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Ken Follett Books in Order
Ken Follett has written a series of 35 books, with the popular Kingsbridge series being one of them. You can learn everything you need to know about this popular series of historical fiction books.
Kenneth Martin Follett, CBE, is a Welsh author of thrillers and historical books who has been featured in the New York Times. He was born in Cardiff and went to University College London to study philosophy. In 1970, he graduated with honors.
Ken started his career as a reporter for the South Wales Echo, the newspaper in his home county, before moving on to the London Evening News. After that, he worked for the London publishing house Everest Books and eventually became its Deputy Managing Director.
More than 160 million copies of his books have been sold in 80 different countries. They have been written in 33 different languages.
The Ken Follett books are ordered into the following categories: non-series, non-fiction, The Century Trilogy, and The Kingsbridge Series.
Non-Series
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1976
Publisher: Penguin Books
At the start of the story, there are three people: a young, ambitious art historian in Paris; a famous dealer in London; and a gallery owner who is having a terrible time with both his finances and his unhappy wife.
When the three people learn about an undiscovered Modigliani, trouble starts to rise. This sets off a fierce, no-holds-barred battle for ownership.
2.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1977
Publisher: Penguin Books
He wakes up with a pretty girl by his side. A criminal talks to his group. A businessman and a bank employee have breakfast together. Soon, three stories about a suicide attempt, a hijacking, and an attempt to take over the station become the main focus. Before the Evening Post reporters start to ask the tough questions, they don’t seem to have anything to do with each other.
3. Eye of the Needle
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1978
Publisher: Penguin Books
It’s 1944, not long before D-Day. A fake fleet of ships and planes is being used by the Allies to hide their invasion plans. But if an enemy agent found out about their sneaky plan, it could be stopped.
But Hitler’s top spy, code-named “The Needle,” does just that! The Needle is a German aristocrat who is very smart and has a history of violence.
4. Triple
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1979
Publisher: Penguin Books
Egypt is getting even closer to making their own nuclear bomb, but Israel’s best Mossad agent is given a mission that can’t be done.
He has to find and steal 200 tons of uranium to beat the Arabs in the race to control the nuclear weapons.
There is no doubt that this will change the balance of power in the world.
5. The Key to Rebecca
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1980
Publisher: Penguin Books
It’s the summer of 1942 in North Africa, and Rommel seems stronger than anyone else. He has been successful thanks to an experienced spy named Alex Wolff and a dangerous code hidden deep in Daphne du Maurier’s book Rebecca.
6. The Man from St. Petersburg
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1982
Publisher: Penguin Books
It’s 1914. A man named Felik comes to London to kill someone in a way that will change history forever. Because he is such a good manipulator, he has a lot of tools at his disposal. Many people, though, rise up against him.
When the odds are that bad, it’s enough to stop any man in his tracks. But this isn’t any old man. This is the Russian man.
7. Lie Down with Lions
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1985
Publisher: Penguin Books
It is said that the valley of Five Lions is in the mountains of Afghanistan. There are three people there, two youthful helpers and an American. Ellis, the American, is supposed to bring Masud a message.
The other man is French and his name is Jean-Pierre. During the Cold War, the two men were on different sides. A woman is caught in the eye of the needle, torn between them.
8. Night Over Water
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1991
Publisher: Penguin Books
It’s 1939, and England is at war with Nazi Germany. Rich people are about to board the famous Pan Am Clipper, which is the world’s most luxurious airliner, for its last flight to neutral America. The plane is going to New York.
There is an English noblewoman, a German scientist, a murderer being escorted, a young wife trying to escape her husband.
9.
First Release: 1993
Publisher: Penguin Books
10.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1995
Publisher: Pan Publishing
It’s winter 1767. No matter that Mack McAsh was born a slave, he has the guts to stand up for justice and equal rights, and he always does what he believes in. Lizzie Hallim is engaged to Jay Jamisson, the cruel son of the landlord and heir to the exploitative mining empire.
Hallim is an independent and defiant woman. When Lizzie sees a naked figure coming out of the cold water, they meet. Lizzie helps the man escape slavery.
11.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1996
Publisher: Fawcett
Geneticist Jeanie Ferrami finds identical twins born to different mothers by getting into a restricted FBI database. One of the twins is in law school, and the other has been found guilty of murder.
After making the strange discovery, she is ready to do anything to find the truth. However, she is caught in the middle of a scandal that could wreck her career. To clear her name, Jeannie hides herself in a web of secret evidence.
12. The Hammer of Eden
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1998
Publisher: Pan Books
A big earthquake is one of the things that people in California fear the most.
A group of extreme eco-terrorists has found a way to cause a huge, destructive earthquake. They have a seismic vibrator that they can use to make people afraid of earthquakes in order to get what they want.
The FBI doesn’t like the idea at all, but the Governor does. He wants the issue to leave.
13. Code to Zero
First Release: 2000
Publisher: Penguin Books
It’s 1958. When Luke Lucas wakes up, he is lying on the ground in a train station. He has no idea how he got there or what his name is.
Until a newspaper story about a satellite launch grabs his attention. America is about to launch its first satellite in a last-ditch effort to catch up to the Soviet Union’s Sputnik and take back the lead in the space race.
14.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release:2001
Publisher: Penguin Books
Despite the fact that D-Day is drawing near, the Germans are still unsure of the location or time of the event. They only know that it will happen in the near future. In Northern France, Felicity “Flick” Clariet, a senior Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent who is responsible for sabotage, has become one of the most dependable operatives for the United Kingdom.
15. Hornet Flight
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2002
Publisher: Penguin Books
It’s 1941. Britain keeps sending bombers across the English Channel, but the Lufwaffe always manages to shoot them all down. This war looks like it’s going well for Hitler.
On the other side of the North Sea, on a small Danish island, an intelligent eighteen-year-old who loves engineering finds a secret German installation.
16. Whiteout
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2004
Publisher: Penguin Books
On Christmas Eve, a lot of people gather at a family home in the middle of nowhere as a snowstorm comes from the north.
Stanley Oxenford, who runs the research company, isn’t the only one who hopes that the virus-fighting drug he is working on will work.
17.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2021
Publisher: Pan
When two top intelligence officers fall in love in the Sahara Desert while on the hunt for a dangerous group of terrorists who are smuggling drugs, they could lose their lives and their jobs.
At the same time, a beautiful young widow is fighting human traffickers while she is trying to get to Europe illegally.
Non-fiction
18.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1983
Publisher: Penguin Books
When two of his employees were taken hostage in an Iranian prison with heavy guards, H. Ross Perot, a dedicated businessman, took matters into his own hands.
His team was made up of volunteers from the top levels of his company. A retired Green Beret officer carefully chose them and trained them.
19.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2019
Publisher: Pan Publishing
After the fire at Notre Dame two days earlier, Ken Follett, an internationally famous author, flew to Paris to talk about cathedrals on the TV show La Grande Librairie.
The next morning, though, while he was having breakfast with his French publisher, the idea to write a short book about Notre Dame came to him.
The Century Trilogy
20. Fall of Giants
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2010
Publisher: Penguin Books
At age 13, a boy is introduced to the world of men. One American law student fails to find love, but gets a job working for President Woodrow Wilson in the White House, which was a surprise.
A housekeeper who works for the wealthy Fitzherbert family does something very out of line with her job.
21.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2012
Publisher: New American Library
Carla von Ulrich, who is half German and half English, has a hard time making it through life because of the Nazis until she does something brave that will break her heart.
Woody and Chuck Dewar are brothers from the United States who both have a secret. They get to important events in different ways.
22. Edge of Eternity
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2014
Publisher: Penguin Books
Rebecca Hoffmann, a teacher from East Germany, acts without thinking after finding out that the Stasi has been watching her for years. For the rest of their lives, her actions will hurt her family.
George Jakes, a man of mixed race, decides not to become a business lawyer and instead joins Robert F. Kennedy’s Justice Department.
The Kingsbridge Series
23.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2020
It’s the year 997 CE. Britain is being attacked by the Vikings and the Welsh. There is chaos when there isn’t a clear rule of law. However, three characters appear in the middle of the stormy times and their lives become entangled.
After Vikings attacked his home, a young boatbuilder has to move to a small hamlet and find it hard to fit in.
24.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 1989
Publisher: Penguin Books
This is the first book in The Kingsbridge Series. It is the start of a classic historical masterpiece that takes place in the made-up city of Kingsbridge. The story is about three people: Philip, Tom, and Aliena. Philip is the prior of Kingsbridge.
He is a talented and devoted monk who wants to build the world’s largest Gothic cathedral.
25.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2007
Publisher: Penguin Books
The sequel, World Without End, takes place two hundred years after the people of the town finished building the beautiful Gothic cathedral.
Four kids—a thief, a bully, a smart boy, and a girl who wants to become a doctor—escape from Kingsbridge, a cathedral city, and end up in the forest, where they see two men being killed.
26.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2017
Publisher: Penguin Books
It’s the year 1558. The old stones of Kingsbridge Cathedral stand in front of a city that was destroyed by religious war.
While Ned and Margery are in love, they are drawn to different sides of a religious conflict, so Ned quits his job to work for Princess Elizabeth Tudor. No one in Europe wants Elizabeth to be Queen of England when she finally gets there.
27.
Author: Ken Follett
First Release: 2023
Publisher: Viking
People all over the world were changed by a new era of manufacturing and industry that began in 1770 with the invention of the Spinning Jenny. People in a world full of unrest fight for control of this new world order. A mother’s husband dies in a work accident because of carelessness; a young woman fights to get money for her school for poor kids; a good-hearted young man inherits a failing business; and one man protects his wealth no matter what.
Understanding the historical context of Ken Follett’s books
To truly appreciate Ken Follett’s novels, it is essential to understand the historical context in which they are set. Follett is known for his meticulous research and attention to detail, which brings historical periods to life on the pages of his books. Whether it is the Middle Ages, World War II, or the Cold War era, Follett’s novels are rich with historical accuracy and vivid descriptions that transport readers back in time.
One of the first things you’ll notice when reading Follett’s books is the depth of his historical knowledge. He seamlessly weaves historical events, politics, and social issues into his stories, making them not only entertaining but also educational. By grounding his narratives in well-researched historical facts, Follett creates a sense of authenticity that immerses readers in the world of his characters.
Follett’s dedication to historical accuracy also extends to the language and dialogue used in his novels. He strives to capture the nuances of different periods, ensuring that his characters speak and behave in a manner consistent with the era they inhabit. This attention to detail adds another layer of realism to his storytelling, making his books a delight for history buffs and casual readers alike.
In summary, understanding the historical context of Ken Follett’s books is crucial for fully appreciating his storytelling. His commitment to research and authenticity elevates his novels beyond mere entertainment, offering readers a chance to learn and explore different periods through the eyes of compelling characters.
Tips for reading Ken Follett’s books
As you embark on your journey through Ken Follett’s captivating novels, here are a few tips to enhance your reading experience:
1. Take your time: Follett’s books are often lengthy, but the immersive storytelling and historical richness make them worth savoring. Set aside dedicated reading sessions to fully immerse yourself in the world he creates.
2. Engage with the historical context: Research and familiarize yourself with the historical events and time periods depicted in each novel. This will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the story.
3. Connect with the characters: Follett’s characters are multidimensional and often face personal and societal challenges. Invest in their journeys and empathize with their struggles for a more rewarding reading experience.
4. Discuss with fellow readers: Join book clubs or online communities to discuss Follett’s novels with fellow fans. Sharing insights and interpretations can enhance your understanding and provide different perspectives on the stories.
5. Consider audiobooks: If you prefer a more immersive experience, try listening to the audiobook versions of Follett’s novels. Many of them are narrated by talented voice actors who bring the characters and historical settings to life.
FAQS: Ken Follett Books in Order
Q1. What are the three books in the Ken Follett “Century” Trilogy?
The three books in the Ken Follett “Century” Trilogy are as follows:
1. Fall of Giants
The Fall of Giants (2010) told the stories of five families with ties to each other. The families were American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh. They lived through the dramatic events of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the fight for women’s rights.
2. Winter of the World
Winter of the World (2012) picks up where the first book left off. The five interconnected families are living through a time of huge social, political, and economic upheaval, from the rise of Nazi Germany to the Spanish Civil War and the great dramas of World War II to the detonations of the American and Soviet atom bombs and the start of the long Cold War.
3. Edge of Eternity
Edge of Eternity, the last book in the “Century” trilogy, came out on September 16, 2014. It follows those families through the events of the second half of the 20th century. It tells the stories of five families during the Cold War and the civil rights movement, just like the first two books.
Conclusion
Anyone who likes good stories, especially historical fiction fans, will love Ken Follett’s books. Follett is one of the best authors in this genre because he does a lot of research, pays close attention to detail, and can take readers to different times.
If you start with “The Pillars of the Earth,” the “Century Trilogy,” or any of his other books that stand alone, you will be taken on a literary journey full of fascinating characters, important historical details, and complicated plots.
If you read Follett’s books in the order that is suggested, you can fully experience how his writing style has changed over time and see how his books are connected. To get the most out of reading, remember to take your time, think about the historical background, and connect with the characters.
Get a copy of Ken Follett’s books, learn a lot about history, and get ready to be swept away by the way he writes. Have fun reading!
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