• World Without End

  • By: Ken Follett
  • Narrated by: John Lee
  • Length: 45 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (20,645 ratings)

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World Without End  By  cover art

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
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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!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Epic

First, this epic story is ridiculously engrossing. When I wasn’t reading (listening), I could not wait to get back to it. The first time I read it was pre-covid. It’s really wild to experience it again post-covid. The plague seems all to familiar since experiencing many of the same scenarios illustrated in the story. I highly recommend all the Pillars books. Love love love.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

This one was a tad slower getting started, but as soon as it got going, it was a page turner. Love Follett's writing style & the narrator does a fantastic job expressing it.

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Breath taking ride into the past

This is hands down the best book Ken Follett has ever written in his lengthy list of historical fiction. Over 45 hours in length, the pace of the story unravels a span of 30 years in the lives of strong men and women and scornful clergy in 1300’s England.
Defiantly the best book I’ve read in the past 10 years!
John Lee the narrator is amazing! I often was amazed that all the characters voices were done by him.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing story and insight to the history of the time.

As per the title. Hard times. So interesting to learn about construction, the influence of the Church, they had a pandemic too!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Character development

New favorite book. The story, the words the people you come to love! Best book by Follett so far that I have read.

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Emotional roller coaster

The saga continues and it is quite a ride. King”s Bridge suffers and triumphs and the story is at least as good as the first book.

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Good listen

The main characters and story were captivating. It was long but engrossing, the narration perfect.

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Storyline

I enjoyed this book and all the different storylines. The reader was excellent. I recommend this book!

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The history

Wonderful story, a great blend of history and fiction. How medicine was practiced in those years was fascinating

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