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Master of War #4
Viper's Blood
1360. With the English army at the gates of Paris, Blackstone faces his deadliest mission yet in the fourth instalment of the Master of War.
A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' ROBERT FABBRI.
Edward III has invaded France at the head of the greatest host England has ever assembled. But his attempt to win the French crown is futile. The Dauphin will no longer meet the English in the field and the great army is mired in costly sieges, scavenging supplies from a land ruined by decades of conflict.
Facing a stalemate – or worse – the English are forced to agree 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 he inflicted on them. Blackstone, the French are certain, will never leave Milan alive...
A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' ROBERT FABBRI.
Edward III has invaded France at the head of the greatest host England has ever assembled. But his attempt to win the French crown is futile. The Dauphin will no longer meet the English in the field and the great army is mired in costly sieges, scavenging supplies from a land ruined by decades of conflict.
Facing a stalemate – or worse – the English are forced to agree 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 he inflicted on them. Blackstone, the French are certain, will never leave Milan alive...
480 pages, Hardcover
First published December 15, 2016
713 people are currently reading
477 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 64 reviews
May 17, 2018
I love it when each new instalment is an improvement on work that is already exceptional! Superb, gritty and relentless storytelling!
July 26, 2025
Story: 5
Audio: 5
Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Available: Hoopla
Audio: 5
Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Available: Hoopla
February 21, 2022
This exciting and well-written series quickly became a personal favorite when discovering it over a year ago. My excitement turned to disappointment when realizing several books in the series weren’t available on audible yet.
Audible gives me the opportunity to multitask. With little time in the day to sit down with an actual book, I was thrilled when the latest became available on audible. No book report here. Viper’s Blood is a worthy edition in this series and Gildart Jackson’s narration is a perfect complement to the writing. I can only hope the next in series isn’t far behind since it will be an auto-buy for me.
Audible gives me the opportunity to multitask. With little time in the day to sit down with an actual book, I was thrilled when the latest became available on audible. No book report here. Viper’s Blood is a worthy edition in this series and Gildart Jackson’s narration is a perfect complement to the writing. I can only hope the next in series isn’t far behind since it will be an auto-buy for me.
January 3, 2018
Powerfully brutal account of the violent division that afflicted France and northern Italy during the Hundred Years War. Sir Thomas Blackstone's story continues. 3.5 stars.
February 13, 2017
Review
Book four in the Master of War series and the bone crunching intensity of this series shows no signs of abating. Blackstone and his men leading the way, first at Reims and then onward towards Paris, the war of muck, mire and attrition takes its toll on all and truce is finally in the air. Tasked with taking the kings daughter to his deadliest enemies the Vipers of Milan, Benarbo and Galeazzo to see her married to Galeazzo’s son and thus provide the funds to secure the release of the King of France, this sale was vital to the stability of Europe. Yet to Thomas Blackstone it was a means of access to the man or men who arranged the death of his wife and child. Revenge is in the air, will Blackstones rage cloud his judgement, can his friends survive to aid him in his wrath?
Read full review: https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
Book four in the Master of War series and the bone crunching intensity of this series shows no signs of abating. Blackstone and his men leading the way, first at Reims and then onward towards Paris, the war of muck, mire and attrition takes its toll on all and truce is finally in the air. Tasked with taking the kings daughter to his deadliest enemies the Vipers of Milan, Benarbo and Galeazzo to see her married to Galeazzo’s son and thus provide the funds to secure the release of the King of France, this sale was vital to the stability of Europe. Yet to Thomas Blackstone it was a means of access to the man or men who arranged the death of his wife and child. Revenge is in the air, will Blackstones rage cloud his judgement, can his friends survive to aid him in his wrath?
Read full review: https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
May 5, 2017
Superb action interwoven with a poignant personal story. The main character, Sir Thomas Blackstone, is one of my favourite fictional heroes.
April 5, 2021
Revenge
Another amazing journey with Blackstone an his men. With revenge on his mind for the killing of his wife an daughter he leaves a trail of blood, from Paris to Italy. They go through hell an back. A damn fine read.
Another amazing journey with Blackstone an his men. With revenge on his mind for the killing of his wife an daughter he leaves a trail of blood, from Paris to Italy. They go through hell an back. A damn fine read.
June 2, 2022
As a series that quickly became an all-time personal favorite from the start, this latest read did not disappoint.
February 22, 2024
Um recomeço para Thomas Blackstone e para a série. É assim que vejo esse quarto volume de "Master of War".
Após os trágicos acontecimentos de "Portão dos Mortos", onde numa trama envolvendo como inimigos os irmãos Visconti, lordes de Milão, um assassino é enviado para se infiltrar nas fileiras de Blackstone para acabar com ele e no final sua esposa e sua filha acabam mortas. Uma vida nova é imposta para Blackstone. Tirado de seu estado de abandono, largado e até depressivo. Sem ter uma família (apenas seu filho Henry, que agora serve como pajem de um de seus homens) para quem voltar, Thomas percebe que não precisa mais fixar residência em um local e que agora pode viver lutando para servir ao seu rei ou para ganhar dinheiro e não ter outras preocupações. Apesar da dura lembrança da perda delas ainda martelar seus pensamentos vez ou outra.
A história começa com Blackstone novamente ao lado do exército inglês combatendo os franceses após nova invasão do rei Edward. Mas esse início serve também como uma reorganização dos personagens principais dentro desse novo contexto, dessa nova fase que parece começar na série.
Dentre esses combates iniciais, Sir Gilbert Killbere fica gravemente ferido e para que a vida dele seja salva vemos aparecer na série, pela primeira vez, a crença popular na existência de magos, bruxas e pessoas capazes de feitiçaria, de prever o futuro. A enigmática Aelis de Travaux tem sua família perseguida, mas é salva por Blackstone, mesmo com todas as ressalvas de seus homens e da população de uma cidade, para que em trocar ela salvasse a vida de Killbere. Fica claro desde o início que essa personagem vai ter algum tipo de relacionamento com Thomas ao longo da história e que isso vai levantar algumas nele acerca da memória de sua falecida esposa.
Essa mudança na série dura dois terços desse livro e só no final vemos de fato a trama que dá o nome ao livro, e que é descrita na sinopse, em todo o seu potencial. Demorou mais do que eu gostaria, mas acredito que tenha sido necessário para reoxigenar a série para novos volumes.
Novamente, o plot desse livro passa por um fato do passado no passado de Thomas, mas dessa vez os acontecimentos lá do início da série, ainda na morte de seu irmão, finalmente ficam de lado e a ligação é com a morte de sua família, no terceiro livro. Isso demonstra uma evolução e amadurecimento do personagem, já que a história se passa em 1360 e a série começa no ano de 1346.
O final, apesar de bom, foi resolvido, pra mim, de forma muito rápida. Mas deixa espaço para as consequências serem exploradas no próximo volume.
É um livro que fica abaixo dos anteriores, como se de fato um passo atrás tivesse sido dado para ter mais história na frente para avançar.
Após os trágicos acontecimentos de "Portão dos Mortos", onde numa trama envolvendo como inimigos os irmãos Visconti, lordes de Milão, um assassino é enviado para se infiltrar nas fileiras de Blackstone para acabar com ele e no final sua esposa e sua filha acabam mortas. Uma vida nova é imposta para Blackstone. Tirado de seu estado de abandono, largado e até depressivo. Sem ter uma família (apenas seu filho Henry, que agora serve como pajem de um de seus homens) para quem voltar, Thomas percebe que não precisa mais fixar residência em um local e que agora pode viver lutando para servir ao seu rei ou para ganhar dinheiro e não ter outras preocupações. Apesar da dura lembrança da perda delas ainda martelar seus pensamentos vez ou outra.
A história começa com Blackstone novamente ao lado do exército inglês combatendo os franceses após nova invasão do rei Edward. Mas esse início serve também como uma reorganização dos personagens principais dentro desse novo contexto, dessa nova fase que parece começar na série.
Dentre esses combates iniciais, Sir Gilbert Killbere fica gravemente ferido e para que a vida dele seja salva vemos aparecer na série, pela primeira vez, a crença popular na existência de magos, bruxas e pessoas capazes de feitiçaria, de prever o futuro. A enigmática Aelis de Travaux tem sua família perseguida, mas é salva por Blackstone, mesmo com todas as ressalvas de seus homens e da população de uma cidade, para que em trocar ela salvasse a vida de Killbere. Fica claro desde o início que essa personagem vai ter algum tipo de relacionamento com Thomas ao longo da história e que isso vai levantar algumas nele acerca da memória de sua falecida esposa.
Essa mudança na série dura dois terços desse livro e só no final vemos de fato a trama que dá o nome ao livro, e que é descrita na sinopse, em todo o seu potencial. Demorou mais do que eu gostaria, mas acredito que tenha sido necessário para reoxigenar a série para novos volumes.
Novamente, o plot desse livro passa por um fato do passado no passado de Thomas, mas dessa vez os acontecimentos lá do início da série, ainda na morte de seu irmão, finalmente ficam de lado e a ligação é com a morte de sua família, no terceiro livro. Isso demonstra uma evolução e amadurecimento do personagem, já que a história se passa em 1360 e a série começa no ano de 1346.
O final, apesar de bom, foi resolvido, pra mim, de forma muito rápida. Mas deixa espaço para as consequências serem exploradas no próximo volume.
É um livro que fica abaixo dos anteriores, como se de fato um passo atrás tivesse sido dado para ter mais história na frente para avançar.
March 12, 2019
This is the only book I have read in this series, I think they're stand alone but sharing a cast of characters.
About 85% of this book is unrelenting violent battle and punishment scenes. Nonetheless I enjoyed it. Set in France in 1360 during the reign of Edward III of England and his invasion of France, the betrayal / treachery / vengeance / political intrigue plot lines are quite exciting.
It's of slight interest that the Celtic goddess Arianrhod who I read about in my last non-fiction book on Celtic Women came up in the form of a silver wheel necklace worn by Sir Thomas Blackstone. Also, mentions of the pope being based in Avignon, something I never knew before a visit to Avignon last year.
Sir Thomas Blackstone and his gang go round fighting on behalf of King Edward and doing bro-mance. Ultimately, Blackstone's goal is to avenge the death of his wife and daughter. One story arc is him trying to identify exactly who was responsible. Another story arc involves a woman who was accused of witchcraft and facing death but rescued by Blackstone to the disquiet of his gang and she is involved in a couple of incidents leading to the death of gang members. Ultimately, she proves to be a friend and they decided she wasn't a witch after all.
Suitable holiday reading fare for those who can stomach gory battle scenes.
About 85% of this book is unrelenting violent battle and punishment scenes. Nonetheless I enjoyed it. Set in France in 1360 during the reign of Edward III of England and his invasion of France, the betrayal / treachery / vengeance / political intrigue plot lines are quite exciting.
It's of slight interest that the Celtic goddess Arianrhod who I read about in my last non-fiction book on Celtic Women came up in the form of a silver wheel necklace worn by Sir Thomas Blackstone. Also, mentions of the pope being based in Avignon, something I never knew before a visit to Avignon last year.
Sir Thomas Blackstone and his gang go round fighting on behalf of King Edward and doing bro-mance. Ultimately, Blackstone's goal is to avenge the death of his wife and daughter. One story arc is him trying to identify exactly who was responsible. Another story arc involves a woman who was accused of witchcraft and facing death but rescued by Blackstone to the disquiet of his gang and she is involved in a couple of incidents leading to the death of gang members. Ultimately, she proves to be a friend and they decided she wasn't a witch after all.
Suitable holiday reading fare for those who can stomach gory battle scenes.
August 22, 2018
Another great edition to the ongoing tale of Thomas Blackstone. As I'm mid binge in the series, I've begun to notice a few things about the writing and the story itself which I find delightful.
First, he introduces minor characters in previous stories which play bigger parts later on in the series. Even something as inconsequential as a chance meeting can have impact in the story later on. Gives the story some continuity which is a good way to keep the reader engaged and provides some decent re-read value.
Second, there's death, for anyone (except for Thomas, surely) and everyone. And he teases it out very well, the writing is a bit unpredictable. Sometime mid way through a series, I can sort of see where the story is going and can identify patterns in the writing and therefore can accurately guess plot lines. Not so with this book. I mean I have an idea where it could end up but sometimes I've been wrong. Authors usually employ misdirection but not in a clever manner, which itself could become predictable. But this author hides it well. Good stuff.
Can't wait for book 5.
First, he introduces minor characters in previous stories which play bigger parts later on in the series. Even something as inconsequential as a chance meeting can have impact in the story later on. Gives the story some continuity which is a good way to keep the reader engaged and provides some decent re-read value.
Second, there's death, for anyone (except for Thomas, surely) and everyone. And he teases it out very well, the writing is a bit unpredictable. Sometime mid way through a series, I can sort of see where the story is going and can identify patterns in the writing and therefore can accurately guess plot lines. Not so with this book. I mean I have an idea where it could end up but sometimes I've been wrong. Authors usually employ misdirection but not in a clever manner, which itself could become predictable. But this author hides it well. Good stuff.
Can't wait for book 5.
June 13, 2019
Good but not great
The fourth instalment in the series and whilst still expertly written with good narrative and fast paced with twists and turns, the feel of the book was somewhat a little predictable and "tired".
Don't get me wrong, this was still a very enjoyable read and if the reader hadn't read any of the previous books in the series then I think it would probably receive a higher rating than I have given here.
Saying that, I still look forward to reading the fifth and final book with great anticipation.
The fourth instalment in the series and whilst still expertly written with good narrative and fast paced with twists and turns, the feel of the book was somewhat a little predictable and "tired".
Don't get me wrong, this was still a very enjoyable read and if the reader hadn't read any of the previous books in the series then I think it would probably receive a higher rating than I have given here.
Saying that, I still look forward to reading the fifth and final book with great anticipation.
December 6, 2020
Another in Gilman’s excellent Thomas Blackstone saga, a sort of medieval Rambo who, along with his Merry Band of Cuthroats hack and hew their way through 14th C. Europe in the time of the Black Death.
Riding along on The Bastard Horse with Wolfsword and the tragic and bewitching Ayliss on the way to Milan to take on the cunning & viscous Viscounti Bros.
Hardcore history brought to gritty life...
Riding along on The Bastard Horse with Wolfsword and the tragic and bewitching Ayliss on the way to Milan to take on the cunning & viscous Viscounti Bros.
Hardcore history brought to gritty life...
July 8, 2022
I am enjoying the series and I like the character of Blackstone. I think he and his men are far, far too lucky in battle. But he is the hero of an adventure series so I accept that. And besides, is sad when one of the team dies.
However, I really did not enjoy the new woman in his life in this book. I thought their relationship was unbelievable. But she was a strong character and I like that about her.
For this book I think my rating is really 3.75.
However, I really did not enjoy the new woman in his life in this book. I thought their relationship was unbelievable. But she was a strong character and I like that about her.
For this book I think my rating is really 3.75.
March 22, 2024
I liked all the books in the series, but this one was the best so far. It gives the word Vendetta a new meaning to the reader, and the story keeps you on the edge the whole time! Meanwhile, Thomas' son Henry is maturing and becoming more of a part of the group. I got a chuckle out of some of the banter between the men at arms and the archers! A well written and researched book I highly recommend!
July 29, 2017
A very good read. As in other books of this series, there is action, thought, and yet both growth and change in the main character. There are twists and turns, some of which are unexpected and disappointing, but which make you think about how they came to be.
June 1, 2019
Brilliant (again)
Once started l cannot stop (except to sleep). The writing so cleverly descriptive of the all the characters with their personalities and togetherness. Delighted our hero lives (hopefully) with his faithful followers to fight another day!
Z
Once started l cannot stop (except to sleep). The writing so cleverly descriptive of the all the characters with their personalities and togetherness. Delighted our hero lives (hopefully) with his faithful followers to fight another day!
Z
March 10, 2020
A Superb Read
I am so pleased to have 'discovered' David Gilman as the Master of War series is the best I have read. Viper's Blood continues the action and the superb writing. I can't wait to start the next in the series.
I am so pleased to have 'discovered' David Gilman as the Master of War series is the best I have read. Viper's Blood continues the action and the superb writing. I can't wait to start the next in the series.
August 14, 2021
Viper'sBlood
Outstanding! Could not put it down. Never a dull moment. So many twists and turns in the plot and sub-plots. I read these books as a means of escape from today's world. Thank you, Mr. Gilman. I thoroughly enjoy your writing.
Outstanding! Could not put it down. Never a dull moment. So many twists and turns in the plot and sub-plots. I read these books as a means of escape from today's world. Thank you, Mr. Gilman. I thoroughly enjoy your writing.
November 29, 2021
Mr. Gilman has hit his stride with this addition to the set. For the first time, there was no point where the story got bogged down. Moved on and moved along. And again, some surprising losses, in surprising ways.
March 12, 2022
Thomas Blackstone & the early years in France. A Legioned is born.
I know most of the period involving England and France but this story of Thomas Blackstone is just shear brilliant.
I know most of the period involving England and France but this story of Thomas Blackstone is just shear brilliant.
March 17, 2024
As usual David Gilman is a master's in writing that make you feel in the heat of a battle and in the mist of the politics of England and France.
Unfortunately, the last 20% of this one is a disappointment and extremely underwhelming. Time for a break of the series.
Unfortunately, the last 20% of this one is a disappointment and extremely underwhelming. Time for a break of the series.
July 19, 2017
I enjoyed the series very much.
Lots of good action and the story moves at a quick pace.
Lots of good action and the story moves at a quick pace.
July 19, 2017
Yet another great read.
Another great adventure.Can't wait till next spring. The story just gets better What's next for Blackstone and his son and men.
Another great adventure.Can't wait till next spring. The story just gets better What's next for Blackstone and his son and men.
July 20, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
The whole series has been s great read. Excellent history and powerful characters. Truly looking forward to the next book.
The whole series has been s great read. Excellent history and powerful characters. Truly looking forward to the next book.
September 15, 2018
Brilliant
Excellent again another rip roaring tale great action told really well would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction
Excellent again another rip roaring tale great action told really well would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction
September 26, 2018
Wieder eine gelungene Fortsetzung ohne sich zu wiederholen. Toll geschrieben, toll konstruiert, wenn auch weniger Verwicklungen spannende Fortführung der Figuren. Bleibt eine sehr gute Serie.
January 17, 2020
Good read
Another great book from the author hard to put down once started looking forward to reading more in the series
Another great book from the author hard to put down once started looking forward to reading more in the series
February 13, 2020
Superb
This is an excellent read. Fast paced, intrigue and brilliant action. The Series just keeps getting better each book.. Highly recommended.
This is an excellent read. Fast paced, intrigue and brilliant action. The Series just keeps getting better each book.. Highly recommended.
June 12, 2020
Great historical fiction
I Grief, revenge and love with great fighting, what more could you ask? Two more in the series to look forward to
I Grief, revenge and love with great fighting, what more could you ask? Two more in the series to look forward to
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews