We compiled a list of the best Ken Follett books, one of the top historical fiction authors with a unique and entertaining perspective on historical novels.
British writer Ken Follett was just 27 when he wrote his first novel, which immediately became an international bestseller. He writes thrillers primarily with rich historical settings.
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
Popular Ken Follet Books
1. The Pillars of the Earth
1989’s [The Pillars of the Earth](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TO5GXU? tag=work089-20) is the first book in the*Kingsbridge Series**. The plot centers around the construction of a cathedral by a devout monk named Philip, set in the fictional city of Kingsbridge, England, in the Middle Ages. It explores a uniquely framed battle of good and evil, involving Philip, his architect Tom, and the beautiful, shy Lady Aliena, who carries a dark secret.
“The world of power and property required that a man be suspicious, demanding, and insistent.”
2. Eye of the Needle
Eye of the Needle is Follett’s debut novel, released in 1978, originally going by the titleStorm Island. It’s a suspenseful spy thriller set in Nazi Germany full to the brim with intrigue, mystery, suspense, and romance. The Needle is a German aristocrat and spy on the run, whose destiny ends up in the hands of a young, meek English woman who has the power both to free him and help the Nazis win World War II.
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“The trouble with being inspired to perform the impossible was that the inspiration gave you no clues to the practical means.”
3. Fall of Giants
The [Fall of Giants](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044X81LY? tag=work089-20), released in 2010, is the first installment of the*Century Trilogy**, an epic historical fiction tale of five families from five countries who survived World War I, the Russian Revolution, and women’s suffrage. Follett does an inexplicably good job of weaving the stories of each of the families together, overlapping critical themes and making meaningful connections.
“The ability to listen to smart people who disagree with you is a rare talent.”
4. A Dangerous Fortune
A Dangerous Fortune is a titillating political thriller with murder, romance, and financial ruin themes. Set in 1866 but published in 1993,A Dangerous Fortunetells the story of wealthy London elites after a young boy’s accidental drowning at the prestigious Winfield School. The book’s steady twists and turns keep readers enthralled, earning this thriller a spot onThe New York Timesbestseller list.
“A man who had a love affair was considered wicked but romantic; a woman who did the same was a whore.”
5. Winter of the World
2012’s [Winter of the World](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CMO4JU? tag=work089-20) is book two in theCentury Trilogy**. It follows five different but related families of theFall of Giants*through the enormous challenges of World War II, the Cold War, and the Spanish Civil War. This book humanizes the historical fights against fascism and economic ruin with enamoring characters that readers can’t help but fall in love with.
Are you looking for audible books? You might enjoy our round of the best history books) on Audible!
“And here’s my advice to you. If you get the chance of the mad kind of love, grab it with both hands and hell with the consequences.”
6. World Without End
A World Without End is the much-anticipated sequel toThe Pillars of the Earthand is the second book in theKingsbridge series,released in 2007.* This time begins two centuries following the construction of the renowned cathedral during the time of the Black Death, and once again, the building is at the center of the human condition. This novel explores the themes of ambition, greed, love, hate, and ultimately, revenge.
Other books in the Kingsbridge Series include The Evening and The Morning (the series’ prequel) and*A Column of Fire**.
“When you’ve lost everything, you’ve got nothing to lose.”
7. Edge of Eternity, 2018
The [Edge of Eternity](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M7RNO1Q? tag=work089-20) is the third and final book in theCentury Trilogy, released in 2018. This part of the series follows the same five intertwined families through the socioeconomic and political upheaval of the world during the 1960s through the 1980s.
“A man hates the person he has wronged, paradoxically. I think it’s because the victim is a perpetual reminder that he behaved shamefully.”
8. The Key to Rebecca
Although it was published more than four decades ago in 1980, The Key to Rebecca remains one of the most beloved espionage novels. This story takes place in Cairo, Egypt, where a master Nazi spy is executing a mission to get critical intel to the advancing Nazi army about how to get into the city. There are only two people in all of Cairo who can save the city; a worn-out English police officer and a Jewish girl.
“The sun rises, and the sunsets. Sometimes it rains. We live, then we die.”
9. Hornet Flight
[Hornet Flight](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007OB5B2? tag=work089-20) takes place in England in 1941 during World War II but was released in 2002, where the main character Harald Olufsen finds a secret German hideout on a Danish Island near the North Sea. This discovery could alter the entire course of the war, but Harald must get the information to the Danish resistance as quickly as possible.
“Fascism blames problems on a false cause—people of other races.”
10. Jackdaws
2001’s Jackdaws is another novel set during World War II, just before D-Day. Felicity Clariet, affectionately nicknamed “Flick,” is a Special Operations Executive whose plan to attack the German force goes wrong. Her husband is missing, her troops are dead, and she has just one last shot to complete her mission.
“When people are perfectly polite, it usually means they don’t really care. A little awkwardness is more sincere.”
11. A Place Called Freedom
[A Place Called Freedom](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004AM5R48? tag=work089-20) is set in Scotland in 1766 and published in 1995, where the main character Mack is desperate to escape the dank, filthy coal mines. His only hope lies in the beautiful but aristocratic Lizzie Hallim, who is facing her demons. Power, politics, and social status separate the two, who fight together to find a place where they can both be free.
“The law makes no decisions. It has no will of its own. It’s like a weapon or a tool: it works for those who pick it up and use it.”
12. Lie Down With Lions
Lie Down With Lions, published in 1985, is a gripping tale of two men on either side of the Cold War, both in love with a woman who found herself torn between the two of them. This book keeps a breakneck speed, taking readers through the twists and turns of romance, lust, deception, war, terrorism, and the fight for the truth.
“Religious conviction may thwart a timid desire, but nothing can stand against genuine lust.”
13. On Wings Of Eagles
Follett takes a different approach with his 1983 book [On Wings Of Eagles](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5058.On_Wings_of_Eagles? from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=m261tLcvkr&rank=1), a true story of patriotic hero H. Ross Perot. Readers travel to a hostage crisis in the Middle East in 1978, where Perot and his volunteers faced a nearly impossible mission to free American captives from the depths of a heavily guarded Iranian prison.
“If you go through life worrying about all the bad things that can happen, you soon convince yourself that it’s best to do nothing at all.”
14. Triple
1979’s Triple is a standalone novel set in Egypt, where government officials are drawing ever closer to constructing a nuclear bomb. The main characters include members of special ops groups like Mossad and the KJB, whose mission is to steal more than 200 tons of uranium to prevent Arabs from winning the nuclear arms race. If the special ops teams fail, the price is steep: nuclear war.
“When there is no longer any possibility of running away, you realize how fiercely you can fight.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes great historical fiction?
Great historical fiction combines accurate historical detail with compelling storytelling. It should transport readers to another time while telling engaging stories about characters who feel authentic to their period while remaining relatable to modern readers.
How accurate does historical fiction need to be?
Historical fiction should be reasonably accurate in its major historical details, but authors can take creative liberties with minor elements and character interactions. The key is maintaining the feel and authenticity of the period while telling a good story.
Why read historical fiction?
Historical fiction offers entertainment while educating readers about different time periods and cultures. It can provide insights into how people lived, thought, and experienced major historical events, making history more accessible and engaging.
What are the best historical fiction books?
The best historical fiction books include ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ by Ken Follett, ‘Wolf Hall’ by Hilary Mantel, ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak, and ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr. These books excel at both historical accuracy and storytelling.
15. Night Over Water
Night Over Water is another of Follett’s novels set in World War II when England joined the war against Nazi Germany; it was published in 1991. Aboard a luxury airliner bound for America are both England’s high society and the nobodies, each looking to escape the growing conflict for their reasons.
“Fascism is the most frightful wickedness.”
