Hornet Flight

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 14 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

It's June 1941, and the low point of the war. England throws wave after wave of RAF bombers across the Channel, but somehow the Luftwaffe is able to shoot them down at will. The skies, indeed, the war itself seem to belong to Hitler.

On a Danish island across the North Sea, Harald Olufsen stumbles upon a secret German installation. With England preparing its largest aerial assault, what Harald has discovered may turn the course of the war, but the race to convey the information could have terrible consequences for everyone close to him. For his older brother, Arne, a pilot in the Danish air force, and for Arne's fiancee, Hermia, an intelligence analyst desperate to resurrect the foundering Danish resistance. And most of all, for Harald himself.

Filled with knife-edge suspense and rich, tantalizing characters, this is Ken Follett writing at the top of his form, unforgettable storytelling from an unforgettable writer.

Don't miss Ken Follet discussing the history of the thriller and its role in literature at the 92nd Street Y.

©2002 Ken Follett (P)2002 Penguin Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"An intricately woven espionage yarn... a gritty picture of the spy game and wartime Europe." (People)

"Follett at his compelling best." (The Hartford Courant)

"Zips along to an exhilarating climax." (Entertainment Weekly)

Good characterization

This was a fun read about WWII espionage with engaging characters and lots of suspense. I have read other Follett novels and this was different, less complex yet kept my interest until the end. I loved the characters. Although not all of them survived the war their you are left with the impression that they will not be forgotten. The aviation theme running through the book seemed mostly accurate although some of the story was a bit difficult to believe. That's what marked it fun and not too serious.

Heros and Heroines

Ken Follett has written another great historical novel. Set in Europe during WWII, listening to this book, the novel quickly fades into the background and you find yourself living a dramatic period in world history. Like his other historical novels, Mr Follett has done his homework, and he makes that period come alive. He has you gripped by the power of the story and the characters are people you care deeply about or hate. Mr Follett doesn't confuse good and evil and his characters have both feet on one side or the other. Many of the good guys die in the story, but they offer their lives for a greater cause. The bad guys, like his others novels get their just desserts.

You will not go wrong listening to this audio book.

Great read even the second time!

I enjoy Follett, Pillars of the Earth is in my top 10 all time favorites. This is a great read and can be enjoyed by teens as well. Just look at what a Hornet from WW2 looks like to get the feel of what these young kids did.

Wow

I loved this book. I was on the edge of my seat. This is a must read for Ken Follett fans!

Gripping narrative

You won’t want to put the book down. Super narration by John Lee. Gripping story.

Great Historical Novel!!!!

Energetic, suspenseful and gave me valuable perspective on the Danish part of World War II. Thank you!

Pretty Good Spy Novel

I know that this is an older title, but Ken Follett's books are timeless. The book is set in WWII Denmark and involves the Danish Resistance. I give the book only four stars (meaning that it is good, just not outstanding) because the ending was a bit anti-climactic considering all the suspense leading up to it during the story. The reader did a good job and there was no "heavy breathing" into the mic as is the case in some of these narrations on Audible. I only gave him four stars because he didn't have a "voice" for each character as some of the best narrators do. I can't really say more without spoiling the story, but it was good and I'm glad I invested the credit and time in the book.

quite thrilling all of the way through.

From beginning to end it was fantastic. It made 2 8 hour road trips go by in the blink of an eye.

Very good book. Well written

I didn't care for all the dialogue pertaining to engine and piloting and flying details, very technical. It lost my interest. But overall it was a great book. Plenty of mystery, intrigue, cat and mouse and all that good stuff.

Captivating book I enjoyed every minute

The setting of espionage life in World War II Denmark was thrilling. I learned a lot of new things. There is absolutely nothing to not like about this book. The author his good command of the English language in writes in a crisp and pithy style.