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  • World Without End

  • By: Ken Follett
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 45 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (20,808 ratings)

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World Without End

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: John Lee
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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.

©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)

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What listeners say about World Without End

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    15,369
  • 4 Stars
    4,100
  • 3 Stars
    919
  • 2 Stars
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    12,169
  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    10,804
  • 4 Stars
    2,573
  • 3 Stars
    598
  • 2 Stars
    148
  • 1 Stars
    89

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

good but not as good as th first book

It was really great leisurely listening. absolutely love the narrator. The story was good but I liked the first book much better

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Simply magnificent

This is a book I will listen to again. I am avid audio book listener and this book along with The Godfather are the best I have listened to. It’s 40 plus hours of listening pleasure. I was lost in the story. I usually listen to books at 1.75 to 2x. I stopped after the first hour and slowed it down because I didn’t want the book to end. There should be a new HBO or Netflix series based on this book. I honestly can’t recommend it enough. The narration is great too. Treat yourself and start listening you will not be disappointed for a minute.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Surprisely relevant for 2020

This story is woven on the backdrop of the great plague- the politics were very similar. Characters are rich and complex, beautifully written and read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Masterful

This book is one of my favorites to date! The story and the narration were splendid!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant book

Buy it and you won’t regret it. Excellent performance by John Lee as expected. Story 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent story

amazingly interwoven story of human interaction with wonderful characters and fascinating twists and turns. well written and deeply satisfying.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Book without end!

Long LONGER LONGEST!!!
Dallas in the 14th century, or maybe Peyton Place.
Every time I checked back in to the story, breasts were being gazed upon or fondled.Sometimes blood was flowing, or spurting, from a nose or a mouth or an ear. Very repetitive! But I had a long and boring journey and this was the perfect companion.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Delightful!!!

I listened to the first book "Pillars of the Earth" which was amazing this sequel did not disappoint!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Modern day plague

How ironic while I’m listening to this book I am at home under self quarantine due to the Corona virus. Listen or read and you’ll see what I’m referring to. Said the story ended.....40+ hours later. Wow

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Worth it

Great narration and compelling storylines (although Follett seems to have pervyish focus on breasts).

if you like historical fiction, this is worth it.

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