Rage of Swords

Master of War, Book 9

By: David Gilman

Narrated by: Colin Mace

Bloomsbury presents Rage of Swords by David Gilman, read by Colin Mace.

The thrilling new historical adventure in the Master of War series. Sir Thomas Blackstone must travel into enemy lands with a price on his head as he seeks to secure alliances and gold for the Plantagenets' war with France.

1368. Amidst the Hundred Years' War, alliances must be brokered. The Duke of Clarence, second son of King Edward III, journeys from Paris to marry the daughter of the powerful Lord of Milan. Little does he know that he is heading into a trap.

Luckily the Duke is preceded on the road to Milan by Sir Thomas Blackstone, Master of War, on an urgent mission of his own. Blackstone must get his hands on the gold the Prince of Wales needs to wage successful war in France.

But there is a price on Blackstone's head, and assassins willing to risk everything to claim it before he even gets to Milan. He must outwit a succession of ever deadlier enemies, and the Master of War has other foes to conquer: the ambitions of his son Henry, who has inherited his father's knack of getting into scrapes. Scrapes that could end in a hangman's noose...

©2025 David Gilman (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

HE DIDNT LOOK BACKKK!!!

Another masterpiece blackstone and his bondi returns to Italy and a trail of blood awaits can’t wait for the next one thank you David !!!

Another great adventure

The Blackstone books never disappoint, and this installment was no exception. I do hope we get a Gildart Jackson narrated version though, as Colin Mace, who undoubtedly has a great voice doesn’t emote very well. Mace’s Blackstone is great, but everyone else just sounds weirdly high pitched and breathy. I guess I’m just used to Jackson’s versions who really brings the characters and scenes alive.

This needs to be read by Gildart Jackson

This needs to be read by Gildart Jackson. Major disappointment. I am finding it hard to keep up with the story line. The voice accents are all wrong. I hate to miss this audio but I cannot justify being drug along trying to follow the story. This is the 1st of the series that has done this to me. Please make another version read by Gildart Jackson.

The development of Henry

The intrigue of the Italian Aristocracy and how Blackstone Devine’s the way through the maze.

Waiting for next book

I have enjoyed this series very much. I am a fan of stories from the period.

Change of narrator

This is by no means a knock on Colin Mace BUT…when you are invested in a series a change of narrator this far in makes a HUGE difference in my opinion. I almost stopped listening numerous times but had to continue to stay with the story. There may be a reason for the switch (contractual, availability etc) but as an avid listener of audiobooks I will tell you narrator makes a huge difference.