‘Like a punch from a mailed fist, MASTER OF WAR gives a true taste of the Hundred Years War. It is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty. The stench and harshness of medieval life is ever present’ ROBERT FABBRI, bestselling author of the Vespasian series.
England, 1346: For Thomas Blackstone the choice is easy – dance on the end of a rope for a murder he did not commit, … commit, or take up his war bow and join the king’s invasion of France.
As he fights his way across northern France, Blackstone will learn the brutal lessons of war – from the terror and confusion of his first taste of combat, to the savage realities of siege warfare.
Vastly outnumbered, Edward III’s army will finally confront the armoured might of the French nobility on the field of Crécy. It is a battle that will change the history of warfare, a battle that will change the course of Blackstone’s life, a battle that is just the first chapter in a book of legend – Blackstone: Master of War.
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One of the best books I’ve ever read.
This historical novel, set in the catastrophic 14th century at the very beginning of the Hundred Years War, imagines what it was like to live through that terrible time. Yes, there is brutality and fear and deprivation, but Gilman’s characters show compassion, too, and tenderness. A real page-turner, the time frame is a matter of years, and this …
Story takes place in very early England/France as wars of territories took place. Thomas Blackstone, main character goes from Stonehaven to archer to sword fighting knight. He finds love and has a family, but his true first love is to the King of England whom he fights for. As a young mason, he hates violence. He gets sucked into fighting as …
Outstanding historical novel of the 100 Years War
ByCharles van Buren on May 26, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
I did not read about the author, David Gilman, until after I read and enjoyed this novel. When I did so, one of the things I discovered about him is that he was a principal writer on the British police drama, A Touch of …
I really enjoyed this book once it got to Part 2. I found Part 1 a little slow going. When I got to Part 3 I found it hard to put the book down, I did feel that there should have been a little more a the end to explain where the characters were going.
Interesting story folded into important historical period. Quick read.
A gritty look at the harsh & bloody world in medieval times. Tough for peasants and nobility alike.
Not one who likes to read about battles, but I was not sure where this book would take me. I was pleasantly surprised by the realistic battle scenes, and the characters involved in this story. I enjoyed every line in this book and look forward to reading the next in this series.
An engaging read. This series is well worth the time.
A little long at times but enjoyable historic fiction
Excellent historical depiction of fictional characters during the 100 years war. I enjoyed it. Bloody.
Great historical read.
Well-written, historical adventure story. Moves quickly. Engaging enough for me to want to read the next book in the series.
This book was brilliant. I read all the rest in the series. An amazing account of war between France and England and very graphic. Loved it and highly recommend.
This is a great beginning to show how the English built and treated their own army. Starting with an archer, the viewpoint is totally different and the observations are terrific.
Excellent portrayal of an archer’s attempt to bridge the gulf between a man born with a silver spoon in his mouth and a common man, gifted though he may be in the art of war. Reminiscent of Bernard Cornwell’s An Archer’s Tale, his Last Kingdom series, and some of Sharpe’s Rifles. Easily a 4 out of 5.
MJB
On Gilman’s third installment of this series & can’t put these books down… riveting view of The 100 Years War from the perspective of an archer/soldier/leader of men.
Excellent historical fiction of hundred year war. Very believable and a book I couldn’t put down. Buying the second installment know and will follow with 3rd and 4th books ASAP.
Great view of history with real historical characters interacting with protagonists who are human, true to their time and place in history and a marvelous window on their time. Gilman is a superb story teller who kept me riveted to the book. Am already digging in to the next volume.
Great read, kept me up more that a few nights.