David Pilling's Blog, page 63
March 26, 2018
Folville's Law on audio!
My very first novel - FOLVILLE'S LAW (I): INVASION - published back in the mists of 2011, is now available on audio, narrated by the wunderbar Steve Fortune!
England in 1326 stands on the brink of civil war. Due to the incompetence of Edward II's government, the north is virtually overrun by the Scots, while an invasion fleet is massing across the channel, led by Edward's estranged queen, Isabella, the 'She-Wolf of France'. The first book in the Folville's Law series follows the adventures of Sir John Swale, knight of Cumberland, as he investigates a murder that threatens to bring disaster to Edward's failing kingdom. Along the way he clashes with Eustace Folville and James Coterel, two of the most notorious and brutal outlaws in England. As the death toll mounts, it remains to be seen who will survive and who will perish in the savage game of war and politics.
FOLVILLE'S LAW (I): INVASION on AUDIBLE
England in 1326 stands on the brink of civil war. Due to the incompetence of Edward II's government, the north is virtually overrun by the Scots, while an invasion fleet is massing across the channel, led by Edward's estranged queen, Isabella, the 'She-Wolf of France'. The first book in the Folville's Law series follows the adventures of Sir John Swale, knight of Cumberland, as he investigates a murder that threatens to bring disaster to Edward's failing kingdom. Along the way he clashes with Eustace Folville and James Coterel, two of the most notorious and brutal outlaws in England. As the death toll mounts, it remains to be seen who will survive and who will perish in the savage game of war and politics.
FOLVILLE'S LAW (I): INVASION on AUDIBLE
March 9, 2018
New review!
Smashing review for the audio version of SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (I): THE WOLF CUB, narrated by the splenfiderous Nick Denton:
"I received audible version of this book for free from the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review. In addition, I got the ebook from Kindle Unlimited, so I was able to read along. I love Historical Fiction, along with "Alternate History" (like Man in the High Castle). If the book contains a well known historical figure or group or empire, it's so much more tempting to me. Thus, when I had stumbled upon this book, I was very much eager to listen to this. This book is full of hours n hours of action packed adventure of a knight. Once the recounting starts, it moves fast from one story to another, not having any dull or boring moment. It was like watching a historical fantasy tv show and I enjoyed every moment of it. Nick Denton's performance in the audiobook breathes life into the story. His accent work was top notch. One of the better narrated books I've listened to in past few weeks. Would recommend."
Review on AUDIBLE
"I received audible version of this book for free from the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review. In addition, I got the ebook from Kindle Unlimited, so I was able to read along. I love Historical Fiction, along with "Alternate History" (like Man in the High Castle). If the book contains a well known historical figure or group or empire, it's so much more tempting to me. Thus, when I had stumbled upon this book, I was very much eager to listen to this. This book is full of hours n hours of action packed adventure of a knight. Once the recounting starts, it moves fast from one story to another, not having any dull or boring moment. It was like watching a historical fantasy tv show and I enjoyed every moment of it. Nick Denton's performance in the audiobook breathes life into the story. His accent work was top notch. One of the better narrated books I've listened to in past few weeks. Would recommend."
Review on AUDIBLE
February 22, 2018
ARTORIUS on Audio!
The second in my Arthurian series of novels, LEADER OF BATTLES (II): ARTORIUS, is now available as an audiobook, narrated by the very talented, dashing and thoroughly gorgeous PAUL JENKINS
February 21, 2018
Audio review
The first review on Audible is up for SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (I): THE WOLF CUB, narrated by the very dashing and talented Nick Denton. Slightly odd at first to hear my work read out by a different 'voice', but interesting, and it's always good to have a satisfied customer...!
"I wish I knew more history and geography but the story is great. The story never wanes. As soon as a screen is done you're into the next, but not so fast to overwhelm. It reads like history. The touch of English accent sets the stage and is easy to listen to and brings a full story and characters to life."
SOLDIER OF FORTUNE on Audible
"I wish I knew more history and geography but the story is great. The story never wanes. As soon as a screen is done you're into the next, but not so fast to overwhelm. It reads like history. The touch of English accent sets the stage and is easy to listen to and brings a full story and characters to life."
SOLDIER OF FORTUNE on Audible
February 3, 2018
Soldier of Fortune on audio
Soldier of Fortune (I): THE WOLF CUB is now available on audiobook, narrated by the very talented Nick Denton. First released on Kindle and paperback in 2016, the novel is currently available on Audible and will be available on iTunes and Amazon in the next few days.
Soldier of Fortune: The Wolf Cub on Audible
1453 AD. The great city of Constantinople, last remnant of the once-mighty Roman Empire, falls to the Ottoman armies of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. An English knight named Sir John Page is taken prisoner by the Ottomans, and forced to entertain the Sultan with tales of the West. Page chooses to tell the story of his own long career as a soldier of fortune in France, Bohemia and the Italian city-states.
Page’s tale begins in the year of Agincourt, Henry V’s famous victory over the French. As the bastard son of Thomas Page, a famous mercenary captain known as The Half-Hanged Man or The Wolf of Burgundy, Page soon acquires the nickname of The Wolf Cub. After slaying his cousin in a duel, Page flees his home and joins a band of outlaws in the forests of Sussex. At last - tired of the brutality of his companions - he decides to leave England and join the English army in Normandy. There he endures brutal sieges, vicious combats, torture, betrayal and imprisonment, all to win glory and redeem his father's name.
Trapped in the Sultan’s prison, Page must hope his story is enough to save him from the executioner’s blade....at least for another three days...
Soldier of Fortune: The Wolf Cub on Audible
1453 AD. The great city of Constantinople, last remnant of the once-mighty Roman Empire, falls to the Ottoman armies of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. An English knight named Sir John Page is taken prisoner by the Ottomans, and forced to entertain the Sultan with tales of the West. Page chooses to tell the story of his own long career as a soldier of fortune in France, Bohemia and the Italian city-states.
Page’s tale begins in the year of Agincourt, Henry V’s famous victory over the French. As the bastard son of Thomas Page, a famous mercenary captain known as The Half-Hanged Man or The Wolf of Burgundy, Page soon acquires the nickname of The Wolf Cub. After slaying his cousin in a duel, Page flees his home and joins a band of outlaws in the forests of Sussex. At last - tired of the brutality of his companions - he decides to leave England and join the English army in Normandy. There he endures brutal sieges, vicious combats, torture, betrayal and imprisonment, all to win glory and redeem his father's name.
Trapped in the Sultan’s prison, Page must hope his story is enough to save him from the executioner’s blade....at least for another three days...
January 12, 2018
More downloads
Following up on my last post, here is a batch of free downloads for my new audiobook, LEADER OF BATTLES (I): AMBROSIUS, narrated by Paul Jenkins. As before, please follow the instructions to access your free version of the book. There are 25 codes in all and I will post another batch soon. Enjoy!
Download codes:
ZA2EKYW42J73N
AX3XJSWF45HAC
UC445Y5SLSGK3
8HH4SCKFN8NQK
SJ8G5JBGETFXF
57USWJ25GPZ9F
Download instructions:
1. Go to the book on Audible.com - Link
2. Add the audiobook to your cart.
3. If you are prompted to sign in, please create a new Audible.com account or log in. Otherwise, proceed by clicking “Do you have a promotional code?” beneath the cover artwork of the audiobook.
4. Enter the promo code, and click "Apply Code."
5. A credit for the audiobook will be added to your account. Click the box next to “1 Credit” and click the “Update” button to apply the credit to the purchase.
6. After you select “1 Credit” and click “Update” to modify your shopping cart, the price for the audiobook will change to $0.00. You may proceed through the checkout by clicking “Next Step” and “Complete Purchase” on the subsequent page.
Download codes:
ZA2EKYW42J73N
AX3XJSWF45HAC
UC445Y5SLSGK3
8HH4SCKFN8NQK
SJ8G5JBGETFXF
57USWJ25GPZ9F
Download instructions:
1. Go to the book on Audible.com - Link
2. Add the audiobook to your cart.
3. If you are prompted to sign in, please create a new Audible.com account or log in. Otherwise, proceed by clicking “Do you have a promotional code?” beneath the cover artwork of the audiobook.
4. Enter the promo code, and click "Apply Code."
5. A credit for the audiobook will be added to your account. Click the box next to “1 Credit” and click the “Update” button to apply the credit to the purchase.
6. After you select “1 Credit” and click “Update” to modify your shopping cart, the price for the audiobook will change to $0.00. You may proceed through the checkout by clicking “Next Step” and “Complete Purchase” on the subsequent page.
January 3, 2018
Free audio download
Leader of Battles (I): Ambrosius, the first novel in my Arthurian series, is now available as an audiobook, brilliantly narrated by Paul Jenkins. As an added bonus, I have up to 25 free downloads of the audiobook to give away. For anyone interested, please follow the download instructions below the cover pic. The download code is below, as well as instructions on how to use it - this is very much a first-come, first-served deal, so you will have to be quick! If this proves popular, I will post more download codes in the near future...
Download code:
SNA6ADETBTNM2
Download instructions:
1. Go to the book on Audible.com - Link
2. Add the audiobook to your cart.
3. If you are prompted to sign in, please create a new Audible.com account or log in. Otherwise, proceed by clicking “Do you have a promotional code?” beneath the cover artwork of the audiobook.
4. Enter the promo code, and click "Apply Code."
5. A credit for the audiobook will be added to your account. Click the box next to “1 Credit” and click the “Update” button to apply the credit to the purchase.
6. After you select “1 Credit” and click “Update” to modify your shopping cart, the price for the audiobook will change to $0.00. You may proceed through the checkout by clicking “Next Step” and “Complete Purchase” on the subsequent page.
Download code:
SNA6ADETBTNM2
Download instructions:
1. Go to the book on Audible.com - Link
2. Add the audiobook to your cart.
3. If you are prompted to sign in, please create a new Audible.com account or log in. Otherwise, proceed by clicking “Do you have a promotional code?” beneath the cover artwork of the audiobook.
4. Enter the promo code, and click "Apply Code."
5. A credit for the audiobook will be added to your account. Click the box next to “1 Credit” and click the “Update” button to apply the credit to the purchase.
6. After you select “1 Credit” and click “Update” to modify your shopping cart, the price for the audiobook will change to $0.00. You may proceed through the checkout by clicking “Next Step” and “Complete Purchase” on the subsequent page.
December 7, 2017
Reiver - the Sword's Edge
The sequel to Reiver is now available on Kindle! The cover, as ever is by the lovely folks at MoreVisual.
‘Now the thieves will ride…’
1570 AD. The March lands between England and Scotland are a place of terror, where outlaw bands and broken men rob, pillage and murder in open defiance of the law. Here, deadly blood-feud is a way of life. Families of robbers, known as Border Reivers, live via blackmail and terrorism. No man sleeps safe in his bed, and the sound of hoofbeats on the tops is a herald of death.
Richie Reade, otherwise known as Richie o’the Bow, is on the run in Scotland from his own countrymen and that most fearsome of reiver families, the Armstrongs of Liddesdale. When war erupts along the March, and Elizabeth of England sends her armies into Scotland to destroy her Catholic enemies, Richie finds himself drawn into the conflict. Captured in a skirmish, he is forced to work as a double agent, carrying secret messages to and from the treacherous Earl of Westmoreland.
Meanwhile the Armstrongs have declared blood-feud on Richie, in revenge for his slaying of their chief, Nebless Will. The dead man’s cruel and capable son, known as ‘Red’ Rowy, gathers a band of outlaws and broken men to hunt down their foe. As Richie fights for his life in Scotland, Rowy plots to lure him back to the Border and a bloody fate at Armstrong hands…
Reiver: The Sword’s Edge is the second novella in the Border Reiver series by David Pilling, author of the Caesar’s Sword trilogy, Leader of Battles, The White Hawk, Soldier of Fortune and many more tales.
‘Now the thieves will ride…’
1570 AD. The March lands between England and Scotland are a place of terror, where outlaw bands and broken men rob, pillage and murder in open defiance of the law. Here, deadly blood-feud is a way of life. Families of robbers, known as Border Reivers, live via blackmail and terrorism. No man sleeps safe in his bed, and the sound of hoofbeats on the tops is a herald of death.
Richie Reade, otherwise known as Richie o’the Bow, is on the run in Scotland from his own countrymen and that most fearsome of reiver families, the Armstrongs of Liddesdale. When war erupts along the March, and Elizabeth of England sends her armies into Scotland to destroy her Catholic enemies, Richie finds himself drawn into the conflict. Captured in a skirmish, he is forced to work as a double agent, carrying secret messages to and from the treacherous Earl of Westmoreland.
Meanwhile the Armstrongs have declared blood-feud on Richie, in revenge for his slaying of their chief, Nebless Will. The dead man’s cruel and capable son, known as ‘Red’ Rowy, gathers a band of outlaws and broken men to hunt down their foe. As Richie fights for his life in Scotland, Rowy plots to lure him back to the Border and a bloody fate at Armstrong hands…
Reiver: The Sword’s Edge is the second novella in the Border Reiver series by David Pilling, author of the Caesar’s Sword trilogy, Leader of Battles, The White Hawk, Soldier of Fortune and many more tales.
November 28, 2017
November 24, 2017
Release day!
My new novel, LONGSWORD, is released today on Kindle! Paperback to follow...
England, 1266 AD. The kingdom lies in ruins after years of bitter civil war. Simon de Montfort is dead, slaughtered in battle, and his surviving followers fight on with the fury of despair. Known as the Disinherited, these landless men infest the forests and highways and prey on the common folk.
Hugh Longsword, a common soldier, fights for the King against the rebels who threaten to destroy England. He is taken into the service of the Lord Edward, King Henry’s eldest son, and made to work as a spy. Edward sends him into the wild north country, home to the most dangerous rebel captains: men such as Sir John d’Eyvill and his savage cousin Nicholas, known as the Beast for his cruelty.
While Hugh spies on these cut-throats, the King gathers all his forces to attack Kenilworth Castle, greatest of the rebel strongholds. Though hopelessly outnumbered, the defenders hurl defiance from the walls and refuse to surrender. One assault after another is repulsed, even as the north country slides into chaos and another band of Disinherited seize the Isle of Ely in the fens of Cambridgeshire. From their watery fastness they ride out to attack the Jews of Lincoln, burning deeds, slaughtering innocents and kidnapping the wealthiest for ransom.
One of those taken captive by the rebels is Esther, a widowed Jewess. She is carried away to Ely, where the Jews are treated with inhuman cruelty. Esther is rescued by Hugh, and they are hunted through the marshes by teams of soldiers and wolfhounds. Together they must survive all the dangers of a war-torn land, where law and justice are fallen away and only the strongest can hope to prosper.
Longsword 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.
England, 1266 AD. The kingdom lies in ruins after years of bitter civil war. Simon de Montfort is dead, slaughtered in battle, and his surviving followers fight on with the fury of despair. Known as the Disinherited, these landless men infest the forests and highways and prey on the common folk.
Hugh Longsword, a common soldier, fights for the King against the rebels who threaten to destroy England. He is taken into the service of the Lord Edward, King Henry’s eldest son, and made to work as a spy. Edward sends him into the wild north country, home to the most dangerous rebel captains: men such as Sir John d’Eyvill and his savage cousin Nicholas, known as the Beast for his cruelty.
While Hugh spies on these cut-throats, the King gathers all his forces to attack Kenilworth Castle, greatest of the rebel strongholds. Though hopelessly outnumbered, the defenders hurl defiance from the walls and refuse to surrender. One assault after another is repulsed, even as the north country slides into chaos and another band of Disinherited seize the Isle of Ely in the fens of Cambridgeshire. From their watery fastness they ride out to attack the Jews of Lincoln, burning deeds, slaughtering innocents and kidnapping the wealthiest for ransom.
One of those taken captive by the rebels is Esther, a widowed Jewess. She is carried away to Ely, where the Jews are treated with inhuman cruelty. Esther is rescued by Hugh, and they are hunted through the marshes by teams of soldiers and wolfhounds. Together they must survive all the dangers of a war-torn land, where law and justice are fallen away and only the strongest can hope to prosper.
Longsword 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.
