's notes about the historical period in which the story is set. There are a few things, however, I found irritating about the storytelling. I quickly tired of being continually hit over the head with the frequency of body aches experienced by Dunston and his self effacing issues with his nickname "Dunston the Bold". I found myself also wishing Dunston was given a little more guile given his years of fighting experience. He & Aedwyn trekked after the group of murderers with little to no forethought or plan. Dunston was constantly worried about fighting 5 or more men instead of using what cunning he may have had to even the odds. Fortunately, Dunston was presented with an opportunity to even the odds more out of luck or God’s will. Finally, if the King indeed felt that Dunston was instrumental in saving Wessex, why did the King not seat him right next to him as befits a hero? Why seat the Conspiratorial villain next to the King at the banquet whom the King deemed disloyal & declared a traitor? That would have given the villain a prime opportunity to assasinate the king and/or to escape. I found that to be beyond belief. But overall, I enjoyed this tale, the mystery, the relationships forged by Dunston out of mutual love, friendship, honor and respect.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Shannon B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshingly different book about early Middle Ages England and a middle aged warrior turned woodsman.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed his Bernicia books but Matthew has truly matured as a writer in the Wolf Of Wessex. Anyone who has experienced the aches and pains of middle age can relate to Dunstan, and his heroics are not just those of a young man who wants to be a hero but that of a tested warrior with experience. I loved the titular character and also thought the writer did a good job with. aedwen. In both his series, I appreciate his mains are principled people and that women are respected and active characters. I love the historical accuracy and the notes at the end to read. I studied Old English in college and now I can say it wasn’t useless!

    So refreshing too to read about commoners rather than nobles and that the story is a murder mystery!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • C. Russell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good Story
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This was a very good story, fast paced, believable, often violent story that was also sentimental at times. I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction and I’m finding Matthew Harffy to be a favorite. This book has an interesting perspective as it is written from the viewpoint of Dunston an old warrior who is looking back on his life as he tries to protect Aeldwynn and discover the reasons for her father’s murder. It’s a fast read and entertaining. Highly recommended.
    Helpful
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  • wylie smith
    4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read that left me with questions
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the character of Dunston. Seldom do I read of a protagonist battling with age as well as humans. The question of age is not answered to my full desire here. Winston is old after fighting at Ellendum not 12 years before. But I do appreciate seeing a character struggle with old sounds and injuries in a realistic way. The plot was a bit predictable at times, but when a happy ending is expected, so is some predictableness. There were enough surprises for me though. I did have a bone to pick though. Stirrups are reckoned to be introduced to England by Canute, so carving my your foot in one in 838 does not seem feSible. But the other references, like the appearance of charcoal burners and their routines, were well made and not something to show up in other books. This is my first Harffy book, but it will not be my last. who is Smith
    One person found this helpful
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  • HARALD G. HALL
    5.0 out of 5 stars great story
    Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    if you like reading about vikings then this is the book you need to be reading.
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  • james
    3.0 out of 5 stars predictable plot and meh
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Nothing to surprise here in terms of the plot. The historical references etc were interesting enough. I did get really tired of how often Dunstan describes himself as an 'old man' - no need to keep repeating this. The lady he was safeguarding didnt have much substance but neither did Dunstan who was continually defined by his age and his axe. I wasnt too impressed with the battle scenes and the writing was really quite lurid when describing wounds or anything to do with blood in a kind of ghoulish childlike way. I dont know if the writing style was intended to fit with the historical time period when English wasnt that well developed but the style was very very simple and unproblematic. There are no shades of grey here - goodies and badies are clearly defined. I would not buy a sequel.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this novel. It's not a complex mystery. The unknown is more a question of why than of who. Dunstan and Aedwen are likeable characters who are in a desperate situation. Despite the risks, they are determined to find the truth. The world of 9th century Wessex is an interesting place to be. I like Harffy's story telling. If you enjoy historical fiction in the vein of Christian Cameron, Conn Iggulden or Bernard Cromwell, you'll probably enjoy this standalone novel.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ronald Delval
    4.0 out of 5 stars There's more to this old man than it seems...
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on December 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A fun standalone novel (though a sequel is slightly teased) focussing on Saxon society during the Northmen raids.
    An old woodsman stumbles on a dead man and ends up reluctantly taking the dead man's daughter under his wing.
    Falsely accused of murder they are on the run and looking for the truth.
    Very good character development. The underused archetype of the old waning veteran warrior. And excellent action without having it overstay it's welcome.
    The main character is competent and dangerous but no immortal superhero. Weakened by age, he has to rely on cunning and experience.
    The main character also has a worthy though predictably (but enjoyable!) arc.
    Well recommended!
    Report
  • Peter Gries
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping story
    Reviewed in Germany on January 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    First book by the author but not my last one. I ordered the book after reading about it and was not disappointed. Fast pacing and gripping story with a nonwilling have-to-be-Hero/killer-again.
    The fights are well done and believable, only the (spoiler ahead) last stand against the attacking riders was a bit over the top. Not the fight itself but the appearance of the long lost friend who saves the day. A bit much of deus ex machina.
    Despite this small drawback it was gripping to read it on one weekend, keeping me awake reading till 2AM.
    Highly recommend, looking forward to part 2
    Report
  • marc
    5.0 out of 5 stars Welldone
    Reviewed in France on December 19, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A good reading Time.
    Report
  • God of Gnomes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Old Wolf
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Dunston lives a solitary life in his cottage in the woods with only his trusty hound Odin for company, relying on his expert tracking and foraging skills to make a humble living. This all changes when on a forage out he comes across a dead man, killed in a horrific fashion, not only that but the mans daughter hiding in the woods. Dunston really wants nothing to do with either, but he is an honourable man, so decides to take the corpse and the young girl to the nearby village and let the authorities deal with both..... but darker forces are at work here, entwined with betrayal and intrigue. Before long the innocent Dunston is accused of the murder and with young girl in tow is both running for his life using all his woodcraft skills to stay head of a band of vicious killers with a secret to protect all the while trying to unravel the plot and clear his name.... the one thing the killers hadn't banked on is that although an old man now..... Dunston has a past, and it's a past filled with blood, death and war... he was one a wolf of Wessex and this Wolf still has teeth.
    This is a wonderful stand alone novel, Dunston is an incredibly well written character, full of a rich depth and pathos. With more than a little of David Gemmell's Druss about him, he loves peace and solitude and wants no more to do with the man he was, however to stand against him is to know an implacable foe... Aedwen the young girl who both needs Dunston's help and is the source of his problems is an engaging character, forthright, brave and clever and equally well written. The pace is beautiful with Dunston both hunted and hunter, the action is fast and brutal and very well described.... all in all this is a Fantastic read, well worth it
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  • Bill E
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding and engaging historical fiction
    Reviewed in Australia on January 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Without doubt, one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. The author has created a deeply compelling story populated by great, detailed main characters. The quality of the descriptive writing is second to none. Combining intrigue, rugged fight scenes, beautiful descriptions of 9th century England and masterful storytelling, I recommend this book highly and look forward to further in the series.
    Report