David Gilman

David Gilman is a British author known for historical fiction and thriller novels, particularly his Master of War series set during the Hundred Years' War. His work frequently explores themes of military conflict, espionage, and complex historical events. Before becoming a novelist, Gilman worked as a firefighter, professional photographer, and screenwriter, writing for various British television series including Casualty and Dalziel & Pascoe. His background in screenwriting influenced his direct, visually descriptive writing style and fast-paced narrative approach. Gilman's historical research is evident in his detailed portrayals of medieval warfare and 20th-century conflicts. His standalone novels include The Last Horseman, set during the Boer War, and Night Flight to Paris, a World War II espionage thriller. The Master of War series, beginning with the eponymous first novel in 2013, follows the journey of Thomas Blackstone, an English archer who rises through the ranks during the Hundred Years' War. This series established Gilman's reputation in the historical fiction genre and continues to be his most recognized work.

Readers praise Gilman's historical accuracy, detailed battle scenes, and complex character development across his Master of War series and standalone novels. Many note his ability to balance historical authenticity with engaging storylines. Likes: - Deep research into medieval warfare and tactics - Strong, morally conflicted protagonists - Fast pacing and action sequences - Period-accurate dialogue without feeling stilted Dislikes: - Some find the violence graphic and excessive - Later books in series can feel formulaic to some readers - Minor characters sometimes underdeveloped Ratings: Goodreads: - Master of War series: 4.3/5 (12,000+ ratings) - The Last Horseman: 4.1/5 (850+ ratings) - Night Flight to Paris: 4.2/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: - Master of War series: 4.5/5 (3,000+ ratings) - Standalone novels average 4.3/5 (2,000+ combined ratings) Multiple reviewers compare his writing style to Bernard Cornwell, particularly in depicting medieval combat and military campaigns.

Master of War An English archer rises through military ranks during the Hundred Years' War, beginning his journey at the Battle of Crécy in 1346.

Viper's Blood Thomas Blackstone confronts political intrigue and warfare in 14th century France as English forces attempt to claim the French crown.

Gate of the Dead Blackstone leads his men through treacherous battles in medieval France while facing personal vendettas and shifting alliances.

The Last Horseman A Dublin veterinary surgeon travels to South Africa during the Boer War in search of his missing son.

Night Flight to Paris A former British SOE operative conducts a dangerous mission in Nazi-occupied Paris to locate a missing RAF pilot.

The Devil's Breath A teenage boy investigates his father's disappearance while uncovering a global environmental conspiracy.

Ice Claw Young Max Gordon faces deadly challenges in the French Alps while pursuing clues about his father's secret mission.

Monkey and Me A nine-year-old boy forms a special bond with a monkey while dealing with serious illness.

Cross of Fire Thomas Blackstone battles across a war-torn France as the conflict between England and France intensifies.

The Englishman A former French Foreign Legion soldier investigates his son's murder in contemporary France.

Bernard Cornwell His Last Kingdom series and Grail Quest novels feature medieval warfare and archery with precise historical detail. His protagonists share similar military backgrounds and progression through ranks as Gilman's characters.

C.J. Sansom The Matthew Shardlake series combines Tudor-era historical settings with complex military and political intrigue. His research-based approach to historical periods matches Gilman's attention to period accuracy.

Simon Scarrow His Roman military fiction series focuses on battlefield tactics and soldier relationships in historical settings. Scarrow's work contains similar themes of brotherhood and military hierarchy found in Gilman's novels.

Jack Higgins His World War II thrillers like The Eagle Has Landed focus on espionage and military operations. Higgins employs comparable narrative techniques in developing tension and military authenticity.

Robert Harris His historical thrillers like Fatherland and Enigma blend warfare and espionage across different time periods. His mix of historical events with fictional characters parallels Gilman's approach to historical storytelling.