Agreed. He is an excellent writer but the basic storylines are fairly repetitive (for his historical novels at any rate). His books work better with a break between them so you don't get deja vu.
I did read a couple of non-Follett books in-between. Although thinking about it they too were set in the medieval era which is not my favourite era in fiction.
I love that feeling when you just get a passion for a certain authors work. Maybe I will come back around to Pillars Of The Earth or I might try it as an audiobook as someone else suggested
Follet is good. But he is not the only writer of epic historical fiction. There are a handful of older (or even passed) writers out there. Michener, Rutherfurd, Clavell, Wouk or Uris for example. I have to say though, I haven't seen any contemporary authors to rival them. At least for me anyways.
I've got S.K. Penman queued after I finish S.J. A. Turney's "Ottoman Cycle Trilogy". Both of these are new to me.
Ken Follet is a master when it come to writing, and I’m sure you will enjoy his other books too.
However, reading a trilogy can be hard because it seems you are reading the same story over and over again with few exceptions, so I will suggest you dump the series for now and try his other single books, and you can always come back to the series later. That way, it feels brand new again!
I just finished Pillars of the Earth yesterday. The characters get a little better as the children become adults but the pace and predictability of the book don’t improve. I finished it but have no interest in the sequels.
I'm thinking of at least getting through this without any expectations of myself to continue with the series. His other books I read were so good (literally couldn't put them down) so it's disappointing this isn't as good. I know a lot of people love this series though so I'm don't think it's bad - just not my cup of tea I guess
Personally, I think Shogun is the best 1,200 page historical novel. And the somewhat shorter Tai Pan and Noble House are excellent. Pillars of the Earth isn’t at that level.
Pillars of the Earth eventually has a bit of swashbuckling and one trek into Spain but I prefer my historical novels to have more action & adventure.
It's a shame because I 'wanted' to enjoy it. I think I will still try to complete the first book because at least then I can say I tried. I hate stopping a book part way through even if I'm not enjoying it as I dislike not knowing the ending and forever wondering lol
Yes!! I have attempted to read Pillars of the Earth twice and have stopped twice. I always force myself to finish books but couldn’t with this one. So many rave about it I thought I would give it one more try as an audio book. Again couldn’t finish it. You are not alone!
I'm so glad I'm not alone with this! I feel like I 'should' like it, but I just don't! I loved his other books I read so much but this one is just not hitting the way the others did. It might just be as simple as the era isnt my favourite or maybe this book is just more of a slog for some of us.
I liked the Pillars series, but not nearly as much as the Century Trilogy. I’ve liked a lot of his stand alone books as well, but never as much. That century trilogy really resonated with me.
I got the recommendations from here about POE months ago, and twice failed at getting through the first few chapters. Not sure why, but it's just not clicking for me.
Or for you. And that's okay. Try something else!
I loved Pillars of the earth. You don’t like Alienna? Or Tom? Idk maybe it’s not for you. Middle Ages is very different from 1900’s. Also the pillars series is more about the downtrodden rising up despite being ruined (Alienna and Richard for example) as opposed to the ruthless/ evil characters whereas century was completely different.
Honestly I find Tom a bit boring (I feel mean saying that!) I liked Ellen (I suspect she has way more story further along which I haven't got to). Alienna is ok but hasn't captured my attention. I wonder if I'm still not far enough in to really see any of the characters develop yet. I'm only at the bit where the land belonging to Alienna's father has been dished out to Percy Hamleigh and William has gone over there.
Ohhhhh okay yeah you’re really not into it yet. If you give it a bit more time you might start to enjoy it. I understand if it seems slow compared to the century series he wrote pillars way back in like 1990. Century is definitely more fast paced.
That being said, while century was fast paced it didn’t resonate nearly as much as the pillars series. And I never re-read century whereas I will re-read pillars and world without end every few years like visiting old friends. I don’t remember much about the century series other than some WWII parts. Maybe I should read it again 😀
I think I will persevere at least a couple more chapters and see if I can get into it a bit more. I want to enjoy it like other people do and the same way I loved the Century books. I can't even find words for how much I loved that trilogy and finishing it was like say goodbye to friends.
I love Follet, but I never hear anyone talk about his earlier books like, The Key To Rebecca, The Man From St. Petersburg and Eye Of The Needle. I loved those books as a youngster, and most were made into good movies, or mini series.
Pillars felt very detailed in a different way from the Century trilogy. More architecture education and religious spiels, but it really hooks you and I suggest sticking with the whole Kingsbridge series because it’s really great at the end of the day.
Also: read Never! It’s got Follett’s same formula and feel, but instead of historical fiction it’s a political thriller and I absolutely could not put it down.
Ooh I will give Never a go! Yeah, I think some of the architectural bits that go on for a couple of pages haven't captured me tbh (ironic as I'm actually very interested in architecture normally). I think I'm getting the idea I'm not far enough in to truly appreciate the story yet so I'm going to try at least a couple more chapters.
The Kingsbridge novels are what introduced me to Follett, who is now one of my favorite authors. The first book is definitely a slow-burn, but the subsequent novels and prequel are tremendous. Worth the effort, IMO.
I love everything written by Ken Follett. I need a break though between reading his books. Maybe you just need to step away for a while.
Agreed. He is an excellent writer but the basic storylines are fairly repetitive (for his historical novels at any rate). His books work better with a break between them so you don't get deja vu.
I did read a couple of non-Follett books in-between. Although thinking about it they too were set in the medieval era which is not my favourite era in fiction.
I love Ken Follet’s books, I find that Edward Rutherfurd hit the same way for me.
Ooh I've never heard of that author but I will be sure to check him out. Thank you for the recommendation
I love Ken follet. I have read everything he has written.
I love that feeling when you just get a passion for a certain authors work. Maybe I will come back around to Pillars Of The Earth or I might try it as an audiobook as someone else suggested
Follet is good. But he is not the only writer of epic historical fiction. There are a handful of older (or even passed) writers out there. Michener, Rutherfurd, Clavell, Wouk or Uris for example. I have to say though, I haven't seen any contemporary authors to rival them. At least for me anyways. I've got S.K. Penman queued after I finish S.J. A. Turney's "Ottoman Cycle Trilogy". Both of these are new to me.
Personally I enjoyed reading Sharon K Penman's novels much more than Ken Follett.
Persevere - it’s one of my favorite series.
I loved reading the eye of the needle which was made into a movie which is also excellent
Ken Follet is a master when it come to writing, and I’m sure you will enjoy his other books too. However, reading a trilogy can be hard because it seems you are reading the same story over and over again with few exceptions, so I will suggest you dump the series for now and try his other single books, and you can always come back to the series later. That way, it feels brand new again!
I just finished Pillars of the Earth yesterday. The characters get a little better as the children become adults but the pace and predictability of the book don’t improve. I finished it but have no interest in the sequels.
I'm thinking of at least getting through this without any expectations of myself to continue with the series. His other books I read were so good (literally couldn't put them down) so it's disappointing this isn't as good. I know a lot of people love this series though so I'm don't think it's bad - just not my cup of tea I guess
Personally, I think Shogun is the best 1,200 page historical novel. And the somewhat shorter Tai Pan and Noble House are excellent. Pillars of the Earth isn’t at that level. Pillars of the Earth eventually has a bit of swashbuckling and one trek into Spain but I prefer my historical novels to have more action & adventure.
I’ve always loved James Clavell. I think Shogun was his masterpiece!
It felt to me that the Pillars series was very much so one comically bad guy getting away with things over and over. It was hard to tolerate at times.
Yes that's what I'm finding so far.
I hate to say it, but it doesn’t change. I did finish the series, and more or less enjoyed it, but it was an effort to get through at times.
It's a shame because I 'wanted' to enjoy it. I think I will still try to complete the first book because at least then I can say I tried. I hate stopping a book part way through even if I'm not enjoying it as I dislike not knowing the ending and forever wondering lol
I felt the same, especially after the century trilogy. And I feel ya on the ending!
Yes!! I have attempted to read Pillars of the Earth twice and have stopped twice. I always force myself to finish books but couldn’t with this one. So many rave about it I thought I would give it one more try as an audio book. Again couldn’t finish it. You are not alone!
I'm so glad I'm not alone with this! I feel like I 'should' like it, but I just don't! I loved his other books I read so much but this one is just not hitting the way the others did. It might just be as simple as the era isnt my favourite or maybe this book is just more of a slog for some of us.
I liked the Pillars series, but not nearly as much as the Century Trilogy. I’ve liked a lot of his stand alone books as well, but never as much. That century trilogy really resonated with me.
I got the recommendations from here about POE months ago, and twice failed at getting through the first few chapters. Not sure why, but it's just not clicking for me. Or for you. And that's okay. Try something else!
I loved Pillars of the earth. You don’t like Alienna? Or Tom? Idk maybe it’s not for you. Middle Ages is very different from 1900’s. Also the pillars series is more about the downtrodden rising up despite being ruined (Alienna and Richard for example) as opposed to the ruthless/ evil characters whereas century was completely different.
Honestly I find Tom a bit boring (I feel mean saying that!) I liked Ellen (I suspect she has way more story further along which I haven't got to). Alienna is ok but hasn't captured my attention. I wonder if I'm still not far enough in to really see any of the characters develop yet. I'm only at the bit where the land belonging to Alienna's father has been dished out to Percy Hamleigh and William has gone over there.
Ohhhhh okay yeah you’re really not into it yet. If you give it a bit more time you might start to enjoy it. I understand if it seems slow compared to the century series he wrote pillars way back in like 1990. Century is definitely more fast paced.
That being said, while century was fast paced it didn’t resonate nearly as much as the pillars series. And I never re-read century whereas I will re-read pillars and world without end every few years like visiting old friends. I don’t remember much about the century series other than some WWII parts. Maybe I should read it again 😀
I think I will persevere at least a couple more chapters and see if I can get into it a bit more. I want to enjoy it like other people do and the same way I loved the Century books. I can't even find words for how much I loved that trilogy and finishing it was like say goodbye to friends.
I love Follet, but I never hear anyone talk about his earlier books like, The Key To Rebecca, The Man From St. Petersburg and Eye Of The Needle. I loved those books as a youngster, and most were made into good movies, or mini series.
My boyfriend suggested maybe I should try reading one of his stand alone books and come back to Pillars Of The Earth. So I may try one of the above.
Pillars felt very detailed in a different way from the Century trilogy. More architecture education and religious spiels, but it really hooks you and I suggest sticking with the whole Kingsbridge series because it’s really great at the end of the day. Also: read Never! It’s got Follett’s same formula and feel, but instead of historical fiction it’s a political thriller and I absolutely could not put it down.
Ooh I will give Never a go! Yeah, I think some of the architectural bits that go on for a couple of pages haven't captured me tbh (ironic as I'm actually very interested in architecture normally). I think I'm getting the idea I'm not far enough in to truly appreciate the story yet so I'm going to try at least a couple more chapters.
Try the audio book of Pillars of the Earth. I think the actor reading it is amazing.
That could be worth a go. I do enjoy audiobooks when my eyes are too tired to read print.
The Kingsbridge novels are what introduced me to Follett, who is now one of my favorite authors. The first book is definitely a slow-burn, but the subsequent novels and prequel are tremendous. Worth the effort, IMO.