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A Column of Fire

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A Column of Fire

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

Abridged edition.

The enthralling saga that began in The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End 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 . . .

 Espionage Historical Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense

Critic Reviews

Follett's storytelling skills make their adventures riveting
Deploying a substantial cast of characters, Follett unrolls a familiar history of religious and political ferment and turns it into accessible and enjoyable fiction
This triumphant saga, begun almost 30 years ago with The Pillars Of The Earth, moves across England to Scotland, France and the New World
A sumptuous slice of swashbuckling Elizabethan romance
The characters, both fictional and real, are fascinating, and the Tudor period setting holds its own special allure. This is a novel that fans of historical fiction will savour and cherish.
A huge read, perfect for long winter nights.
A thundering ride though history
Follett has once more lit the touch paper of English history and allowed it to explode across the pages in in all its vivid technicolour.
All stars
Most relevant
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. A fitting end to a well written series. Great story, intrigue and masterful characters.

An excellent end to a wonderful series

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This abridged version appears to be just a badly cut version of the full length original.
The readers voice sounds peculiarly stilted where sentences have been cut and joined to others.
What a shame the 3rd abridged book in the series wasn’t recorded with Richard E Grant reading like the first two.
Unfortunately if you want the last book in the trilogy I wouldn’t recommend this - you’d be better off listening to the full length version.

Cut & Paste Version - Odd Editing

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.