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A review by rosietomyn
World Without End by Ken Follett
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Revisiting Kingsbridge two hundred years after Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett's The World Without End isn't quite as impressive a read as it's predecessor.
While Pillars expertly weaves life stories that span a couple of generations, the second novel sticks closer to one generation of Kingsbridge residents. Although it would seem more likely readers would get a deeper understanding of a smaller cast of characters, this set felt hollow and less dimensional than the larger cast in the previous book. If this had been book one, I don't believe I would pick up book two.
The series as a whole is known for its violence, but book two feels especially brutal when compared to book one. Needlessly so.
While Pillars expertly weaves life stories that span a couple of generations, the second novel sticks closer to one generation of Kingsbridge residents. Although it would seem more likely readers would get a deeper understanding of a smaller cast of characters, this set felt hollow and less dimensional than the larger cast in the previous book. If this had been book one, I don't believe I would pick up book two.
The series as a whole is known for its violence, but book two feels especially brutal when compared to book one. Needlessly so.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Animal cruelty, Child abuse, Death, Sexual assault, Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Murder