Portão dos mortos

Master of War #3

by David Gilman

TOSCANA, 1358. Thomas Blackstone construiu uma formidável reputação no exílio, lutando como mercenário em meio ao incessante conflito interno das cidades- estado italianas. Sua fama despertou muitos inimigos, que aproveitarão qualquer oportunidade para destruir o homem que não podem superar no campo de batalha. Quando um homem à beira da morte entrega uma mensagem chamando Blackstone de volta à Inglaterra, parece quase certo que é uma armadilha. No entanto, Thomas não pode recusar – a convocação aparentemente é da Rainha. Não bastasse seu caminho já repleto de terrores, ele ainda será assombrado por um assassino notório, instruído a infligir a máxima dor a seu alvo antes de mandá-lo para os portões do inferno. Blackstone, a lenda forjada em batalha, já desafiou a morte. Agora ela está em seu encalço, muito mais faminta.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Medieval, War, Audiobook, Military Fiction

Paperback

First published December 21, 2015

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

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal imagery from the get-go as we are thrust straight into battle in a remote village that has/is being raided by mercenaries…… Que our hero Thomas Blackwood & his band who set upon said mercs for even more carnage….. its an auspicious start for those giving battleaxe gradings to their reviews!!

Set within the Italian States where Florence is Blackwood’s paymaster with agents of Pisa & Milan looking to end him by any means possible. Why the Italian States? We are soon reminded that Blackwood is in exile for trying to kill the King of France in battle which is jus not the done thing, even in war. So, he & his company are acting as mercenaries for Florence, battling mostly other mercs for plunder as much as keeping the peace within Florentine borders. It seems a very fractious region….. as it always has been.

An assassination attempt, a mystery to solve and a recall to England from the King (?) are all components in the plot early on, which set the story of this tale, very different indeed from the prior two entries in the series where Blackwood was establishing his name & for the most part succeeding. It’s certainly a fall from grace and without the Kings protection the target on his back looms large.

There are (new) players slowly introduced into the plot, enough to give a presence, if not fully their motives, until the next entry, adding intrigue along the way.

Once the intrigue is done & all revealed, the rest of the story (it’s in parts) sees Blackwood carving his way back to his family in Normandy meeting & dispensing havoc along the way as he seeks to fulfil his mission for King & country.

A side story which becomes more prominent, moreso from his wife’s POV are the Jacques, the peasant army, who we get to meet along the way & what a horror story they are, such depravity & squalor! An important part of the history of the region, one I’d never heard of before.

A gem of a series, with great balance, it’s not all blood & thrust.

Battle Axe Rating – FIVE

[Geoff Boxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, previous reviewers have covered the basics of this book, the third in the Master of War series , which is about the early part of The Hundred Years War between England and France. I was first attracted to the series as I am an archer who re-enacts the period (http://geoffboxell.tripod.com/SCA/Rob... & video here: https://www.facebook.com/TheWulfings/). As an archer, I am impressed at the way he has picked up on the character and skill of us bowmen and portrayst how archers were used by the English at that time.
Once the main character, Thomas Blackstone, received injuries that put paid to him being an archer in the first book, I suspected that the author would take a line inspired by Sir John Hawkwood who rose from being an English archer to being an Italian nobleman via mercenary service in Italy after fighting for Edward III in France and fighting at Crecy and Poitiers. We have yet to see if Blackstone manages to attain nobility.
“Gate of the Dead” starts with Blackstone and his company serving as mercenaries in Italy and ends in England with Blackstone in dire circumstances – to find out what happens in between, buy and read the book!
David Gilman writes in the style of Bernard Cornwell, though Gilman’s plots are less formulaic, more edgy, more blood thirsty and have frequent, and often unexpected, twist to them than Cornwell’s. Many authors are said to write in Cornwell’s style, but so often it is untrue and the stories are ambling blood fests but Gilman is a skilled writer and his plots, using historical incidents as a framework, hold together well and make his books page turners.
I look forward to the next book in “The Masters of War”.

[Lori Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: 5
Audio: 5
Narrator: Gildart Jackson
Available: Hoopla

With each book I grow more and more invested in these characters. Tears at the end of this one. Already dreading the series conclusion.

Listen at 1.4 speed.

[C.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better. Listening on audio, I cannot count the times I backed up and listened again, because I didn’t want to miss ANYTHING. Storytelling at it’s best. I’ve already purchased the next book.

[Elite Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the series.
With a confident stride Gilman’s newest instalment of this bloody and expansive series takes centre stage from Defiant unto Death. One worry of mine was how Gilman could keep the newest book fresh and as culturally rich as the previous books. There are moments where the book does meander into previous territory but it does so with a nod of intention, while the brisk pace and geographical stretch of the story keeps it as engaging as any of the previous books in the series.

This is a book built on the continued development of the core characters and I’ve always appreciated how Gilman manages to portray his female characters with so much presence and colour, giving them roles with meaning and influence. Also praiseworthy is Gilman’s grasp on the Hundred Years War and the political and ecclesiastical struggles across the continent during the time, including a great attention to detail with regards to the city states of Italy and the political unrest in France during the 14th Century.

There are moments where the pace is given a knee-up with ‘yet another skirmish’ in which one has to question whether some of Blackstone’s men have necked an invincibility potion, but the action and canter is mostly organic and fortunately Gilman doesn’t spend too much of his word count with trivial details about the environment or other parameters that would otherwise steady the tempo too much.

Overall this is a thoroughly engaging book which builds on the words from the previous two novels and leaves the ending (if a little hasty) open for Sir Blackstone and his comrades to avoid the grave a little longer and fletch another arrow or two.

James Harris;

Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review.

[Melisende · Rating 3 out of 5]

I confess to not having read the first two in the series - but found that I could read this one with no trouble (there are hints at Blackstone's background along the way). Previous reviews have summed up the plot and characters so I will forgo re-hashing all again.

What attracted me to the story was the character of Sir Thomas Blackstone - for me he was a cross between Richard I, Sir John Hawkwood, Sir John Mandeville and William Marshall (plus a few others). All were larger than life men of their times - soldiers, adventurers - where fact was far more interesting than fiction - they were the type of real historical characters that make good fictional ones.

I like epic sagas where the main protagonist embarks on a quest / a mission / revenge for a past wrong. If this is your type of history, then you will enjoy reading this series.

[Nigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent follow on in a great series.

[Murat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the second book

[Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hang on your going love this read.

Took a bit to kick in. Once it did best to hang on!!! So now Blackstone is summed to England an gets a pardon so he may return home when all is said an done. Now he has to go back to France an save a young girl. Mind you he has to run all of France again to find her. When he dose he finds his family, all he wants to do is take them an leave. Hell no he can't the peasants have been running wild all over France. Killing, burning, mutilating all in there path. No noble is safe an the take what they want, an there numbers grow.
Blackstone has a assassin in his group of men an has no idea who he is. This character is a kick ass leader he dose all in his power to keep his men safe. They fight for him an him alone. The battles are in such great detail you want to look away. Gilman gives you all you need love, hate, fighting ,injustice. You will feel every sword thrust an feel an hear every arrow fly by. You will be saddle sore when all is said an done.
A unbelievable read. Gilman tells pulls you in so hang on to your horse an enjoy the ride. Well done sir you hit your mark!!!!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to a fine series set during the Hundred Years War.

[Erick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Após sua tentativa frustrada de vingança de matar o rei francês e por conta disso o seu exílio, Thomas Blackstone ruma com seu exército para a Itália (ainda não um país constituído) tendo consigo um contrato para defender os interesses de uma das cidade-estado existentes na região e que possui rivalidade, e também conflitos, com outras cidades. Passaram-se 2 anos, e estamos em 1358, e Thomas só vê sua lenda e sua fama crescerem, se expandindo. Porém, como reflexo, ele se torna um soldado com mais inimigos, com mais pessoas querendo matá-lo e se tornando um alvo muito mais valioso.
E é nesse ambiente de intriga e mistério que se inicia esta aventura. Um mensageiro inglês parte para encontrar Thomas e lhe entregar uma mensagem secreta e importante, que pode definir seu futuro. No caminho, o homem acaba ferido e fica sob os cuidados de um mercador ambicioso. E Thomas começa a sofrer, ainda na Itália, uma série de atentados, com tentativas de assassiná-lo.
Como não poderia deixar escapar de sua mente perspicaz, Blackstone já sente o cheiro de traições no ar.
Thomas descobre a existência desse mensageiro e, antes que o homem venha a falecer por conta dos ferimentos sofridos na viagem, a mensagem é entregue ao seu destinatário.
Contando com a ajuda do padre Torellini, Thomas começa a desvendar o que a mensagem "em código" queria dizer. Ele estava sendo convocado, depois de muitos anos, pra voltar à Inglaterra e tinha uma data limite para estar de volta: até o torneio de Windsor no dia de São Jorge.
Tomando uma série de cuidados pra não levantar suspeitas sobre seu paradeiro e nem que estava em viagem para a Inglaterra, Thomas divide seus homens em duas expedições. E consegue chegar ao seu destino.
Porém, ao chegar, descobre que não foi o rei ou o príncipe de Gales quem o convocou, mas a rainha Isabella, a bela, mãe do rei.
Uma trama é exposta e Thomas, ainda sem ter sua chegada anunciada pois muitos acreidtavam que ele tinha sido chamado para matar o príncipe, participa do torneio como um cavaleiro anônimo. Após os combates e ter sua identidade revelada, para a irritação do príncipe, Thomas reforça sua lealdade para com o rei e seu filho. E, sendo novamente uma peça no xadrez da guerra com a França, ele é despachado novamente para lá com a missão de encontrar a família do príncipe Delfim, filho do rei francês.
Antes de partir, porém, Thomas descobre que um dos cavaleiros presente ao torneio é irmão do homem que ele matou numa das batalhas na França e de quem ele tomou a Espada do Lobo. Os homens que foram com Blackstone para a Inglaterra e os homens desse cavaleiro, um alemão, entram em conflito. Mas a briga é logo apartada.
Novamente, assim como nos dois livros anteriores da série, um fato do passado de Thomas volta para atormentá-lo. O que é curioso para um homem que tem como princípio nunca olhar para trás ou se preocupar com o passado. Se no primeiro livro, o que o atormentava era a culpa pela morte do pai de sua esposa e no segundo era ter que lidar com o padre que tentou abusar de sua amada quando mais jovem, agora Thomas tem que lidar com o irmão do homem que matou o seu irmão, tentou matar o seu príncipe e que ele, Thomas, matou e tomou a espada.
Toda a trama e mistério criados pelo autor foram satisfatórios, apesar de, novamente, as pistas não deixarem muitos suspeitos e, para um leitor mais experiente, já perceber de antemão quem seria o responsável por traição.
As perdas ocorridas no livro também já eram esperadas pois eram personagens que acabaram ficando escanteados, sem função e sem desenvolvimento. Apesar de ter tido ação para eles, não tinha mais muita possibilidades de novas tramas. Mas essas vão impactar muito na jornada do herói, como pode ser visto. Acredito que vá ser como o encerramento de um ciclo para Thomas e espero que ele volte mais "sombrio", carregado pela dor da perda e tendo outras responsabilidades para os que ficaram.
O arqueiro que virou soldado vai precisar se reinventar para sobreviver sem uma parte do que lhe era mais importante e sendo cada vez mais visado, mais procurado por homens que desejam sua morte, de qualquer forma. Que Deus e a sua deusa pagã os ajude.

[Zeng Hao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here I am, back again on another wild ride across Europe with Sir Thomas Blackstone. Unfortunately, the journey is becoming a little too familiar.

The third book in the Master of War series, Gate of the Dead follows the journey of a notorious English archer-cum-knight, Sir Thomas Blackstone. After the Battle of Poitiers and his standoff against the savage priest at the end of the second book (Defiant unto Death), we left Blackstone and his men on the road to Italy, where they would fight as mercenaries for the highest bidder. This book begins sometime later - after Blackstone had made a name for himself against a new enemy: The Visconti of Milan.

To begin off, I enjoyed the book very much - for the same reasons I have said in my reviews for the last two books. Gilman's writing is like a shot of adrenaline, it grabs your attention and hauls you page after page into action. There is rarely a dull moment in the story, something that cannot be said for many other books (especially historical fiction). Finally, I applaud Gilman for his attention to historical details, especially in geography, medieval warfare and culture, which translated to his work.

But once again, the flaws from the previous books remain - possibly the result of formulaic storytelling. For instance, Blackstone continues to be painted as a divine warrior, winning battle after battle through either sheer talent or dumb luck. For example, Blackstone was able to joust with a lance head-to-head against opponents way above his calibre, despite having never trained with it before (he even admits this himself). If talent does not suffice, Gilman alternates it with pure luck: why should Blackstone believe in a pagan goddess when he has four archangels (Gaillard, Meulon, Kilbere and Longdon) already by his side?

The other criticism I have is specific to this book, and that is its almost non-existent attempt at character development. For example, little is said about the German knight von Lienhard other than his need for revenge; Blackstone's men were frequently cast aside as comic relief, and Christiana's life was barely explored beyond her reprising role as the damsel in distress. These observations are a striking contrast to the second book, where Gilman attempted to explore characters like Meulon, Christiana and Guillaume to some considerable depth. Perhaps the most disappointing part was that this opportunity seemed to be sacrificed for laying the plot for Visconti's famed assassin - which I felt never lived up to its promise. The assassin was only a necessary tool for Gilman to deliver his shock value and coup de grâce at the end of the book.

Now, despite all these grievances I have, I still finished the book and genuinely had a good time. I think, regardless of what Gilman does, a fan will always wish for so much more. Every series has its flaws. Good or bad, Gate of the Dead stays true to the series, even if it isn't Gilman's best work. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't pick this up if you enjoyed the first or second book. Besides, the ending leaves so much more to be seen. I rate Gate of the Dead three stars.

[James Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first two books well over a year ago it took me a while to get back into the story but thankfully the author occasionally relates back to past events and so after pondering what had happened to Thomas Blackstones wife and children (and the illigitimate child,which I had totally forgotten about,) I was able to recollect why they were now ‘out of his life’. Whilst he and his trusted colleagues are fighting as mercenaries in Italy a dying man brings a message from the Queen summoning him back to England. This is where the story finally entwines with the previous two books and once again I was pulled into the dour and gruesome existence of Medieval times and the ever twisting journey of Blackstones life. While doing his best not to be drawn into the politics of the Kings Court he prefers honesty and straight talking. He will never back down from a fight as his scars prove it and let’s his sword do his talking for him as his opponents, to their dismay, always find out. I love the camaraderie between him and his men and this adds humour to what is sometimes a brutal story. He also doesn’t know of an assassin in the camp who is sworn to kill him. I was saddened and shocked at the end, but this also added to another great read from the pen of David Gilman.

[John J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in the series, chronicling the exploits of Thomas Blackstone, and this one takes him and his merry band into the Italian Alps and ultimately back home to England. The action was breathless and gory, as it has been in the previous books, and the tale is a strong one. I admit I admire Blackstone very much, he seems a very violent yet fair sort of fellow, and I wish he was a real person! Like the previous novels, this one features an extensive rogues gallery and you are left guessing until the end as to who the big bad is. Full of thrilling warfare, mountain chases, royal tournaments and bloody revenge, I will keep going with this series. The work does not seem to fall off, though I will say that I noticed far more typos and misplaced words in this book, so the editor needs to step it up. And lastly, a note to all those reviewers who accuse Gilman of ripping off the character of Blackstone from Cornwell. Well, I've not read any of Cornwell's Archer novels, but I think when I'm done with this series I will check it out, so in that respect, Gilman is actually bringing new readers to Cornwell! At least one, anyway! Be well, and READ ON!

[Nance Roepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

War as hell and this series makes that very clear. It is a stinking nasty business and, though I don't usually like a lot of blood and gore, I appreciate the realism of the series and the quality with which it is done.

In my reviews of the previous two books I haven't mentioned Blackstone's wife so I think I will say a little bit about her. I find her to be an inconsistent character. Sometimes she is clingy and weak and other times she is strong and seems to have lost all affection for Blackstone.

This book was particularly heart-wrenching and there were characters that I really hated to see die. But, as I said, the author is realistic enough to know that some characters just aren't going to make it.

[Mr Roy Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book of two halves. The first half was dreadfully dull and took a lot of effort to follow through. Not what I was expecting from Mr Gilman. The second half was more David Gilman and Thomas Blackstone returns! The ending was not a total surprise as the happily married Thomas settling down in England with his family does not really make for a very good book. The other downside of this book is that there was no major war or battle that took place historically so there was no crescendo or build up towards the end. Enough to make me read the next instalment, but I hope it is more like the second half than the first half.

[R Pata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

Finally, an ebook with almost no big errors in the text. And the action that moves you forward is at s very good ace. Sad at times, but good added depth for the reader.

Occasionally there’s too much review of old events. I understand some may have read this as a stand-alone book, but too much leads to skipping areas of the book due to over familiarity of that subject. If some crucial happens nearby this review section the reader may miss it.

And...how many times must we hear of the aggressive, painfully tactile steed of Blackthorne’s? Of course, Brother Bertrand deserved it, with gravy on top.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was the best book so far, the plot and characters ware well constructed and kept the reader guessing, often incorrectly until the end. The fight scenes are described well without labouring them too long. Add with all David Gilman books the action keeps the pages turning. I like the banter and interaction between the rest of the group of Thomas's men, it keeps the story ticking over and adds some humour to what is essentially serious subject. All in all a very good read, look forward to the next one.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

c2015: FWFTB: Tuscany, 1358, mercenary, summons, Black Prince. A much more focussed plot than the first book I read in the series. The character has clearly grown and the author has gained confidence along with him. The fight scenes, the plot (as unsubtle as it is), the side characters are all excellent. There are not many female characters which one would expect given the setting but the ones that do feature are very thinly drawn. But it was an enjoyable read and so I can recommend to the normal crew.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaw dropping, gut wrenching, heartstoppingly brilliant!

I've never read a book so fast. Couldn't put it down. Considering this is the third book inn the series, the author took the excitement to another level.

The intrigue, deceit and betrayals had me guessing, second guessing and more throughout this tale and tied in with all the action and chaos of the events of the time, this was truly one of the most enjoyable reads.

God help Thomas Blackstone's enemies in the next instalment!!

[Mrs Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series!

I just love this series and I’m so glad there’s still 4 books for me to read. The action is unrelenting and the battle scenes are so graphically described it’s like we’re there too. Everything down to the smells, sounds and what it actually feels like to fight in these battles is realistic and well-depicted and it doesn’t surprise me at all that the author has been a soldier himself. This is historical fiction at its best and I have no hesitation recommending it to anyone interested in medieval history.

[Torben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es bleibt eine tolle Romanreihe. Und als Hörbuch allemal. Hereinversetzt in eine brutale, komplizierte Zeit mit Fanatismus und Herrschaft, die den Einzelnen nicht beachtet. Eine gute Gschichtsstunde mit Erkenntnis für die Gegenwart. Leider lernt die Menschheit nicht. Dazu gute Unterhaltung, gut geschrieben und Cliffhanger für die nächsten zwei Teile. Und ich bin sicher, diese werden auch gut und sich nicht wiederholen. Ich freue mich drauf.

[Kevin Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cracking read

I am a little behind in David gilmans master of war series and have a little catching up to do but with a series as good as this that won't be a problem. The story follows Thomas Blackstone, a former archer and a leader of a war band on his many adventures through France, Italy and England. The action is non stop, and at times quit gruesome but historically accurate. This is a well written series and Gates of the dead comes highly recommended.

[i.s. wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another absolutely brilliant book in the Master of War series from David Gillman. This series of books has to rank as one of the best that I have ever read. Brilliant storylines with loads of action mixed with some historical accuracy really adds to the storyline and gives you a real feeling as to what life was like back in the 14th century and how hard it was. Read it and you will not be disappointed.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised! Very, very surprised. I am seldom shocked, completely taken by surprise, as I was with this book. Kudos to Mr. Gilman for doing the unexpected. Automatic upgrade from me.

After book 2 I was looking for the supporting characters to gain more prominence, to become more real, more involved. They did. So, did what I asked after completing the 2nd book in the series, and more. That's a 5*. Did I mention I was shocked?

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I DNF'd this book about the halfway point as I realised I was reading for the sake of reading it, rather than because I felt like I had to know what happened next. I'm not sure if it was because of my mood or if it was because it felt like the book had lost its personal stakes compared to the previous entries - Thomas isn't a soldier in the midst of a dangerous campaign then recovering in his enemy's house. He's not got a family to protect. He's just fighting and trying not to die.

[Ron Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable Novel

Gate of the Dead continues the story of Sir Thomas Blackstone and the never-ending war between France and England.
So detailed with a captivating plot and a deeper understanding of the main characters, the book is simply impossible to put down.
The Master of War Series is one of the best historical fiction collections that I've ever read.
I offer my highest recommendation.

[Jack Beare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t the most memorable book for me. The book fills in well from book 2 and leads to book 4 well. Found a lot of it to be quite repetitive and uninspiring yet still an intriguing story if you can imagine that. Book 4, ‘Viper’s Blood’ continues the story of Gate of the Dead well but without it Gate of the Dead is just a filler story in the series. Should have wrapped up the story of Thomas Blackstone for a simple trilogy.

[A.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is broken 😢 poor Thomas! I correctly guessed the assassin's identity early on but could not be 100% sure with the awesome way the author foreshadowed possible other characters having nefarious plans. I was totally shocked by the outcome and was really upset *grabs tissues* and I am still reeling from my emotions. 😣 I. Love. This. Series. The end.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me this was a book of two halves. The first half was readable but, for me a bit static, while the second half exploded into action and was a compelling read. It was quite a while since I had read Master of War #2, so I was grateful for the occasional reference to Blackstone's past as an update. The ending was a real thriller with a bit of a "who's the bad guy?" mystery thrown in.