#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.
more
Have read all books leading up to this one and only with Ken Follett would continue with the stories. Great reading.
Another well researched and well written Follett masterpiece.
The last of the Knightsbridge trilogy continues the narrative begun with “Pillars of the Earth” and “World Without End” many years later. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these stories. While Follett’s thrillers are short, exciting reads, the time spent on these 3 tomes is well-worth it. While he has an anti-Catholic (or, perhaps, an anti-religion) bias, I found the characters to be compelling (even if many seem to be one-dimensional) – you grow to love the leading characters and despise the villains (and I even learned a bit more about history and architecture).
Loved the whole trilogy!
Good but really long.
Ken Follet’s Writing is so good! One can tell that he puts a lot of research into his books, and that is what makes them so interesting to me. I am so glad that he wrote this sequel. I am fascinated by this time period that the story takes place.
I actually listened to the audiobook version. (Unabridged). Another chapter in The Pillars of the Earth series. As always, a happy situation at the beginning of the book
has an unfortunate something happen to take the characters in different directions. As the author’s stories immerse you in the timeline of the characters there is a fair share of tragedy and sadness. He has generally always given the reader closure on that story by the end of the book. Not the end the reader may always want, but it does fit in with the history of the characters and history itself. I look forward to the next chapter he writes (hopefully). He tends to jump between 100 and 200 years between books, so the next one should be in approximately the 1700’s. I look forward to it.
Fantastic. You really feel you are witnessing events.
Like all of his books, I could not put this down.
I enjoyed reading this book because I learned so much about religious intolerance in the mid 1500’s. It made learning history easy!
I SO want to visit all the places described in this 3rd book in the Knightsbridge series. Amazing characters and action.
Incredible third of a trilogy set during the years of religious upheaval in England and Europe. Great characters with dreams and motivations that you can understand and relate to, plus the historical background make these books extremely hard to put down.
A wonderful read. If you loved The Pillars of the Earth , this is for you!
Ken Follett Never disappoints. The book is full of good information full of intrigue. His characters are so real you can see them you can smell them you can hear them. Wonderful book
A fitting continuation to Follet’s historical novels based in Knightsbridge, does not disappoint!
The entire series is great
Ken Follett’s books are always spot on with his impeccable research. His characters both historic and fictional are well developed. Column of Fire was no disappointment. It is about a difficult time in religious history. Follett makes the book interesting, and he keeps to the history. Excellent read.
Way too many characters. Difficult to follow
A must read after Pillars of the Earth
Was very disappointed. I usually find Ken Folletts books to be page turners. This was not at all that. Sloppy editing as well. Some words and phrases were more appropriate for a recent time and place.