World Without End

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 45 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1989 Ken Follett astonished the literary world with The Pillars of the Earth, a sweeping epic novel set in 12th-century England that centered on the building of a cathedral and the men, women, and children whose lives it changed forever. Critics were overwhelmed, and readers and listeners ever since have hoped for a sequel.

At last, here it is. Although the two novels may be listened to in any order, World Without End takes place in the same town of Kingsbridge, two centuries after the townspeople finished building the exquisite Gothic cathedral that was at the heart of The Pillars of the Earth. The cathedral and the priory are again at the center of a web of love and hate, greed and pride, ambition and revenge.

Three years in the writing, World Without End once again shows that Ken Follett is a masterful author writing at the top of his craft.

Listen to The Pillars of the Earth.

©2007 Ken Follett (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc.

Critic reviews

"Fans of Follett's previous medieval epic will be well rewarded." (Publishers Weekly)

Strongly recommended

Would you consider the audio edition of World Without End to be better than the print version?

Yes, I heard the audiobook and loved it so much that I also read it. The performance of the book adds to the beauty of the story, illuminating the most dramatic scenes and helping the characters come to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of World Without End?

The events at the wooden bridge are so powerfullly described, you thought you were there.

Any additional comments?

Although it is a long book, I heard the audiobook and read the printed version in long stretches as I simply could not let go.

Overall enjoyable

Throughly enjoyed Ken Follett's World Without End and would have no complaints but for some reason the recording in different spots in the first half of the book skipped. Not enough to miss any of the story but irritating nonetheless.

excellent book

great story with characters you can really get into. The narration is top notch. I am looking forward to his next story about Kingsbridge.

Carried away to another time!

I loved this book. While it took me about an hour to become totally hooked, from then on I could hardly stop listening. The narrator was so good I could see each character as he changed voices. Caris and Merthyn are such lovable characters you want to know them better and better. The ending was perfect!

Great Read

World Without End was a really great listen. I'm in my 8th year of buying audiobooks from Audible (371 purchases and still buying) and I'd rate this among some of the best I've listened to (Middlesex, Crime & Punishment, Life of Pi, The Potato Factory, all of Nelson DeMille's novels and many others). The story seems to go on and on but I was never bored. Rich characters, wicked fun, great pathos and a sense of history all balled into one.

Great read

This is a great sequel to the fabulous book, Pillars of the Earth. Hope there is another!

Enjoyed but depressing at times

Another great history/fiction book from the master story teller. I found it depressing as the main characters seemed to have one disaster after another come there way. Did not seem real to have so many bad experiences. The story moved along and was entertaining.

World Without End

I read Pillars of the Earth many years ago and remembered it as a favorite. I enjoyed World Without End just as much, if not more. It was so interesting and it certainly didn't seem long at all. It is well worth the time.

Great book!!

The only problem with this book is that it is so good it kept me up too late at night -- I just couldn't put it down.
Awesome -- highly recommend.

Loved every minute!

The writing and the performance are captivating! So well done!! Column of Fire is queued up!