The Armor of Light

A Novel (Kingsbridge, Book 5)

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 21 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

An epic continuation of the series that began with The Pillars of the Earth, 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.

©2023 Ken Follett (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Narrated skillfully by Golden Voice John Lee, the latest Follett novel offers superb dialogue, fascinating relationships, and characters from varying religions, classes, and political perspectives. The glue that holds the audiobook together is Lee, who is adept at defining every aspect of the story. Whether he is delivering subtly nuanced tones, intensity borne of political desperation, or verbal frustration from employees who know that their bosses care not a whit about them, Lee masterfully presents each character and event, allowing personalities to emerge and highlight the struggles that eventually lead to political, personal, and business transformations." (AudioFile; winner of AudioFile Earphones Award)

"Ken Follett 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

"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

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.

A little different than the others but still amazing

This novel had a different character flow than before but I got used to it and was drawn in as always. Ken always does a wonderful job of combining a good story with history that everyone should know.

Enjoyable and worth the read/listen

I binged this book like I do all of Ken Follett's work, but like many of the other reviewers are saying this simply wasn't his best work.
I still enjoyed it immensely, but something was missing - perhaps it was the time period and the fact that the villians weren't allowed to be quite as evil.
Anyway, I'd still recommend it to any fans of historical fiction and I'm not sorry to have invested the time and money.
4/5 because Follett has managed to set himself a ridiculously high bar.

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.

Not as good as the first 2 books, but worth it

I was a bit disheartened at the negative reviews, I enjoyed the story, It wasn't as engaging as the others, and didn't have the multiple story lines. The other books aroused strong emotion toward the characters, but no one in this book grabbed me. I think because I've recently listened to some real stinkers I enjoyed the story, but for a Follett, it fell short.

The roads to Kingsbridge

I hope this is not the end of Ken and John teaming up on their remarkable Kingsbridge partnership. The character development mixed historical accuracy makes for a cocktail that leaves you warm and informed. Thank you KF and JL… one more lane on the Kingsbridge road please.

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.

Entertaining

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

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.

Another homerun

Great story and absolutely superb reading by John Lee, as always. Love the historical perspective.