Dive into the heart-pounding world of the Master of War series, where the clash of swords and the roar of medieval battles bring history to life! Penned by David Gilman, this historical fiction saga follows Thomas Blackstone, a young English archer who rises from a humble stonemason to a legendary warrior during the brutal Hundred Years’ War. With its vivid storytelling and gritty action, Master of War sweeps readers into 14th-century Europe, blending historical accuracy with tales of honor, betrayal, and survival.
Whether you’re a history buff or an adventure enthusiast, this series delivers a thrilling ride through a world where loyalty is tested, and destiny is forged in blood. Let’s explore how this epic saga came to be, its gripping books, and why it continues to captivate readers!
How Master of War Began
David Gilman, a former screenwriter for A Touch of Frost, turned his storytelling talents to historical fiction after a serendipitous spark. Inspired by a fresco of a 14th-century mercenary in Florence’s Duomo, Gilman dove into the Hundred Years’ War, a conflict ripe with drama and untapped in fiction. He crafted Thomas Blackstone, a 16-year-old archer, to anchor a series that balances raw action with emotional depth. First published in 2013, Master of War grew from Gilman’s passion for authentic historical detail and his knack for vivid, cinematic narratives.
The Heart of Master of War
The series kicks off with Master of War (2013), where Thomas Blackstone, facing a false murder charge, joins King Edward III’s army in 1346. His journey through the Battle of Crécy transforms him from a village lad to a skilled warrior. Defiant Unto Death (2015) leaps forward to 1356, with Sir Thomas, now a knight, facing betrayal and the French army’s wrath at Poitiers. Gate of the Dead (2016) sees Blackstone in Italy’s warring city-states, entangled in deadly politics, while To Kill a King (2024), the eighth book, pits him against rising tensions and personal enemies in 1367.
Gilman’s series shines for its unflinching portrayal of medieval warfare—think muddy battlefields, strategic longbow tactics, and the chaos of siege warfare. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of ambition weave through Blackstone’s arc, grounded by his flawed yet relatable humanity. The Hundred Years’ War setting, rich with political intrigue and cultural clashes, feels alive, from England’s villages to France’s castles. Readers praise Gilman’s Bernard Cornwell-esque style, blending heart-pounding action with historical texture that never feels heavy-handed.
Why Master of War Resonates
Master of War stands out in historical fiction for its balance of gritty realism and emotional stakes. Fans compare it to Bernard Cornwell’s works, with reviewers like The Bookbag noting “flashes of brilliance” that surpass even Cornwell’s tales. Its meticulous research and vivid battle scenes appeal to history lovers, while Blackstone’s underdog journey hooks adventure fans. The series’ growing fanbase, evident on platforms like Goodreads, lauds its immersive storytelling and complex characters. With eight books and more in the works, Master of War continues to carve its niche as a must-read for epic historical sagas.
- First Book Published: 2013
- Number of Books: 8 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Hundred Years’ War, 14th-century Europe
- Notable Praise: LoveReading Star Book for To Kill a King
Ready to charge into the fray? Grab Master of War and join Thomas Blackstone’s epic journey through the blood-soaked fields of medieval Europe!