David Gilman – författare

A young Englishman captured by slavers must survive the snakepit that is seventeenth-century Venice.1604. As pirates seeking slaves to sell in the markets of North Africa terrorise the coasts of Europe, headstrong Richard Sheriff and his sister Elizabeth are torn from their Devonshire home and thrust into a waking nightmare.Richard’s skills as a blacksmith see him fetch a high price, but the pirate captain has other plans for Elizabeth and once they are separated, Richard has no idea of his sister's fate. They must both learn to survive on a deadly voyage into the unknown.Sold into servitude in Venice: glittering, vicious city of secrets, he is apprenticed to a knife maker. Richard’s talents soon win him renown... but haunted by his sister’s absence, he vows never to stop looking for her, knowing she would do the same for him. First he must survive that city of ghosts. Will the siblings live to see each other again, or will they join the myriads lost to Venice, where life is cheap, profit is all, and escape nigh-on impossible?A powerful historical adventure perfect for fans of Kate Mosse, Ken Follett and Robert Harris.Reviews for THE KNIFE MAKER OF VENICE'A page-turner of the highest order, perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Dan Jones and Giles Kristian' Daily Express‘A proper edge-of-the-seat page-turner... vivid and gripping. A superb novel’ Elizabeth Chadwick'Thick with tension, ablaze with fear and thrilling action, yet driven by a love so strong, I couldn’t look away. Gilman has created a mighty evocation of seventeenth-century Venice.' Kate Furnivall'An unforgettable adventure' Clare Whitfield'Relentless suspense against the backdrop of a stunningly realized Renaissance-era Venice' Boyd and Beth Morrison'Fantastic... A dark, compelling story that cuts through like a blade [and] grips from the very first page.' S.W. Perry

THE THRILLING MEDIEVAL BLOCKBUSTER FROM DAVID GILMAN, TO KILL A KING, OUT IN PAPERBACK NOW!A gripping historical adventure of war and intrigue set during the tumultuous late Victorian period from the critically acclaimed author of the Master of War series.South Africa, 1900. The search for his missing son takes Joseph Radcliffe from the streets of Dublin, smouldering with rebellion, to the trackless veld of South Africa and the bloody brutality of the Anglo-Boer War. As a former cavalryman in the US army, Radcliffe is no stranger to war, but 800 miles north of Cape Town, under fire from Boer commandos and distrusted by the British forces, he will find his survival skills tested to the hilt. The Last Horseman is an epic tale of heroism and treachery, love and loyalty, set against the backdrop of a conflict that shook an empire to its core.''Gripping and full of action, but is also smart and subtle about questions of loyalty and guilt in a war with few good guys.'' The Times''A perfect read for fans of Bernard Cornwell.'' Historical Novel ReviewWhat people are saying about THE LAST HORSEMAN: ''Meticulous research, fascinating period details, grab-you-by-the-throat action and wonderfully vivid descriptions of South Africa''''I had high hopes for The Last Horseman: I was, most definitely, not disappointed''''This book makes you experience every step and emotion along the way''''I wait impatiently for his next brilliant offering''

PREORDER DAVID GILMAN'S THRILLING NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL THE KNIFE MAKER OF VENICE NOW!THE HUNDRED YEARS’ WAR COMES TO LIFE WITH DAVID GILMANIn this gripping historical adventure, Master of War Sir Thomas Blackstone must travel into enemy lands with a price on his head as he seeks gold and alliances for King Edward's war with France.1368, Northern Italy. As the Hundred Years’ War smoulders, the Duke of Clarence, second son of Edward III, sets out from Paris to wed the Lord of Milan's daughter. The union could forge an alliance as vital as any victory on the battlefield. But the road to Milan is a road to betrayal.Riding ahead is Sir Thomas Blackstone, the legendary Master of War. Blackstone is tasked with securing the gold that, together with the marriage alliance, will fuel the House of Plantagenets’ fight against France. But with a bounty on his head, Blackstone will have to outthink and outfight foes deadlier than any he has faced before. Yet the gravest threat may lie closer to home. Blackstone's son, Henry, has inherited his father's unerring fate to walk where peril waits...Reviews for David Gilman'A gripping ride' Wilbur Smith 'A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' Robert Fabbri'Page-turning and gritty' Daily Mail'I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell when it came to dramatizing battles, but David Gilman is giving him a real run for his money' Sharon PenmanHeart-pounding action' The Times'A thrilling, fast-moving, engaging tale' Historical Novel SocietyRead the complete epic series#1 Master of War#2 Defiant Unto Death #3 Gate of the Dead#4 Viper’s Blood#5 Scourge of Wolves#6 Cross of Fire#7 Shadow of the Hawk#8 To Kill A King#9 Rage of Swords

He doesn't need Alex Rider's girly gadgets. He's much more fanciable than Andy McNab's Boy Soldier. His adventures will take you to places even Wilbur Smith hadn't thought of. Soon after escaping an assassin that bursts from the shadows to try and kill him in the dark windswept grounds of his school in Dartmoor, Max Gordon discovers that his explorer father has also gone missing. Max is determined to find him whatever dangers may lay in his path. A secret clue, that his father has left, leads Max to the inhospitable wilderness of Namibia and the discovery of a potential massive ecological disaster masterminded by the very powerful and completely ruthless businessman, Shaka Chang. Whoever is behind Max's fathers disappearance is determined to get rid of Max too. For good. The Devil's Breath is the first incredible book, in a blockbuster new adventure series for boys and girls of 9+ , with more plot twists and death defying action scenes than a Bond film. A world of stampeding buffalo, lethal scorpions, ancient tribes and prophecies awaits you...

Max Gordon. Wanted for murder.Two thousand freezing metres high in the mountain peaks, Max Gordon is grappling with death.His race to win an X-treme sports challenge has become a race to survive. Max witnesses the last moments of a mysterious Basque monk, who screams a cryptic clue before plummeting to his death. The clue is a prophecy that fortells of a cataclysmic ecological event which will kill millions across Europe.Now Max is trapped in the darkness of a dead man's secret and the hunt is on. How will Max prove his innocence when nobody will trust him – and he can trust no one?

Desperate to uncover the secret of his mother's death, Max Gordon is chased into the night by a ruthless mercenary. His search takes him from the desolate hills of Dartmoor to the endangered rainforest of Central America - where the devastation hides a sinister secret. Drug smugglers, deadly crocodiles, man-eating snakes and flesh-stripping piranhas await Max at every turn. Has Max's quest for the truth led to an answer for which he'll pay the ultimate price?

A young Englishman captured by slavers must survive the snakepit that is seventeenth-century Venice.1604. Pirate raiders terrorise the coasts of Europe, seeking slaves to sell in the markets of North Africa.When headstrong Richard Sheriff and his beloved sister Elizabeth are torn from their Devonshire home by slavers, he is cast into a living nightmare.With Richard being a talented blacksmith, the pirate captain intends to sell him for a high price. He has other plans for Elizabeth... and once they are separated, Richard has no idea of his sister's fate.He is eventually sold into servitude in Venice: glittering, vicious city of secrets, where his talents find him apprenticed to a knife maker. He vows he will never stop looking for his sister but first he must survive that city of ghosts, where life is cheap, profit is all and escape nigh-on impossible.A powerful historical adventure perfect for fans of Ken Follett and Robert Harris.Reviews for David Gilman'Gilman does heart pounding action superlatively' The Times'A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' Robert Fabbri'The level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level' Sharon Penman

PREORDER DAVID GILMAN'S THRILLING NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL THE KNIFE MAKER OF VENICE NOW!In this gripping historical adventure, Master of War Sir Thomas Blackstone must travel into enemy lands with a price on his head as he seeks gold and alliances for King Edward's war with France.THE MASTER OF WAR RIDES AGAIN.1368, Northern Italy. As the Hundred Years' War smoulders, the Duke of Clarence, second son of Edward III, sets out from Paris to wed the Lord of Milan's daughter. The union could forge an alliance as vital as any victory on the battlefield. But the road to Milan is a road to betrayal.Riding ahead is Sir Thomas Blackstone, the legendary Master of War. Blackstone is tasked with securing the gold that, together with the marriage alliance, will fuel the House of Plantagenets' fight against France. But with a bounty on his head, Blackstone will have to outthink and outfight foes deadlier than any he has faced before. Yet the gravest threat may lie closer to home. Blackstone's son, Henry, has inherited his father's unerring fate to walk where peril waits...Reviews for David Gilman'Page-turning and gritty' Daily Mail'Heart-pounding action' The Times'Gripping' Wilbur Smith'Vivid and inventive' Sunday Times'A master author' Army Rumour Service'The Hundred Years War brought alive' For Winter Nights

PREORDER DAVID GILMAN'S THRILLING NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL THE KNIFE MAKER OF VENICE NOW!THE HUNDRED YEARS’ WAR COMES TO LIFE WITH DAVID GILMANIn this gripping historical adventure, Master of War Sir Thomas Blackstone must travel into enemy lands with a price on his head as he seeks gold and alliances for King Edward's war with France.1368, Northern Italy. As the Hundred Years’ War smoulders, the Duke of Clarence, second son of Edward III, sets out from Paris to wed the Lord of Milan's daughter. The union could forge an alliance as vital as any victory on the battlefield. But the road to Milan is a road to betrayal.Riding ahead is Sir Thomas Blackstone, the legendary Master of War. Blackstone is tasked with securing the gold that, together with the marriage alliance, will fuel the House of Plantagenets’ fight against France. But with a bounty on his head, Blackstone will have to outthink and outfight foes deadlier than any he has faced before. Yet the gravest threat may lie closer to home. Blackstone's son, Henry, has inherited his father's unerring fate to walk where peril waits...Reviews for David Gilman'A gripping ride' Wilbur Smith 'A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' Robert Fabbri'Page-turning and gritty' Daily Mail'I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell when it came to dramatizing battles, but David Gilman is giving him a real run for his money' Sharon PenmanHeart-pounding action' The Times'A thrilling, fast-moving, engaging tale' Historical Novel SocietyRead the complete epic series#1 Master of War#2 Defiant Unto Death #3 Gate of the Dead#4 Viper’s Blood#5 Scourge of Wolves#6 Cross of Fire#7 Shadow of the Hawk#8 To Kill A King#9 Rage of Swords

The playscript to Ghost in the Machine by David Gilman begins with a common situation – that of a missing fifty dollar bill – and spins it into intriguing questions of probability, chance and the complexities of musical composition: illusion and reality.

The second thrilling historical adventure in the Master of War series set during the tumult of the Hundred Years'' War.FRANCE: 1356. Ten years ago, the greatest army in Christendom was slaughtered at Crécy. Archer Thomas Blackstone stood his ground and left that squalid field a knight. He has since carved out a small fiefdom in northern France, but the wounds of war still bleed and a traitor has given the King of France the means to destroy the English knight and his family. As the traitor''s net tightens, so the French King''s army draws in. Blackstone will stand and fight. He will defy his friends, his family and his king. He may yet defy death, but he can''t defy his destiny: MASTER OF WAR.''Heart-pounding action'' The Times''A thrilling, fast-moving, engaging tale'' Historical Novel Society

PREORDER DAVID GILMAN''S THRILLING NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL THE KNIFE MAKER OF VENICE NOW!The third powerful historical adventure novel in the Master of War series sees Thomas Blackstone fighting as a mercenary in the Italian states.Tuscany, 1358: Thomas Blackstone has built a formidable reputation in exile, fighting as a mercenary amid the ceaseless internecine warring of Italy''s City States. But success has bred many enemies, and when a dying man delivers a message recalling him to England, it seems almost certain to be a trap. Yet Blackstone cannot disobey the summons is at the Queen''s demand. On his journey, Blackstone will brave the terrors of the High Alps in winter, face the Black Prince in tournament, confront the bloody anarchy of a popular revolt and submit to trial by combat. And every step of the way, he will be shadowed by a notorious assassin with orders to despatch him to Hell.''A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty'' Robert Fabbri

The first novel in the breathtaking historical fiction series set during the Hundred Years'' War. Amid the carnage of the the bloodiest conflict in medieval history, a young English archer confronts his destiny...England, 1346: For Thomas Blackstone the choice is easy – dance on the end of a rope for a murder he did not commit, or take up his war bow and join the king''s invasion of France. As he fights his way across northern France, Blackstone learns the brutal lessons of war – from the terror and confusion of his first taste of combat, to the savage realities of siege warfare. Vastly outnumbered, Edward III''s army will finally confront the armoured might of the French nobility on the field of Crécy. It is a battle that will change the history of warfare, a battle that will change the course of Blackstone''s life, a battle that will forge a legend.''Page-turning and gritty'' Daily Mail''I''d never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell when it came to dramatizing battles, but David Gilman is giving him a real run for his money'' Sharon Penman''A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty'' Robert Fabbri

''Like a punch from a mailed fist, MASTER OF WAR gives a true taste of the Hundred Years War. It is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty. The stench and harshness of medieval life is ever present'' ROBERT FABBRI, bestselling author of the Vespasian series. THE BLOODING is the first part (190 pages) of the David Gilman''s epic novel MASTER OF WAR, published on 01 August 2013. Readers of Conn Iggulden, Simon Scarrow and Bernard Cornwell will be delighted to discover a new series to follow.England, 1346: For Thomas Blackstone the choice is easy – dance on the end of a rope for a murder he did not commit, or take up his war bow and join the king''s invasion. As he fights his way across northern France, Blackstone learns the brutal lessons of war – from the terror and confusion of his first taste of combat, to the savage realities of siege warfare.Vastly outnumbered, Edward III''s army will finally confront the armoured might of the French nobility on the field of Crécy. It is a battle that will change the history of warfare, a battle that will change the course of Blackstone''s life, a battle that will forge a legend.

Sir Thomas Blackstone undertakes a perilous mission to the lands of his deadly enemies in this thrilling medieval historical adventure set during the Hundred Years'' War.Provoked by the Dauphin''s refusal to honour the terms of his father''s surrender, Edward III has invaded France with the greatest army England has ever assembled. But the English lion''s attempts to claw the French crown from its master are futile. After defeats at Crècy and Poitiers, the Dauphin will no longer meet the English in the field. Mired down in costly sieges and facing a stalemate, Edward''s great army is forced to argee a treaty. But peace comes at a price. The French request that Blackstone escort their King''s daughter to Italy to see her married to one of the two brothers who rule Milan – the same brothers who killed Blackstone''s family to revenge the defeats they suffered at his hand. Blackstone, the French are certain, will never leave Milan alive...''A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty'' Robert Fabbri on Master of War

'A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' ROBERT FABBRI. Provoked by the Dauphin's refusal to honour the terms of his father's surrender, Edward III has invaded France with the greatest army England has ever assembled. But the English lion's attempts to claw the French crown from its master are futile. After defeats at Crècy and Poitiers, the Dauphin will no longer meet the English in the field. Mired down in costly sieges and facing a stalemate, Edward's great army is forced to argee a treaty. But peace comes at a price. The French request that Blackstone escort their King's daughter to Italy to see her married to one of the two brothers who rule Milan – the same brothers who killed Blackstone's family to revenge the defeats they suffered at his hand. Blackstone, the French are certain, will never leave Milan alive...

A powerful historical adventure set during the bloody conflict of the Hundred Years'' War from critically acclaimed author David Gilman.Winter, 1361. After two decades of conflict, Edward III has finally agreed a treaty with the captive French King, John II. In return for his freedom, John has ceded vast tracts of territory to the English. But for five long years mercenary bands and belligerent lords have fought over the carcass of his kingdom. They will not give up their hard-won spoils to honour a defeated king''s promises. If the English want their prize, they''ll have to fight for it... Thomas Blackstone will have to fight for it. As he battles to enforce Edward''s claim, Thomas Blackstone will see his name blackened, his men slaughtered, his family hunted. He will be betrayed and, once again, he''ll face the might of the French army on the field. But this time there will be no English army at his back. He''ll face the French alone.''Heart-pounding action'' The Times''Pacy and atmospheric'' Historical Novel Society

PREORDER DAVID GILMAN'S THRILLING NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL THE KNIFE MAKER OF VENICE NOW!THE HUNDRED YEARS’ WAR COMES TO LIFE WITH DAVID GILMANA powerful historical adventure set during the bloody conflict of the Hundred Years' War from critically acclaimed author David Gilman.Winter, 1361. After two decades of conflict, Edward III has finally agreed a treaty with the captive French King, John II. In return for his freedom, John has ceded vast tracts of territory to the English. But for five long years mercenary bands and belligerent lords have fought over the carcass of his kingdom. They will not give up their hard-won spoils to honour a defeated king's promises. If the English want their prize, they'll have to fight for it... Thomas Blackstone will have to fight for it. As he battles to enforce Edward's claim, Thomas Blackstone will see his name blackened, his men slaughtered, his family hunted. He will be betrayed and, once again, he'll face the might of the French army on the field. But this time there will be no English army at his back. He'll face the French alone.Reviews for David Gilman 'A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' Robert Fabbri'Page-turning and gritty' Daily Mail'I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell when it came to dramatizing battles, but David Gilman is giving him a real run for his money' Sharon PenmanHeart-pounding action' The Times'A thrilling, fast-moving, engaging tale' Historical Novel SocietyRead the complete epic series#1 Master of War#2 Defiant Unto Death #3 Gate of the Dead#4 Viper’s Blood#5 Scourge of Wolves#6 Cross of Fire#7 Shadow of the Hawk#8 To Kill A King#9 Rage of Swords

'Page-turning and gritty' DAILY MAIL. Amid the carnage of the 100 Years War – the bloodiest conflict in medieval history – a young English archer confronts his destiny... England, 1346: For Thomas Blackstone the choice is easy – dance on the end of a rope for a murder he did not commit, or take up his war bow and join the king's invasion. As he fights his way across northern France, Blackstone learns the brutal lessons of war – from the terror and confusion of his first taste of combat, to the savage realities of siege warfare. Vastly outnumbered, Edward III's army will finally confront the armoured might of the French nobility on the field of Crécy. It is a battle that will change the history of warfare, a battle that will change the course of Blackstone's life, a battle that will forge a legend.

'Heart-pounding action' THE TIMES. FRANCE: 1356. Ten years ago, the greatest army in Christendom was slaughtered at Crécy. Archer Thomas Blackstone stood his ground and left that squalid field a knight. He has since carved out a small fiefdom in northern France, but the wounds of war still bleed and a traitor has given the King of France the means to destroy the English knight and his family. As the traitor's net tightens, so the French King's army draws in. Blackstone will stand and fight. He will defy his friends, his family and his king. He may yet defy death, but he can't defy his destiny: MASTER OF WAR.

'A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' ROBERT FABBRI. Tuscany, 1358: Thomas Blackstone has built a formidable reputation in exile, fighting as a mercenary amid the ceaseless internecine warring of Italy's City States. But success has bred many enemies, and when a dying man delivers a message recalling him to England, it seems almost certain to be a trap. Yet Blackstone cannot disobey – the summons is at the Queen's demand. On his journey, Blackstone will brave the terrors of the High Alps in winter, face the Black Prince in tournament, confront the bloody anarchy of a popular revolt and submit to trial by combat. And every step of the way, he will be shadowed by a notorious assassin with orders to despatch him to Hell.

Amid the carnage of the 100 Years War – the bloodiest conflict in medieval history – a young English archer confronts his destiny... England, 1346: For Thomas Blackstone the choice is easy – dance on the end of a rope for a murder he did not commit, or take up his war bow and join the king''s invasion. As he fights his way across northern France, Blackstone learns the brutal lessons of war – from the terror and confusion of his first taste of combat, to the savage realities of siege warfare. Blackstone will brave the terrors of the High Alps in winter, face the Black Prince in tournament, confront the bloody anarchy of a popular revolt and emerge from the Battle of Crécy as a knight. He may yet defy death but he can''t defy his destiny: Master of War. Collected in a single volume for the first time, the first three novels in the epic Master of War series, comprising of: Master of War Defiant unto Death Gate of the Dead.

A page-turning, gripping World War Two espionage thriller from the author of Master of War and The Englishman. It is 1943 and for agents of the Special Operations Executive, a mission to Nazi-occupied Paris is a death sentence. So why has unlikely spy Harry Mitchell volunteered to return to the city he fled two years ago? The French capital is at war with itself. Informers, gangsters, collaborators and Resistance factions are as ready to slit each other''s throats as they are the Germans''. The occupiers are no better: the Gestapo and Abwehr – military intelligence – are locked in their own lethal battle for dominance. Mitchell knows the risks but he has a reason to put his life on the line: his family are still in Paris and have fallen into the hands of the Gestapo. With disaster afflicting his mission from the outset, it will take all his ingenuity to even get into the capital... unaware that every step he takes is a step closer to a trap well set and baited. Reviews for David Gilman''Everything a thriller should be: fast-paced with great characters, life or death jeopardy and nail-biting action. David Gilman delivers the goods once again. A terrific read!'' MATTHEW HARFFY''Absolutely amazing. I''d never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell... The level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level'' SHARON PENMAN''A gripping ride through a memorable period of history'' WILBUR SMITH''Page-turning and gritty'' DAILY MAIL

'Page-turning and gritty' DAILY MAIL. It is 1943 and for agents of the Special Operations Executive, a mission to Nazi-occupied Paris is a death sentence. So why has unlikely spy Harry Mitchell volunteered to return to the city he fled two years ago? The French capital is at war with itself. Informers, gangsters, collaborators and Resistance factions are as ready to slit each other's throats as they are the Germans'. The occupiers are no better: the Gestapo and Abwehr – military intelligence – are locked in their own lethal battle for dominance. Mitchell knows the risks but he has a reason to put his life on the line: his family are still in Paris and have fallen into the hands of the Gestapo. With disaster afflicting his mission from the outset, it will take all his ingenuity to even get into the capital... unaware that every step he takes is a step closer to a trap well set and baited. 'Night Flight to Paris is everything a thriller should be: fast-paced with great characters, life or death jeopardy and nail-biting action. David Gilman delivers the goods once again. A terrific read!' MATTHEW HARFFY. 'Absolutely amazing. I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell... The level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level' SHARON PENMAN. 'A gripping ride through a memorable period of history' WILBUR SMITH.

Sir Thomas Blackstone must outwit French forces and deadly enemies in this exciting medieval historical adventure set during the Hundred Years'' War.WINTER, 1362. After decades of successful campaigning in France, Thomas Blackstone, once a common archer, has risen to become Edward III''s Master of War.But the title is as much a curse as a blessing. Success has brought few rewards: his family – bar his son Henry – is dead, slaughtered; his enemies only multiply. Death, in so many guises, beckons.As he battles to enforce his King''s claim to French territory, Blackstone will assault an impregnable fortress, he''ll become embroiled in a feud between French aristocrats, he''ll be forced into pitched battle in the dead of winter... and he''ll be asked to pay an impossible price to protect something much more precious to the King than mere land.All the while, out of the east, a group of trained killers, burning with vengeance, draw ever closer.Reviews for David Gilman''The level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level'' Sharon Penman''A gripping ride'' Wilbur Smith''Gilman does heart pounding action superlatively'' The Times''Like a punch from a mailed fist, Master of War is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty'' Robert Fabbri

PREORDER DAVID GILMAN'S THRILLING NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL THE KNIFE MAKER OF VENICE NOW!THE HUNDRED YEARS’ WAR COMES TO LIFE WITH DAVID GILMANSir Thomas Blackstone must outwit French forces and deadly enemies in this exciting medieval historical adventure set during the Hundred Years' War.WINTER, 1362. After decades of successful campaigning in France, Thomas Blackstone, once a common archer, has risen to become Edward III's Master of War.But the title is as much a curse as a blessing. Success has brought few rewards: his family – bar his son Henry – is dead, slaughtered; his enemies only multiply. Death, in so many guises, beckons.As he battles to enforce his King's claim to French territory, Blackstone will assault an impregnable fortress, he'll become embroiled in a feud between French aristocrats, he'll be forced into pitched battle in the dead of winter... and he'll be asked to pay an impossible price to protect something much more precious to the King than mere land.All the while, out of the east, a group of trained killers, burning with vengeance, draw ever closer.Reviews for David Gilman 'A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' Robert Fabbri'Page-turning and gritty' Daily Mail'I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell when it came to dramatizing battles, but David Gilman is giving him a real run for his money' Sharon PenmanHeart-pounding action' The Times'A thrilling, fast-moving, engaging tale' Historical Novel SocietyRead the complete epic series#1 Master of War#2 Defiant Unto Death #3 Gate of the Dead#4 Viper’s Blood#5 Scourge of Wolves#6 Cross of Fire#7 Shadow of the Hawk#8 To Kill A King#9 Rage of Swords

The Hundred Years'' War enters a deadly new phase. Sir Thomas Blackstone must do battle in Brittany to protect English interests in France, but a shocking revelation means the war spreads to unexpected new fronts. A gripping historical adventure from David Gilman.Winter, 1364.The King is dead.Defeated on the field of Poitiers, Jean Le Bon, King of France, honoured his treaty with England until his death. His son and heir, Charles V, has no intention of doing the same. War is coming and the predators are circling.Sir Thomas Blackstone, Edward III''s Master of War, has been tasked with securing Brittany for England. In the throes of battle, he rescues a young boy, sole witness to the final living breaths of the Queen of Castile. The secret the boy carries is a spark deadly enough to ignite conflict on a new front – a front the English cannot afford to fight on.So Blackstone is ordered south to Castile, across the mountains to shepherd Don Pedro, King of Castile, to safety. Accompanied only by a small detachment of his men and a band of Moorish cavalrymen loyal to the king, every step takes Blackstone further into uncertain territory, deeper into an unyielding snare.For the Master of War, the shadow of death is always present.Reviews for David Gilman''The level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level'' Sharon Penman''A gripping ride'' Wilbur Smith''Gilman does heart pounding action superlatively'' The Times''Like a punch from a mailed fist, Master of War is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty'' Robert Fabbri