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Master of War #8
To Kill a King
The eighth gripping adventure in David Gilman's critically acclaimed Master of War series set in fourteenth-century Europe.
Bordeaux, 1367. Having angered the bloodthirsty Don Pedro, King of Castile, Sir Thomas Blackstone is thoroughly sick of his mission for the Prince of Wales, but must remain true to his oath.
But this is the Hundred Years' War, and tensions are rising once more. With the Prince of Wales deeply unpopular in his Aquitainian lands, Blackstone, King Edward's Master of War, must return to French soil to help stem the tide of support for the King of France.
Meanwhile, Henry, Blackstone's son, faces an incognito ride across France with his own motley band of outlaws and mercenaries. But the French are aware of the younger Blackstone's journey, and see a perfect way to target the Master of War…
Reviews for David Gilman
'A gripping ride' Wilbur Smith
'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
Bordeaux, 1367. Having angered the bloodthirsty Don Pedro, King of Castile, Sir Thomas Blackstone is thoroughly sick of his mission for the Prince of Wales, but must remain true to his oath.
But this is the Hundred Years' War, and tensions are rising once more. With the Prince of Wales deeply unpopular in his Aquitainian lands, Blackstone, King Edward's Master of War, must return to French soil to help stem the tide of support for the King of France.
Meanwhile, Henry, Blackstone's son, faces an incognito ride across France with his own motley band of outlaws and mercenaries. But the French are aware of the younger Blackstone's journey, and see a perfect way to target the Master of War…
Reviews for David Gilman
'A gripping ride' Wilbur Smith
'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
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2024
194 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
David Gilman
48 books413 followersDavid Gilman was raised in Liverpool and educated in Wales. By the time he was 16 he was driving a battered 1946 Ford, ferrying construction workers in the African bush. A variety of jobs followed in different countries: fire and rescue, forestry work, JCB driver, window dresser and professional photographer in an advertising agency. He served in the Parachute Regiment’s Reconnaissance Platoon and then worked in publishing. In 1986 he turned to full-time writing. He has written many radio and television scripts including several years of ‘A Touch of Frost’. In 2007 his ‘Danger Zone’ trilogy for YA was sold in 15 countries. The first in the series – The Devil’s Breath was long listed for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and won the French Prix Polar Jeunesse. He also writes for younger children. MONKEY and ME has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal. ‘MASTER of WAR’ is the first in a series of HF for adults that follows the fortunes of Thomas Blackstone during the 100 Years’ War. The 7th volume - 'SHADOW OF THE HAWK' is published in February 2021.
A new contemporary thriller series - THE ENGLISHMAN - was published in 2020 to critical acclaim. The second book in The Englishman series will be published in early 2022.
A new contemporary thriller series - THE ENGLISHMAN - was published in 2020 to critical acclaim. The second book in The Englishman series will be published in early 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 25, 2024
Between the first book (which is the only other one in the series I've read) and now there’s been a lot of blood spilt and Blackstone has fought many battles, lost many comrades, suffered personal tragedy and defied death on numerous occasions.
It’s probably easiest if you’ve read previous books in the series but, if you haven’t – or have missed great chunks of the series like me – To Kill a King can be read as a standalone. I would suggest reading the Author’s Note to get a sense of the historical situation at the point the book opens. The list of characters at the beginning of the book will also introduce you to Blackstone’s most loyal and trusted comrades. They’ve travelled many miles together and fought many battles. ‘And where is home? For any of us? It is where we are with whom we ride. That is home…’
Blackstone’s son, Henry, has a lot to live up to, something he is intent on doing rather than continuing his studies in Oxford under the safety of an assumed name. Henry is the chink in his father’s armour (if you’ll pardon the pun), a reminder of the woman Blackstone loved and lost under tragic circumstances. There’s never been another to replace her, although some have come tantalisingly close.
You want battle scenes? You’ll get them in spades in To Kill a King: skirmish after skirmish, ambush after ambush, deadly hails of arrows and crossbow bolts, bloody close-quarter killing. ‘War hammers crushed bones… Men shrieked: pleas for clemency unheard above the cacophony of screams, whinnying horses, trumpets and drums.’ On plenty of occasions Blackstone has to rely on his ill-natured ‘bastard horse’, his trusty Wolf Sword or his sixth sense for danger to dodge death. And, if you want some really nasty villains, there are those too. In fact, if you’re a bit squeamish, you might want to skip over a few scenes.
The end of the book involves some brilliant scenes in which Blackstone proves what an unstoppable force he is, but also what he is prepared to do in order to protect his son. Will Blackstone live to fight another day? You’ll have to read the book to find out. A thrilling adventure for those who like their historical fiction action-packed.
It’s probably easiest if you’ve read previous books in the series but, if you haven’t – or have missed great chunks of the series like me – To Kill a King can be read as a standalone. I would suggest reading the Author’s Note to get a sense of the historical situation at the point the book opens. The list of characters at the beginning of the book will also introduce you to Blackstone’s most loyal and trusted comrades. They’ve travelled many miles together and fought many battles. ‘And where is home? For any of us? It is where we are with whom we ride. That is home…’
Blackstone’s son, Henry, has a lot to live up to, something he is intent on doing rather than continuing his studies in Oxford under the safety of an assumed name. Henry is the chink in his father’s armour (if you’ll pardon the pun), a reminder of the woman Blackstone loved and lost under tragic circumstances. There’s never been another to replace her, although some have come tantalisingly close.
You want battle scenes? You’ll get them in spades in To Kill a King: skirmish after skirmish, ambush after ambush, deadly hails of arrows and crossbow bolts, bloody close-quarter killing. ‘War hammers crushed bones… Men shrieked: pleas for clemency unheard above the cacophony of screams, whinnying horses, trumpets and drums.’ On plenty of occasions Blackstone has to rely on his ill-natured ‘bastard horse’, his trusty Wolf Sword or his sixth sense for danger to dodge death. And, if you want some really nasty villains, there are those too. In fact, if you’re a bit squeamish, you might want to skip over a few scenes.
The end of the book involves some brilliant scenes in which Blackstone proves what an unstoppable force he is, but also what he is prepared to do in order to protect his son. Will Blackstone live to fight another day? You’ll have to read the book to find out. A thrilling adventure for those who like their historical fiction action-packed.
October 24, 2023
David Gilman's Master of War books rarely disappoint, which is why they're so addictive. "To Kill a King" is no different. As always, great characters, high adventure, and a mastery of plot. He is to the Hundred Years war what Bernard Cornwell is to the Viking Wars and The Napoleonic Wars. I cannot recommend these books highly enough!
April 14, 2024
Found it a bit difficult to follow at first as there are so many characters, and trying to understand the complexities of the politics behind the Hundred Years’ War was a challenge. However, none of that was completely required to follow the story(thankfully), and it was totally worth sticking with. I was completely immersed in it within a few chapters, and the imagery conjured up by his writing made me feel like I was there. Will be reading others in the Master of War collection now.
March 9, 2024
David Gilman at his best!
Thomas Blackstone is fighting hard for the King and Prince, pushed into helping restore Don Pedro to his rule much to the Master of Wars disgust. Whilst all of this is going on unbeknown to Thomas his son Henry has left the relative safety of Cambridge to travel to find his father which results in Henry and his small band of ruffians being hunted to stop the Master of War from fighting against France.
I love the attention to detail and the twists and turns in this book that David Gilman is a Master himself.
Thomas Blackstone is fighting hard for the King and Prince, pushed into helping restore Don Pedro to his rule much to the Master of Wars disgust. Whilst all of this is going on unbeknown to Thomas his son Henry has left the relative safety of Cambridge to travel to find his father which results in Henry and his small band of ruffians being hunted to stop the Master of War from fighting against France.
I love the attention to detail and the twists and turns in this book that David Gilman is a Master himself.
April 20, 2024
This book is incredible! The thing I found most baffling was that Prince Edward and the king sent an army to Spain to reinstate Don Pedro, a thoroughly hateable man, who promised reimbursement for the expenses! I think its probable that never happened! The ending of the story is very intense, and I was not sure whether this was to be the last book in the series, or not. I thoroughly enjoy Mr. Gilmans writing style. He tells a story in a way that is not only very descriptive, but with enough action and intrigue to make the reader want more.
March 9, 2024
And so the legend continues!
Was good to have Sir Thomas and his gang back for yet another thrilling instalment and once again the story didn't disappoint.
Was good to have Sir Thomas and his gang back for yet another thrilling instalment and once again the story didn't disappoint.
March 28, 2024
Thomas Blackstone e seus homens conseguiram. Tiraram o rei Don Pedro da Espanha levando-o para a proteção do príncipe da Inglaterra, que estava em Bordeaux, e novamente Thomas escapou da morte, que dessa vez tinha sido "prevista" por uma mulher com envolvimento com o "sobrenatural" e com artimanhas em favor próprio. Nem veneno parou o cavaleiro inglês.
Agora vem a segunda parte da missão que é, com a ajuda do exército do príncipe, levar o rei Don Pedro de volta para a Espanha para que ele ocupe o seu trono de direito e, apesar de sua má reputação, aja como um aliado dos ingleses e não ameace as costas das Aquitânia (ao contrário do que faz o seu meio irmão, que foi coroado rei em sua ausência e é aliado dos franceses).
Paralelo à isso, temos novamente o aparecimento de Henry Blackstone na história. Como estava sendo constantemente ameaçado e sofrendo tentativas de assassinato, seu pai mandou-o para a Inglaterra, na cidade de Oxford, para que pudesse aperfeiçoar seus estudos lá e, quem sabe, vir à tornar-se um advogado. Mas, apesar de muito inteligente, Henry demonstra mais interesse em se relacionar com mulheres, beber em tabernas e praticar com a espada junto com seu guardião, fazendo o mínimo esforço para atingir seus objetivos acadêmicos.
Enquanto Blackstone e o exército inglês enfrentam o espanhol contando com a ajuda de nobres franceses, notícias sobre a batalha chegam na cidade de Oxford, onde Henry vive usando o sobrenome de sua mãe para passar despercebido. A informação desencontrada, pela metade, de que Blackstone estava preso e que seu estandarte foi visto caindo durante a batalha, além da falta de confirmação de que o inglês de fato tenha sobrevivido ao combate fazem com que Henry tome uma atitude intempestiva. Ele revela sua real identidade (escondida até de seu guardião) e resolve largar tudo na Inglaterra e partir em busca de mais informações sobre o seu pai, de quem ele sempre quis estar ao lado e fazer parte das batalhas travadas.
Daí surge uma jornada que vai alternando pontos de vista em cada parte do livro. Ora a ação sob o prisma de Thomas, ora sob os os olhos de Henry. Enfrentando alguns desafios, o filho vai tendo mais informações sobre o paradeiro e o estado real de seu pai após mais uma grande batalha vencida pelos ingleses, com o rei Don Pedro sendo alçado novamente ao trono, e o pai, sem saber inicialmente sobre as intenções e a aventura do filho, encontra e se apaixona por uma mulher dura e determinada, que o fará lembrada de sua esposa assassinada. Blackstone fará o que for possível para protegê-la e levá-la em segurança aos domínios de sua família na França, mesmo ela estando teoricamente em lados opostos na guerra envolvendo os Reis espanhóis. Mas os dois nutrindo além um carinho um pelo outro, a raiva em comum pelo rei Don Pedro (é Sancha quem tenta assassinar o rei Don Pedro e é salva por Blackstone, que já tinha tentado matar o rei francês).
Na trajetória de Henry, ele esbarra com homens que acabam se unindo a ele, outros que demonstram respeito pelas atitudes mas também, numa tentativa de salvar a própria pele, o filho de Blackstone se envolve com um bando perigoso e uma morte faz com que o jovem é perigoso líder do bando busque vingança. A coroa francesa é envolvida na trama é uma caçada é montada com o objetivo de atingir, de alguma forma, Thomas e tirá-lo de um futuro combate entre franceses e ingleses, pois seu filho estaria sob domínio dos seus inimigos.
Este é um livro que não tem um plot muito bom. Mas a alternância de pontos de vista foi interessante. Algumas situações foram forçadas e, novamente, um Blackstone sempre aparece com uma aura especial que faz com que ele sempre acerte e consiga escapar dos perigos. A justificativa para a inclusão da coroa francesa foi forçada, assim como a justificativa para Thomas proteger Sancha (poderia ser uma vontade do príncipe, mas certamente existem tarefas melhores para o Mestre de Guerra da Inglaterra).
No mais, é um livro que fecha as pontas soltas deixadas pelo último, onde já se imaginava que Blackstone teria que lidar com questões familiares. Mas ficou tudo muito raso e sem sentido (como a busca de Henry pelo pai).
A aventura terá uma continuação, mas o autor perde uma oportunidade de tirar Blackstone de cena e passar o protagonismo para Henry. Mesmo com tudo o que aconteceu, os acontecimentos no final do livro deixam claro que Henry vai voltar ao que era e que novamente Blackstone escapa para iniciar uma nova aventura.
Agora vem a segunda parte da missão que é, com a ajuda do exército do príncipe, levar o rei Don Pedro de volta para a Espanha para que ele ocupe o seu trono de direito e, apesar de sua má reputação, aja como um aliado dos ingleses e não ameace as costas das Aquitânia (ao contrário do que faz o seu meio irmão, que foi coroado rei em sua ausência e é aliado dos franceses).
Paralelo à isso, temos novamente o aparecimento de Henry Blackstone na história. Como estava sendo constantemente ameaçado e sofrendo tentativas de assassinato, seu pai mandou-o para a Inglaterra, na cidade de Oxford, para que pudesse aperfeiçoar seus estudos lá e, quem sabe, vir à tornar-se um advogado. Mas, apesar de muito inteligente, Henry demonstra mais interesse em se relacionar com mulheres, beber em tabernas e praticar com a espada junto com seu guardião, fazendo o mínimo esforço para atingir seus objetivos acadêmicos.
Enquanto Blackstone e o exército inglês enfrentam o espanhol contando com a ajuda de nobres franceses, notícias sobre a batalha chegam na cidade de Oxford, onde Henry vive usando o sobrenome de sua mãe para passar despercebido. A informação desencontrada, pela metade, de que Blackstone estava preso e que seu estandarte foi visto caindo durante a batalha, além da falta de confirmação de que o inglês de fato tenha sobrevivido ao combate fazem com que Henry tome uma atitude intempestiva. Ele revela sua real identidade (escondida até de seu guardião) e resolve largar tudo na Inglaterra e partir em busca de mais informações sobre o seu pai, de quem ele sempre quis estar ao lado e fazer parte das batalhas travadas.
Daí surge uma jornada que vai alternando pontos de vista em cada parte do livro. Ora a ação sob o prisma de Thomas, ora sob os os olhos de Henry. Enfrentando alguns desafios, o filho vai tendo mais informações sobre o paradeiro e o estado real de seu pai após mais uma grande batalha vencida pelos ingleses, com o rei Don Pedro sendo alçado novamente ao trono, e o pai, sem saber inicialmente sobre as intenções e a aventura do filho, encontra e se apaixona por uma mulher dura e determinada, que o fará lembrada de sua esposa assassinada. Blackstone fará o que for possível para protegê-la e levá-la em segurança aos domínios de sua família na França, mesmo ela estando teoricamente em lados opostos na guerra envolvendo os Reis espanhóis. Mas os dois nutrindo além um carinho um pelo outro, a raiva em comum pelo rei Don Pedro (é Sancha quem tenta assassinar o rei Don Pedro e é salva por Blackstone, que já tinha tentado matar o rei francês).
Na trajetória de Henry, ele esbarra com homens que acabam se unindo a ele, outros que demonstram respeito pelas atitudes mas também, numa tentativa de salvar a própria pele, o filho de Blackstone se envolve com um bando perigoso e uma morte faz com que o jovem é perigoso líder do bando busque vingança. A coroa francesa é envolvida na trama é uma caçada é montada com o objetivo de atingir, de alguma forma, Thomas e tirá-lo de um futuro combate entre franceses e ingleses, pois seu filho estaria sob domínio dos seus inimigos.
Este é um livro que não tem um plot muito bom. Mas a alternância de pontos de vista foi interessante. Algumas situações foram forçadas e, novamente, um Blackstone sempre aparece com uma aura especial que faz com que ele sempre acerte e consiga escapar dos perigos. A justificativa para a inclusão da coroa francesa foi forçada, assim como a justificativa para Thomas proteger Sancha (poderia ser uma vontade do príncipe, mas certamente existem tarefas melhores para o Mestre de Guerra da Inglaterra).
No mais, é um livro que fecha as pontas soltas deixadas pelo último, onde já se imaginava que Blackstone teria que lidar com questões familiares. Mas ficou tudo muito raso e sem sentido (como a busca de Henry pelo pai).
A aventura terá uma continuação, mas o autor perde uma oportunidade de tirar Blackstone de cena e passar o protagonismo para Henry. Mesmo com tudo o que aconteceu, os acontecimentos no final do livro deixam claro que Henry vai voltar ao que era e que novamente Blackstone escapa para iniciar uma nova aventura.
August 25, 2024
I must admit that the three year gap between "Shadow of the Hawk" and "To Kill a King" meant that I had to go back and do some rereading of part 7 of the Master of War series to allow me to get into the new book.
"To Kill a King" has two strands to it: Sir Thomas Blackstone and his involvement in Prince Edward of Woodstock's role in putting King Pedro (the Cruel) back on his throne of Castile and that of his son, Henry Blackstone, and his leaving his studies in England to join his father. The book starts in a rather humorous way but the blood letting soon starts. There is humour often there, in small doses, with the banter between the men of Thomas' war band, but fighting, war campaign and battle tactics dominate.
The politics that caused Prince Edward to back King Pedro outweigh the questionable morals of the actions and I recommend that you read some text books on the topic.
I will leave the previous reviewers to outline the story, there is little point in repeating what has been said. What I will do is endorse the author's comments that Prince Edward's campaign, and the failure of Pedro to fulfil his promise of paying for it, caused the heavy taxation Edward had to impose on his province of Aquitaine which, in turn, was a main contributor to its nobles switching loyalty to France and the eventual expulsion of the English from the land.
One thing: as pedant I have to do this - on page 124 Henry's guardian, man-at-arms Gifford, says that "Moses did a better job of escaping Herod's men". Well it was Pharos's men Moses escaped from in the rushes and it was Jesus who was saved from Herod's men. Now, did David Gillman make a mistake in this, or has he deliberately used this to shew that, unless you were either a cleric or, perhaps a Lollard, men at the time were quite confused as to what was in the Bible?
This is another brilliant read. Normally it would have been a one day read, all 449 pages of it, but things had to be done on the Saturday morning and Sunday had church and then a motorcycle ride written into them, so it took two days.
Buy and enjoy. As another reviewer has said, the book is best read and understood if you have been following the series but it can be taken as a stand-alone read too.
"To Kill a King" has two strands to it: Sir Thomas Blackstone and his involvement in Prince Edward of Woodstock's role in putting King Pedro (the Cruel) back on his throne of Castile and that of his son, Henry Blackstone, and his leaving his studies in England to join his father. The book starts in a rather humorous way but the blood letting soon starts. There is humour often there, in small doses, with the banter between the men of Thomas' war band, but fighting, war campaign and battle tactics dominate.
The politics that caused Prince Edward to back King Pedro outweigh the questionable morals of the actions and I recommend that you read some text books on the topic.
I will leave the previous reviewers to outline the story, there is little point in repeating what has been said. What I will do is endorse the author's comments that Prince Edward's campaign, and the failure of Pedro to fulfil his promise of paying for it, caused the heavy taxation Edward had to impose on his province of Aquitaine which, in turn, was a main contributor to its nobles switching loyalty to France and the eventual expulsion of the English from the land.
One thing: as pedant I have to do this - on page 124 Henry's guardian, man-at-arms Gifford, says that "Moses did a better job of escaping Herod's men". Well it was Pharos's men Moses escaped from in the rushes and it was Jesus who was saved from Herod's men. Now, did David Gillman make a mistake in this, or has he deliberately used this to shew that, unless you were either a cleric or, perhaps a Lollard, men at the time were quite confused as to what was in the Bible?
This is another brilliant read. Normally it would have been a one day read, all 449 pages of it, but things had to be done on the Saturday morning and Sunday had church and then a motorcycle ride written into them, so it took two days.
Buy and enjoy. As another reviewer has said, the book is best read and understood if you have been following the series but it can be taken as a stand-alone read too.
February 12, 2024
To Kill a King is a fantastic action-packed, violent and authentic historical novel.
This was an extremely immersive novel that portrays the reality of being a medieval soldier and the courage, friendships and cunning it takes to survive in a life dominated by conflict.
The book took me across treacherous mountain passes, through poverty-stricken villages through to the lawless countryside of France, during a period and campaign I know little about. It was fascinating to learn more about the Prince of Wales’ offensive across the Pyrenees.
The novel has a very strong cast of characters. Thomas Blackwell is a really interesting character who always pushes the boundaries and left me wondering if he would suffer the repercussions. But it is this that makes him a respected Master of War, and a character I admired. Alongside him are his loyal companions like John Jacob and Jack Halfpenny; men who are brave, loyal and fearless, and who I was rooting for the whole way through. Then there’s Henry's story - which is equally action packed, and who as a character, inspires the same loyalty from his followers.
The plot never slowed down, with some new conflict or intrigue never far away. It kept me hooked and was easy to read and look forward to the next chapter.
This is proper historical fiction. It’s gritty, real and shows what humans will do to survive.
This was an extremely immersive novel that portrays the reality of being a medieval soldier and the courage, friendships and cunning it takes to survive in a life dominated by conflict.
The book took me across treacherous mountain passes, through poverty-stricken villages through to the lawless countryside of France, during a period and campaign I know little about. It was fascinating to learn more about the Prince of Wales’ offensive across the Pyrenees.
The novel has a very strong cast of characters. Thomas Blackwell is a really interesting character who always pushes the boundaries and left me wondering if he would suffer the repercussions. But it is this that makes him a respected Master of War, and a character I admired. Alongside him are his loyal companions like John Jacob and Jack Halfpenny; men who are brave, loyal and fearless, and who I was rooting for the whole way through. Then there’s Henry's story - which is equally action packed, and who as a character, inspires the same loyalty from his followers.
The plot never slowed down, with some new conflict or intrigue never far away. It kept me hooked and was easy to read and look forward to the next chapter.
This is proper historical fiction. It’s gritty, real and shows what humans will do to survive.
February 15, 2024
Simon Blackstone is frustrated that his master, Prince Edward, is still trying to place the usurped Don Pedro back on the throne of Castile. Don Pedro and Blackstone antagonise each other and this makes their journey across Northern Spain difficult. Meanwhile the usurper Trastamara is being supported by the French and they are harrying the English forces. Meanwhile Blackstone's son has decided to join his father but he is having to cross hostile France, being chased by a violent and implacable enemy.
I haven't read any of Gilman's previous books so came to this one just because I love medieval history. The research and the set pieces are fantastic, there is loads of accurate historical detail and the writing about fights is engaging. Character development is less nuanced and there are few female characters, it's definitely a 'male' book. However for it's genre is is really great read.
I haven't read any of Gilman's previous books so came to this one just because I love medieval history. The research and the set pieces are fantastic, there is loads of accurate historical detail and the writing about fights is engaging. Character development is less nuanced and there are few female characters, it's definitely a 'male' book. However for it's genre is is really great read.
August 21, 2025
Story: 5
Audio: 5
Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Available: Hoopla
‘Remember no matter what happens to us in this life, never look back. The past is over. It does not exist. Only its ghosts linger and some will always share our journey’. ― David Gilman, To Kill a King
Ok, Mr. Gilman, I’m ready for book 9! I can’t imagine this series not continuing. During the past few months of reading this series I have become fully invested in these characters. I really am not ready to let them go. Jackson’s performance was top tier and I can’t imagine experiencing this story without his voice. Brilliant all the way around.
For those that haven’t read this series I highly recommend. Gilman has created a masterpiece. And I will be looking forward to continuing this grand adventure.
Audio: 5
Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Available: Hoopla
‘Remember no matter what happens to us in this life, never look back. The past is over. It does not exist. Only its ghosts linger and some will always share our journey’. ― David Gilman, To Kill a King
Ok, Mr. Gilman, I’m ready for book 9! I can’t imagine this series not continuing. During the past few months of reading this series I have become fully invested in these characters. I really am not ready to let them go. Jackson’s performance was top tier and I can’t imagine experiencing this story without his voice. Brilliant all the way around.
For those that haven’t read this series I highly recommend. Gilman has created a masterpiece. And I will be looking forward to continuing this grand adventure.
November 5, 2023
Long time fan of Mr Gilmans work. His writing draws you into the time period and makes it seem your right there witnessing history. I've read all of the master of war series and this one didn't disappoint. The action and political intrigue of the time period is spot on. Any fan of Christian Cameron or Griff Hosker will be pleased to invest the time in this series
February 5, 2024
Brilliant!
This latest book in the excellent Master of War series is as brilliant as the other books in the series. The writing flows well, there’s non-stop action from beginning to end and the characters are well-drawn and believable. David Gilman is a master story teller and his research is flawless. I can’t wait for the next instalment of Thomas Blackstone’s adventures!
This latest book in the excellent Master of War series is as brilliant as the other books in the series. The writing flows well, there’s non-stop action from beginning to end and the characters are well-drawn and believable. David Gilman is a master story teller and his research is flawless. I can’t wait for the next instalment of Thomas Blackstone’s adventures!
April 8, 2024
What an ending, they just get better
The latest instalment doesn't let the series down, as it gets better, the storylines are really fast moving but informative so you don't lose the thread. The are plenty of fights and battles along the way, and the story builds to a brilliant ending, right until the very last line.
The latest instalment doesn't let the series down, as it gets better, the storylines are really fast moving but informative so you don't lose the thread. The are plenty of fights and battles along the way, and the story builds to a brilliant ending, right until the very last line.
August 27, 2024
I don't normally like too much blood and gore in my fiction but I am stuck on Blackstone and the series. I have read them all thus far and have enjoyed them all. This one may mark a change from Blackstone being the main hero to Henry his son taking over. We shall see. But with both of them having a role in this novel it doubled the fun. If you can call Blood and Guts fun.
December 26, 2024
Heck Yes!!
It is very rare that book 8 in a series is as good as this. Series can feel like they go on too long, which happens often. This book stopped that from happening. Thomas (and Henry) Blackstone made this story fantastic and surely set it up for more books to follow. Awesome book. Awesome ending.
It is very rare that book 8 in a series is as good as this. Series can feel like they go on too long, which happens often. This book stopped that from happening. Thomas (and Henry) Blackstone made this story fantastic and surely set it up for more books to follow. Awesome book. Awesome ending.
February 7, 2024
Master of War series
Absolutely brilliant, could not put it down. Cannot wait for no.9 to come out. This is a set of books to read and then re-read, again and again. Thankfully I have all 8. Thank you David Gilman, superb storyline and writing x
Absolutely brilliant, could not put it down. Cannot wait for no.9 to come out. This is a set of books to read and then re-read, again and again. Thankfully I have all 8. Thank you David Gilman, superb storyline and writing x
February 7, 2024
It was so good to be back on an adventure with Thomas Blackstone and his men. The whole book was immersive and intense. I kept trying to slow my reading down, so I could savour it, but the pace just gripped me. Outstanding work by David Gilman. Can't wait for the next one.
May 9, 2024
Sir Thomas
Sir Thomas on another fast paced action packed adventure across Europe. Another cracking read from David Gillman. If you haven't read these yet.. what are you waiting for???
Sir Thomas on another fast paced action packed adventure across Europe. Another cracking read from David Gillman. If you haven't read these yet.. what are you waiting for???
May 10, 2024
Excellent story. The twists and turns not predictable. Grabbed attention all the,way must read
Fantastic read. Twists and turns not predictable!
Can't put down book
Strong story line. Great characters. Felt as,if I was there.
Fantastic read. Twists and turns not predictable!
Can't put down book
Strong story line. Great characters. Felt as,if I was there.
April 13, 2025
It was a really good book, but because the author apparently loves to torture his main character and never give him anything ever, I think I’m dropping the series. I can’t really deal with characters that I really love never getting anything but the short end of the stick.
September 15, 2025
The interplay with La Griffe the Terrible and the band of mercs that Blackstone's son conjures up on his misadventures is gripping story-telling to say the least. My only regret is that the 'king' does get his just rewards with the plus that the story stays true to historical context.
February 10, 2024
Just amazing!!
There is nothing not to like about this book, or in fact the series….historical fiction at its best. Cannot wait for further sequels.
There is nothing not to like about this book, or in fact the series….historical fiction at its best. Cannot wait for further sequels.
March 2, 2024
David Gilman is a gifted author, he never disappoints. This series Master of war is my favorite. You live the adventures of Thomas Blackstone
March 8, 2024
Master of War V8
Fantastic once again. Brings the action to life in words. Loved it, roll on V9. John Gouldson, Yarwell, England, UK
Fantastic once again. Brings the action to life in words. Loved it, roll on V9. John Gouldson, Yarwell, England, UK
March 16, 2024
A cracking good read
April 27, 2024
What an ending!
July 24, 2024
High Quality
I've loved this series from the start and it continues to shine. Perfect for fans of this epoch of history!
I've loved this series from the start and it continues to shine. Perfect for fans of this epoch of history!
August 13, 2024
master of war
Brilliant.!! When is the next part coming.?
David Gilman keeps you wanting more .
It will be a sad day for readers when the saga ends .
Brilliant.!! When is the next part coming.?
David Gilman keeps you wanting more .
It will be a sad day for readers when the saga ends .
November 5, 2024
Brilliant
Yet another brilliant and engrossing book I do hope there is more to come
Love this series keep up the good work!
Yet another brilliant and engrossing book I do hope there is more to come
Love this series keep up the good work!
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