• Fall of Giants

  • Century Trilogy, Book 1
  • By: Ken Follett
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 30 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,053 ratings)

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Fall of Giants  By  cover art

Fall of Giants

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: John Lee
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Publisher's summary

The first in Ken Follett's breathtaking Century Trilogy, Fall of Giants is a captivating novel that follows five families through the world-shaking dramas of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the struggle for votes for women.

A World in Chaos

1911, a thirteen-year-old boy, Billy Williams, begins working down the mines as George V is crowned king. The escalating arms race between the empire nations will put not only the king but this young boy in grave danger.

A Terrible War

Billy’s family is inextricably linked with the Fitzherberts, the aristocratic owners of the coal mine where he works. And when Maud Fitzherbert falls in love with Walter von Ulrich, a spy at the German embassy in London, their destiny also becomes entangled with that of Gus Dewar, an ambitious young aide to Woodrow Wilson, and two orphaned Russian brothers whose plan to emigrate to America falls foul of conscription, revolution and imminent war.

A Revolution That Will Change Everything

When Russia convulses in bloody revolution and the Great War unfolds, the five families’ futures are entwined forever, love bringing them closer even as conflict takes them further apart. What seeds will be sown for further tragedy in the twentieth century and what role will each play in what is to come?

Continue the captivating Century Trilogy with Winter of the World and Edge of Eternity.

©2010 Ken Follett (P)2010 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about Fall of Giants

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, nice narrator.

I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series. Great story and nice narrator.

Check it out, peace!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent. Just great.

I just love the way Ken Follett use ordinary people to unfold grand and dramatic history last century. Mr. Follett's trilogy should be a matter for schools.
Also great narrating by John Lee, a truly big narrator

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Awesome!

Would you consider the audio edition of Fall of Giants to be better than the print version?

This is an awesome book either way, if skillfully blends historical facts with fiction and walks you through the events of that age through the eyes of the characters, it's a great read to understand some of the social aspects of the events portrayed, the characters are well drawn and you feel for them, it has action, adventure, intrigue and romance!.

What other book might you compare Fall of Giants to and why?

This is an epic book, it's hard to compare to other works, this trilogy has a special place on it's own.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The performance is quite good, better than most audiobooks I've listened to. It actually got me searching for other books performed by this voice actor.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are several moments that moved me, but I rather not say which as I don't want to spoil everyone else's fun. The most exciting parts of the book are when the characters find themselves submerged in pivotal parts of the world history, that always did the trick.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A fantastic book

What did you love best about Fall of Giants?

The sense of eternity.

Any additional comments?

This book is so extremely well written that I have no words to describe it.
I love most books about history and historical events. This one just gets around to everything relevant for that period. Fabulous.

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Amazing!

It is outstanding performance. I am going to buy the next volume. I recommend it.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Inspiring

An excellent source of reason for the political development of the 20th century. A brilliant and just ending that made me smile.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing story!

Amazing story mixed with real history! Incredible performance of the narrator. Loved all and amazed me how the author combined the characters with the real people.
Super recommend

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A story to get totally lost in!

Would you listen to Fall of Giants again? Why?

Yes absolutely!! Fall of Giants is compulsive listening. I got so involved in the characters lives, loves and losses. A great insight to the different classes of the time and how war impacts on them. Love Ken Follett books - this is the third novel I've listened to.

Have you listened to any of John Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I love this narrator! I so enjoy listening to him, he has wonderful tone and a beautiful accent and he reads at the right pace - not too slow, not too fast, and I was able to absorb the story fully. He can switch accents several times in one sentence - amazing, and brings the characters to life! I actually look for books that are read by John Lee now.

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3 people found this helpful

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An absolute must read

Loved this book from start to finish
Such a marvelous and knowledgable view of history

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Solid Follett & Lee package

Having listened to "Pillars of the Earth" and "World without end" by the same duo, I knew what to expect. Solid performance all around.

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