Another masterful entry in the world of Ken Follett. This one predates 'Pillars of the Earth', and is every bit as engaging 4 1/2 Stars ( Incredible)
Another masterful entry in the world of Ken Follett. This one predates 'Pillars of the Earth', and is every bit as engaging, and captivating as the one could expect. Follet is amazing at characterization, plot development and world building. He creates characters that you really end up caring for! There are many level of foundations to this pre-Kingsbridge saga where we learn loads about the origin of the British town, that one day will be garnished with great cathedrals. In this latest intrigue we see the nefarious role of 'Vikings' in ransacking British towns and the ongoing development of medieval England.
*** In the end Follett proves once again he's a master storyteller!***...more
Another stellar entry intoe the Edge of Eternity series. Here, Follett, our master storyteller and likely top 3 historical ficti4 1/2 Stars(Excellent)
Another stellar entry intoe the Edge of Eternity series. Here, Follett, our master storyteller and likely top 3 historical fiction writers alive today, finish the captivating event of the century from 1950s into 1980s. We run the gamut from Vietnam, to the Cold war, the fall of the Berlin wall, and the atomic bomb. Follett's writing is quick paced, engaging, with strong characterizations, and he binds it all together in the end to give us a memorable and incredible series!...more
There's really nothing Follett can't write the heck of!
Fall of Giants is a monumental achievement in historical fiction, as a sweeping historical tal There's really nothing Follett can't write the heck of!
Fall of Giants is a monumental achievement in historical fiction, as a sweeping historical tale about one of the darkest periods of the 20th century! There's so much packed in Fall of Giants, that I felt I was reading a compilations of books! The voluminous, yet thematically and literary approapriate novel focuses on the the years leading up to the 'Great War' and the years that follow the end of WWI.
Follett is a freaking genius- so of course the narrative follows 5 greatly distinct and fascinating families as they traverse this tempestuous moment in human history. The characterization in Fall of Giants is flawless, and as the reader I really felt personally invested in characters that will suffer, lose loved ones and even die during these events! The 3rd POV narrative added greatly, as Follett switched constantly between Germans, Britts, Russians and Americans! Most of us should know what happened in such horrific World War, but when you have characters that you love involved in the thick of action, it gives the reader great pause! Follett masterfully crafts a narrative that is so persuasive that I even rooted for German characters as he transitioned from one story to the next!
What a ride Fall of Giants was, in historical fiction writing, characters development and personal investment! To think he still has 2 follow up books about the remainder of the 20th century!
It's sad to say that 'Code to Zero' was Follett's first real flop and disappointment!
The book is filled with unnecessary cheesy hyperboles, and a p It's sad to say that 'Code to Zero' was Follett's first real flop and disappointment!
The book is filled with unnecessary cheesy hyperboles, and a plot that tries to be creative but it goes nowhere! Sadly, the idea of writing a book about USA vs U.S.S.R cold war, in the likes of a character that suffers 'amnesia' becomes a little too daunting, even to the master Follett. The characters are so poorly developed, mostly due to Follett's insistence of contrasting the story in the present and with irritating flashbacks! Some ideas are downright incoherent, and that left me frustrated and waiting to finish the book!
Follett was bound to err at some point! Even Michael Jordan has flubbed the winning point at the buzzard and missed the winning shot; Usain Bolt the fastest in the world finished his career with a disappointing 3rd place finish, and even Michael Phelps failed to medal gold in the Olympics... Humans are humans after all, and we're bound to fail at times.
Ken Follett is an absolute master of storytelling, and he's able to weave stories that are rich, with well developed characters and historical accuracies that astounds the soul! Follett's 'Pillars of the Earth' is astonishing achievement in literary composition. This frighteningly mediore book 'Code to Zero' is certainly an anomaly, and I don't really recommend it to anyone.. unless you have 5 hours to kill and enjoy the occasional mental torture.
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"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan
'The Key to Rebecca' is another unyielding, page-turner thriller set in the backdrop of WW2, involving the Axis-Allied struggle to control Egypt. Much'The Key to Rebecca' is another unyielding, page-turner thriller set in the backdrop of WW2, involving the Axis-Allied struggle to control Egypt. Much like 'Eye of the Needle', Follet brilliantly creates a narrative surrounding 'real life' historical events and characters that are absolutely brilliant! The story revolves around a 'love triangle' between 'Wolff', a German spy and his lover, a famous 'Egyptian belly dancer'. Wolff has no boundaries in trying to capture 'British' secrets to aid the Germans in capturing Egypt. Opposing Wolff is captain 'Vadam', a British secretive agent who uses his entire unit to apprehend the German spy.
Follet uses an intricate machination to form a story that is densely filled with suspense, crazy 'chase' scenes and a a love triangle! There's tons of sex scenes, including a 'threesome' that believe it or not complements to the development of the story! Again, his 'sex scenes' are not done in ill taste nor are they gratuitous...he simply tells stories that are realistic involving human emotions, including sex.
Follet strikes a big thumbs up with 'Key to Rebecca', and those familiar with his writing will see shear brilliance in the setting of an intense WW2 spy thriller!
Another stellar entry into the mind and brilliance of Ken Follett!
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Follet brings us back into the chaos and madness of WW2, and again brillianAnother stellar entry into the mind and brilliance of Ken Follett!
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Follet brings us back into the chaos and madness of WW2, and again brilliantly narrates a story that is filled with action, with engaging characters, and most incredibly based on real events! A group of British amateur 'spies' are recruited to lead a suicide mission into occupied France, and infiltrate and explode a key communication relay center north of Paris. Their mission is a-la 'Mission Impossible' scenario. 5 women are chosen and led by an experienced resistance fighter 'Flick', and she leads a group of least expected women into a formidable mission! Flick herself is badass, beautiful, and willing to give up anything to flag and country. The other women in the other hand...
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Follet again set up a narrative that is filled with action and hyperbole, leading to a crescendo worthy of any hollywood movie! The brilliance in Follett is his ability to express his thoughts elegantly in the most simple way possible! It's a near an impossible trait in a writer, but Follet has masterminded this skillset. His characters are riveting, and there's plenty of violence, some sex and lots of humor in the story. He weaves his characters like chess pieces, and in the end he checkmates without difficulty!
Again I am truly mesmerized by Ken Follett's imagination his writing style and this absolute gem of a book Eye of the Neddle. This is an ifull review…
Again I am truly mesmerized by Ken Follett's imagination his writing style and this absolute gem of a book Eye of the Neddle. This is an incredible novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with massive suspense, thriller and the elaborate machinations that only Follet could design! I'm truly shook!
"In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies. "
—Winston Churchill
Eye of the Needle became Follett’s first ‘breakthrough’ book, the one that got him accepted in publishing circles, and gave him early fame. Believe it or not, ‘Eye’ was his eleventh published book, as Follett himself describes “It was my eleventh try”!
His eleventh try was a charm, because this book is phenomenal! A big difference according to Follett was his in depth research into the lives of soldiers and spies during WW II. Eye of the needle is a spot on, accurately written depiction of WW2 spy thriller at its best!.
The research that went on the story is self evident from the very beginning. As in most relevant ‘historical fiction’ books, ‘the preface’ becomes critically important for laying down the landscape for the entire book. Follett starts with a description of a massive ‘D-Day’ deception. Allied forces (Brittain, US) conceived a brilliant ‘illusion’ of ships, tanks and barracks made of rubber, to fool the Germans into believing in a completely different location than ‘Normandy’ for the invasion of D-day:
- “It was a huge, near-impossible deception. Literally thousands of people were involved in perpetrating the trick. It would have been a miracle if none of Hitler’s spies ever got to know about it.
The remainder of the story is told in several first POVs, as we follow the most dangerous and effective German spy known as ‘Faber’ (code name ‘Eye of the Needle’). We’re also introduced to two British MI5 agents, and soon enough the race for WW II’s most well kept secret begins!
The tension in this book is forever ascending..its fucking awesome! Follett creates memorable characters, and despite the fact we know the outcome of the war, and “Normandy’s D-day” surprise invasion, Follett takes the reader for a hellish ride!
Faber, the German spy is so ruthless, yet Follett is able to dab speckles of humanity in his character..just brilliant. Despite his transgressions and murders, we almost feel compassion towards him! Themes of ‘nationalism’, ‘love’, ‘pride’ and ‘deception’ are widespread in this book. Also there are some romantic relationships including some vividly described ‘sex scenes’, that are done in good taste and add a great deal to the narrative.
Follett again has impressed me with this masterpiece of war, deception and humanity’s greatest struggle for survival! Eye of the Needle is an expertly crafted WWII spy thriller, likely the best ever written amongst its genre! It’s a must read to those who enjoy thrillers and historical fiction!
Follet conjures up another masterpiece with World Without End, as he achieves near-nirvana by writing a spellbinding story that is captivating from paFollet conjures up another masterpiece with World Without End, as he achieves near-nirvana by writing a spellbinding story that is captivating from page 1 until 1000!
I was just a lonely lad, ignorant to the brilliance of Ken Follett until my father suggested I read Pillars of the Earth. My world just about shattered!! ‘Pillars’ is easily one of my top 5 fav books of all times! In ‘Pillars’, we see Follett’s genius shine on: the story is so captivating, with strong willed characters and narrative that was so unique yet so simple, that I instantly fell in love! Starting this sophomore’ series World Without End, gave me some butterflies due to such high expectation and the hope of another home-run. After reading it, the verdict was unanimous:
World Without End is an absolute masterclass in storytelling, character development, imagination and a tale of the unbound human spirit! Ultimately World Without End is at its bare essence a story of love.
Follett revisits the city of ‘Kingsbridge’ about 200 years after we last encountered it at ‘Pillars’. As much as Pillars was a well-crafted story about the ‘building of a cathedral’ and the creation of the city as a religious powerhouse, World Without End encompasses a more global tone involving accurate historical events of the epoch and surrounding Europe. There’s not much Follett is unwilling to touch, as vast range topics of greed, monastic abuse, love, war and death are widely seen in the writing.
[image] Kingsbridge
Follet’s writing style is direct and unadorned, leading to a brilliant and powerful way to convey human emotions! The simplicity of Follett’s narrative is possibly his most unique and powerful attribute. His prose is quite effective, his characterization is absolutely incredible! When he creates an evil character, we as readers develop almost a ‘visceral’ reaction to them!! A perfect example is the most evil character called ‘Ralph’! Follett goes to the extremes to depict this evil, unscrupulous character that will do almost anything to fulfill his aspirations of power and nobility. In fact, Ralph does not shy away from raping innocent females, killing woman and children and lying incessantly to ascend in the hierarchical food chain! Truthfully, I fucking hated Ralph and cringed everytime he got away with murder! This reaction is exactly what Follett achieves with the power of his words.
-“ Ralph.. had killed many people, women as well as men..he had killed nuns in France..he hesitated, but suddenly it seemed terrible to stick a knife into the warm body of someone he had embraced and slept with, the woman who had borne his child”
The story in World Without End is very expansive, and spans decades, and we concentrate on a handful of unique and vastly entertaining characters. Again, heavy focus is geared towards monastic life and the ‘priory’ of monks, with the added difference of a ‘nunnery’ that is added to Kingsbridge. Remarkable and unforgettable characters include the wildly egocentric and power hungry ‘prior’ of Kingsbridge Godwyn, the powerful ‘earl of the Shiring’, the head nun Mother Cecilia and many others. But without exception, the full narrative places Merthin a young ‘builder’ his love interest, Caris at the core of the tale. Follett spins his ‘webs’ masterfully as he tells the love story of both Merthin and Caris, and how their lives seem to congeal and split apart. We take third POV when following Merthin and Caris, as their story feels organic at every corner.
[image] Caris & Merthin
The last worthy point of reference is how Follett incorporates real historical facts to augment the narrative and make the story so interesting. At the peak of 14th century Europe, the ‘bulbonic plague’ ravaged most of the continent. In fact, Europe experienced the most deadly disease outbreak in history when the Black Death hit in 1347, killing a third of the human population! Follett uses this accurate historical event, as it shapes the lives of most resident of Kingsbridge, and ultimately affects every character in the book. The results are astounding and downright terrifying.
[image] 'Black Plague
World Without End is another epic slam dunk in the the saga of the ‘Kingsbridge’ series. Follett creates another masterpiece that is wildly accurate to the historical time, as he tells a tale that is fascinating, with memorable characters!
A Column of Fire caps off a perfect ending to an immaculate and masterful series.
The Kingsbridge series has been nothing but a masterpiece in storyteA Column of Fire caps off a perfect ending to an immaculate and masterful series.
The Kingsbridge series has been nothing but a masterpiece in storytelling, and historical enlightenment! In this latest entry, Follett focus his attention in diverging European religious and political ideology in a devilish entertaining way. At the height of European transition from medieval period into 16th century ‘modern’ time, we see some of the most tumultuous conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. Follett explores this religious tension to the maximum, with a story that is laced with unforgettable characters and exceeding moments of love and conflict while maintaining historical accuracy.
“When a man is certain that he knows God’s will, and is resolved to do it regardless of the cost, he is the most dangerous person in the world.” ― Ken Follett, A Column of Fire
Follett covers a widely unstable time in European politics after 1558, all seen through the eyes two lovers Ned Willard and Margery Fitzgerald. During that time, the throne of England inherited by the more progressive Elizabeth of Tudor, who unlike her older predecessor sister Mary Tudor, did not believe of burning ‘heretics’ for prescribing to a certain faith. Unlike Mary, Queen Elizabeth believed in religious tolerance and acceptance, despite being a Protestant herself.
“Might there come a time when people of different faiths did not kill one another?” ― Ken Follett, A Column of Fire
At the heart of A Column of Fire, lies the tale of two lovers Ned Willard and Margery Fitzgerald. Follett is brilliant at telling historical events through vivid and unique characters- making the story that much more appealing! The main protagonist ‘Ned’ is a balanced Protestant, and becomes one of the main advisors for Queen Elizabeth. Yet his love interest, ‘Margaret’ is a stout Catholic, thus setting up a constant dissonance and tension between both lovers, despite their passion for one another.
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Ned Willard and Margery Fitzgerald
Follett narrates the events of the religious time so perfectly! He takes the reader on a whirlwind of historical events, but writes it in such a captivating and engaging manner, that I was left speechless in some moments of the book! The breadth of information and meticulous details are a testament to his historical acumen and preparation for this series. From the Bartholomew Day massacre to Mary Queen of Scotts execution, the Spanish Armada and the Gunpowder plot as well as the personal fortunes of a huge cast of characters, both real and imagined. The results are quite astounding, especially as Follett is able to organically blend it all together in the end!
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English fleet vs Spanish Armada
Ultimately Follett dazzles the reader with his God-given talent as a storyteller. I know I’ve praised him plenty in previous books ( Pillars, Eye of Needle, etc.),but his narrative ability to is so engaging, and that is reflective throughout multiple moments in A Column of Fire. Follett has the uncanny ability to convert a topic that is generally dull and rather thick into something magical, and indescribably entertaining. The ability to infuse passion, tension and emotion into historical events is quite demonstrative of his skills as a writer.
Kingbridge Series is his Follett’s magnum opus, with ‘Pillars of the Earth at the helm. This latest entry blew me away with the breadth of historical accuracy, and written in a such a persuasive and entertaining manner that left me speechless at times! My favorite historical fiction series of all times :)
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