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)

Epic historical fiction

Loved this one as much as Pillars of the Earth. Effortless storytelling paired with a perfect narration; what a treat! If the producers of GoT made this series into a show, it would be incredible.

Ken Follette

This book was gripping and throughout women were honored for their intelligence, strength, and compassion. Even after being victimized they rose up as conquerer. I have learned so much history from Ken’s books. This trilogy seems to particularly honor the tenacity of women in the midst of patriarchal and religious oppression. Thank you!

Great unity and storylines

The author does an excellent job of telling the story and connecting the characters. Enjoyed it overall.

Interesting look back on 1300’s

English rulers, religious leaders, plagues, wealth and poverty are revealed in a way unfamiliar to me. I appreciate the work, not sure which parts are true ish but interesting nonetheless

As Good As Pillars

Follett is Fabulous. Lee’s narration is truly extraordinary. What a story of historical fiction. Epic indeed.

John Lee

I have listened to this book twice, and will probably do so, again. Any book that John Lee reads and Ken Follett writes—is 10/10.

Post Covid This Reads Different

A major factor in the evolution of the setting is the Black Plague coming to England. The Plague destabilizes the power of the church, kills so many workers that the economy is turned on its head, and ultimately the advancement of scientific thinking is key to combating the Plague over the long term.

In a world that has recently been hit by the Covid Pandemic this evolution of the culture and how it is used as a fulcrum for political and commercial gain is spooky? Resonant? It just feels relatable and interesting in ways it could not have been during the initial printing.

All of that aside I will say that this is not as good as the first book, "Pillars of the Earth". It is still a 5/5 for me as it is still an epic of historical fiction about one of the most important events in European history with themes, character arcs, intrigue, and just so much meat on this book that I have to recommend it even if you have not read "Pillars of the Earth".

Amazing!

Another favorite from Ken Follett! He ties characters together with an intricacy that few can.

Lengthy but interesting and hard to put down.

Characters tied into Pillars of the earth and interesting to learn about the plague as it’s so close to our surviving COVID. Can’t imagine not having modern medicine.

By far the best narrator I've yet encountered!

Great book ! I've now read the first two books in Ken Follet's ' Kingsbridge Series ' 3 times. The first two were on physical copies. I work long hours that allow me time for music and podcasts or audible so I figured I'd go down the Follet rabbithole again and was thoroughly impressed. The narrator is incredible. I've found myself doing household chores just for more time listening ! Great book from an incredible writer and performed by an incredible narrator!