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Head of Zeus has signed three new titles from Matthew Harffy, bestselling author of historical novels, securing world rights in all languages.
Nic Cheetham, managing director at Head of Zeus, agreed a deal directly with the author for three new titles in world all-languages, including one each in what the publisher dubbed the "genre-favourite" Bernicia Chronicles and A Time for Swords series, plus one currently untitled novel.
The new A Time for Swords novel will be published in trade formats, e-book and audiobook in October 2025, and sees warrior-monk Hunlaf on a dangerous quest to the Holy Land via Byzantium. The new Bernicia Chronicles novel, set in the Anglo-Saxon era and featuring Northumbrian warlord Beobrand, will follow in August 2026, with the third book scheduled for June 2027.
Harffy said: "Head of Zeus has done a wonderful job publishing all 15 of my books to date and I am proud and excited to be continuing my writing journey with the HoZ/Bloomsbury team as I embark on my next three historical novels.
"I am looking forward to continuing Beobrand’s Dark Age saga with the next instalment of the Bernicia Chronicles, and furthering the adventures of monk-turned-warrior, Hunlaf, as he roves over Carolingian Europe and beyond. As to the third book, you’ll have to wait and see.
Cheetham said: "From Northumbria, AD 633 to Oregon 1890, Matthew Harffy’s historical adventures cut through time and space with swash, buckle and razor-sharp research. Matthew’s love of history, inventive swearing, close quarter combat and extreme jeopardy is evident on every page."
Harffy grew up in Northumberland and now lives in Wiltshire. He is the author of over a dozen historical novels and also presents the podcast "Rock, Paper, Swords! The Historical Action and Adventure Podcast" with fellow author Steven A McKay.