A Column of Fire
A Column of Fire by Ken Follett, published by Penguin LLC US on June 19, 2018, is a historical fiction novel that immerses readers in the tumultuous landscape of 16th-century Europe. This edition spans 928 pages and is presented in English. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of religious conflict in England, where the ancient stones of Kingsbridge Cathedral witness the clash between Catholics and Protestants, testing the bonds of friendship, loyalty, and love.
Readers will follow the story of Ned Willard, who aspires to marry Margery Fitzgerald, but their love is challenged by the divisions of their time. As Ned becomes involved with Princess Elizabeth, who establishes England’s first secret service amid rising tensions, the plot thickens with themes of intrigue, murder, and treason. The novel explores the struggle for tolerance and compromise against the backdrop of extremism, making it a significant addition to the Kingsbridge series and an engaging entry point for those new to Follett’s work.
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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Absorbing . . . impossible to resist.” –The Washington Post
As Europe erupts, can one young spy protect his queen? #1 New York Times bestselling author Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his 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.
Set during one of the most turbulent and revolutionary times in history, A Column of Fire is one of Follett’s most exciting and ambitious works yet. It will delight longtime fans of the Kingsbridge series and is the perfect introduction for readers new to Ken Follett.
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