Ken Follett

Ken Follett is a Welsh author known for his thrillers and historical novels. He has written numerous bestsellers, including 'The Pillars of the Earth' and 'Eye of the Needle'.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Pillars Of The Earth

    Set in the 12th century, the novel is a sweeping epic of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty. It revolves around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England. The story is centered on the lives of three main characters: a master builder, a monk, and a noblewoman, whose destinies are intertwined with the building of the cathedral and the tumultuous events of the time, including war, religious strife, and power struggles.

    The 588th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Eye Of The Needle

    Set during World War II, the novel revolves around a ruthless German spy known as 'The Needle' due to his preference for a stiletto as his killing tool. His mission is to uncover the Allies' invasion plans and relay them to Hitler, potentially changing the course of the war. However, his plans are threatened when he becomes stranded on an isolated island with a young, lonely woman and her disabled husband, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse.

    The 1493rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Key To Rebecca

    The novel is a gripping World War II espionage thriller set in North Africa, where an elusive German spy, armed with a powerful secret code named after a classic novel, is transmitting critical information to Rommel's Afrika Korps in their campaign against the British. The British intelligence is in a desperate race against time to intercept and decode the messages, and they deploy a resourceful and determined young officer to track down the spy. Amidst the backdrop of war-torn cities and treacherous desert landscapes, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, with the fate of the North African campaign hanging in the balance.

    The 8730th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. World Without End

    Set in the 14th century, the novel follows the lives of several characters in the fictional town of Kingsbridge as they navigate the challenges of love, ambition, and survival amidst the backdrop of historical events such as the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. The story intricately weaves together the personal and political, exploring themes of power, faith, and the struggle for progress in a world marked by social upheaval and change. Through the interconnected lives of its characters, the narrative delves into the complexities of human nature and the enduring quest for a better future.

    The 11899th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. A Column Of Fire

    Set in the tumultuous period of the late 16th century, the story follows the lives of two star-crossed lovers, Ned Willard and Margery Fitzgerald, amidst the backdrop of religious conflict and political intrigue in Europe. As Ned becomes involved in the secretive world of espionage under Queen Elizabeth I, he navigates a landscape fraught with danger, betrayal, and shifting allegiances. The narrative weaves through historical events such as the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre and the Spanish Armada, highlighting the struggle for power and the quest for religious tolerance. The characters' personal journeys intertwine with the broader historical context, illustrating the impact of individual actions on the course of history.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Code To Zero

    Set during the Cold War, the novel follows Dr. Luke Lucas, a brilliant scientist who wakes up in a Washington, D.C. train station with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he pieces together his identity, he discovers he is embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy involving a Soviet plot to sabotage America's space program. Racing against time, Luke must navigate a web of espionage, betrayal, and danger to prevent a catastrophic event, all while uncovering the truth about his own past and the people he once trusted.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Whiteout

    The book is a gripping thriller set in a high-security laboratory in Scotland, where a deadly virus has been stolen during a blizzard. As the storm intensifies, a small group of people, including a security director, a scientist, and a former cop, must navigate treacherous conditions and personal betrayals to prevent a catastrophic outbreak. The tension escalates as they race against time to recover the virus, facing both the elements and a ruthless criminal determined to profit from the chaos. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, ambition, and survival in a high-stakes battle against nature and human greed.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Evening And The Morning

    Set in the late 10th and early 11th centuries, this historical novel weaves a tale of ambition, love, and power in a turbulent England on the brink of the Middle Ages. The story follows the lives of several characters, including a resourceful young boatbuilder, a noblewoman navigating a treacherous marriage, and a visionary monk, as they strive to improve their lives and communities amidst the chaos of Viking raids and political upheaval. Their intertwined destinies unfold against the backdrop of a society transitioning from the Dark Ages to a more enlightened era, highlighting themes of resilience, justice, and the enduring human spirit.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Edge Of Eternity

    Book Three of The Century Trilogy

    The book is a sweeping historical epic that follows the intertwined lives of five families from different countries as they navigate the tumultuous events of the late 20th century. Spanning the 1960s to the 1980s, it delves into the political and social upheavals of the era, including the civil rights movement, the Cold War, and the rise of rock and roll. Through the personal struggles and triumphs of its diverse characters, the narrative explores themes of power, love, and the relentless pursuit of justice, offering a vivid portrayal of a world on the brink of monumental change.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  10. 10. Winter Of The World

    Book Two of the Century Trilogy

    Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel follows the intertwined lives of five families from different countries as they navigate the tumultuous events of the era. The story delves into the personal and political struggles faced by these characters, including espionage, resistance, and the fight for survival amidst the horrors of war. As the global conflict unfolds, the characters' lives are shaped by love, ambition, and the quest for justice, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  11. 11. Fall Of Giants

    The novel is an epic historical saga that weaves together the lives of five interrelated families—American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh—against the backdrop of World War I and the Russian Revolution. It explores the profound social and political upheavals of the early 20th century, as characters navigate love, ambition, and tragedy. The story delves into the impact of war on individuals and societies, highlighting themes of power, class struggle, and the quest for justice. Through personal and political dramas, the narrative captures the tumultuous spirit of an era that reshaped the world.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  12. 12. Never

    Set against a backdrop of escalating global tensions, the novel weaves a gripping narrative of political intrigue and personal sacrifice. It follows a diverse cast of characters, including a determined U.S. president, a resourceful CIA operative, and a courageous African leader, as they navigate a world on the brink of catastrophe. As international conflicts threaten to spiral out of control, these individuals must make critical decisions to prevent a potential world war. The story explores themes of diplomacy, leadership, and the complex interplay of personal and political motivations in the face of imminent disaster.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time