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A Column of Fire

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A Column of Fire

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

Abridged edition.

The enthralling saga that began in The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End continues with Ken Follett's magnificent, masterful A Column of Fire.

A World in Turmoil

1558, and Europe is in revolt as religious hatred sweeps the continent. Elizabeth Tudor has ascended to the throne but she is not safe in this dangerous new world. There are many who would see her removed, not least Mary Queens of Scots, who lies in wait in Paris.

A New Order

Elizabeth determines to set up a new secret service: a group of resourceful spies and courageous agents entrusted to keep her safe and in power. As she searches for those who will make the difference, one man stands out.

A Man Who Would Die for His Queen

For Ned Willard the opportunity to serve his queen is God-sent. He cannot stay in Kingsbridge and watch the love of his life marry another, and as fires burn and extremism begins to spark throughout Europe, Ned makes his choice. He will spend his life protecting his monarch from the tyrants who aim to destroy her or die trying . . .

 Espionage Historical Romance Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Royalty Fiction Mystery Tudor

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Critic reviews

Follett's storytelling skills make their adventures riveting
Deploying a substantial cast of characters, Follett unrolls a familiar history of religious and political ferment and turns it into accessible and enjoyable fiction
This triumphant saga, begun almost 30 years ago with The Pillars Of The Earth, moves across England to Scotland, France and the New World
A sumptuous slice of swashbuckling Elizabethan romance
The characters, both fictional and real, are fascinating, and the Tudor period setting holds its own special allure. This is a novel that fans of historical fiction will savour and cherish.
A huge read, perfect for long winter nights.
A thundering ride though history
Follett has once more lit the touch paper of English history and allowed it to explode across the pages in in all its vivid technicolour.
All stars
Most relevant
Ken has done it again! A great way to remember history I so enjoyed it. While listening I used google maps to look at Cadiz, Seville and other places mentioned, and loosed at images. All made the history come to life. Thank you Mr Follett.

FANTASTIC

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Well read with empathy and good characterisation. Easy to maintain connection with a large number of characters over a long period of time.

Great historical drama

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How I wish Richard E Grant had been the narrator, his extraordinary talent brought 2 previous novels to life unlike the unnatural stilted, clipped and weird reading habit of John Lee so irritating that I cannot listen to any audible books read by him.

Wonderful lesson in history

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This trilogy has educated me to an era which I had little knowledge and kept me up listening in the wee hours! I enjoyed them so much and the narrator was brilliant too.

Brilliant!

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