The Armor of Light

A Novel (Kingsbridge, Book 5)

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

The long-awaited sequel to A Column of Fire, The Armor of Light, heralds a new dawn for Kingsbridge, England, where progress clashes with tradition, class struggles push into every part of society, and war in Europe engulfs the entire continent and beyond.

The Spinning Jenny was invented in 1770, and with that, a new era of manufacturing and industry changed lives everywhere within a generation. A world filled with unrest wrestles for control over this new world order: A mother’s husband is killed in a work accident due to negligence; a young woman fights to fund her school for impoverished children; a well-intentioned young man unexpectedly inherits a failing business; one man ruthlessly protects his wealth no matter the cost, all the while war cries are heard from France, as Napoleon sets forth a violent master plan to become emperor of the world. As institutions are challenged and toppled in unprecedented fashion, ripples of change ricochet through our characters’ lives as they are left to reckon with the future and a world they must rebuild from the ashes of war.

Over thirty years ago, Ken Follett published his most popular novel, The Pillars of the Earth. Now, with this electrifying addition to the Kingsbridge series we are plunged into the battlefield between compassion and greed, love and hate, progress and tradition. It is through each character that we are given a new perspective to the seismic shifts that shook the world in nineteenth-century Europe.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Armor of Light

"Ken Follett is a master storyteller . . . His works of historical fiction have made him a legend. . . . Follett’s latest marks the end of a storytelling journey that spans a thousand years. The Armor of Light is also the final entry in his Kingsbridge series."
—Jeff Glor, CBS

"We can’t stop turning the pages. . . . it is Follett’s generosity and adeptness with historical detail and nimble depictions of technical matters that set this book, like its predecessors, above mere historical melodrama."
—The Washington Post

"A treat for fans of historical fiction."
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This epic canvas holds a mélange of relationships which all work out exactly as they should while Follett brings Kingsbridge up to the Regency era."
—Booklist

"An impressive and immersive epic."
—Publishers Weekly

not as good as the rest of the series

I love Ken Follett, but this work was a disappointment even though it's a very interesting time in British history. It is read, however, by John Lee, one of the best narrators out there.

I loved holding a book in my hands and pillars will always be a favorite. Now that I unable to “read” I am so happy to be able

Thoroughly enjoyable end to the pillars saga. Well read by narrator
I am vision impaired so Audible is a true blessing. Thank you.

Another great Ken Follett book

I love the story of Kingsbridge, and have been following along in all his novels. I don’t care for the narrator in some respects, because when he is speaking, the characters voices often times it sounds like he’s making snide remarks with an uptick in his voice. That’s my only complaint. Otherwise, a thoroughly enjoyable story.

Classic Follett but not his best

Classic Follett story of simple but good people struggling against corrupt and greedy people in positions of power. Good historical context, as always, and you’ll learn a lot about the Industrial Revolution and it’s social impacts and the Napoleonic Era. Not quite as strong as some of his other work, but still a good read.

Entertaining

Not one of its best but it’s entertaining didn’t get into the historical theme as other works