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 … 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 destiny: Master of War.
Collected in a single volume for the first time, the first three novels in the epic Master of War series, comprising of:
Master of War
Defiant unto Death
Gate of the Dead.
more
Wonderfully written
I enjoy historical fiction, and this was true to the history of this time period. It did however delve into the brutality and poverty of the era which some readers may not want to hear about. I would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone who likes action and adventure.
Good books. Shed some light on the politics of the 100 Years War. Good Characters. Not a “heavy” read, so it is entertaining for both serious readers as well as those who prefer to read every once in a while.
If you like Bernard Cornwell you will like this work
The books create a fictional vision of characters from this era and is a fun and brain-candy read. If you like historical era novels these are a good choice.
Excellent historical novel with a sharp and exacting portrayal of the life of soldiers, warriors and knights. A gripping read.
a good novel covering an interesting period in European history
A long read with the 3 book set being something like 1300 pages, but well worth taking the time. Believable characters and well researched history
Like medieval warfare? Like a love story?
If so, then this story may be for you. As the story unfolded set in 14th Century’s Hundred Years War between England and France, we have portrayals of battle scenes second to none. We have a blooming love between Thomas Blackstone and Christiana, he a commoner and her the daughter of a minor noble, an Englishman and a French woman. Was it mentioned that there were great battle scenes, close in-fighting and long-range deadly archery? Over and over as the setting shifts from Normandy to Italy to England and then to Meaux (east of Paris), we find ourselves at the battles of Crecy and Poitiers, great English victories, then campaigning as condottieri for Florence against the Milanese, then at a great medieval tournament back in England, and a final rush to save French families and rescue his own wife, daughter, son, and make a decision to accept a bastard son borne by Christiana following her rape. Of course there a magnificent friends and allies for Blackstone, and deadly plotters and assassins stalking the man with the price on his head. Heroism, sacrifice, clever plots, fierce loyalty, and always hair-raising danger mixed with the sweet sauciness of Christiana and the strong bonds between the men who ride with the Wolf Sword. Gillman is a fine prose writer creating time, place, culture, dress, medicine, warfare, etc., within the frame of the cruelty of that long war.
Great historical series.
Great book!
I’m a fan of Bernard Cornwell novels and I was concerned at first that this was very close to the Cornwell archer series. However, I found that there was good originality and very different story lines. I enjoyed this book set very much.
next best thing to Bernard Cornwell.
An interesting picture of the times with historical characters. I like the notes at the end if each book explaining the true events.