#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER“Absorbing . . . impossible to resist.” —The Washington PostAs Europe erupts, can one young spy protect his queen? #1 New York Times bestselling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his magnificent new epic, A Column of Fire. A thrilling read that makes the perfect gift for the holidays. … thrilling read that makes the perfect gift for the holidays.
In 1558, the ancient stones of Kingsbridge Cathedral look down on a city torn apart by religious conflict. As power in England shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty, and love.
Ned Willard wants nothing more than to marry Margery Fitzgerald. But when the lovers find themselves on opposing sides of the religious conflict dividing the country, Ned goes to work for Princess Elizabeth. When she becomes queen, all Europe turns against England. The shrewd, determined young monarch sets up the country’s first secret service to give her early warning of assassination plots, rebellions, and invasion plans. Over a turbulent half century, the love between Ned and Margery seems doomed as extremism sparks violence from Edinburgh to Geneva. Elizabeth clings to her throne and her principles, protected by a small, dedicated group of resourceful spies and courageous secret agents.
The real enemies, then as now, are not the rival religions. The true battle pitches those who believe in tolerance and compromise against the tyrants who would impose their ideas on everyone else—no matter what the cost.
Set during one of the most turbulent and revolutionary times in history, A Column of Fire is one of Follett’s most exciting and ambitious works yet. It will delight longtime fans of the Kingsbridge series and is the perfect introduction for readers new to Ken Follett.
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As always he is a great author, his books are always worth the time of reading them.
A page turner
Ken Follet is always good for a long and fast-moving historical narrative, although his prose is hardly inspirational. Still, anyone interested in Elizabethan England will appreciate the context of his somewhat forced well-placed characters as they live through the Catholic uprisings at Elizabeth’s coronation, the life and death of Mary Queen of Scots, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the massacre of the Paris Heugonots, and the just-in-time interception of Guy Fawks in his nearly successful attempt to blow up Parliament. A tour de force.
Ken Follett is one of my favorite authors and this is part of his great trilogy. Not to be missed.
A great way to learn history.
I don’t understand why the author’s spy books were so good and his historical series’ books are so simplistically and clumsily written. No way I’m reading one more after this one which was particularly awful.
A great ending to the series
Too much detail. Perhaps ideal for an avid history ,ajpr.
Ken Follett brings the era of Elizabeth the Great to life, with a story of how her spy master helped bring religious tolerance to England, during a century of upheaval and religious warfare. He uses a solid grounding in history to interweave adventures of both real people and fictional characters. It’s a long book, but easy to read and worthwhile.
Lots of informative history, many interesting relationships, many characters. You get the feeling it’s really not fiction. Well researched.
If you like historical fiction this is a must read
Not as good as earlier books
A disappointingly sluggish read with a whole host of characters who just didn’t have the usual Ken Follett intensity and draw.
Great character building.
Perfect ‘next in series’ to Pillars of the Earth!
Absolutely riveting!
Wonderful trilogy
You will enjoy this work; it is terrific.
Ken Follett can really tell a story. Keeps you interested and wanting to find out what happens next.
A great read through history.