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Rage of Swords
The thrilling new historical adventure in the Master of War series. Sir Thomas Blackstone must travel into enemy lands with a price on his head as he seeks to secure alliances and gold for the Plantagenets' war with France.
1368. Amidst the Hundred Years' War, alliances must be brokered. The Duke of Clarence, second son of King Edward III, journeys from Paris to marry the daughter of the powerful Lord of Milan. Little does he know that he is heading into a trap.
Luckily the Duke is preceded on the road to Milan by Sir Thomas Blackstone, Master of War, on an urgent mission of his own. Blackstone must get his hands on the gold the Prince of Wales needs to wage successful war in France.
But there is a price on Blackstone's head, and assassins willing to risk everything to claim it before he even gets to Milan. He must outwit a succession of ever deadlier enemies, and the Master of War has other foes to the ambitions of his son Henry, who has inherited his father's knack of getting into scrapes. Scrapes that could end in a hangman's noose...
1368. Amidst the Hundred Years' War, alliances must be brokered. The Duke of Clarence, second son of King Edward III, journeys from Paris to marry the daughter of the powerful Lord of Milan. Little does he know that he is heading into a trap.
Luckily the Duke is preceded on the road to Milan by Sir Thomas Blackstone, Master of War, on an urgent mission of his own. Blackstone must get his hands on the gold the Prince of Wales needs to wage successful war in France.
But there is a price on Blackstone's head, and assassins willing to risk everything to claim it before he even gets to Milan. He must outwit a succession of ever deadlier enemies, and the Master of War has other foes to the ambitions of his son Henry, who has inherited his father's knack of getting into scrapes. Scrapes that could end in a hangman's noose...
- GenresHistorical Fiction
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
104 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
David Gilman
48 books418 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 13, 2025
Rage of Swords is the ninth book in David Gilman’s ‘Master of War’ series which has seen Thomas Blackstone rise from humble stonemason’s apprentice, to skilled archer fighting the French at the battle of Crécy, to King Edward III’s Master of War. Between the first book and now there’s been a lot of blood spilt and Blackstone (now Sir Thomas Blackstone) has fought many battles, lost many comrades, suffered personal tragedy and defied death on numerous occasions.
At the end of my review of the previous book To Kill a King, I posed the question: will Blackstone live to fight another day? Well, unquestionably he has but you can’t fight as many battles as Blackstone has without succumbing to serious injury. However, when has Blackstone ever let a little thing like that get in the way of fulfilling a mission he’s been given?
This time Blackstone and his band of loyal followers find themselves caught up in the rivalry and intrigue between the various dukedoms of Northern Italy. It’s a world where alliances are regularly made and broken, assassination is a path to power and ruthless men rule through fear. Add to that the presence of roving bands of routiers, mercenary soldiers happy to fight for the highest bidder or to change sides when they get a better offer.
Safe to say Blackstone’s mission to ensure the safe arrival of Prince Lionel, Duke of Clarence in Milan to forge an important alliance through marriage doesn’t go entirely to plan. And he has two additional things to worry about. Firstly, he needs to find a way of transporting the huge dowry the marriage will bring to the Prince of Wales in France, something that will take all his cunning to achieve. And secondly Blackstone’s son Henry is riding in the Prince’s escort under an assumed name for his protection. 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, although the father and son relationship is to say the least testy.
It gets even more strained when Henry becomes obsessed with searching for someone he believes to be in danger. Although, as it turns out, Henry’s time studying at Oxford proves just as useful as his swordmanship.
As in previous books, there is plenty of full-throated, bloody action: a riverside ambush, one-to-one combat in an underground vault and a battle against seemingly impossible odds. Fortunately, such is Blackstone’s leadership, his men will follow him anywhere. ‘A swarm of armed men followed him, driving their bodies for a last effort. Ignoring exhaustion. Dry-mouthed, Barely able to bellow defiance.’
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. ‘”You risked everything.” “A common failing of mine,” said Blackstone.’ And at the end of the book there remains an implacable enemy who now has even more reasons to want Blackstone dead. As his trusty companion Sir Gilbert Killbere observes, ‘Our path is paved with the dead.’ To which Blackstone responds, ‘It always will be.’
Whether you’ve followed Thomas Blackstone’s adventures from the beginning or you’re looking for a new series where the action comes thick and fast, you’ll find Rage of Swords a thrilling read.
At the end of my review of the previous book To Kill a King, I posed the question: will Blackstone live to fight another day? Well, unquestionably he has but you can’t fight as many battles as Blackstone has without succumbing to serious injury. However, when has Blackstone ever let a little thing like that get in the way of fulfilling a mission he’s been given?
This time Blackstone and his band of loyal followers find themselves caught up in the rivalry and intrigue between the various dukedoms of Northern Italy. It’s a world where alliances are regularly made and broken, assassination is a path to power and ruthless men rule through fear. Add to that the presence of roving bands of routiers, mercenary soldiers happy to fight for the highest bidder or to change sides when they get a better offer.
Safe to say Blackstone’s mission to ensure the safe arrival of Prince Lionel, Duke of Clarence in Milan to forge an important alliance through marriage doesn’t go entirely to plan. And he has two additional things to worry about. Firstly, he needs to find a way of transporting the huge dowry the marriage will bring to the Prince of Wales in France, something that will take all his cunning to achieve. And secondly Blackstone’s son Henry is riding in the Prince’s escort under an assumed name for his protection. 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, although the father and son relationship is to say the least testy.
It gets even more strained when Henry becomes obsessed with searching for someone he believes to be in danger. Although, as it turns out, Henry’s time studying at Oxford proves just as useful as his swordmanship.
As in previous books, there is plenty of full-throated, bloody action: a riverside ambush, one-to-one combat in an underground vault and a battle against seemingly impossible odds. Fortunately, such is Blackstone’s leadership, his men will follow him anywhere. ‘A swarm of armed men followed him, driving their bodies for a last effort. Ignoring exhaustion. Dry-mouthed, Barely able to bellow defiance.’
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. ‘”You risked everything.” “A common failing of mine,” said Blackstone.’ And at the end of the book there remains an implacable enemy who now has even more reasons to want Blackstone dead. As his trusty companion Sir Gilbert Killbere observes, ‘Our path is paved with the dead.’ To which Blackstone responds, ‘It always will be.’
Whether you’ve followed Thomas Blackstone’s adventures from the beginning or you’re looking for a new series where the action comes thick and fast, you’ll find Rage of Swords a thrilling read.
December 25, 2025
A thrilling and captivating tale set during the Hundred Year War.
This is the first book I've read in this series, and I have to be honest, it is brutal to a newcomer. There is next to no explanation as to who these characters are, how they relate to each other, instead there is the assumption that you would have read all the previous books and be up to date. I didn't expect a detailed history lesson of each character, but I needed a little more world building. Still no idea why there was apparently a duel that Thomas fought on Henry's behalf. It was mentioned a lot and was clearly important, but never explained.
So it took me a while to get into this, but once I did, I was swept away by the tale.
It's not for the faint of heart, there is blood and death here, and plenty of heart stopping battles and moments that will have you on the edge of your seat.
There are plenty of moving parts to this tale, different motivations, character arcs and plenty for you to really get your teeth into. That last battle was utterly thrilling.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
It's well worth the effort.
This is the first book I've read in this series, and I have to be honest, it is brutal to a newcomer. There is next to no explanation as to who these characters are, how they relate to each other, instead there is the assumption that you would have read all the previous books and be up to date. I didn't expect a detailed history lesson of each character, but I needed a little more world building. Still no idea why there was apparently a duel that Thomas fought on Henry's behalf. It was mentioned a lot and was clearly important, but never explained.
So it took me a while to get into this, but once I did, I was swept away by the tale.
It's not for the faint of heart, there is blood and death here, and plenty of heart stopping battles and moments that will have you on the edge of your seat.
There are plenty of moving parts to this tale, different motivations, character arcs and plenty for you to really get your teeth into. That last battle was utterly thrilling.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
It's well worth the effort.
November 20, 2025
Rage of Swords continues the adventures of Thomas Blackstone and my goodness, is it a good book.
David Gilman gives us intrigue, scandal, betrayal, politics, and above all, bloody battles. The final battle in Rage of Swords is phenomenally written and as scene upon scene unfolds you feel a strong sense of the brutality and horror of it.
Gilman's Master of War series is one of my favourites and I make no apologies for raving about how good each book is and how engaging the writing is.
I rate books on how much I enjoy them and this was with out doubt a Five star read.
David Gilman gives us intrigue, scandal, betrayal, politics, and above all, bloody battles. The final battle in Rage of Swords is phenomenally written and as scene upon scene unfolds you feel a strong sense of the brutality and horror of it.
Gilman's Master of War series is one of my favourites and I make no apologies for raving about how good each book is and how engaging the writing is.
I rate books on how much I enjoy them and this was with out doubt a Five star read.
November 9, 2025
Yet again David Gilman has written a great read continuing the Thomas Blackstone adventures weaved into certain historical facts.
I have enjoyed this story from the very beginning and each new book never fails to deliver.
A superb series.
I am looking forward to the next instalment which I am sure will be forthcoming?
Peter
I have enjoyed this story from the very beginning and each new book never fails to deliver.
A superb series.
I am looking forward to the next instalment which I am sure will be forthcoming?
Peter
November 15, 2025
Simply brilliant!
Oh Welcome back Sir Thomas how I've missed you and your merry band of men.....
Book Nine in the series and every bit as good, thrilling and exciting as all the rest. It really is a testament as to how good David Gilman is as an author, to bring about new adventures, stunning settings and new characters and all the while keeping the action fast, the story immersive and the pages turning.
He even lays the platform for the next instalment just to tease and keep us wanting more. Can't wait........
Oh Welcome back Sir Thomas how I've missed you and your merry band of men.....
Book Nine in the series and every bit as good, thrilling and exciting as all the rest. It really is a testament as to how good David Gilman is as an author, to bring about new adventures, stunning settings and new characters and all the while keeping the action fast, the story immersive and the pages turning.
He even lays the platform for the next instalment just to tease and keep us wanting more. Can't wait........
November 15, 2025
Awesome
Excellent story as always, based on actual events. Good to see Henry get into the killing. I don't think he'll stay a lawyer very long. Looking forward to the next one.
Excellent story as always, based on actual events. Good to see Henry get into the killing. I don't think he'll stay a lawyer very long. Looking forward to the next one.
November 25, 2025
cracking read
This series seems to go from strength to strength. Entwined with the history of the time is a great read.
This series seems to go from strength to strength. Entwined with the history of the time is a great read.
December 1, 2025
very interesting good read
I like the books about Blackstone. This one is as well written as all the previous ones. Opening my eyes to a prince I had never heard of.
I like the books about Blackstone. This one is as well written as all the previous ones. Opening my eyes to a prince I had never heard of.
December 9, 2025
a cracking yarn
A cracking read just like every other book in this series. A master storyteller. Cannot recommend this author more highly.
A cracking read just like every other book in this series. A master storyteller. Cannot recommend this author more highly.
January 19, 2026
Anything from the Thomas Blackstone series is always a good read.
November 28, 2025
Another fabulous adventure
Well written full of adventure and challenges. Continues the stories if these unbelievably courageous and cunning adversaries and adventurers. Love these novels, I never want them to end!
Well written full of adventure and challenges. Continues the stories if these unbelievably courageous and cunning adversaries and adventurers. Love these novels, I never want them to end!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews