David Pilling Books in Order

Where to Start Reading David Pilling

David Pilling has built a reputation for stripping away the romanticized gloss of medieval history to present a gritty, realistic, and tactile world of knights, mercenaries, and outlaws. If you are new to his bibliography, there are three ideal entry points depending on your historical tastes:

• For Classic Outlaw Legend: Start with The First Arrow (2013), the opening novel of the Robin Hood Books. Here, Pilling reimagines Robyn Hode as a complex outlaw navigating a brutal 13th-century England, far removed from standard Hollywood tropes.
• For Medieval Intrigue & Crime: Start with Invasion (2014) or the original debut edition Folville’s Law. This introduces Sir John Swale, a Cumberland knight investigating political murders and encountering real-world historical outlaws like Eustace Folville during the chaotic final years of Edward II's reign.
• For Realistic Arthurian Legend: Start with Ambrosius (2014), the beginning of the Leader of Battles Books. This series grounds Arthurian lore in the brutal post-Roman realities of 5th-century Britain.

The Grounded Arthurian Universe

Pilling has returned to the legends of Britain multiple times, approaching them not as magical myths, but as harsh historical dramas. His Arthurian-related works span across three distinct series, though they can be read independently:

1. Leader of Battles Books

This four-book saga tracks the rise and fall of the historical figures who inspired the Arthurian legend. The books should be read in chronological and publication order:

1. Ambrosius (2014)
2. Artorius (2014)
3. Gwenhwyfar (2015)
4. Medraut (2017)

2. Caesar's Sword Books

Set in the immediate aftermath of King Arthur's fall at the Battle of Camlann, this trilogy follows Arthur’s grandson, Coel ap Amhar ap Arthur. Forced to flee Britain with Caledfwlch (Arthur's legendary sword, here called "The Red Death"), Coel travels to Constantinople and enters the service of the famous Byzantine general Flavius Belisarius.

1. The Red Death (2013)
2. Siege of Rome (2013)
3. Caesar's Sword (2014)

3. King's Knight Books

A newer addition to Pilling's Arthurian roster, starting with Pendragon Rising (2024), this series continues his tradition of exploring the dark, militaristic reality of sub-Roman Britain through the eyes of the knights who served the Pendragons.

Major Historical Sagas: Medieval England & Beyond

Pilling's primary focus lies in the high and late Middle Ages, mapping the wars and social upheavals of England, Wales, and the Mediterranean through the eyes of ordinary soldiers and displaced nobles.

The Bloody Hand Saga

Set immediately after the Norman Conquest in 1069 AD, this sweeping saga is narrated by Thorkell Skaldsson, a Scandinavian bard who witnesses the devastating aftermath of the Conquest and the resistance against William the Conqueror. Read them in this order:

1. The Northman (2022)
2. The Outlaw (2022)
3. The Exile (2023)
4. The Warlord (2023)
5. The Conqueror (2023)
6. The Varangian (2024)
7. The Dragon (2024)
8. The Crusade (2024)
9. The Caesar (2024)

The Longsword Series

Set in 13th-century England during the Second Barons' War and the reign of Henry III, this series follows Hugh Longsword, a warrior caught up in the rebellion of Simon de Montfort and the struggles of the "Disinherited" rebels who lost their lands.

The White Hawk Books

Focusing on the Wars of the Roses, this series follows the Bolton family of Staffordshire, minor gentry and Lancastrian loyalists, as they fight to survive the shifting tides of the civil war. Read them in order:

1. Revenge (2012)
2. Loyalty (2013)
3. Survival (2015)
4. Sacrifice (2015)

The Champion Books

Moving south to 14th-century Aragon, this series follows Pascal of Valencia, a hardened mercenary and "Adalid" (leader of hosts) operating during the brutal Spanish campaigns of the era.

Other Notable Eras & Fantasy Outliers

In addition to his long-running sagas, Pilling has explored several other distinct historical eras and even made a foray into epic fantasy:

• Border Reivers: The Reiver Books—consisting of Reiver (2016) and The Sword's Edge (2017)—follow Richie o'the Bow as he navigates the dangerous Anglo-Scottish border and blood-feuds with the Armstrong clan in the 16th century.
• Tudor Espionage: The Tudor Spy Books follow William Griffith of Penrhyn, a cousin to Henry VII, sent to spy on Yorkist plots in Burgundy. It begins with The Pretender (2022).
• Medieval Wales: The Blood of Princes Books, starting with Rise (2022), explores the Welsh resistance under Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and the Edwardian wars.
• Epic Fantasy: Co-authored with Martin Bolton, the World Apparent Tales Books—The Best Weapon (2012) and The Path of Sorrow (2015)—follow two young men born on opposite sides of a fantasy world who find themselves pawns in a conflict engineered by hellish lords.

Reader Caveats & Critical Reading Advice

When tracking down Pilling's books, watch out for a few common titles that can easily confuse readers:

• The Hooded Man vs. The Hooded Men: Do not confuse the third book of the Robin Hood series (The Hooded Man, 2014) with the fourth book of the Longsword series (The Hooded Men, 2019). They are entirely separate books set in different centuries!
• Alternate Titles: Several of Pilling's books have been re-released with different subtitles. For instance, in the Leader of Battles series, Gwenhwyfar is sometimes sold as Call to Arms, and Medraut is sometimes sold as To Kill a King. Similarly, Loyalty (White Hawk Book 2) has been published as Restoration, and Survival has been paired with the title Sacrifice. Always check the publication year and volume number to avoid buying duplicate stories under different covers.