A Column of Fire (Unabridged)
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4.3 • 146 Ratings
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- $24.99
Publisher Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Absorbing . . . impossible to resist.” —The Washington Post
As 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.
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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Love, politics, religion—hot-button issues collide in the third installment of Ken Follett’s Kingsbridge historical fiction series. The 16th-century tale involves giant names like Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, not to mention a fiery love story between the mayor’s daughter and the queen’s own spymaster. Throughout the sweeping tale, the Protestants and Catholics continue scrapping, even as each group is torn apart by internal struggles—with royals, con men, and religious zealots all vying for power. It’s a complex story, but Follett has a handle on this compelling drama. And as you get absolutely hooked by all this intrigue, you’ll actually be learning real history! John Lee narrates with a rich, theatrical flair and quintessential Englishness that make the story all the more transportive. The real-life web of conflict underpinning A Column of Fire is as dramatic as all the interpersonal conflicts at its heart.
