Head of Zeus takes two more from Gilman

Head of Zeus has bagged two more books by David Gilman in a deal with Isobel Dixon, head of books at Blake Friedmann.

C.e.o. Nicholas Cheetham acquired UK and British Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, for an untitled new book in The Englishman, Gilman’s international thriller series featuring French Legionnaire Dan Raglan. The second book in the series, Betrayal, is out in hardback today (6th January) at £18.99 and the first title in the new deal is expected in February 2023.

Cheetham also won world English language rights for the eighth instalment of Gilman’s popular Master of War series, set during the 100 Years War. English stonemason Thomas Blackstone is the centre of the series which follows his journey from archer to renowned knight. The series has sold more than half a million copies in English according to the publisher. The eighth title will be published in February 2024.

“Ten years and 10 books ago, David was one of the first writers to throw his lot in with the newly-formed Head of Zeus,” said Cheetham. “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.”

Gilman said: “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!”

“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,” added Dixon. “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.”