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bookdragon_1978 's review for:
A Column of Fire
by Ken Follett
I stayed up late last night with determination to complete this book.
As a 3rd book in the brilliant Kingsbridge series I felt that this novel was lacking the gripping pull for a reader that the previous books had. Don’t misunderstand me, the book was still great and I enjoyed it and I recommend reading it. I did, however, feel that there was too much intricate history and too little emotive romance. I found myself skimming parts of the historical portions faster than I have ever done (unlike the previous Kingsbridge books where I really loved reading the historical portions as they felt more a part of the story as a whole). I did not feel connected to the characters and wanted to see more of the deep romance that has been Follett’s trademark. I did not feel that the characters were aching to be together and I missed the yearning emotions that Follett normally masterfully creates.
The novel is a solid continuation and I enjoyed the references to well-known and well-loved characters from the previous two books. The 1st person narratives from Ned were stunningly written and brought such realism to the story, I would have been thrilled to see more of this. The epilogue was beautiful and evokes nostalgia - a perfect closure.
The omission of text on page 111 which was added in the form of a bookmark makes this edition unintentionally unique.
I enjoyed the history and references to Mary Queen of Scots as well as Queen Elizabeth. The execution of Queen Mary was well written and hit me hard in its portrayal of dignity and strength.
The ocean battles were impactful, imagination provoking and I truly enjoyed reading them. I grinned with addition of Guy Fawkes and his capture.
All in all a good book and I would recommend it but don’t expect to be deeply connected like the previous two books in the series.
My favourite quote : “But the dead live on in our imaginations. I think that’s the true meaning of ghosts.”
As a 3rd book in the brilliant Kingsbridge series I felt that this novel was lacking the gripping pull for a reader that the previous books had. Don’t misunderstand me, the book was still great and I enjoyed it and I recommend reading it. I did, however, feel that there was too much intricate history and too little emotive romance. I found myself skimming parts of the historical portions faster than I have ever done (unlike the previous Kingsbridge books where I really loved reading the historical portions as they felt more a part of the story as a whole). I did not feel connected to the characters and wanted to see more of the deep romance that has been Follett’s trademark. I did not feel that the characters were aching to be together and I missed the yearning emotions that Follett normally masterfully creates.
The novel is a solid continuation and I enjoyed the references to well-known and well-loved characters from the previous two books. The 1st person narratives from Ned were stunningly written and brought such realism to the story, I would have been thrilled to see more of this. The epilogue was beautiful and evokes nostalgia - a perfect closure.
The omission of text on page 111 which was added in the form of a bookmark makes this edition unintentionally unique.
I enjoyed the history and references to Mary Queen of Scots as well as Queen Elizabeth. The execution of Queen Mary was well written and hit me hard in its portrayal of dignity and strength.
The ocean battles were impactful, imagination provoking and I truly enjoyed reading them. I grinned with addition of Guy Fawkes and his capture.
All in all a good book and I would recommend it but don’t expect to be deeply connected like the previous two books in the series.
My favourite quote : “But the dead live on in our imaginations. I think that’s the true meaning of ghosts.”