Simon Blackstone is frustrated that his master, Prince Edward, is still trying to place the usurped Don Pedro back on the throne of Castile. Don Pedro and Blackstone antagonise each other and this makes their journey across Northern Spain difficult. Meanwhile the usurper Trastamara is being supported by the French and they are harrying the English forces. Meanwhile Blackstone's son has decided to join his father but he is having to cross hostile France, being chased by a violent and implacable enemy.
I haven't read any of Gilman's previous books so came to this one just because I love medieval history. The research and the set pieces are fantastic, there is loads of accurate historical detail and the writing about fights is engaging. Character development is less nuanced and there are few female characters, it's definitely a 'male' book. However for it's genre is is really great read.

To Kill a King is a fantastic action-packed, violent and authentic historical novel.

This was an extremely immersive novel that portrays the reality of being a medieval soldier and the courage, friendships and cunning it takes to survive in a life dominated by conflict.

The book took me across treacherous mountain passes, through poverty-stricken villages through to the lawless countryside of France, during a period and campaign I know little about. It was fascinating to learn more about the Prince of Wales’ offensive across the Pyrenees.

The novel has a very strong cast of characters. Thomas Blackwell is a really interesting character who always pushes the boundaries and left me wondering if he would suffer the repercussions. But it is this that makes him a respected Master of War, and a character I admired. Alongside him are his loyal companions like John Jacob and Jack Halfpenny; men who are brave, loyal and fearless, and who I was rooting for the whole way through. Then there’s Henry's story - which is equally action packed, and who as a character, inspires the same loyalty from his followers.

The plot never slowed down, with some new conflict or intrigue never far away. It kept me hooked and was easy to read and look forward to the next chapter.

This is proper historical fiction. It’s gritty, real and shows what humans will do to survive.

To Kill a King is the eighth book in David Gilman’s ‘Master of War’ series. As is often the case, I haven’t read all the books in the series. I started with good intentions, reading the first book, The Blooding, back in 2016. It charts Thomas Blackstone’s rise from humble stonemason’s apprentice to skilled archer fighting the French at the battle of Crécy. The second book in the series, Defiant Unto Death, has been lingering on my Kindle for more years than I care to mention. Between then and now there’s been a lot of blood spilt and Blackstone has fought many battles, lost many comrades, suffered personal tragedy and defied death on numerous occasions.

It’s probably easiest if you’ve read previous books in the series but, if you haven’t – or have missed great chunks of the series like me – To Kill a King can be read as a standalone. I would suggest reading the Author’s Note to get a sense of the historical situation at the point the book opens. The list of characters at the beginning of the book will also introduce you to Blackstone’s most loyal and trusted comrades. They’ve travelled many miles together and fought many battles. ‘And where is home? For any of us? It is where we are with whom we ride. That is home…’

Blackstone’s son, Henry, has a lot to live up to, something he is intent on doing rather than continuing his studies in Oxford under the safety of an assumed name. Henry is the chink in his father’s armour (if you’ll pardon the pun), a reminder of the woman Blackstone loved and lost under tragic circumstances. There’s never been another to replace her, although some have come tantalisingly close.

You want battle scenes? You’ll get them in spades in To Kill a King: skirmish after skirmish, ambush after ambush, deadly hails of arrows and crossbow bolts, bloody close-quarter killing. ‘War hammers crushed bones… Men shrieked: pleas for clemency unheard above the cacophony of screams, whinnying horses, trumpets and drums.’ On plenty of occasions Blackstone has to rely on his ill-natured ‘bastard horse’, his trusty Wolf Sword or his sixth sense for danger to dodge death. And, if you want some really nasty villains, there are those too. In fact, if you’re a bit squeamish, you might want to skip over a few scenes.

The end of the book involves some brilliant scenes in which Blackstone proves what an unstoppable force he is, but also what he is prepared to do in order to protect his son. Will Blackstone live to fight another day? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

This book is all the better if you have followed the series but will set your pulse racing even if you haven’t.
It follows reluctant scholar son Henry’s decision (somewhat made for him) to find his father in France and he sets off with his disapproving but honour bound guardian.
Meanwhile Sir Thomas, harnessed by oath but supported by his own loyal men, has to escort the loathsome King of Castile back to claim his throne, accompanied by The Prince of Wales and his army and entourage. Have the French found a way to stop the man they fear most? Once again a cracking read.

This is the first book i read by this author and now I have to read an entire series as it's a fast paced, action paced and entertaining story.
Well researched historical background, solid plot, good characters and storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I read a lot of historical fiction and I was so impressed with both the research done on the events and characters of the story and the incredible scenes of warfare in this book. The history and battles are top-notch and I can't wait to get my hands on every title in the series.

Long time fan of Mr Gilmans work. His writing draws you into the time period and makes it seem your right there witnessing history. I've read all of the master of war series and this one didn't disappoint. The action and political intrigue of the time period is spot on. Any fan of Christian Cameron or Griff Hosker will be pleased to invest the time in this series.

David Gilman's Master of War books rarely disappoint, which is why they're so addictive. "To Kill a King" is no different. As always, great characters, high adventure, and a mastery of plot. He is to the Hundred Years war what Bernard Cornwell is to the Viking Wars and The Napoleonic Wars. I cannot recommend these books highly enough!