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Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Viking (2017), Edition: First Edition, 928 pages
Description
"International bestselling author Ken Follett has enthralled millions of readers with The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End, two stories of the Middle Ages set in the fictional city of Kingsbridge. The saga now continues with Follett's magnificent new epic, A Column of Fire. 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"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member shazjhb
His books are interesting but because there are so many characters there is minimal character development. In this I thought he lost track of a couple of people. However, I always learn so much about stuff I thought I knew that his books are addictive.
LibraryThing member ElizabethCromb
Another excellent historical novel set in Kingsbridge during the reign of Elizabeth 1 & James 1 with stories woven through the history of Catholic/Protestant conflict. Next novel likely to be set later in 17th century around the settlement of the New World by Puritan exiles, where this story ended
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in early 1600s. Show Less
LibraryThing member KatKealy
The third book in the Kingsbridge series (which includes my favorite book of all time, The Pillars of the Earth) did not disappoint, though it definitely took a different turn from the first two books, which are more centered around Kingsbridge. If you enjoyed the first two, this is a must read!
LibraryThing member hobbitprincess
It was with great anticipation that I waited for this book to come in the mail, and it was worth the wait. This is the third novel in the Kingsbridge series. The setting this time is during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, during the 1500s. There are characters to love and a couple to despise and
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plenty of historical action, much of it accurate. As with all good historical fiction, there is a lot to be learned with Follett's latest novel, and I found myself going to the internet several times. It's a big book but well worth the time to read. Show Less
LibraryThing member ddelmoni
Loved it! Fascinating read, even though very little takes place in Kingsbridge. A Column of Fire is much better written and the characters better developed than the Follett's last Century Trilogy novel but Kingsbridge, and it's people, have lived with Follett for far longer. I waited 7 years for
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this installment of Kingsbridge and it was well worth the wait. Show Less
LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
A Column of Fire: Ken Follett, author; John Lee, narrator
This long and well researched novel about the history of the royal families in Europe, during the latter half of the 16th century, completes Follett’s Kingsbridge trilogy. This book covers half a century, from the middle of the 1560’s to
Plots to overthrow the English royal family are exposed, and the murder of perceived and actual heretics is evident in the lives of the citizens depending on the country in which they reside. The methods used to interrogate and punish the sinners and traitors are violent and cruel. Each subject remains loyal to his/her monarch and to his/her religious belief, above all. Protestants murder Catholics and Catholics murder Protestants. There are plans and plots to capture and/or murder the opposing royal competition in various countries in order to overthrow one monarch and install another. Few are without sin in that regard. The subjects of the different European royal families, who are often engaged in the plots to overthrow and destroy the political leaders and religious leaders they oppose, believe G-d justifies their behavior.
I was disappointed in this third novel of the trilogy because the author seems to have succumbed to the decadent use of crude and vulgar language and sexual description so common today in mass produced books. I found them unnecessary and out of place. I believe they reduced the value of the book and certainly did not enhance it. Still, the book immerses the reader in the lives of Europeans from many countries during the latter half of the 16th century and begins in the same area of Kingsbridge as the previous novels in the series. It continues to travel throughout other European countries as royal conflicts and religious prejudices become the prominent subjects of history.
The story takes us through the reign of Mary Tudor and Elizabeth Tudor. It reveals the history of Mary Stuart, the Queen of Scots, whose subjects never gave up plotting to overthrow Elizabeth Tudor, in order to place Mary on the throne of England, as the rightful Queen recognized by the Pope.
(Mary was a devout Catholic and Elizabeth was a Protestant who was far more tolerant of other religions, neither believing in the torture of heretics nor in their murder. She believed they could all get along in the world without having to eliminate each other.)
As the story progresses, the reader witnesses the constantly changing political and religious scene with all of its concomitant challenges. The battles and intrigue are the best part of the book, with the family rivalries and their opposing beliefs taking a back seat, serving only to move the historical narrative forward. A student of history will know how it will all turn out in the end, but as a novel, it is educational and entertaining.
The audio book is read superbly by narrator John Lee.
This long and well researched novel about the history of the royal families in Europe, during the latter half of the 16th century, completes Follett’s Kingsbridge trilogy. This book covers half a century, from the middle of the 1560’s to
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just after 1600. The rivalry existing between royal families, in order to determine the right to the throne, and the brutality committed in the name of religion in Europe, with the Inquisition in full swing during that time, is brought to life with the focus on two fictional families, the Willards who are Protestant and the Fitzgeralds who are Catholics. Of opposite religious faiths, the reader travels with them over the course of their lives as they move in many different directions. Their religious beliefs are truly believed to come from G-d, and these beliefs govern their choices, lifestyle and behavior.Plots to overthrow the English royal family are exposed, and the murder of perceived and actual heretics is evident in the lives of the citizens depending on the country in which they reside. The methods used to interrogate and punish the sinners and traitors are violent and cruel. Each subject remains loyal to his/her monarch and to his/her religious belief, above all. Protestants murder Catholics and Catholics murder Protestants. There are plans and plots to capture and/or murder the opposing royal competition in various countries in order to overthrow one monarch and install another. Few are without sin in that regard. The subjects of the different European royal families, who are often engaged in the plots to overthrow and destroy the political leaders and religious leaders they oppose, believe G-d justifies their behavior.
I was disappointed in this third novel of the trilogy because the author seems to have succumbed to the decadent use of crude and vulgar language and sexual description so common today in mass produced books. I found them unnecessary and out of place. I believe they reduced the value of the book and certainly did not enhance it. Still, the book immerses the reader in the lives of Europeans from many countries during the latter half of the 16th century and begins in the same area of Kingsbridge as the previous novels in the series. It continues to travel throughout other European countries as royal conflicts and religious prejudices become the prominent subjects of history.
The story takes us through the reign of Mary Tudor and Elizabeth Tudor. It reveals the history of Mary Stuart, the Queen of Scots, whose subjects never gave up plotting to overthrow Elizabeth Tudor, in order to place Mary on the throne of England, as the rightful Queen recognized by the Pope.
(Mary was a devout Catholic and Elizabeth was a Protestant who was far more tolerant of other religions, neither believing in the torture of heretics nor in their murder. She believed they could all get along in the world without having to eliminate each other.)
As the story progresses, the reader witnesses the constantly changing political and religious scene with all of its concomitant challenges. The battles and intrigue are the best part of the book, with the family rivalries and their opposing beliefs taking a back seat, serving only to move the historical narrative forward. A student of history will know how it will all turn out in the end, but as a novel, it is educational and entertaining.
The audio book is read superbly by narrator John Lee.
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LibraryThing member labdaddy4
It is very rare that I will not finish a book once started, but this time it happened. The other book in this trilogy were very interesting and absorbing - packed with history and detailed character development. "A Column of Fire" was far too dense and jumped all over the place - there were large
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gaps in time as well and shifts from place to place. The book is completely dominated by the intricacies of Elizabethan court life, the machinations of power, and most of all by religious conflict. It was just not my cup-o-tea. Show Less
LibraryThing member earthwind
Follett follows Pillars of the Earth & World Without End with a griping saga. In 1558 England power shifts as Elizabeth becomes Queen, opening the door to religious choices. France has reasonable empathy for all religions but some in Europe turn against Elizabeth. People love or hate. Religion
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sponsors death by being burned alive at the stake - a sacred column of fire. Show Less
LibraryThing member lkernagh
This final book in Follett’s Kingsbridge trilogy was an okay read, but not anything spectacular or riveting for me. Nothing wrong with Follett’s customary storytelling, although he does have a habit of recycling similar plot themes with some of his character pairings, leaving this reader with a
Overall, a rather dud read to wrap up a trilogy that just wasn’t all that riveting for me.
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“this is oddly familiar” sensation. I should admit that I struggled with this trilogy as a whole compared with his Century trilogy. I loved the first book, Pillars of the Earth, as a great introduction to the Middle Ages period and cathedral architecture. was a bit of a dud given the huge time jump, so I didn’t go into A Column of Fire with any high expectations. Probably a good thing. At least the final book more or less picks up where the previous book left off (beginning in 1558, and continuing through 1605), so I already had a nodding familiarity with a number of the characters. The story, not surprisingly, has a strong royal and religious focus as we have Tudor family infighting along with Protestant versus Catholic rebellions, neither topic of any great interest to me. It is a bad sign when I find myself skipping forward every three minutes through a chunk of the story because it was dragging. The best part of the story, for me anyways, is near the end where Follett presents the reader with his literary take on Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. Overall, a rather dud read to wrap up a trilogy that just wasn’t all that riveting for me.
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LibraryThing member bibliotecayamaguchi
The saga that has enthralled the millions of readers of The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End now continues with Ken Follett's magnificent, gripping A Column of Fire.
Christmas 1558, and young Ned Willard returns home to Kingsbridge to find his world has changed.
The ancient stones of
Then Elizabeth Tudor becomes queen and all of 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.
Elizabeth knows that alluring, headstrong Mary Queen of Scots lies in wait in Paris. Part of a brutally ambitious French family, Mary has been proclaimed the rightful ruler of England, with her own supporters scheming to get rid of the new queen.
Over a turbulent half-century, the love between Ned and Margery seems doomed, as extremism sparks violence from Edinburgh to Geneva. With Elizabeth clinging precariously to her throne and her principles, protected by a small, dedicated group of resourceful spies and courageous secret agents, it becomes clear that 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 the cost.
Christmas 1558, and young Ned Willard returns home to Kingsbridge to find his world has changed.
The ancient stones of
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Kingsbridge Cathedral look down on a city torn by religious hatred. Europe is in turmoil as high principles clash bloodily with friendship, loyalty and love, and Ned soon finds himself on the opposite side from the girl he longs to marry, Margery Fitzgerald.Then Elizabeth Tudor becomes queen and all of 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.
Elizabeth knows that alluring, headstrong Mary Queen of Scots lies in wait in Paris. Part of a brutally ambitious French family, Mary has been proclaimed the rightful ruler of England, with her own supporters scheming to get rid of the new queen.
Over a turbulent half-century, the love between Ned and Margery seems doomed, as extremism sparks violence from Edinburgh to Geneva. With Elizabeth clinging precariously to her throne and her principles, protected by a small, dedicated group of resourceful spies and courageous secret agents, it becomes clear that 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 the cost.
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LibraryThing member ouroborosangel
900+ pages of Catholics and Protestants fighting each other. The book covers about 80 years of history (1550s on) in France, Spain, Scotland and England. Because it is such a sweeping historical novel that covers many people, places and events, those who love really deep characters will not care
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for this book as much. I have always been curious about the Queens Mary and Elizabeth, and I do enjoy stories containing court intrigue. Let's just say, it was interesting enough for me to finish the entire thing, so that counts for something. If this is your style of book, this will probably be a touchdown for you. Show Less
LibraryThing member strandbooks
Ken Follett is perfect when I've read a lot of tough serious books. Historical fiction that verges on a soap opera. I like the characters but I don't cry when they are beheaded. This one is set during the reign of queen Elizabeth and mainly focuses on the struggle between the Catholics and the
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protestants. Show Less
LibraryThing member pierthinker
This is a long complex saga, essentially the story of two families told through the fortunes of Ned Willard and Margery Fitzgerald and set against the politics, religious conflict and history of the second half of the 16th century. The key historical events covered start with the St.
This very long book contains enough incident, colour and pace to draw the reader in, although there are a lot of characters and plot strands, so I sometimes found myself at a loss as to who was who and what was what. Some characters and incidents seemed separate from the overall story and served no real purpose other than to exist in themselves. It is difficult to see if they were filler, or for completeness or to tee up some future volumes in the series. Not having read previous volumes in this series was no great barrier to senjoying this one.
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Bartholomew’s Day Massacre through the Armada and end with the Gunpowder Plot. The very real religious conflicts of 5he time are represented through the Willard family’s Protestantism and the Fitzgerald’s Catholicism.This very long book contains enough incident, colour and pace to draw the reader in, although there are a lot of characters and plot strands, so I sometimes found myself at a loss as to who was who and what was what. Some characters and incidents seemed separate from the overall story and served no real purpose other than to exist in themselves. It is difficult to see if they were filler, or for completeness or to tee up some future volumes in the series. Not having read previous volumes in this series was no great barrier to senjoying this one.
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LibraryThing member amylee39
Long and kinda tedious but I really wanted to read it because I loved the first two.
LibraryThing member KamGeb
The last in the series. While I loved the first two books....this one was not as good. It had more actual history and a little less fiction. It often felt like the personal stories left something missing because the author was so intent on making sure that all the historical facts were touched
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upon. Having said that, I think part of the problem was that I really liked the first two books so I had very high expectations for this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member TooBusyReading
This is the third of the Kingbridge books, and so far, my favorite. But perhaps that's because it has been awhile since I read the other two. This one takes place in the 16th century. There is the well-known power struggle, the cruelty of both Catholic and Protestant factions, and lots of torture.
I liked the combination of real and fictional characters. Follett does a great job of bringing both to life. There is history here, but there is also entertainment, and I cared about the characters. This is a long book but I enjoyed all of it.
John Lee's narration is terrific. The various accents, his voice when speaking as a woman, so difficult for men to do well, his intonations all worked for me.
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It amazes me how barbaric humans can be, even for nothing more important than sport. Some of this is hard to read, or in my case, hard to hear.I liked the combination of real and fictional characters. Follett does a great job of bringing both to life. There is history here, but there is also entertainment, and I cared about the characters. This is a long book but I enjoyed all of it.
John Lee's narration is terrific. The various accents, his voice when speaking as a woman, so difficult for men to do well, his intonations all worked for me.
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LibraryThing member robeik
Writing this review before I have finished reading it - which I intend to do.
This is the third book of Ken Follet that I have read, and at this stage is by far the poorest of the three. That's a pity - the first one was fantastic, and the second one very good too.
This one tries to pack too much
This is the third book of Ken Follet that I have read, and at this stage is by far the poorest of the three. That's a pity - the first one was fantastic, and the second one very good too.
This one tries to pack too much
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into it. Whereas the first books restricted the stories to fictional places in the early medieval period, this one dabbles directly with actual history, placing itself in the courts of Mary and Elizabeth in England, and courts in France. The story then becomes incredulous. The story also manufactures situations, very quickly, to fit the overall plot of the book. For example, suddenly the young lady in Paris finds she has only one copy of her secret stash of Bibles left. Show Less
LibraryThing member DanielSTJ
This was a riveting and spellbinding conclusion to The Kingsbridge Trilogy. The plot wove together expertly, characters were realistic and intriguing, and the writing was effectual and crafted with the art of a master. Truly, Follett is amazing at historical novels-- this series is the second of
For those who have read the others in the series, finish it. This novel is well worth it. Follett will remain a master of his craft and this is one of the finest exemplars of him at his best.
4.5 stars!
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his that I have finished, the other being The Century Trilogy. I was astounded at the way that Follett was able to weave fact and fiction together, interlacing them within the framework of the world that once existed. It was all very impressive and Follett does it with power. This novel is a tour-de-force that expands upon everything that has happened in the previous novels and allows one to glimpse into the past in order to witness things as they happened, or how we would have seen it through the eyes of our characters. The villains are believable and well-fleshed out and the manner in which people act, guided by their own impulses and yearnings, drives the plot forward into an astounding conclusion.For those who have read the others in the series, finish it. This novel is well worth it. Follett will remain a master of his craft and this is one of the finest exemplars of him at his best.
4.5 stars!
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LibraryThing member dawnlovesbooks
A Column of Fire is the third book in Ken Follett's Kingsbridge series. If you have not already read, "The Pillars of the Earth" and "World Without End" then you must do so immediately. At 909 pages, A Column of Fire is packed full of lively characters, drama, history and action. Ken Follett is
The book takes place in 16th century England in a time of violence and religious turmoil. It spans from 1558 to 1606. There is always someone scheming to murder the queen or king and there is a constant battle for power between the Catholics and Protestants. I am not a fan of historical fiction and care nothing about politics. The characters are what I loved best about this book.
Ned Willard is the hero of the book. Ned has all the characteristics of your typical hero. He is kind, honest, clever, trustworthy, determined, handsome and courageous. He becomes a man of power and importance as he spends his life fighting for Queen Elizabeth. All Ned wants is peace between the Catholics and Protestants. Ned: "What we did that momentous year of 1558 caused political strife, revolt, civil war and invasion. There were times in later years, when in the depths of despair I would wonder whether it had been worth it. The simple idea that people should be allowed to worship as they wished caused more suffering than the ten plagues of Egypt. So if I had known then what I know now, would I have done the same? Hell, yes."
The book also has many romances and a heart breaking love story. At the beginning of the book, the woman Ned is in love with is forced to marry someone else. Margery is one of the heroines of the book. She has a willful and rebellious nature but she is "deeply pious at heart," and she feels it is her duty to God to obey her parents. Her parents arrange her marriage to someone that will bring prestige and nobility to their family, even though Margery despises their choice. She devotes her life to doing clandestine work for England's deprived Catholics. Her and Ned spend a lifetime in love with one another.
There are so many characters that I can't begin to write about all of them and I don't want to spoil the book for anyone else. The huge cast of hero/heroines and villains in this book do not disappoint. They endured so much loss, death, hardship, and heartbreak. There were also many despicable characters that I just wanted to see destroyed.
"Evil men always frustrated the efforts of the peacemakers."
"There are no saints in politics. But imperfect people can still change the world for the better."
Another masterpiece by Follett. I can't imagine how much research he had to do to be able to include so many historical details and even though I am easily bored with history, I truly enjoyed this thrilling epic saga. Well done, Mr. Follett!
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such an amazing and talented writer.The book takes place in 16th century England in a time of violence and religious turmoil. It spans from 1558 to 1606. There is always someone scheming to murder the queen or king and there is a constant battle for power between the Catholics and Protestants. I am not a fan of historical fiction and care nothing about politics. The characters are what I loved best about this book.
Ned Willard is the hero of the book. Ned has all the characteristics of your typical hero. He is kind, honest, clever, trustworthy, determined, handsome and courageous. He becomes a man of power and importance as he spends his life fighting for Queen Elizabeth. All Ned wants is peace between the Catholics and Protestants. Ned: "What we did that momentous year of 1558 caused political strife, revolt, civil war and invasion. There were times in later years, when in the depths of despair I would wonder whether it had been worth it. The simple idea that people should be allowed to worship as they wished caused more suffering than the ten plagues of Egypt. So if I had known then what I know now, would I have done the same? Hell, yes."
The book also has many romances and a heart breaking love story. At the beginning of the book, the woman Ned is in love with is forced to marry someone else. Margery is one of the heroines of the book. She has a willful and rebellious nature but she is "deeply pious at heart," and she feels it is her duty to God to obey her parents. Her parents arrange her marriage to someone that will bring prestige and nobility to their family, even though Margery despises their choice. She devotes her life to doing clandestine work for England's deprived Catholics. Her and Ned spend a lifetime in love with one another.
There are so many characters that I can't begin to write about all of them and I don't want to spoil the book for anyone else. The huge cast of hero/heroines and villains in this book do not disappoint. They endured so much loss, death, hardship, and heartbreak. There were also many despicable characters that I just wanted to see destroyed.
"Evil men always frustrated the efforts of the peacemakers."
"There are no saints in politics. But imperfect people can still change the world for the better."
Another masterpiece by Follett. I can't imagine how much research he had to do to be able to include so many historical details and even though I am easily bored with history, I truly enjoyed this thrilling epic saga. Well done, Mr. Follett!
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LibraryThing member Andy_DiMartino
An epic continuation of the Kingsbridge saga rich with historical significance. A wonderful story set in the sixteenth century telling the story of Queen Elizabeth I's Secret Service over her 40-year reign.
LibraryThing member bbbart
It was ok. That's really how I feel after finishing the last pages of this book.
Of course, I doubt Follet can really publish anything really awful, but I'm afraid this is about as bad a book by his hand can get.
I even wonder if it really is written by him? Somehow through the central part I get
Every person, fictional and historical, is acting like a silly child all the time and there is hardly any development to be found, except in some obvious passages where observations are told (as opposed to shown).
Perhaps I'm a little too knowledgeable about this historical period (however I never would have imagined before that I was, belonging neither to Spain, France, Scotland or England), but you can't base a thriller plot on the possible ascension of Mary Queen of Scots to the English throne, nor on the possible success of the Spanish armada and definitely not on Guy Fawkes' attempted terror attack.
Too bad. Pillars of the Earth is still on my top shelf, but A Column of Fire won't get a place next to it.
Of course, I doubt Follet can really publish anything really awful, but I'm afraid this is about as bad a book by his hand can get.
I even wonder if it really is written by him? Somehow through the central part I get
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this nagging idea that he must have outsourced most of the work behind A Column of Fire to his team of historical researchers. There is so little passion in this book, there is nearly no Kingsbridge at all and characters simply come and go without consequence.Every person, fictional and historical, is acting like a silly child all the time and there is hardly any development to be found, except in some obvious passages where observations are told (as opposed to shown).
Perhaps I'm a little too knowledgeable about this historical period (however I never would have imagined before that I was, belonging neither to Spain, France, Scotland or England), but you can't base a thriller plot on the possible ascension of Mary Queen of Scots to the English throne, nor on the possible success of the Spanish armada and definitely not on Guy Fawkes' attempted terror attack.
Too bad. Pillars of the Earth is still on my top shelf, but A Column of Fire won't get a place next to it.
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LibraryThing member hbwiesbaden
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Absorbing . . . impossible to resist.” —The Washington Post
As Europe erupts, can one young spy protect his queen? International bestselling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his
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.
Quelle: amazon.de
“Absorbing . . . impossible to resist.” —The Washington Post
As Europe erupts, can one young spy protect his queen? International bestselling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his
Show More
magnificent new epic, A Column of Fire.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.
Quelle: amazon.de
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LibraryThing member MaggieFlo
This is awful historical fiction. I don’t know why I finished this tale of life during the Elizabethan era in England and France. Some historical characters provide the background to this dreary tale of the political and religious strife between Catholics in France and Protestants in England.
The
My last Ken Follett book.
The
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characters are one dimensional, the historical context too briefly explained and the story very predictable and long.My last Ken Follett book.
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LibraryThing member Black-Lilly
No smud! You can say that I was shocked, shocked I say that there was no real smud at all! Especially after World Without End was full of it.
The story itself was a fun read. I appreciate when a history novell is well researched and I can overlook some artistic freedoms.
In the end though it
Speaking if brother, the book kind of ends sudden with questions open of what happened to the rest of the family. We know when Margery died, but not Barney. Did he settle down for good? Did he died at sea?
And what about Carlos?
Too many loose ends there which I would have prefered to tie up instead of having the Guy Fawlks episode.
It also felt like that the writing style got even more simple towards the end, as if the heart was not in it anymore but the determination to get more history lesson in.
Anyway, it was a fun book, even without the smud ;-)
The story itself was a fun read. I appreciate when a history novell is well researched and I can overlook some artistic freedoms.
In the end though it
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suffered from too much story. The last third seemed to be kind of dragging along. A lot happened during the reign of Elizabeth I but did the main character really had to have his fingers in all of it? Did he really had to be part of the shipcrew during the Spanish Armada episode, when his brother was already participating?Speaking if brother, the book kind of ends sudden with questions open of what happened to the rest of the family. We know when Margery died, but not Barney. Did he settle down for good? Did he died at sea?
And what about Carlos?
Too many loose ends there which I would have prefered to tie up instead of having the Guy Fawlks episode.
It also felt like that the writing style got even more simple towards the end, as if the heart was not in it anymore but the determination to get more history lesson in.
Anyway, it was a fun book, even without the smud ;-)
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LibraryThing member OscarWilde87
A Column of Fire is the third novel in Ken Follet's Kingsbridge series. It is mainly set in England and covers a time span from 1558 to 1620. The novel follows a set of characters against the backdrop of fictionalized historical events such as Sir Francis Drake beating the Spanish Armada, Mary
At a length of more than 900 pages this novel is surely detailed in that in manages to cover many historical facts and the personal consequences for the characters in the novel. I liked the historical backdrop that was fictionalized to a certain extent to make the story work. All in all, I enjoyed the novel a lot and can recommend it not only to readers of the previous novels in the Kingsbridge series but also to readers who are generally interested in (fictionalized) history. To my mind, it is not necessary at all to have read the prequels so you might just as well start with this novel. 4.5 stars.
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Stuart's claim to the English crown during Queen Elizabeth's reign, King James I succession to the throne and the Gunpowder Plot. At the heart of the novel is the debate about the right religion - Catholic or Protestant. This debate is embodied right from the start by the romance between protagonist Ned Willard, a Protestant, and Margery Fitzgerald, a devout Catholic. They fall in love as teenagers but are not permitted to marry as Margery is already promised to the son of an earl whom she reluctantly marries soon after. The novel then continues to explore the intrigue at the royal courts in London and Paris. Throughout the novel Ned and Margery meet under different circumstances and sometimes pretenses as Margery is enmeshed in various attempts of her brother to restore England to Catholicism while Ned works for the secret service established by Queen Elizabeth.At a length of more than 900 pages this novel is surely detailed in that in manages to cover many historical facts and the personal consequences for the characters in the novel. I liked the historical backdrop that was fictionalized to a certain extent to make the story work. All in all, I enjoyed the novel a lot and can recommend it not only to readers of the previous novels in the Kingsbridge series but also to readers who are generally interested in (fictionalized) history. To my mind, it is not necessary at all to have read the prequels so you might just as well start with this novel. 4.5 stars.
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Original language
English
Original publication date
2017
Physical description
928 p.; 6.5 inches
ISBN
9780525954972
UPC
615145025940
Local notes
Located in Fiction