Longsword unleashed!

My new ebook, LONGSWORD (VI): THE BROKEN ARROW, is now on release! Please see links to Amazon US & UK below - get it while it's HOT!

1282 AD.

The fragile peace is about to be shattered. King Edward’s victory over the Welsh and Irish five years earlier was only temporary, and now hostile forces gather again. In Wales the defeated prince, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, plans to claw back his lost power. His turncoat brother, Dafydd, seeks to break free of the king and help the Welsh to recover their liberty. At the same time a fresh revolt breaks out in Ireland.

England itself is threatened. In the northern countries, deep inside Sherwood Forest, the outlaw Robyn Hode conspires to raise the northern barons against the king. He is inspired by the enduring memory of Simon de Montfort, Edward’s old enemy. The northern rebels hope to destroy the king and replace him with Guy, one of Simon’s exiled sons. Robyn sends the broken arrow, a signal of rebellion, to all corners of the kingdom.

Sir Hugh Longsword, the king’s faithful servant, stands between the king and this host of enemies. After sixteen years in royal service, he is determined to finally bring peace to a war-weary land. Yet he must also face the enemy within: Hugh’s rise to royal favour has made him unpopular, and his own master, Robert Burnell, conspires against him. While he fights off the enemies of the state, Hugh must guard against knives in the back.

Longsword VI: The Broken Arrow is the latest historical adventure novel by David Pilling, author of Reiver, Soldier of Fortune, The Half-Hanged Man, Caesar’s Sword and many more novels and short stories. He is also the author of Rebellion Against Henry III: The Disinherited Montfortians 1265-1274, a nonfiction book published by Pen & Sword.
 

Longsword (VI): The Broken Arrow on Amazon US 

Longsword (VI): The Broken Arrow on Amazon UK

New Longsword!

Part Six - and possibly the last - of the Sir Hugh Longsword series is now on pre-order on ebook and Kindle! LONGSWORD VI: THE  BROKEN ARROW IS scheduled for release on Monday 20 April - see links for pre-order below!

1282 AD. The fragile peace is about to be shattered. King Edward’s victory over the Welsh and Irish five years earlier was only temporary, and now hostile forces gather again. In Wales the defeated prince, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, plans to claw back his lost power. His turncoat brother, Dafydd, seeks to break free of the king and help the Welsh to recover their liberty. At the same time a fresh revolt breaks out in Ireland. England itself is threatened. 

In the northern countries, deep inside Sherwood Forest, the outlaw Robyn Hode conspires to raise the northern barons against the king. He is inspired by the enduring memory of Simon de Montfort, Edward’s old enemy. The northern rebels hope to destroy the king and replace him with Guy, one of Simon’s exiled sons. Robyn sends the broken arrow, a signal of rebellion, to all corners of the kingdom. 

Sir Hugh Longsword, the king’s faithful servant, stands between the king and this host of enemies. After sixteen years in royal service, he is determined to finally bring peace to a war-weary land. Yet he must also face the enemy within: Hugh’s rise to royal favour has made him unpopular, and his own master, Robert Burnell, conspires against him. While he fights off the enemies of the state, Hugh must guard against knives in the back. 

Longsword VI: The Broken Arrow is the latest historical adventure novel by David Pilling, author of Reiver, Soldier of Fortune, The Half-Hanged Man, Caesar’s Sword and many more novels and short stories. He is also the author of Rebellion Against Henry III: The Disinherited Montfortians 1265-1274, a nonfiction book published by Pen & Sword.

Longsword (VI): The Broken Arrow on Amazon US

Longsword (VI): The Broken Arrow on Amazon UK

Longsword review

A nice review of the latest Longsword tale from a fellow author, Joe Corso:

 "I have made it a practice to read David Pilling's books concerning historical fiction. The King's Rebels was as good as his other books, full of intrigue and spycraft. If you enjoy ancient books on the Roman Legions, or action books written about ancient European history you will enjoy this book. Another great job by Pilling."

Joe Corso author of Lafitte's Treasure

Longsword (V): The King's rebels on Amazon US

The King's Rebels!

My new novella, the latest chapter in the saga of Sir Hugh Longsword, is now available on Kindle!

1277 AD. England prepares for war. Prince Llywelyn of Wales refuses to swear loyalty to the king, Edward I, and dreams of independence for his country. To defy the might of the English crown, Llywelyn will need allies. He looks to the west, to Ireland, where the rebellious Clan MacMurrough plan to set up their chieftain as High King. Together, the Welsh and Irish leaders plan to drive Edward’s forces from their land. 

Sir Hugh Longsword is summoned by the king to deal with the crisis. With enemies at home thirsting for his blood, he is only too grateful to be sent to Ireland. There he encounters the galloglass, ferocious Gaelic warriors who will fight to the last man on the battlefield. Hugh has survived civil war in England, but will need all his skill and experience to survive the hell of Irish warfare. 

Meanwhile an old friend is at work in Wales. Emma, the girl Hugh once rescued, is also working as a spy for the crown. As he fights in Ireland, she is ordered to break up the confederacy of Welsh princes. United, the king’s rebels may well be strong enough to overcome the English. Divided, King Edward can pick them off one by one. Yet, even as the clouds of war gather on every front, an old threat lurks in the background…

Longsword V: The King’s Rebels is the latest historical adventure novel by David Pilling, author of Reiver, Soldier of Fortune, The Half-Hanged Man, Caesar’s Sword and many more novels and short stories.

Longsword (V) The King's Rebels on Amazon US

Longsword (V) The King's Rebels on Amazon UK

Longsword 5!

The fifth instalment in my Longsword series - Longsword (V): The King’s Rebels - is now available on Kindle pre-order - release date 1 November!

1277 AD. England prepares for war. Prince Llywelyn of Wales refuses to swear loyalty to the king, Edward I, and dreams of independence for his country. To defy the might of the English crown, Llywelyn will need allies. He looks to the west, to Ireland, where the rebellious Clan MacMurrough plan to set up their chieftain as High King. Together, the Welsh and Irish leaders plan to drive Edward’s forces from their land.

Sir Hugh Longsword is summoned by the king to deal with the crisis. With enemies at home thirsting for his blood, he is only too grateful to be sent to Ireland. There he encounters the galloglass, ferocious Gaelic warriors who will fight to the last man on the battlefield. Hugh has survived civil war in England, but will need all his skill and experience to survive the hell of Irish warfare.

Meanwhile an old friend is at work in Wales. Emma, the girl Hugh once rescued, is also working as a spy for the crown. As he fights in Ireland, she is ordered to break up the confederacy of Welsh princes. United, the king’s rebels may well be strong enough to overcome the English. Divided, King Edward can pick them off one by one. Yet, even as the clouds of war gather on every front, an old threat lurks in the background… 

Longsword V: The King’s Rebels is the latest historical adventure novel by David Pilling, author of Reiver, Soldier of Fortune, The Half-Hanged Man, Caesar’s Sword and many more novels and short stories.

Longsword (V): The King's Rebels on Amazon US

Longsword (V): The King's Rebels on Amazon UK

Holy Warrior!

W.F. Howes have just released the audio version of LONGSWORD III: (HOLY WARRIOR), narrated by Marston York. If any kind person feels like sharing this glad news, I would be much obliged. Cheers!

LONGSWORD (III): HOLY WARRIOR ON AUDIBLE

To serve kings

Line from zer vork in progress:

"It was Master James who first recruited Hugh. He was rotting in his plain tomb now, in a discreet corner of Westminster Abbey. That was his reward for a lifetime of devoted service; to be laid to rest alongside the kings and archbishops whose secrets he had kept, and whose little problems he had induced to go away."

Balls on a platter

Line from WIP, and Hugh Longsword is guilty of staring.

“Stop ogling, Hugh,” she said calmly. “Go to the palace, or Master Burnell will have your balls on a plate. That would be a pity. I have too much use for them.”

Bruce Almighty (again)

A negative review of Angus McFayden's new film on Robert de Bruce. The reviews have only just started coming in, but it isn't looking good.

Robert the Bruce review on List Film

This is the fourth stab (as Bruce said to Comyn) at depicting Bruce's life in modern cinema, and none have really worked. Perhaps the best depiction is in the otherwise ridiculous Braveheart, in which Bruce is shown as a conflicted character while everyone else is playing goodies and baddies.

In my 'umble opinion, the problem lies in the basic lack of honesty in these films. A dishonest piece of art carries no conviction either, and you're left watching a silly pantomime. The adage 'it's a movie, not a documentary' simply won't wash. Give us the reality plus detail, and perhaps we will finally get a decent movie or mini-series out of this subject. It can be done: see the likes of The Devil's Crown, Shadow of the Tower and the more recent Wolf Hall.

Wolf meat

Another line from the WIP (Work in Progress). This is a further sequel to the adventures of Hugh Longsword.

"A strange lull fell over the place of slaughter. Somewhere in the deep forest – Art later wondered if he imagined it – a wolf howled. The carrion-eaters were impatient for meat."

Box set!

Check me out and my sexy Kindle box set. This is a repackage of The White Hawk, a three-part family saga set during the Wars of the Roses. Further information and release date to be announced!

Author interview

Today I am interviewed by Dan Moorhouse on his website, SchoolsHistory.Org. I talk about my new novella, Longsword (IV) The Hooded Men as well as my thoughts on history and life as a writer in general. My piercing shafts of insight and stupendous witty brilliance are not to be missed, along with my humility.

Interview with David Pilling

The Hooded Men are here!

My new book, Longsword (IV) The Hooded Men, is now available on Amazon Kindle. This is the latest adventure of Hugh Longsword - soldier, agent, spy and loyal King's Man in the reign of Edward I.

"England, 1273 AD. Henry III is dead. The new king, Edward I, is thousands of miles away in the Holy Land. In his absence, old enemies plan to shatter the fragile peace and plunge England into another civil war. Robert Ferrers, the outlawed Earl of Derby and Edward’s bitter enemy, raises the standard of revolt. He gathers an army of outlaws and secretly dreams of seizing the crown itself.

Hugh Longsword arrives home in disgrace after his failure to protect Edward from an assassin’s blade. He is given one chance to redeem himself and sent to investigate disturbances in northern England. The scale of the conspiracy soon becomes apparent as Hugh encounters enemies old and new: Sir John d’Eyvill, the outlaws of Sherwood, and a mysterious knight who calls himself the King of the North Wind.

Longsword IV: The Hooded Men is the latest historical adventure novel by David Pilling, author of Reiver, Soldier of Fortune, The Half-Hanged Man, Caesar’s Sword and many more novels and short stories."

The Hooded Men on Amazon US

The Hooded Men on Amazon UK

Push of pike

A subtle hint as to the subject matter of my next project. Giving the Middle Ages a rest for a while...

Longsword IV pre-order!

Longsword (IV) The Hooded Men is now available for pre-order on Kindle, release date 12 June!

Some of you may recall that Hugh ended the last chapter in disgrace, having failed to reach Acre in time to save the Lord Edward from a Syrian assassin. Now he is sent home to England, carrying a sealed letter that contains his one shot at redemption...

Longsword (IV) The Hooded Men on Amazon US

Longsword (IV) the Hooded Men on Amazon UK

Longsword IV is on the way...

The hooded men are coming...

Henry III is dead. The new king, Edward I, is thousands of miles away in the Holy Land. In his absence, former plan to shatter the fragile peace and plunge England into another civil war. Robert Ferrers, the outlawed Earl of Derby and Edward’s bitter enemy, raises the standard of revolt. He gathers an army of barons and outlaws and secretly dreams of seizing the crown itself. The men of Ferrers, led by captains known as the Hooded Men, threaten to overun the Midlands and northern counties.

Hugh Longsword arrives home in disgrace after his failure to protect Edward from an assassin’s blade. He is given one chance to redeem himself and sent to investigate disturbances in northern England. The scale of the conspiracy soon becomes apparent as Hugh encounters enemies old and new: Sir John d’Eyvill, the outlaws of Sherwood, and a mysterious knight who calls himself the King of the North Wind.

Longsword IV: The Hooded Men is the latest historical adventure novel by David Pilling, author of Reiver, Soldier of Fortune, The Half-Hanged Man, Caesar’s Sword and many more novels and short stories.

The audio version of LEADER OF BATTLES (IV): DRYSTAN is now available, narrated by Paul Jenkins. This tells the story of the doomed lovers, Drystan and Esyllt, as darkness falls over Free Britannia and Artorius, the High King.

“Britannia, 491 AD. Twelve years have passed since the British victory at Mount Badon. For the first time since the departure of the legions, Britannia is at peace. The Saxons are quiet in the east, towns and villages once again flourish, and Artorius reigns supreme as High King.

Yet the hard-won peace is fragile. Trouble flares in the north, inside the Kingdom of Rheged, where civil war threatens to break out over territory and the hand of a royal princess. Artorius once again rides out at the head of his famous Companions to restore order, but the war only exposes tension among his followers. The long peace has bred resentment, and a new generation of warriors grow to manhood who care little for the past.

While Artorius struggles to maintain order in Rheged, a new and far more deadly enemy rises in the far south-west. Drystan of Kernow, bastard son of King Marcus, slays a famous pirate in single combat. Having earned a glorious reputation, he is sent to Hibernia to fetch back a young bride for his father. The bride is Esyllt, daughter of King Niall. Drystan falls in love with the girl and abducts her, threatening to start a new war that will tear Britannia all to pieces.

Artorius is forced to move swiftly to save his kingdom. The ageing warlord soon discovers that no man is invincible, and suffers defeat, betrayal and personal loss in his fight against Drystan. Meanwhile, as the British kingdoms falter, the shadow in the east continues to gather strength.

Book Four of the Leader of Battles series follows the tale of Drystan and Esyllt, better-known as the doomed lovers Tristan and Isolde. This version sets their romance against the harsh, unforgiving backdrop of post-Roman Britannia, where treachery is rife, and darkness closes over the head of the High King.”

Leader of Battles IV (Drystan) on Audible

The White Hawk!

God for Lancaster! God for Saint George! 

Book One of The White Hawk (Revenge), my family saga set during The Wars of the Roses, is now available as an audiobook, narrated by Ian Kingsley. I toed a slightly different line to the norm with this series, and wrote it from the perspective of a family of minor Lancastrian gentry instead of the currently fashionable pro-Yorkist stance. There are, of course, buckets of blood and lots of aristocratic heads on pikes.

The White Hawk I (Revenge) on Audible

Today my ebook, Reiver, is featured as a Spotlight on Book Heaven, a popular blog:

REIVER on Book Heaven

Longsword 3!

The third tale of Hugh Longsword, LONGSWORD (III): HOLY WARRIOR, is now available on Kindle!

“Deus Vult - God wills it!”

1271 AD. The civil wars in England are over, and the Lord Edward has sailed to the Holy Land to save what remains of the crusader states. Abandoned by his allies, Edward insists on pushing on to Acre, one of the few cities still in Christian hands. On the way his fleet is almost destroyed by a storm, and he arrives to find Acre threatened by the host of Baibars, the all-conquering Mamluk sultan of Egypt, known as the Father of Conquest.

Among Edward’s followers is Hugh Longsword. With Acre surrounded by the Mamluks, Hugh is sent on a vital mission across hundreds of miles of enemy territory. His task is to deliver a message to the Tartars, the only power on earth that can defeat Baibars. The journey is long and dangerous, and Hugh must survive battle, treachery and the lethal agents of the Qussad, Baibars’ spy network.

LONGSWORD (III) HOLY WARRIOR is the third of the adventures of Hugh Longsword, swordsman, spy and assassin in the turbulent, war-torn 13th century.

LONGSWORD III (HOLY WARRIOR) on Amazon US

LONGSWORD (III): HOLY WARRIOR on Amazon UK