A Column of Fire

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 30 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times best-seller.

“Absorbing...impossible to resist.” (The Washington Post)

As Europe erupts, can one young spy protect his queen? Number-one New York Times best-selling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his magnificent new epic, A Column of Fire.

A thrilling listen that makes the perfect gift for the holidays.

In 1558, the ancient stones of Kingsbridge Cathedral look down on a city torn apart by religious conflict. As power in England shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty, and love.

Ned Willard wants nothing more than to marry Margery Fitzgerald. But when the lovers find themselves on opposing sides of the religious conflict dividing the country, Ned goes to work for Princess Elizabeth. When she becomes queen, all Europe turns against England. The shrewd, determined young monarch sets up the country's first secret service to give her early warning of assassination plots, rebellions, and invasion plans. Over a turbulent half century, the love between Ned and Margery seems doomed as extremism sparks violence from Edinburgh to Geneva. Elizabeth clings to her throne and her principles, protected by a small, dedicated group of resourceful spies and courageous secret agents.

The real enemies, then as now, are not the rival religions. The true battle pitches those who believe in tolerance and compromise against the tyrants who would impose their ideas on everyone else - no matter what the cost.

Set during one of the most turbulent and revolutionary times in history, A Column of Fire is one of Follett's most exciting and ambitious works yet. It will delight longtime fans of the Kingsbridge series and is the perfect introduction for listeners new to Ken Follett.

©2017 Ken Follett (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Deeply researched...compelling.... A Column of Fire is absorbing, painlessly educational, and a great deal of fun.” (The Washington Post)

“Follett’s historical epics, including this one, evoke the Romantic adventures of Alexandre Dumas. Derring-do and double-crosses.... A Column of Fire burns bright throughout.” (The Christian Science Monitor)

“An immersive journey through the tumultuous world of 16th century Europe and some of the bloodiest religious wars in history. Follett’s sprawling novel is a fine mix of heart-pounding drama and erudite historicism.” (Publishers Weekly)

A Good story with more international intrigue

Where does A Column of Fire rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

the story is more international than the previous 2 of the Kingsbridge trilogy. it involves a wider area and gives a little history lesson about religious wars

What did you like best about this story?

the historical background

If you could take any character from A Column of Fire out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Marjorie because of her intriguing background/development

It’s ok!

Not nearly as good as either of the first two books. I wasn’t drawn to any of the characters, nor did I dislike any. Again, it’s just ok.

Restricted by history...

I love the Kingsbridge series first two books and of course, my expectations were astronomical for this one. The feel and readability of this book are on par with Follett's other books, but I really feel his creativity and storytelling mastery was restricted by actual historical events. As interesting as the history is, I would have preferred he to create an entirely fictional story without limitations. Don't get me wrong, what he did was weave a story in between the lines of history, continually reference his previous Kingsbridge characters and I enjoyed it, but parts of it felt rushed or somewhat harshly interjected... as if he had to include it because it was on Wikipedia. As a result of this, I did enjoy his previous Kingsbridge novels more. As always, the narration is perfect! Thank you, Mr. Lee. I was able to comfortably listen at 1.5X speed to save time. If any of this was helpful, please click YES below. Later.

My favorite book in the series.

Loved it. My favorite book of the series. Great world building and exceptional political intrigue.

Can't miss series!!

Ken Follett has done it again but bigger and better. If you love Queen Elizabeth and the Golden Age you will love Ned Willard and the cast from Kingsbridge. Must read!!

Immersed in the 1500s

This was an incredible book. I felt like I was time traveling as I listened. Thanks Ken!!!

history told in full color. one of the best books.

excellence in narration and historical fiction. if you enjoy the history of Europe in the 16th century, you'll love this audio book.

As Good as the first two

Although this could be a stand alone story its really good if you've read the first two and already love the town of Kingsbridge. Being based in Elizabethan England makes it a really interesting time period. I would have given it a 4.5 if I could.

Historical Fiction

I have enjoyed many books by Ken Follet, and again this one did not disappoint!! I love that the book can come to life through Audible!

The usual run-of-the-mill fantastic book by Ken Follett

The history of this era is brought alive by the authors excellent command of the English language and storyline construction
The storyline is phenomenal as is his character development. You get a true emotional response to the various characters in this book. The authenticity to the true history is remarkable, but of course he has to create characters to move the story along.

This is the second of this trilogy that I have read,And I can hardly wait to read the third. I have read other the books by Ken Follett and they never disappoint.