A Column of Fire
A Kingsbridge Novel
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£0.99/mo for 3 months + £10 Audible bonus
A Column of Fire
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Narrated by:
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John Lee
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By:
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Ken Follett
The page-turning historical saga that began in The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End, which now 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 . . .
Critic reviews
A great romp through history
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loved it all
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Starting in the city of Kingsbridge, this book in this trilogy will take you across Europe and beyond, during the height of religious tensions in Europe. The age of burnings, blackpowder, terrorists, and fear, A Column of Fire is a truly epic read.
Style
Mr Ken Follett is a veteran of this style of fiction. It shows, in his masterful movement between characters. Each one has their own unique feel. This is most clearly seen in how they interact with the world and conflicts they encounter.
The plot at points is a tad predictable. In his defence, the setting of his books, and his good efforts in research, will cause this. More importantly though, I found each twist and turn gripping. I cheered for the heroes, and scorned the villains as readily, if I did feel some of it was expected.
On occasions I did feel some points of plot were overplayed. Yes, I know why 'X' character is doing something, this was covered a few chapters ago, I don't need reminding.
Most importantly though, Mr Follet's style and skill as a writer beautifully portrays his world. From Scotland to the Caribbean, he is able to draw the reader to these places, and paint them beautifully in the minds eye.
Story
Where the previous two novels in this trilogy traveled about the wider world outside of Kingsbridge, Column of Fire spends a great deal of itself not in the city that was so important to the other two books. This is in part due to the time the book is set. The monastic orders of England are gone, and so the central importance of the Cathedral, so key to the other books, is reduced. I makes sense, but isn't something I like. I would have preferred a more Kingsbridge central novel.
However, I did grow to enjoy the other settings. Paris is a key location. The placing of one of the series worst villains to date. I will not spoil who they are, you must read this book, but they are truly horrid.
Starting just before the reign of Elizabeth I of England, the story for the most part follows Ned Wilard, From a teenage boy to an old man, we cover some of these most religiously and politically violent times in Europe.
Where Mr Follet's other books are told from a half dozen perspectives at most, this one has a few more. This allows him to more easily highlight the many facets of this religious conflict. The Netherlands under Spanish rule, Spain itself with its inquisition, Paris, Scotland, England, and the New world all have a part to play.
There are a few surprising twists in this story, but not many. It is told so well however that I feel the book suffers little from this.
The ending is beautifully cathartic. The epilogue is wonderful, and truly brings it all together. In this story you see play out some of the most important parts of what it is to be human, and the joys and troubles there in. It is moving for this, and well worth the read.
Final Thoughts
A somewhat different book to the rest of the Trilogy, Column of Fire only makes me more eager to read Mr Ken Follet's other work.
Europe is in the grips of religious turmoil.
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Fabulous
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A column of fire
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