#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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The third in a series, Ken Follett’s A Column of Fire is as, or more addictive than the first two! I love that his books are long, because I don’t feel cheated out of the whole story. I find a great, but short, book frustrating; I want to keep reading the same author, genre, time-frame way past the ending.
Spell binding! Action and history entertwine…wonderful!!
This was the third in the triology of Kingbridge. I loved the book almost (but not quite) as much as the first two, but it didn’t seem like the third of a trilogy. The characters were descendants of the prior book (just like Bk two included descendants of Book 1), but other than that, I didn’t get the connection. The first two books included, the history of math and architecture, in ways that were seamless and fascinating. There was no history of any science in this book, which seemed to me a hallmark of the Kindsbridge series.
So, I wouldn’t read this book because it was part of the trilogy. However, I still highly recommend it as a stand-alone book. What I found most remarkable was the history of the relations between Catholics and Protestants! Calling it “relations” seems a bit of a whitewash. The time of The Reformation (when this is set) was brutal – economically, physically. How you identified yourself could affect your business and your physical safety. The book has a way of informing you “As If You Were There.”
I liked the ending. I loved that the book was soooo long. It let me enjoy it so much longer than the typical book. Oftentimes such long books have an unsatisfying ending. But I liked the ending. It sort of slowly tapered off from all the excitement, and looked back on the landscape.
Filled with wonderful historical facts.
Great insight into the religious incompatibilities of the late Middle Ages. Historical figures abound in gritty details. A must read for fans of historical religions fiction.
I have read all books in this series and enjoyed all of them.
It’s Ken Follett…no more need be said
Not as good as the first two but still entertaining
Another great Kingsbridge story set at a later time in history. Again, Mr. Follett brings real historical events to life woven together with fictional characters. I always enjoy to learn about these historical facts while being marvelously entertained!
This is the third in his series on medieval England. Characters are great, well fleshed out, and you get a detailed look at Elizabethan England from both the personal and political level. You can actually read this book as a stand alone, without having read the other two.
Follet is my current favorite historical fiction writer
Loved it, the best in the series
This is my favorite of the Pillars series and does a fantastic job cap stoning this excellent piece of historical fiction during the time of Elizabeth and the Protestant reformation.
Excellent! The characters are so real that I miss them when I’ve finished the book like I miss friends who have moved away.
Not up to his usual quality.
Wonderful narrative you have to read the whole series to appreciate the mall believe in standing alone this is a terrific book
Awesome, I can’t wait for the next one. ..
Historically accurate.
Having finished all three of Ken Follett’s cathedral trilogy, my only negative is that his plots become a bit predictable. However, as an historical fiction writer, he is one of the best. If you love sprawling epics, you will love this book. For fans of Edward Rutherford and Sharon Kay Penman.
This third book of the Kingsbridge trilogy takes the reader back in time. Follett blends history with fiction in a most entertaining way.