A Column of Fire

Kingsbridge, Book 3

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

The thrilling historical saga that began in The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End, which now continues with Ken Follett's magnificent, masterful A Column of Fire.

A World in Turmoil

1558, and Europe is in revolt as religious hatred sweeps the continent. Elizabeth Tudor has ascended to the throne but she is not safe in this dangerous new world. There are many who would see her removed, not least Mary Queens of Scots, who lies in wait in Paris.

A New Order

Elizabeth determines to set up a new secret service: a group of resourceful spies and courageous agents entrusted to keep her safe and in power. As she searches for those who will make the difference, one man stands out.

A Man Who Would Die for His Queen

For Ned Willard the opportunity to serve his queen is God-sent. He cannot stay in Kingsbridge and watch the love of his life marry another, and as fires burn and extremism begins to spark throughout Europe, Ned makes his choice. He will spend his life protecting his monarch from the tyrants who aim to destroy her or die trying . . .

©2016 Ken Follett (P)2016 Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd.

Educational and entertaining

For someone with only a vague grasp of the politics of England and Western Europe at this time, I enjoyed the historical backdrop to the story. I would understand people with good knowledge of this period being somewhat frustrated, but this book provided me a relaxed way to understand the background to what is the culture I inherited.

A1

Listened to this book every waking moment I had! Great story by Ken Follett and great storytelling by John Lee!

Another classic Kingsbridge saga!

This was another classic Ken Follett read for me. Full of interesting characters on both sides of the historical divides which Ken is so good at depicting and washing over his fictional Kingsbridge, and its beloved townsfolk and characters.

I like his interpretation (fictional) of how the real events of the day unfolded, and why, and how the Kingsbridge folk were involved.

Some of the plot was a little bit predictable, but the characters were full of intrigue and listening to it on Audible with John Lee's narration and superb characterisation and accents - particularly of Piérre Ormonde de Geez ... who was an absolute sleaze! :-)

Thoroughly enjoyable read/listen! highly recommend for anyone who vaguely enjoyed Pillars of the Earth or World Without End, both of which are not a required pre-read at all.

Love this book.

Great Narrator brilliant book. All three books are excellent. I love historical books. I couldn't stop looking listening

Love this story

once again i was enchanted by the lives lived in Kingsbridge. will miss it...maybe another book will come along

Ned Willett

A little confusing in Paris with the characters but soon got to understand who was who. I love the realising of Ken Follett’s stories. I have to say that John Lee is the best narrator in my opinion, he has all the characters and you just instinctively know who is ‘talking’ in the story. All in all it’s a great story, great narration and I look forward to the next book on Audible.

Ken Follett

Transports one into the past and into living the story. Love his books and the pictures he creates as if you have a movie running in your minds eye.

Loved it

John Lee is a legend & the long awaited 3rd book was worth the wait! #religioustolerance #historical #europe #guyfawkes #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Excellent and thrilling!

Fantastic characters and incredible historical research. Excellent book! A thrilling read! I would definitely recommend this series.

I feel a deep sense of peace

I listened while driving to and from work. it felt like I was vicariously living the life of my ancestors. I feel that with many of Ken Follett's books. I feel a profoundly deep sense of peace having just finished it. 😌
I am very grateful for that.