#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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I really enjoyed this book, but only gave it 4 stars because I loved Pillars of the Earth so much more.
Ken Follet has done it again! Another very long series of multiple stories intertwined together to make a phenomenal and pleasant reading. It is very informative about religious persecution and the way war and of the way religion was used as a weapon to obtain personal benefits and completely change people’s lives.
I think I’ve read all of Ken Follet’s books. His novels’ absorb my full attention until I’ve finished. I always feel like I understand more about history after reading them also.
I always enjoy reading Ken Follet books. This book is the third in a series. I liked the first book in this series the most, “Pillars of the Earth”, but this book did not disappoint. I learned a period of English history that I didn’t know a lot about in terms of the motivations of the people who had big influences on European society at that time.
Captivating historical with great characters
Historical fiction yet accurate Ken Follet writes beautifully
Ken Follett’s usual, well-researched historical novel. Just wish it had been available when I was in school, but then I may not have had the time to read it! Really enjoyed it! An historical novel of behing the scenes of Elizabeth I’s reign and the royal battle of Mary, Queen of Scots and her death.
Like all of Follett’s book, it’s quite a long read, but I enjoyed the history and the character development. So happy when Pierre got what he deserved!
Couldn’t finish it. It got redundant and boring
Ken Follett is the best.
Not as interesting as the first two books about Kingsbridge and it’s characters.
Very interesting book with interesting facts regarding the history of the Catholic and Protestant religions. It was all so political and driven by the power of men! I loved the strong women characters in the book and it kept my attention throughout the book. I like to learn while I read, so I found the history very interesting. I also liked the family values and the romance that involved one of the main characters in the book.
Could not put it down! The characters pull you into their world.
Not as the first in the series
For those who enjoy historical novels,this is fascinating
The good thing is that it’s a standalone novel, no Follett prior reading required. Plus, great historical backdrop of Elizabeth I’s reign, palace intrigue and war with Spain. Plot and characters are compelling, but the whole is slow going. Trimming about 200 pages might have helped!
A different tract for Follett, but he is a great author.
Not as compelling as his previous stories set in Kingsbridge, filled with anachronistic wording that is a distraction, yet it’s from Ken Follet and who is a better storyteller?
HARRY POTER
Very enjoyable reading. Follows the succession of one monarch to another in a way that is very informative. Good history.