Defiant Unto Death

I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell... The level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level'
Page-turning and gritty
Gilman does heart pounding action superlatively
A gripping ride
The 100 Years' War is the new Rome for historical adventure novels
A thrilling, fast-moving, engaging tale, with unexpected twists, beautiful prose, excellent characterisation and dialogue, human sentiment and motivation, and graphic descriptions of war. The reader is utterly convinced by the medieval world in this stunning work. I am reminded of great books such as those of Zoe Oldenbourg. And, move over Bernard Cornwell!
The author writes his scenes so powerfully... It's that level of writing skill that helps this book stand apart from the crowd'
A vivid snapshot of 14th-century Normandy life in all its bloody, gritty glory by a great story-teller. Historical fiction heaven!
Gilman is a master author. His books are meticulously researched and historically accurate whilst at the same time being thrilling and suspenseful... in the same class as Bernard Cornwell'
This novel is, to put it simply, marvellous. The early Hundred Years War brought alive in all its violence, chaos and valiance... It's not often military historical fiction moves me to tears but this book managed it'
Brilliant, really brings across the brutality of the period, an author at the top of his game
I loved the story and felt I was taken back to medieval times with the descriptions... A great story'
I would recommend this book if you want to get lost in history and the drama of the battle!
An excellently written book with descriptions so clear that throughout the entire story I genuinely felt I was standing next to Thomas Blackstone. It gives an excellent insight to a very turbulent time in France's history and how it affected the people who lived there
Like a punch from a mailed fist, Master of War gives a true taste of the Hundred Years War. It is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty. The stench and harshness of medieval life is ever present