How to Read the Master of War Series
If you are planning to dive into David Gilman's gripping historical adventure series, the recommended path is straightforward: read the books in order of publication. Because the narrative follows the lifetime of protagonist Thomas Blackstone in a linear fashion, the publication order matches the internal chronological timeline of the Hundred Years' War. Starting with the first installment is essential, as Blackstone's relationships, military status, personal scars, and family dynamics evolve significantly from one book to the next.
A critical detail for new readers, particularly those in North America, is that the first book was published under two different titles. In the United Kingdom and many other regions, it is known as Master of War, whereas in the United States and Canada, it was released as The Blooding. Rest assured, they are the exact same book.
The Master of War Reading Order (Publication & Chronological Order)
Here is the complete list of books in the Master of War series in their recommended reading order, updated to include the latest release:
1. Master of War / The Blooding (2013)
Set in the year 1346, the saga begins in England. Thomas Blackstone, a young stonemason's apprentice, is falsely accused of murder. To escape execution, he is forced to enlist in King Edward III's army as a longbowman. Blackstone is shipped off to the war in France, where he is thrust directly into the horrific realities of medieval combat, culminating in a legendary performance and his eventual knighting at the Battle of Crécy.
2. Defiant Unto Death (2015)
The story advances to 1356. Now Sir Thomas Blackstone, he has become a hardened leader of men, commanding a small force in the war-torn landscape of France. Facing betrayal from political rivals and hunting a ruthless enemy, Blackstone must survive the brutal escalation of the conflict leading up to the historic Battle of Poitiers.
3. Gate of the Dead (2015)
The theater of war shifts south in the third volume. Blackstone is sent to Italy's warring city-states on a mission for the English Crown. Entangled in the complex, treacherous political intrigues of Italian mercenaries, dukes, and the Pope, Blackstone must fight for survival in a region where shifting allegiances are bought with gold.
4. Viper's Blood (2017)
Blackstone returns to the main stage of the Hundred Years' War. Despite a temporary peace treaty between England and France, local mercenary bands (the Free Companies) continue to ravage the French countryside. Blackstone finds himself caught between defending his land and fulfilling his duty to the King, all while navigating personal grief and deadly new conspiracies.
5. Scourge of Wolves (2018)
In 1362, the winter is harsh and the threat of famine and plague looms over Europe. Blackstone is tasked with protecting the English-held territories of Aquitaine from savage mercenary captains known as the 'Wolves'. This installment places a heavy focus on guerrilla tactics, winter warfare, and Blackstone's growing burdens as a commander.
6. Cross of Fire (2020)
The conflict broadens as Blackstone is drawn into Spain (Castile), where France and England back opposing sides in a civil war. Amidst the arid battlefields of the Iberian Peninsula, Blackstone faces new tactical challenges, political betrayals, and the realization that his status as a legendary warrior makes him a target for both sides.
7. Shadow of the Hawk (2021)
Returning to France, Blackstone must navigate the complex web of treaties, secret deals, and local rebellions. The narrative emphasizes his aging body and the mounting emotional toll of a lifetime at war. Blackstone is forced to deploy all his tactical cunning to protect his allies and ensure the survival of his household.
8. To Kill a King (2024)
Set in 1367, the eighth book finds Blackstone facing threats from long-standing enemies. Shifting alliances and personal vendettas place him in extreme danger as Edward III's campaigns face mounting resistance. Blackstone must once again pick up his sword to protect the Crown and defend the family he has bled to keep safe.
9. Rage of Swords (2025)
The ninth installment is set in 1368. King Edward III requires gold to fund his ongoing operations, and Blackstone is dispatched to secure vital wealth for the English Treasury. Simultaneously, he is charged with safeguarding the Duke of Clarence, who is journeying to Milan for a strategic marriage alliance. Blackstone must fend off bounty hunters, negotiate treacherous Alpine passes, and manage the dangerous ambitions of his own son, Henry.
What to Know Before You Start
David Gilman's series is highly regarded for its historical accuracy and gritty realism. Readers who enjoy the works of Bernard Cornwell (particularly the Grail Quest series or The Saxon Stories) or Conn Iggulden will find themselves at home in Blackstone's world. Gilman does not shy away from the mud, blood, and disease of 14th-century Europe. The combat is visceral, showing the destructive power of the English longbow and the chaotic terror of shield walls and cavalry charges.
While each book features a distinct military campaign or mission, the overarching narrative is heavily serialized. Major character relationships, rivalries, and Blackstone's internal growth carry directly over from book to book. Reading them out of order is not recommended, as you will miss the deep emotional context behind Blackstone's relationships with his family, his lieutenants, and his enemies.