Master of War cover art

Master of War

Master of War, Book 1

 Preview

Get 30 days of Standard free

£5.99/mo after trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £17.61

Buy Now for £17.61

About this listen

Bloomsbury presents Master of War by David Gilman, read by Colin Mace.

'Page-turning and gritty' DAILY MAIL.

Amid the carnage of the 100 Years War – the bloodiest conflict in medieval history – a young English archer confronts his destiny...

England, 1346: For Thomas Blackstone the choice is easy – dance on the end of a rope for a murder he did not commit, or take up his war bow and join the king's invasion.

As he fights his way across northern France, Blackstone learns 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 will forge a legend.

©2013 David Gilman (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. Genre Fiction Historical Fiction War & Military England War Warfare

Critic reviews

The 100 Years' War is the new Rome for historical adventure novels (Ben Kane)
All stars
Most relevant
Super in every way!
Well written
Well researched
Well read
100% recommended!
Looking forward to reading the whole series!

Super in every way!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Could not 'put this book down'. A story based upon little evidence of that century, brings to light the social conditions, and the codes, morals, and the ethics of the time. The story teller dud add much to recreate an atmosphere, which added much to the enjoyment. one presumes harsh conditions do create a society, where pain is the norm, field surgery sound horrific, to present day experience. Many thanks for a long memorable read. Patrick Speaight. when will the next book appear?

master of war

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Thomas Blackstone is a very remarkable man capable of being merciful and merciless. He's a basic man and a decisive strategist. Excellent narration.

A very humane brute

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The historical detail and descriptions in this book were exceptional. A wonderful account of changing your fortune and growing up against the harrowing background of the 100 years war and Black Death. For those interested in the period this book is a must. I can’t wait to start the second instalment.

Historical fiction perfection

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
If Bernard Cornwell hasn’t sued this guy, he should. Same campaign, same Lord, same premise - same bloody name for the main protagonist! Add in a bit of plagiarised Steinbeck and Bob’s your uncle. Couldn’t finish this book, avoid.

Pound Shop Cornwell

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.