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Audiobooks > Fiction >  Historical > Fall of Giants (Abridged): Book One of the Century Trilogy
Fall of Giants (Abridged): Book One of the Century Trilogy Audiobook, by Ken Follett Play Audiobook Sample

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Fall of Giants (Abridged): Book One of the Century Trilogy Audiobook, by Ken Follett Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Ken Follett Narrator: Dan Stevens Publisher: Penguin Audio Audio Length: Series:The Century Trilogy Release Date: September 2010 Format: Abridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781101436851
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Publisher Description

Ken Follett’s magnificent new historical epic begins as five interrelated families move through the momentous dramas of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the struggle for women’s suffrage. 

A thirteen-year-old Welsh boy enters a man’s world in the mining pits. . . . An American law student rejected in love finds a surprising new career in Woodrow Wilson’s White House. . . . A housekeeper for the aristocratic Fitzherberts takes a fateful step above her station, while Lady Maud Fitzherbert herself crosses deep into forbidden territory when she falls in love with a German spy. . . . And two orphaned Russian brothers embark on radically different paths when their plan to emigrate to America falls afoul of war, conscription, and revolution. 

From the dirt and danger of a coal mine to the glittering chandeliers of a palace, from the corridors of power to the bedrooms of the mighty, Fall of Giants takes us into the inextricably entangled fates of five families—and into a century that we thought we knew, but that now will never seem the same again. . . . 

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Quotes

  • Follett is masterly in conveying so much drama and historical information so vividly . . . grippingly told.

    - The New York Times Book Review"Follett entwines fiction and factual events well. . . . This is a dark novel, motivated by an unsparing view of human nature and a clear-eyed scrutiny of an ideal peace. It is not the least of Follett's feats that the reader finishes this near thousand-page book intrigued and wanting more.

  • A good read. . . . It's a book that will suck you in, consume you for days or weeks . . . then let you out the other side both entertained and educated. That's quite the feat.

    - USA Today

  • Fall of Giants is a book for you to savor, one in which you can lose yourself for hours on end. It is a big book that tells a big story, but it is one you will not want to end.

    - The Huffington Post "Fascinating, in a big way.

  • A suspenseful epic.

    - The Seattle Times

  • Tantalizing.

    - Newsday

  • Follett conjures the winds of war.

    - The Washington Post

  • "Grand in scope, scale, and story.

    - The Associated Press

Awards

  • Winner of the 2010 GoodReads Readers’ Choice Award for Historical Fiction
  • A #1 New York Times bestseller
  • A USA Today bestseller
  • A Los Angeles Times bestseller
  • A Washington Post bestseller
  • A Publishers Weekly bestseller
  • An NPR bestseller
  • A San Francisco Chronicle bestseller

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Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Loved his other books but had a hard time with this. Was determined to finish though. "

    - Michele, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " If you have any interest is World War One and historical fiction, you have to read this book. "

    - Kyle, 1/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Well researched, as always. On to no two! "

    - Alexandra, 12/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " In progress. A bit slower read than Pillars books. Still, wonderful. "

    - David, 12/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great book, love the chapter layout and characters. "

    - Alan, 11/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Historical fiction, the best way to learn "

    - D, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good read but I felt it a bit drawn out "

    - Michael, 12/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A 20th century Pillars of the Earth. Engaging. "

    - Bob, 2/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book but it was 150 pages too long. "

    - Mary, 1/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this book. The last 1/3 dragged on a bit. "

    - Lucy, 8/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Really kept my attention, considering what a hefty length it is! "

    - Johnna, 5/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An excellent book and look into the era of World War I. Looking forward to the next generation's tale. "

    - Scott, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I'm now desperately waiting for the remaining two books. Definitely one of my favourite authors. "

    - Laura, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I learned so much about the beginnings and reasons for WWI and the beginnings of the Soviet Union . A really good historical novel! "

    - Linda, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Brittany, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Erin, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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. "

    - Jkesser, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " i love historical fiction and this was one of the best fascinating and an excellent read "

    - Kerry, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " As always, Ken does a fantastic job with character development. I loved how everything tied together. The best historical fiction writer by far. "

    - Stephanie, 5/16/2011

About the Author

Ken Follett is one of the world’s best-loved authors, selling more than 160 million copies of his thirty books. His first bestseller was Eye of the Needle, an Edgar Award–winning spy story set in the Second World War. In 1989 The Pillars of the Earth was published and has since become the author’s most successful novel. It reached number one on bestseller lists around the world and was an Oprah’s Book Club pick. Its sequels, World without End and A Column of Fire, proved equally popular, with the series selling forty million copies worldwide and hitting the #1 New York Times bestsellers list.

About the Narrator

Dan Stevens, an Earphones Award-winning narrator, is internationally known for his role as Matthew Crawley in the hit television drama Downton Abbey. He has starred in numerous films, including Beauty and the Beast, The Guest, and A Walk among the Tombstones, among others. His theater work includes The Heiress on Broadway and Arcadia, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, The Vortex, and Hay Fever in London.