Master of War Boxset: Books I-III

Master of War #1-3

by David Gilman

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 Master of War. Collected in a single volume for the first time, the first three novels in the epic Master of War series, comprising

Master of War

Defiant unto Death

Gate of the Dead .

Genres: Historical Fiction

1403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2017

About the author

David 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.

Reviews

[Nicholas Berndt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book.

Fantastic story on par with Christian Cameron’s Chivalry Series and not much else. This series is fantastic historical fiction with every aspect you could want in a book.

[Mark Zodda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very long box set that while generally good, was a bit uneven in quality. The first volume was by far the best with great action, intriguing plot twists and interesting characters. I thought that the second volume was by far the weakest in the set with actions taken by the Christiana that didn't seem very likely given the times and previous characterization of who she is. The final book was good, but not up to the level of the first book while the ending seemed to be tacked on to get readers ready for a fourth volume (that I don't plan right now to read). This was well worth the money spent and is recommended.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually I'm done with Book I. I got this set mostly with my husband in mind. He loved "The Archer's Tale" by Bernard Cornwell and the two other books in this series. This series seems like it might be a good fit for him. I have read quite a few of Cornwell's books and really like them so it worked for me. I would have to say I prefer Cornwell, but this book held my interest. The coverage of the battle of Crecy was very well done.

[Thomas D. WHite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but a long read

Well written easy read but it became a bit tedious near the end with three and foreman killing hundreds but worth the time to read

[Richard M Jones, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

A captive read. Well written story that holds the reader's attention. Quite graphic war and battle scenes. Looking forward to book 4.

[Brian Gruidl · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was no passion to this book. It was well written as a list of details and happenings, but I couldn’t recognize any emotion while reading this.

[Studebhawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master of His Story
It will be very difficult to add much to the numerous reviews on this site. We have here a master storyteller who is in complete command of the arc of his story, combined with characters, brilliantly drawn, and historical details that hold your interest and wanting more. The reader is swept up into the flow of the narrative and brought along for an adventure that you share with the characters on this great journey.
This story is an adventure, beautifully written, with characters that you care for. For the reader, you can’t ask for more.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy is the best historical fiction writer I've encountered in years. He isn't as intent on a history lesson as the ever readable Bernard Cornwell but he's done his research.

Many women will be disappointed by his portrayal of women. He doesn't do anachronisms, so the women need to survive within the strictures of the times. Personally the invention of a fiesty educated woman to suit modern sensibilities kind of offends me. Over to you.

[graeme bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historically accurate,well written trilogy,great characters and wonderful storyline any one who enjoys Historical fiction with lots of twists.and turns Will love this series,last book ended well so looking forward to book 4 in the series "Vipers Blood "