Picture an English storyteller who swapped fire trucks, parachutes, and camera lenses for a pen, crafting tales that pulse with adventure—meet David Gilman! From the gritty battlefields of the Hundred Years’ War to the exotic dangers of his YA thrillers, Gilman’s novels grip readers with their raw authenticity and heart-pounding action. His life, a tapestry of daring careers and global travels, fuels stories that leap off the page.
The Making of David Gilman
Born in Liverpool and raised in Wales, David Gilman’s early years were a whirlwind of movement, with his family relocating frequently due to his father’s business. By 14, he left school to support his mother and siblings, soon finding himself in apartheid South Africa, driving a battered 1940s Ford to ferry workers. From there, his resume reads like an action hero’s: firefighter, soldier in the Parachute Regiment’s Reconnaissance Platoon, professional photographer, and marketing manager for a publisher. Each role, from logging in Australia to facing IRA threats in Britain, shaped his gritty, grounded storytelling. In 1986, he turned to writing full-time, channeling his experiences into scripts and novels.
David Gilman’s Unforgettable Stories
Gilman’s Master of War series, kicking off with the 2013 novel of the same name, follows Thomas Blackstone, a stonemason-turned-archer navigating the brutal Hundred Years’ War. Rich with historical detail, the series—now spanning eight books, including Defiant Unto Death and To Kill a King—blends visceral combat with political intrigue, earning praise for its immersive grit. For younger readers, the Danger Zone trilogy, starring teen hero Max Gordon, delivers high-stakes adventures across diverse settings, from Namibia’s wilderness in The Devil’s Breath to icy perils in Ice Claw. This series, translated into 15 countries, won the French Prix Polar Jeunesse and snagged Carnegie Medal nominations. Gilman’s standalone novels, like The Last Horseman, a Boer War tale shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Award, and Night Flight to Paris, a WWII thriller, showcase his knack for tense, character-driven narratives. His screenwriting, notably for A Touch of Frost (2000–2009), honed his ability to craft tight, emotional plots.
His style? Think cinematic pacing meets rugged realism. Gilman’s diverse past—soldier, firefighter, wanderer—infuses his work with an unflinching view of human struggle and resilience, whether in medieval battles or modern espionage. Themes of loyalty, survival, and moral complexity resonate across his genres, captivating both adult and YA audiences.
Why David Gilman Matters
David Gilman’s impact lies in his ability to bridge generations and genres, from historical epics to YA adventures. His novels, lauded by authors like Wilbur Smith and Sharon Penman, offer more than escapism—they reflect the chaos and courage of real-world conflicts, informed by his own brushes with danger. The Danger Zone series, a UK-recommended read for boys, inspires young readers to embrace bravery and curiosity. Meanwhile, Master of War has carved a niche in historical fiction, rivaling giants like Bernard Cornwell. Gilman’s storytelling, rooted in a life of grit and wanderlust, reminds us that the best tales come from those who’ve lived them.
- Born: Liverpool, England
- Key Works: Master of War, The Devil’s Breath, Night Flight to Paris
- Awards: Prix Polar Jeunesse, Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Award shortlist
- Fun Fact: He once lied about his age to work as a traffic cop in South Africa!
About David Gilman
Snag Master of War or The Devil’s Breath and dive into David Gilman’s thrilling worlds—history and adventure await!