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" After listening to the abridged version of the first of the series, I made certain to purchase the full version with John Lee as the narrator. The story was rich with all the things that make Follett's writing grab your attention. The plots are interwoven with care, and each character's story is treated with equal weight and interest. I found the book quite entrancing. The historical framework is a key component of each character's story, and having characters with different perspectives makes the book even more compelling. "
- barb, 5/11/2017
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" Absolutely loved this book! I was never into history but the way Ken Follett writes, I was just sucked into it. I loved the fact that you get the perspective from several sides. This so far is my favorite book! "
- Nahid, 2/19/2014
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" I was mesmerized by this book. I was fighting reading it because I usually shy away from big blockbusters but this book is a lesson. The history of the 20th century is fascinating and now we can look back and understand things in perspective and this book offers you this. I recommend giving this to young people who are studying history because this is by far the best book I've read on world war 1 and it is really clear and unbiased explaining how stupidity and arrogance can lead to world catastrophe. I must confess I have learned a lot of important things on this book, the kind of things they won't teach you or your children on school books. Read it, you will be glad you did it. "
- Vera, 2/19/2014
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" This book was quite an ambitious undertaking by the author and for the reader. There is a huge cast of characters, who are developed, in my opinion, to fit into a historical plot. This make the character see somewhat cold. The strong point of the book is way the plot and story are developed within a well researched historical context. There are a variety of themes, the horrors or war, the arrogance of the upper classes, and social justice. The complexity of the book makes it worth your time. "
- Nancym, 2/3/2014
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" I found this to be an entertaining light read juggling a number of interesting characters through very interesting historical times. One has to suspend disbelief a bit as these characters have a Forrest Gump-like fate to pop up repeatedly (and often together) at many of the developed world's historical turning points, but Mr Follett manages to keep our trust that it won't get ridiculous. As Mr. Gump said "I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze... But I think maybe it's both... Maybe both is happening at the same time." The ending leaves you desparately looking for the next page--darned, gonna have to buy the next in series. "
- John, 2/1/2014
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" Loved his other books but had a hard time with this. Was determined to finish though. "
- Michele, 1/25/2014
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" I wish I could give this 3 1/2 stars. It was a fascinating read, very engrossing, until the last 100 pages. I love it when the author gives you a where are they now, but this just wasn't as compelling as the rest of the novel (and I do have to keep reminding myself it's a novel and not a historical chronicle). I will read the rest of the trilogy. "
- Sabrina, 1/21/2014
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" If you have any interest is World War One and historical fiction, you have to read this book. "
- Kyle, 1/13/2014
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" Well researched, as always. On to no two! "
- Alexandra, 12/17/2013
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" In progress. A bit slower read than Pillars books. Still, wonderful. "
- David, 12/9/2013
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" Great book, love the chapter layout and characters. "
- Alan, 11/30/2013
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" Historical fiction, the best way to learn "
- D, 11/26/2013
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" I was skeptical of this book because I don't love war stories but this was so much more than that. If you don't fall in love with the characters, you're dead inside. "
- Kiraa, 11/23/2013
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" I have to love a book that's combines great storytelling with historical facts. I learned a lot about politics and war, and enjoyed the process! "
- Jennifer, 11/16/2013
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" Didn't love it has much as his other books, but then, I'm not a big fan of wartime novels. "
- Sinéad, 1/24/2013
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" Good read but I felt it a bit drawn out "
- Michael, 12/5/2012
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" The book well explicates World War I and the Russian Revolution. The characters are well defined. The plot? A bit too coincidental. However, I just finished this volume and began the second in this trilogy. If you enjoy enjoy historical fiction, it's worth a read. "
- Raining, 11/2/2012
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" I had better written Books from Him. To Keep me interested in the Book and Persons. But after almost a half book I but it back on the shelf. "
- Pia, 9/28/2012
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" a classic ken follett (pillars of the earth) book. lots of characters across a really amazing period of history (WW1 to WW2) "
- molly, 5/8/2012
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" Although I normally enjoy WWI literature and study, I found some of the detailed military doe specifications distracting from the character narratives. I know it was probably an intended narrative structure, but as soon as I was engaged in a narrative, setting and narrator would switch. "
- Sharon, 3/30/2012
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" A 20th century Pillars of the Earth. Engaging. "
- Bob, 2/16/2012
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" Very good and great reminder of history. Could not give 5 stars because it did get a bit tedious, but mostly quite emjoyable "
- Maryellen, 1/24/2012
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" I really enjoyed this book but it was 150 pages too long. "
- Mary, 1/13/2012
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" I found this to be overall enjoyable. I did get a bit weighed down with the historical parts but the author has a good ability to breathe life into the " -facts" I have a greater appreciation for world war one and some of its causes and outcomes. "
- Vincent, 12/28/2011
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" Really good novel. The history background is very well explained and developed. The mix of fiction/non-fiction characters is explendid. "
- Eduardo, 9/22/2011
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" I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this book. The last 1/3 dragged on a bit. "
- Lucy, 8/7/2011
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" Good read. Although very long, it was a great combination of the history of WWI and intertwined stories. I am looking forward to reading the sequels. "
- Karen, 7/7/2011
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" A very good book. Not the traditional WW1 book, this focuses more on the political side which was very interesting. Plenty of character led drama too, a real saga. Can't wait to read the next book in the trilogy! "
- Michelle, 6/21/2011
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" Really kept my attention, considering what a hefty length it is! "
- Johnna, 5/27/2011
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" An excellent book and look into the era of World War I. Looking forward to the next generation's tale.
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- Scott, 5/24/2011
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" I'm now desperately waiting for the remaining two books. Definitely one of my favourite authors.
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- Laura, 5/19/2011
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" I learned so much about the beginnings and reasons for WWI and the beginnings of the Soviet Union
. A really good historical novel!
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- Linda, 5/19/2011
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" An incredible story with complex characters! I love the way the author creates ways for the seemingly unrelated characters to cross paths and for their stories to intertwine.
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- Brittany, 5/17/2011
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" It's great - very Pillars of the Earth/World Without End, but with a major emphasis on war and politics, instead of architecture and religion. Gets pretty intense, so had to take a few breaks from it for a day or two, but really enjoyed it. Can't wait to read the next two of the trilogy.
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- Erin, 5/17/2011
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" facinating to watch the country powers/leaders and what probably lead to the first world war, mixed in with personal relationships affected by the years of war. Long read but so worth it.
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- Jkesser, 5/17/2011
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" i love historical fiction and this was one of the best fascinating and an excellent read
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- Kerry, 5/17/2011
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" As always, Ken does a fantastic job with character development. I loved how everything tied together. The best historical fiction writer by far.
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- Stephanie, 5/16/2011
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