Head of Zeus snaps up three more historical novels from Harffy

Head of Zeus has signed three more books from historical novelist Matthew Harffy.

Chief executive and publisher Nic Cheetham acquired world all language rights in three novels from the author directly.

Two of the books are additions to Harffy’s medieval series. The first, volume three in the A Time for Swords series set in the Viking Age, sees warrior-monk Hunlaf and his comrades voyage to the heart of Muslim Spain in search of a valuable yet destructive prize. It will be released in hardback, trade paperback, e-book and audio in August 2023. 

Book 10 in the Bernicia Chronicles, featuring Northumbrian lord Beobrand and his followers on a quest to the holy city of Rome, will follow in the same formats in late 2024.

The third book, released in spring 2024, will be a new foray into historical fiction set on a different continent.

"I am extremely excited to continue my writing journey with Nicolas Cheetham and everyone in the fabulous Aries and Head of Zeus team," Harffy said. "I am looking forward to adding to Beobrand’s saga with another Bernicia Chronicles novel, continuing Hunlaf’s adventures in the third instalment of the A Time for Swords series, and further stretching myself by writing a standalone novel in what is a completely new time period and place for me."

Harffy has also recently moved into podcasting, co-hosting "Rock, Paper, Swords! The Historical Action and Adventure Podcast" with fellow author Steven A McKay.

Cheetham said: "Matthew has established himself as one of the leading lights of Dark Age historical fiction, not only in this country, but also around the world, with his books now available in German and Czech. Readers are in for a real treat - Beobrand and Hunlaf explore ever wilder shores, while Matthew’s top secret new standalone explores altogether new and exciting territory."