A Column of Fire

Can a youthful espionage agent keep his queen safe while Europe explodes? Ken Follett takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with his magnificent epic, A Column of Fire—the chronological latest in the Kingsbridge series, following The Pillars of the Earth, World Without End, and the prequel, The Evening and the Morning.

The historic stones of Kingsbridge Cathedral overlook a city ripped apart by religious strife in 1558. Friendship, loyalty, and love are put to the test as royalty and commoners struggle as authority in England teeters between Catholics and Protestants.

The only thing Ned Willard could possibly desire is to wed 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. All of Europe turns against England when she ascends to the throne. 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. Ned and Margery's love seems doomed throughout a stormy fifty years as fanaticism ignites bloodshed from Edinburgh to Geneva. With the help of a brave cadre of secret agents and a tiny but committed network of sly spies, Elizabeth holds on to her crown and her values.

The real enemies, then as now, are not the rival religions. The real conflict pits dictators who would do everything it takes to force their beliefs on everyone else versus others who value compromise and tolerance.

Exciting and ambitious, and set during one of the most turbulent and revolutionary times in history, A Column of Fire will delight longtime fans of the Kingsbridge series and serve as the perfect introduction for readers new to Ken Follett.