Questions About World Without End (Kingsbridge, #2)

by Ken Follett (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

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Answered Questions (13)

Is it necessary to read The Pillars of the Earth before reading this one or can it be read on its own?

Taryn Braband Not necessary at all. However, Pillars of the Earth is SUCH a wonderful book that I do recommend reading them in order. You'll enjoy the entire series…moreNot necessary at all. However, Pillars of the Earth is SUCH a wonderful book that I do recommend reading them in order. You'll enjoy the entire series.(less)

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is there going to be another sequel?

Metzie http://ken-follett.com/news/
A Column of Fire will be published in September 2017

Ken's next novel, A Column of Fire, will form one of the 'Kingsbridge'…morehttp://ken-follett.com/news/
A Column of Fire will be published in September 2017

Ken's next novel, A Column of Fire, will form one of the 'Kingsbridge' series, with The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. It will be published in September 2017.

"It is a spy story set in the sixteenth century, during the reign of Elizabeth I of England." Ken says." There were many assassination plots against the Queen, so the people around her set up an espionage system to foil those sixteenth century terrorists. This was the beginning of the British secret service that eventually gave us James Bond."

The story begins in 1558 where 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, high principles clash bloodily with friendship, loyalty, and love.... 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.

Will Willard wants nothing more than to marry Margery Fitzgerald. But when the lovers find themselves on opposing sides of the religious divide sweeping across the country, Will 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 Will and Margery seems doomed, as extremism sparks violence from Edinburgh to Geneva. Elizabeth clings precariously to her throne and her principles, protected by a small, dedicated group of resourceful spies and courageous secret agents.

A Column of Fire will be published in the United States and Canada on 12 September 2017 by Viking Books, a Penguin Random House imprint. It will be published in Spanish in the autumn of 2017 by Plaza & Janés, an imprint of Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial.

Much of the novel is set in Kingsbridge, but part of the action takes place in Seville, Spain.

Viking Books

Plaza & Janés

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Does anybody know who is Philemon's mysterious 'M'? Only a detail, but it bothers me...

David Coates I tend to believe it was Murdo, which might explain how he and Philemon became partners in the flagellants scheme.

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Alicia Caris made a deal with Bishop Henri, after Godwyn died but before Philemon came back, that he would make a final decision on witch trial and deem it a…moreCaris made a deal with Bishop Henri, after Godwyn died but before Philemon came back, that he would make a final decision on witch trial and deem it as not-guilty, so she could run the nunnery and priory without having that hang over her. (less)

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Just finished Pillars of the Earth (fantastic) and came here for a description of World Without End. Is the description in German for anybody else?

Katie Same! Well, actually picked up Column of Fire not realizing it was related to Pillars of the Earth (as you say, fantastic), so wanted to see if World …moreSame! Well, actually picked up Column of Fire not realizing it was related to Pillars of the Earth (as you say, fantastic), so wanted to see if World Without End was necessary to read before Column of Fire, but sadly ich spreche kein Deutsch(less)

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