A Column of Fire
A Novel
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4.5 • 2.9K Ratings
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- $12.99
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
The third installment of Ken Follett’s Kingsbridge series is set in the mid–16th century, when religious tensions threaten to ruin a small English town. Young Ned Willard is so riled up by the battles between Protestants and Catholics that he sets off to work for Elizabeth Tudor, who promises tolerance should she ascend to England’s throne. Follett’s rich, labyrinthine novel entwines England’s domestic and international tumult with Ned’s personal trials, creating a vivid picture of Elizabethan-era history that shows how the seismic changes of the Reformation affected everyday lives.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Treasonous plots, family rifts, and international political intrigue abound in the third installment of Follett's (Pillars of the Earth) Kingsbridge series of historical dramas. In the middle of 16th-century England, Kingsbridge Cathedral stands above a town divided by religious conflict. Queen "Bloody Mary" Tudor is killing Protestants. When 18-year-old nobleman Ned Willard loses his sweetheart Margery and his family's importing business to Margery's upward-climbing Catholic family after the queen condemns them for being pro-Protestant, he decides to join Protestant Princess Elizabeth Tudor's secret service. Ned and Margery's love for each other sustains itself despite decades and miles apart, but can it survive their ideological differences? This sweeping epic delivers suspense, history, and romance in equally satisfying, if sometimes heavy-handed, measures. Follett makes use of multiple winding plotlines and optimistic characters equipped to see any battle through to the end. The novel is an immersive journey through the tumultuous world of 16th-century Europe and some of the bloodiest religious wars in history. Follett's sprawling novel is a fine mix of heart-pounding drama and erudite historicism.
Customer Reviews
A Column of Fire
One of my favorite Follett marathon reads. This one covers the Elizabethan era in England and tells the story of Ned Willard and his life in the village of Kingsbridge. Since this period of history is one of my favorites, I loved the book.
Column of Fire
As always,I was swept away to another time and place. Many emotions erupt and dreams were dreamt. I am sad that it is over. Kingsbridge will forever be in my thoughts. Tom the builder, the priory, Ned, Barney, Sylvie, Swithin, etc... Thank you for writing three of my favorites. The Hornet is another gem. My heart is full and my imagination is running. Amen
Love this story in context of real historical events
Connected me to a part of history I’ve learned about in school but didn’t understand. This story puts the schism into context and I better understand the violent past of Christian civil wars.