Head of Zeus acquires two new titles from David Gilman

Nicolas Cheetham, CEO of Head of Zeus, has acquired rights in two new books by David Gilman from Isobel Dixon, Head of Books at Blake Friedmann.

 Cheetham has acquired UK and British Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) in the third title in Gilman’s international thriller series, THE ENGLISHMAN. The first book featuring French Foreign Legionnaire Dan Raglan was longlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize in 2021 and was a Financial Times Thriller of the Year in 2020. The second book in the series, BETRAYAL, is out in hardback on 6 January 2022, with the third title to be published in February 2023.

 AGC Studios have optioned THE ENGLISHMAN for development as a feature film in the vein of the Jason Bourne franchise with 300, ACT OF VALOR and ATOMIC BLONDE scriptwriter Kurt Johnstad set to write the adventure-thriller script.

 Head of Zeus has also signed up World English language rights in the eighth instalment of Gilman’s hugely popular MASTER OF WAR series, set during the 100 Years War and starring English stonemason and archer, Thomas Blackstone, who becomes a renowned knight. The series has sold over half a million copies in English and is a Top Ten paperback and ebook bestseller in Germany. The eighth Thomas Blackstone title will be published in February 2024.

Nicolas Cheetham says: Ten years and ten books ago, David was one of the first writers to throw his lot in with the newly-formed Head of Zeus. Together we have survived armoured cavalry charges, the Black Death, the Boer War and Nazi-occupied Paris. Now with his new series of contemporary thrillers we line up behind Dan Raglan, aka THE ENGLISHMAN, as we close in on one million sales – with more adventures for Thomas Blackstone and his comrades to follow too.’

David Gilman says: ‘I am extremely fortunate to have Nic Cheetham as my publisher at Head of Zeus, whose enthusiasm for my work allows me to write books covering medieval to contemporary times. It has proven to be a successful partnership that has created two ongoing literary heroes with Thomas Blackstone in the 14th Century MASTER OF WAR series and Dan Raglan in the 21st Century THE ENGLISHMAN series. I’m looking forward to seeing where they go next!’

Isobel Dixon says: ‘I’m always in awe of David Gilman’s versatility and work ethic, and the way he creates such engaging characters from very different time periods. I am so happy that readers can keep following both Dan Raglan and Thomas Blackstone, as David writes more brilliant stories and Head of Zeus continues to build the reach of these two superb series.’

Praise for David Gilman

‘Verve, pace, shocks and intrigue … an author at the zenith of his powers.’ – Peter James

‘Electrifying proof that high-tension international thrillers are back – and with an absolute vengeance.’ – William Shaw

 ‘The pace is relentless, the action and fight scenes superbly choreographed and Raglan is nicely complex: an action man with inner depths... THE ENGLISHMAN is a cracking, finely crafted thriller.' – Adam Le Bor, Financial Times

'Incisive prose – and the pulse-pounding pace just never lets up.’ – Peter May

‘What Gilman does superlatively is heart-pounding action.’—The Times

 'I'm totally bedazzled. I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell … but David is giving him a real run for his money.’— Sharon Penman

 ‘Move over Bernard Cornwell! Historical fiction at its best.’ — Historical Novel Society

 About David Gilman

David Gilman lives in Devon. He was a firefighter, soldier, photographer, then award-winning screenwriter and writer of an acclaimed adventure series for young readers, before turning to writing his much-loved and bestselling MASTER OF WAR series full-time. Head of Zeus have sold more than half a million copies of David Gilman’s novels in English, and his work is translated into more than a dozen languages. The MASTER OF WAR titles featuring Thomas Blackstone has been widely reviewed and titles have featured several times on the Der Spiegel bestseller lists in Germany.

 THE LAST HORSEMAN, a standalone novel following Irish involvement in the Anglo-Boer War, was shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize and his new contemporary thriller series, THE ENGLISHMAN, starring ex-Foreign Legion soldier Dan Raglan, was longlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize as well. He is also the author of a popular WWII espionage thriller, NIGHT FLIGHT TO PARIS.

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FILM RIGHTS TO THE ENGLISHMAN BY DAVID GILMAN OPTIONED BY AGC STUDIOS

Rights to THE ENGLISHMAN, the first novel in best-selling author David Gilman’s new book series, have been optioned by AGC Studios, Stuart Ford’s fast-growing independent studio, to be developed into a feature film.

Gilman is known for tension-filled, action-packed books that rise above standard adventure novels with smart and insightful writing informed by the acclaimed author’s life.  His biography rivals the plots of his books and imbues them with an up-to-the-moment reality against a global backdrop.  Gilman has been a paratrooper in the British Army, a firefighter, a professional photographer, a truck driver, a farm worker, a marketing executive for an international publishing company and a world traveller before the time he turned 30.  That experience is on every page of his latest book of which writer and journalist William Shaw said, “THE ENGLISHMAN is thrilling proof that high-tension international thrillers are back – and with an absolute vengeance” and The Times’ Jeremy Dun said, “THE ENGLISHMAN is a sweat-inducing tour-de-force.” Other works informed by Gilman’s extraordinary life include his tenure as one of the lead writers on the BAFTA® award winning ITV television series A TOUCH OF FROST, and as the author of the MASTER OF WAR historical novels and  YA adventure series, DANGER ZONE.

Published by Head of Zeus, THE ENGLISHMAN centres on Raglan, a former soldier whose work in the French Foreign Legion taking on terrorists in sub-Saharan Africa brings him to the attention of MI6.  He is soon recruited for a secret, undercover mission that takes him on a relentless search through the network of a dangerous international organized crime operation.  He finds out just how dangerous the mission is when he lands in a Siberian penal colony.  His physical and mental strength, and help from Yefimov, a fellow inmate, are keys to his survival through perilous and life-threatening dangers.  In Raglan THE ENGLISHMAN introduces us to an intelligent, complex and strong globe-trotting hero made for the challenges of the 21st Century.

Ford says, "We're thrilled to have acquired the right to make a film or maybe multiple films from David Gilman's compelling, enigmatic action hero Raglan and are looking forward to introducing some top tier writing and directing talent to the project in the near future".

The deal was negotiated by Conrad Williams on behalf of Gilman and by Stuart Ford and Vice President of Legal & Business Affairs Anant Tamirisa on behalf of AGC.

Translation rights to THE ENGLISHMAN have also already been acquired by Bulgarian publisher Delphin and Romanian publisher Lebada Neagra, emphasising its global appeal. Rights in David Gilman’s other titles have been sold in more than a dozen translation markets, and his MASTER OF WAR series has featured on German bestseller lists.

Praise for David Gilman

‘Verve, pace, shocks and intrigue, this is spy thriller writing by an author at the zenith of his powers.’ – Peter James

'Incisive prose – and the pulse-pounding pace just never lets up.’ – Peter May

‘The ENGLISHMAN is thrilling proof that high-tension international thrillers are back – and with an absolute vengeance.’ – William Shaw

‘A sweat-inducing tour de force.’ – Jeremy Duns, Thrillers of the Month, The Times

‘What Gilman does superlatively is heart-pounding action.’ — Amanda Craig, The Times

‘NIGHT FLIGHT TO PARIS is a magnificent war spy thriller. I couldn’t read it fast enough. Clever, complex, gripping, emotionally engaging, terrifying. And so much more. A stand-out novel of the year for me and one that kept me reading late into the summer night.’ — For Winter Nights

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Head of Zeus acquires two new thrillers by David Gilman

Nicolas Cheetham, CEO at Head of Zeus, has acquired UK & Commonwealth rights to two new David Gilman thrillers from Isobel Dixon, Head of Books at Blake Friedmann.

David Gilman is best known for his MASTER OF WAR series, set during the 100 Years War, which has sold some 400,000 copies in English and is a top 10 paperback and eBook bestseller in Germany (Rowohlt). The 6th MASTER OF WAR title CROSS OF FIRE is published in the UK on 6 February 2020 and Gilman is currently completing the 7th. He is also the author of THE LAST HORSEMAN (shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize) and NIGHT FLIGHT TO PARIS. Rights to his books have been sold in 16 languages worldwide.

The former paratrooper, marketing manager (Penguin South Africa) and screenwriter (TOUCH OF FROST) is now set to return to shelves with a contemporary thriller THE ENGLISHMAN, following its eponymous ex-Foreign Legion protagonist from the arid deserts of Africa, to the bleak streets and back-alleys of South London, and beyond to the underbelly of Moscow and the icy grip of an arctic prison camp.

Nicolas Cheetham said: ‘Building on the success of David’s historical thriller NIGHT FLIGHT TO PARIS, this is a KOLYMSKY HEIGHTS-class novel which will be our star title for July 2020 – a quest for revenge that leads to the permafrost desolation of a Siberian penal colony. A place that holds Russia's most brutal murderers. How will our hero get in? More importantly, how will he get out?’

David Gilman said: ‘Many years ago I met some French Foreign Legionnaires and was fascinated by them. Then, while completing a MASTER OF WAR title, Raglan knocked firmly on my door and wouldn’t go away. I realised this intriguing, intelligent, highly trained and fallible ex-Legionnaire with a strong moral code would be a valuable asset in any situation in which I placed him, stepping from the shadows and into danger when governments need him – someone who does not officially exist. I’m very glad my publisher Nic Cheetham of Head of Zeus let him in too.’

Isobel Dixon said: ‘Fans already eagerly await the next appearance of Thomas Blackstone in every MASTER OF WAR title, and now they have a fantastic contemporary treat in store as well, with the arrival of Dan Raglan on the scene. An arrival that is guaranteed to cause a stir. I’m delighted that Head of Zeus will be introducing readers to David Gilman’s unforgettable hero in THE ENGLISHMAN this year.’


Praise for David Gilman

'I'm totally bedazzled. I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell…but David is giving him a real run for his money.’ — Sharon Penman

‘What Gilman does superlatively is heart-pounding action.’ — Amanda Craig, The Times

'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.' — Robert Fabbri

‘NIGHT FLIGHT TO PARIS is a magnificent war spy thriller. I couldn’t read it fast enough. Clever, complex, gripping, emotionally engaging, terrifying. And so much more. A stand-out novel of the year for me and one that kept me reading late into the summer night.’ — For Winter Nights

‘A gripping read from an assured storyteller’ — Antonia Senior, The Times

'A gripping ride.' — Wilbur Smith

'Page-turning and gritty.' — Daily Mail


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HEAD OF ZEUS PRE-EMPTS TWO NEW DANI ATKINS NOVELS

Credit: Hannah Couzens

Dani Atkins is returning to Head of Zeus after the publisher pre-empted her new novel in a two-book deal.

Head of Zeus published Atkin’s first two novels FRACTURED and THE STORY OF US  following a deal in 2013, before the author went on to write a trio of Simon & Schuster titles.

The first new book, A MILLION DREAMS, will be published in hardback, export trade paperback, e-book and audio in November, 2019. Publishing director Laura Palmer acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in a pre-empt from Kate Burke at Blake Friedmann.

A MILLION DREAMS tells the story of Beth, a young widow, who discovers that the embryo she and her husband froze before his death was implanted in the wrong woman. Her longed-for child, now a seven-year-old boy, is growing up without her.

Palmer said: “I just love Dani's gripping, emotional, uplifting stories. She writes books you want to curl up with, but they also make you think. I could not be more excited that Dani Atkins is coming back to Head of Zeus.”

Atkins added: “I’m delighted to be back at Head of Zeus, my first publishing home. Working with my editor Laura Palmer has always been a joy, and the enthusiasm from the whole team for this book has been incredibly exciting.”

MASTER OF WAR: SCOURGE OF WOLVES OUT IN HARDBACK TOMORROW

Thomas Blackstone’s story continues in SCOURGE OF WOLVES, the compelling fifth novel in David Gilman’s acclaimed MASTER OF WAR series, published on 8 February in hardback by Head of Zeus, with audiobook by W.F. Howes Lamplight. The fast-paced historical fiction series has gone from strength to strength since the first instalment was published in 2013. The series has been praised by the Historical Novel Society as a ‘stunning work’… ‘historical fiction at its best’. The Daily Mail described its realistic depictions of medieval warfare as ‘gritty…sparing nothing’ and the fourth title in the series, VIPER’S BLOOD, has just been published in Germany by Rowohlt, hitting Number 6 in the German paperback bestseller list.

It is in the winter of 1361. After two decades of conflict, Edward III has finally agreed to a treaty with the captive French King, John II. In return for his freedom, John has ceded vast tracts of territory to the English. But for five long years mercenary bands and belligerent lords have fought over the carcass of his kingdom. They will not give up their hard-won spoils to honour a defeated king's promises.

If the English want their prize, they'll have to fight for it.

As he battles to enforce Edward's claim, Thomas Blackstone will see his name blackened, his men slaughtered, his family hunted. He will be betrayed and, once again, he'll face the might of the French army on the field. But this time there will be no English army at his back. He'll face the French alone.

The MASTER OF WAR series has sold in Germany, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Spain and Hungary. David’s riveting standalone novel THE LAST HORSEMAN, set during the Boer War, was shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2017.

David Gilman has had many careers, including firefighter, soldier and photographer, before turning to writing full time. He is an award-winning author and screenwriter.

Visit David’s website.

Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

Praise for the MASTER OF WAR series:

‘A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty.’ — Robert Fabbri, author of the Vespasian series.'

‘I'm totally bedazzled. I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell when it came to dramatizing battles, but David is giving him a real run for his money. The battle scenes are so realistic it is almost like time-traveling, though definitely not for the faint of heart. Thomas is an incredibly appealing and sympathetic character. And the level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level, for it is impossible for a reader to predict what will be coming next' — Sharon Penman.

‘His words strike like a bodkin point straight to the torso, the clangour of battle and the suspense of intrigue immersive and visceral, and all wrapped up in some of the most evocative prose that you will ever discover.’ — Ruadh Butler, author of the Invader series

‘Move over Bernard Cornwell!…Historical fiction at its best.’ — Historical Novel Society

‘Historical fiction has been made all the richer by Sir Thomas, his people and their adventures. Do please treat yourself if you haven't read MASTER OF WAR by David Gilman or any of the series that came afterwards.’ — Ani Johnson, The Bookbag

‘The bone-crunching intensity of this series shows no signs of abating.... an excellent series.’ — Parmenion Books

‘The author has clearly carried out extensive research on the period, and his detailed knowledge of weapons, military strategy and the dismal living conditions of the English army makes for gripping reading. I can thoroughly recommend to both individual readers and book groups with an interest in history, as well as fans of Bernard Cornwell. A superb read.’ — Ruth Ginarlis, Nudge Book