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

Lindisfarne, AD793. 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.

Hunlaf soon learns that there is a time for faith and prayer... and there is a time for swords.

Praise for Matthew Harffy:

''Harffy is a master of the Dark Age thriller... A Time for Swords is a bold opening to yet another enthralling series. It promises to be one heck of a ride'' Theodore Brun, author of A Mighty Dawn

''Terrific white-knuckle action, absolutely gripping storytelling... Can''t wait for the next one. Highly recommended!'' Angus Donald author of Robin Hood and the Caliph''s Gold

''The gripping novel evokes the turbulence and violence of the first onslaught of the Vikings. I couldn''t put it down!'' Christian Cameron author of Hawkwood''s Sword

''Nothing less than superb... The tale is fast paced and violence lurks on every page'' Historical Novel Society

''Harffy''s writing just gets better and better... He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell''s crown'' Jemahl Evans, author of The Last Roundhead