My love affair with Ken Follett's books goes back 13 years, ever since I was completely captivated by Eye of the Needle. Since then, your incredible stories of espionage, romance, historical fiction, and so much more, have kept me up late into the night.This Kingsbridge series just envelops me, like a caterpillar in a cocoon. The characters and plot are so richly developed, and it always leaves me eagerly anticipating Ken Follett's next big novel – especially when set in the 16th century! I ador...

After a whole month and 900+ pages to mull it over, I have to admit I didn't enjoy A Column of Fire (Kingsbridge, #3) as much as The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. I think I know why, and I'll get to that in a bit, but first, let me say this isn't a *bad* book. I happily read it right through to the end without feeling like it was a chore. Ken Follett's tried and tested formula is present – namely, **a central star-crossed romance and despicable villains** – which definitely keeps...

Phew!! I struggled from start to finish with *A Column of Fire*, and I'm honestly glad it's over. I just didn't like it. Unlike the first two books in the Kingsbridge series, which were so focused on the characters and their personal struggles, this one felt like it was all about Catholics and Protestants, and the decades-long fight between Elizabeth and Mary for the throne. It was exhausting.The first two books were much more about the characters and their daily fight for survival. I cheered fo...

Yet again, another masterpiece... Ken Follett follows *The Pillars of the Earth* and *World Without End* with a tale of espionage, political intrigue, and extreme faith during a time of never-ending religious conflict. Full of adventure and suspense, *A Column of Fire* is an inspiring and thrilling portrait of one of Europe’s most perilous times in history. It's a journey not only through place but also through a dazzling number of key historical events. Beginning in 1558 and continuing throug...

Okay, I'm going to let loose and really give my opinion… (And if you're a die-hard Follett fan, stop reading now).I gave up at 75% after reading more than 850 pages (if you quit that far in, you're pretty burned out, right?).To hell with the Huguenots, the Protestants, the Catholics, Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Tudor, and even Philip II.And after finishing with them, they can start with the characters in the book and continue with the same procedure.(I feel so much better now!)Follett gives us a new...

If This Is Religion, I Don't Want It!This book reminded me (and you'll see why) of a line from a song that goes something like this:"...even when my hands are busy torturing, slaughtering, killing...my heart closes its eyes and, sincerely, cries!"Is it religion to burn at the stake, to torture and massacre?!Where is the peace and love for one's neighbor that every religion preaches?!Countless wars have been waged by religious chieftains. These black angels dressed as clergymen violated religion,...

It seems like the consensus among Kingsbridge fans is that **A Column of Fire** is their least favorite. I have to agree. Forgive the corniness, but *A Column of Fire* just didn't have the *spark* that the previous two books in the series had. It just felt a bit…flat. Ken Follett, one of the best-selling authors in history, has never been known for spectacular prose. That holds true again in this latest novel. Follett writes quick-paced scenes, sure. His sentences remain as stilted as ever. His ...

As a longtime fan of Ken Follett and this series, I eagerly returned to the wonders of Kingsbridge and everything the author explores about this place across centuries. I've built upon my previous review, adding some new insights after this reread: Ken Follett took another extended break before writing this third novel in the series, which is evident in the writing and will be discussed below. Kingsbridge, with its cathedral and imposing bridge, once again serves as the initial backdrop for thi...

I really didn’t want to write this review, and I’ve been putting it off for a few days, but *A Column of Fire* is so far removed from the previous two books in the series that a negative review is unavoidable. *A Column of Fire* by Ken Follett feels way too short and way too predictable, which is an odd comment to make about a book that's over 750 pages long with a huge cast of characters. But let me explain what I mean. Ken Follett is at his best when he writes massive historical yarns. He expe...

I've reviewed around 575 books in the last few years and I don't hand out 5-star ratings often. I can be a bit stingy because I need a book to completely blow me away. Ken Follett is one of the few authors who consistently impresses, excites, and satisfies that craving. The Pillars of the Earth came very close. World Without End hit the mark and is one of my top 5 favorite books of all time. In the third book in the Kingsbridge series, A Column of Fire, I am once again thoroughly exhilarated and...