Book Extract: The Knife Maker of Venice By David Gilman

I’m excited to be inviting David Gilman to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, The Knife Maker of Venice.

A young Englishman captured by slavers must survive the snakepit that is seventeenth-century Venice.

1604. As pirates seeking slaves to sell in the markets of North Africa terrorise the coasts of Europe, headstrong Richard Sheriff and his sister Elizabeth are torn from their Devonshire home and thrust into a waking nightmare.

Richard’s skills as a blacksmith see him fetch a high price, but the pirate captain has other plans for Elizabeth and once they are separated, Richard has no idea of his sister’s fate. They must both learn to survive on a deadly voyage into the unknown.

Sold into servitude in Venice: glittering, vicious city of secrets, he is apprenticed to a knife maker. Richard’s talents soon win him renown… but haunted by his sister’s absence, he vows never to stop looking for her, knowing she would do the same for him.

First he must survive that city of ghosts. Will the siblings live to see each other again, or will they join the myriads lost to Venice, where life is cheap, profit is all, and escape nigh-on impossible?

A powerful historical adventure perfect for fans of Kate Mosse, Ken Follett and Robert Harris.

David has kindly shared an extract with us today. Enjoy. 

*****beginning of extract*****

A candle flame flickered from the draught around the ill-fitting wooden window. The room never felt warm enough for Richard, more used to the forge and the heat from its firepit seeping into the stone walls. His back always warm; no need for anything more than a blanket. Here the cottage walls were damp, the river’s chill ever seeking bone and muscle, forcing a man into a cramped sleep, curled around what warmth he had in the clothing he still wore. An indistinct sound penetrated Richard’s slumber. His mind conjured images of metal scraping stone. Confused, he raised himself up onto one elbow, and listened. It was not the sound of metal against stone but the rasp of boats being pulled ashore and then the scuff of boots on cobbles. The fishing fleet was gone and not due back for many months. He swung his feet from the cot and pulled on his shoes. If a boatman had run into difficulties, he might have sought shelter and need help.

Richard eased aside the curtain. The dull glass was covered in a film of sea salt on the outside and there was little to see. And then a light caught his eye. Flames from torches held high flickered in the wind. His heart beat faster. He strode across to where Elizabeth slept, pulling aside the privacy curtain.

‘Beth!’ he hissed.

She stirred. He stepped into her room and shook her leg. Gasping, she suddenly awoke.

‘Get dressed. Hurry! There are men in the town.’

*****end of extract*****

About David Gilman –

David Gilman has enjoyed many careers, including paratrooper, firefighter, and photographer. An award-winning author and screenwriter, he is the author of the critically acclaimed Master of War series of historical novels, and was shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize for The Last Horseman.

He was longlisted for the same prize for The Englishman, the first book featuring ex-French Foreign Legionnaire Dan Raglan. David lives in Devon. Follow David on @davidgilmanuk, www.davidgilman.com, and facebook.com/davidgilman.author

Say hi to David on X.

The Knife Maker of Venice was released by Head of Zeus on 13th August 2026. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.