The Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follett Book Review & Reaction | Historical Fiction at It's Best!

[@a.r.witham9215]

My favorite book of all time. Period.

[@ksierra4444]

I am not much of a reader but my daughter in law recomended Ken Follet books so i started with Pillars of the Earth. I haven't read a secular book in so long and it was a bit shocking and traumatic for me but I pushed through it. The character development is absolutely amazing. Thanks to the stupid library app telling me that the 3rd book was the 2nd so i read it before the 2nd. Now im reading #2 and its good too. For Christmas my husband got me The Century trilogy.

[@Roaddogg715]

He wrote the century trilogy too. It follows five families during the turbulent 20th century; welsh, Russian, German, American, and English. 3 books for the eras; ww1, ww2, and Cold War. Sooo goood!

[@celestryrose6687]

I'm sloughing through columns right now but when I'm done with it, I would have read the whole Kingsbridge series. This is next on my list. ❤

[@nicjones7102]

First of that series is one of my favourite books!

[@bryden72]

I've just started the shardlake series by CJ Sansom. Then I'll be hitting shogun. And now I've got pillars of the earth to add to the list. So about a million pages all in 😂😂

[@Roaddogg715]

@@bryden72 you got this

[@bombtradey6315]

I'm halfway through winter of the world right now, soo good

[@misternegative4918]

I’ve never hated a character like I did William Hamleigh. After awhile I found myself anxious worrying he’d show back up. Then some of his pov chapters were hard to get through. Was such a great book. I loved it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Follett is a madman putting us in William's head.

[@henryorhank]

Anytime things started to go a little too well for the characters I started thinking “hows William going to ruin this?”

[@ksierra4444]

Yes! So many of the characters of this trilogy make me so angry. Ralph in book 2, Pierre in book 3. Godwyn in book 2 is absolutely despicable.

[@celestryrose6687]

@ksierra4444 it's not a trilogy anymore right now there is 5 total.

[@ksierra4444]

​@@celestryrose6687oh really?? I'm totally new to this and already read book 3 before book 2 on accident. 🤦🏼‍♀️ What are the other 2 called??

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

You and I were reading Pillars of the Earth around the same time, Mike - I was about 21. Like you, I loved it and still do.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Like a fine wine.

[@brendano4196]

Pillars of the Earth and its sequel World Without End are masterfully written historical fiction. I read the first one when I was a young teenager, Philip and Tom's friendship and mutual respect are actually touching and believeable.

[@mikesbookreviews]

No doubt. Philip is the person I wish I could be ha ha

[@anthonyomahoney6088]

Read column of fire… so so so good.

[@brendano4196]

@@anthonyomahoney6088 it was pretty good. I actually wish it were a bit longer. Still think the first two Kingsbridge novels are superior. I personally didn't care for the World without End trilogy that follows a few different families over the course of the 20th century. It wasn't terrible mind you, it just wasn't great like the Kingsbridge novels.

[@katdavissnider]

My all-time favorite book. I recently finished re-reading the Kingsbridge series. That makes I don't know how many times. Now I am in the middle of Winter of the World in my re-read of the Century Trilogy. Ken Follett is by far my favorite author.

[@fantasyfanatic6038]

I’ve read this book a couple weeks back and it simply blew me away. It’s everything I hoped it would be and more. Without a doubt my favorite historical fiction and one of my favorite books, period.

[@readbykyle3082]

I finished this right at the end of the year and I still keep thinking about it. You know a book is fantastic when you already want to reread. Incredible novel.

[@jenm8357]

Pillars of the Earth is my favorite Ken Follett book. I haven't finished all of his books but have liked everything I read so far.

[@mikesbookreviews]

He's pretty talented, so I expect to like anything else I read by him.

[@bdaigno]

I ended 2023 and started 2024 with Pillars of the Earth based on your recommendation in one of your videos a few months back and I absolutely loved it. I even bought the mini-series based on it and thought it was very good as well. The characters in this book are so well written and you really start caring for them or hating them with a passion! And despite the length of the book there was never a moment that I felt like the story was dragging along. It kept me interested from the first word to the last. So...thanks again for recommending this one!

[@celestryrose6687]

Mini series? I have all 5 or thus series. Is there a side series?

[@lukethomas216]

There is a British television series of Pillars

[@bdaigno]

The television mini-series. @@celestryrose6687

[@oberstul1941]

Read it, loved it, recommended it all around. I read it back when I was at a high point in my life and I also identified with more than some of its characters, so of course I have a lot of fond memories about this gem of a book. Been meaning since then to read the sequels, too. Cheers, Mike!

[@maxinebignall2832]

I have read the full series multiple times. This is one of my favorite series.

[@jonathonglover6488]

This is my wife’s favourite model. I picked it up a while ago on a sale through Audible and listened to it over January. Completely addictive. I said to my wife that it was like excellent fantasy without magic. Awesome to see you review it just as I read it 👍

[@esmayrosalyne]

Nothing better than when a reread holds up so well! This is a true TBR veteran of mine, but I am definitely bumping it up the priority list now! Great review as always Mike.

[@acheerfulvoice]

I read it when I was 19 or 20, and have been trying for 20 years to get people to read it! Nobody has. I saw the title of this video and clicked SO quickly haha. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I’m planning a reread this year.

[@chrisbutterworth3063]

You are going to devour World without End.. Greetings from UK Chris

[@celestryrose6687]

Loved 4 out of 5 of this series Columns of Fire I'm halfway through and armor of light I sped through. But I hear columns is difficult. I recommend them all.

[@wesb2823]

Pillars of the Earth is one of my favorite books across all genres. Definitely recommend it to the Fantasy readers. Check out Gates of Fire if you ever have a chance. It's about the Spartans and their allies at Thermopylae. Fantasy readers would enjoy that too. It's my favorite book of all time.

[@RedFuryBooks]

Pillars was my gateway into historical fiction, which has become my second favorite genre. Glad you enjoyed your reread and glad your spotlight has brought new readers to this book!

[@kyleodonnell4605]

I'm currently reading Pillars of the Earth right now and I'm almost finished with it. It's now starting to become one of my top 10 favorite books of all time.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent!

[@masterofzion1]

I read this over Christmas and immediately bought it for my father. One of the best books I've ever read. Hated William so much! Haven't watched the miniseries yet but I will soon.

[@mikesbookreviews]

You'll hate him on there, too

[@celestryrose6687]

That actor is amazing 👏 he is hated in borgias too. World without end has a series as well they divuate alot from the material tho .

[@pillarmusic1641]

Great Book. I started the mini series adaptation a bit after reading the book but it didn’t live up to the quality of the story that had already taken place in my head and on the page. Another historical fiction book that you might like is all the light we cannot see

[@midrangemonroe1]

Crazy timing, I literally just finished this yesterday. I absolutely loved it, never knew historical fiction could be so gripping. I couldn't be more excited for what I have on deck: The Count of Monte Cristo Shogun Lonesome Dove Aztec by Gary Jennings

[@midrangemonroe1]

HA I just heard you say you're currently on Shogun as well 😅 I'm along for the ride with you.

[@yelisieimurai]

Lonesome dove is a masterpiece. Follet, Duma and Shogun shall be read by me also in some future .

[@laurelmoffatt6616]

This is the best book I have ever read and I have read thousands of books.

[@seanhennessey9869]

40 years of reading a book a week is 2000 books. That's a lot

[@iWizard]

This has been on my list for so long. I think I'll have to get to Pillars of the Earth this year! Thanks for this.

[@mikesbookreviews]

You'll love it. I have zero doubts.

[@celestryrose6687]

Buy all five of the series u won't regret it! 🎉

[@bethbaskett3]

I absolutely LOVE Pillars of the Earth! I will be reading it again this year, along with the next in the series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@mikeprince6685]

I’m reading this now, and am about 1/4 of the way through. I love the pacing of this book so far and love the details about designs and how they work from Tom!

[@emilys5008]

I love this book so much! I just got the new one today!

[@NoraWhitley]

Pillars… is definitely one of my favorite books of all time.

[@simonedwards9450]

One of my favourite books. I also love World Without End. Can’t wait to read the rest of them

[@stephenmcdonald8474]

I've finished them all plus the Century Trilogy as well. Wish I was in your shoes and could start all over.

[@Talking_Story]

Happy to have this on the pile thanks to you!

[@bookmarkswithjason9445]

Oh wow I’m currently halfway through this novel, and it’s been an amazing experience so far. Perfect timing for this video 👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you're enjoying it!

[@ulflilienthal8120]

Just picked up this series and added to my TBR based on your recommendations. Hopefully I'll get to them this year.

[@alvarosalandy7969]

This book is something else. I remember reading it back in 2010 this was a ride... It stays with you for a long time. Gift yourself the gift of reading this book. 😊

[@robertpatenaude]

Great review. One of my all time favourites. The other books in the series are good but without the backdrop of building the cathedral, don't have the same impact. Always worth a re-read. Be well, stay safe.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, the cathedral very much feels like a character.

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

Loved this book! I had to skip over the "William violence parts" but i was loving it the rest of the time....

[@johnkeenan1829]

I read the prequal last year and really enjoyed it. I haven't read Pillars for over thirty years but plan on rereading that and the other two in order to complete the series.

[@RodneyAulbert]

It was great.i read it when it first came out, then I went to visit the National cathedral in Washington. I was never a reader until this book but now I have read all of his books

[@franklyneaton7958]

Agree with your review wholeheartedly. I just could not put the book down.I read at least 150 pages per day. Simply awesome.

[@arabellawillow]

I read Pillars of the Earth last winter. It was a hard year and I honestly related so much to Tom and his family at the biggining of the book 😅 AMAZING

[@elaineirving77]

Loved The Pillars of the Earth when I read with you and the others on your Discord last year. Looking forward to continuing when you do at some point this year too.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome!

[@Roondawg_Valhalla]

Awesome review Mike! This is one of my favorites!

[@AverageJoesLibrary]

This exceeded my expectation since I’m not a historical fiction reader. I will give the audiobook a positive nod and was able to get it through my library and listen on Libby.

[@melanieandbookstacks]

Hi. I’ve read Pillars of the Earth and World without End. Fantastic. This year I will read Columns of fire then The Evening and the Morning. Columns of Fire has slightly less favour from readers I understand but can’t wait to give it a go myself.

[@safinan8008]

This book on my TBR list too! Thank you!! 🎉

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@Wouter_K]

Aw man! this review and all people's reactions are really want to make me read this book right now, but it is way down on my TBR and this month's is TBR is full of things I really want to read as well....I'll bump it up somehow somewhere...this year ;)

[@Newlotusdarma]

I did not not know about this books till I watched you channel

[@pinkbunnyreads]

You had me at medieval.

[@MatthewLikesToRead]

It's my next book up. I'm reading something short after just finishing Shogun. And then on to Pillars!

[@leezirkle7840]

I plan on picking this up after listening to love on this book for awhile now.

[@rogueleader2448]

Just started this the other day. Had a couple other books I had to finish Including Children of Dune but now it's going to be the main thing I read

[@akellerhouse83]

My mother bought me the entire series in hard cover as my Christmas gift this year. I'm excited to start reading it soon.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Great gift!

[@stephenmcdonald8474]

The Century Trilogy is outstanding as well.

[@eliseeloria3731]

I recommend this book to people all the time… it’s so fantastic!

[@ianackroyd89]

I’ve read a several Ken Follett books and enjoyed every one of them. Despite the number of pages I found that it was so well written that read it very quickly. Definitely on a par with John Steinbeck and Frederick Forsyth, if not better. I loved it and have recommended to many people.

[@PnutButtaJllyMan]

Reading this right now. Mining your best books of all time list. Just starting chapter 3. Reading it slow, but i really like it so far.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Take your time & enjoy it!

[@jimave]

I listened to this last year. It’s a slow burn book but it is worth the wait for stuff to happen. I will listen to the next book soon.

[@giants8585]

I have always loved history but I’ve yet to dive into this sub genre of fantasy. this year I’ve made a promise to start reading historical fiction. I have some Bernard Cornwell lined up in a few months and I’ve already added this book to my TBR.

[@Josheatsbooks]

Pillars almost neck to neck with Lonesome Dove for me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

No doubt.

[@lonestarbellepk]

Yes! Two of my favorites

[@chrissereni9606]

Great video, Mike! This was the book that got me back into reading a handful of years ago so it always feels even more special to me. I completely agree that fantasy readers will be right at home with this book!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I read this before I would call myself a big time fantasy fan outside of LOTR, so it'll always be memorable for making me not feal huge books ha ha

[@deelak2329]

Mike, I've got a book recommendation that will blow your socks off. Kane & Abel by Jeffrey Archer. Masterpiece.

[@marynall7280]

Great Book! I read it a few years ago. I think I picked it up in an airport gift shop. I don't know how I missed this is a series. I need to pick up the next.

[@simonorourke4465]

It's such. Great series the fifth book came out last year

[@mikesbookreviews]

I was blown away when I learned it was part of a series back in 2021. I had no idea.

[@perritohiker]

I, like you, have this high on my all-time best list. I love Follett's stuff. I have never had a bad review from those that I have recommended it to. I've even purchased it in Spanish for my wife's mother and aunts. Dood, a quick note... I've recommended it a couple of times to the Brothers Gwynne who are very much into historical fiction. But the only response was that it didn't sound like something they'd like. We HAVE TO get them to read it. Maybe they'll listen to you!

[@benconlin3557]

Started Shogun this year, it’s the first historical fiction I’ve ever read and loving it so far. I have Pillars on my list now due to your recommendation. It would never have come onto my radar otherwise. Like you say, it does sound boring when you just say it’s about building a cathedral 😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

Unfortunately there really isn't another way to describe it

[@spinecollector9931]

There’s also a video game and a board game for pillars of the earth. I’ve played the video game and finished its on both switch and ps4. Follows the main ideas of the story, doesn’t get super detailed but it’s like spark notes in video game form

[@Spider58x]

I just spent the last week reading this book. Amazing book. Philip is definitely the best character in the book

[@Will.the.book.dragon]

I've been waiting patiently for this video since you announced you were going to start this....I like your enthusiasm for historical fiction and connecting to the epic fantasy aspect....if you like historical fiction you need to check out The Fallon Blood trilogy by Robert Jordan released way back in the early 80s. I read it after Wheel of Time series and it's so good in my opinion and doesn't get much acknowledgement.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll check it out!

[@LuxVi7]

I don’t remember how I came across The pillars of the earth but read it in 2020 and absolutely loved it!!! God knows I enjoy unlikable characters but William Hamleigh was something else… Will be reading A column of fire later this year.

[@MagnaMater2]

The Pillars of the Earth is the best Historical Fiction right beside The Name of the Rose.

[@Maximus2261]

I’d definitely recommend the Wolf Hall trilogy if you are looking for more English history fiction. Read that right after I read Pillars of the Earth and I think all three books might be in my top 10 of all time.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll look them up!

[@neondemon5137]

These books are so thick but so compelling and easy to read. The characters are all so real to my brain.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Indeed.

[@Arizonafrog97]

Haven't read Pillars of the Earth, although I do own it and it is on my TBR... I have read Eye of the Needle and it is a really good WW2 spy thriller. A fun, quick read.

[@yatamura1981]

Haven't read it,yet,but i'm quite intrigued.I'll give it a try Mike,thanks you haven't dissapointed me with your recommentations so far.I have one for you,historical "fiction" and all,try "Gates of Fire" by Steven Pressfield.It's based on the Battle of Thermopyle(the 300 spartans) and i'd love to listen to your thoughts about it.Cheers!

[@dominicaudy8479]

I think I've read too many historical novels at this point to say that Pillars is also my all time favourite or THE best, but I've long delayed reading it as I feared it might be too "mass audience" for my taste and when I finally read it I found out it definitely wasn't. It's very much worth the read and it's very obvious why it captured so many people's imagination and is many people's all time favourite. A truly magnificent example of the heights popular fiction can reach in the hands of a master storyteller. I don't actually know which book I'd put as my favourite historical novel (it could easily be one not available in English, I'd have to think), though the first thing that comes to mind when I think about that is how deeply I enjoyed reading The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson. The "Accursed Kings" series which is the main historical fiction inspiration behind A Song of Ice and Fire is also worth the detour, though I'd place it lower on the list than Stephenson or Follet.

[@Keystonemidget]

I struggled to get going in the first 20 hours of the audiobook, but the final half was great and flew by.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Dang, how long is that audiobook?

[@Keystonemidget]

@@mikesbookreviews if I remember it wad well over 40, stopped multiple times happy I didn't give up though

[@MuleFace100]

I've been curious about this one for some time. I'm a huge fan of Bernard Cornwell & think his King Arthur trilogy works as top notch fantasy.

[@whisper_dvm5157]

Oh man it’s been at least 15 years since I read this. Might have to reread it this year. The Starz mini series was excellent

[@mikesbookreviews]

It really was good. Wish it was streaming somewhere.

[@84tand]

my all time favorite book. The only 1000 page book I ripped through in like 3 days!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, it's a page-turner.

[@henryorhank]

I found that the Sarantine Mosaic by GGK gave me a lot of the same feelings as Pillars of the Earth

[@matthewschwoebel8247]

I should add this to my reading list. Have you read The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara? It is my current favorite historical fiction novel.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I haven't. But currently reading Shogun.

[@matthewschwoebel8247]

I read Shogun... 30 years ago? Killer Angels follows several people at Gettysburg. Best example of characterization within a battle I've found @@mikesbookreviews

[@TheCrazyCanuck420]

I agree the TV series was pretty good (so is World Without End). There is a point and click style game for Pillars of the Earth as well and I'm told it follows the book fairly close. I haven't read either book (yet) and look forward more to World Without End.

[@fjuran1]

Love your enthusiasm for the book. Read this one in the early 90's and loved it. Since then have read a good deal of Follett including almost of the Kingsbridge series. I must say the key villain here has been one of my most hated characters I ever read. For me when I was in HS my introduction to historical fiction was John Jakes and Clavell's Shogun.

[@mikesbookreviews]

William is a real bastard

[@kristen7623]

Out of 105 books last year, this was in my top 3

[@mikesbookreviews]

Understandably so!

[@nicjones7102]

In my top 10 all time books!!

[@deelak2329]

Coincidentally, I'm about half way through this book. Great book. FYI - Mike, I need to hear you talk about Tool.

[@cosmin176]

Tool and Ken Follett - best way to spend an evening!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Rock on.

[@AK-rq1cz]

Yes! I have been watching you since 2020 and always wanted to know your thoughts on this! This is a top 5 GOAT for me. World Without End is pretty much on par, the rest of the series is still good but nothing beats the first two. I have always wondered if George RR Martin got part of the inspiration for Joffrey from William Hamleigh.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I could see that!

[@DanExploresBooks]

I love Pillars of the Earth so much.

[@mikesbookreviews]

As one should

[@CodyvWorld]

I’m 50 pages in & enjoying it.

[@brianmelendy1194]

So good. The rest of the series is good as well. They are all big fat books.

[@dkropelnicki9819]

There's a point and click adventure video game based off the book. It's available on most platforms and it's good!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I saw the screenshots. Looks cool!

[@bernie_smith]

I know of no historical novelist that comes even close to Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series. Follett is fun but light weight when compared to the incredible characterisations, subtle humour and superbly researched real history found in O'Brian's incomparable linguistic achievement over the 21 books in the series. I am an avid reader and am yet to find anyone that satisfies like O'Brian. He is just simply in a different league. Many of us O'Brian fans re-read the series over and over again because it is so satisfying on so many levels. The series is one complete narrative. You must read them in order, in my opinion. I recommend reading the first four before stopping if they dont immediately click. I actually feel sorry for all other historical novelists. They are fun diversions, Patrick O'Brian is the master way beyond the pack. I never thought anyone would replace Tolkien as my favourite author but Patrick O'Brian has. Just sublime. You are in for the delight of your life if you have not yet circumnavigated these wonderful novels. I enjoy Ken Follett's books, have read all the Kingsbridge novels (Pillars three times I think) among others and recently read 'Never'. Can't wait for your review of O'Brian, but have you have to read them all first!! 😂

[@readinsteadbyjake]

Maybe my favorite novel of all time..

[@Kellen81]

Pillars might have been my top read last year. Anxious to hear your thoughts on World Without End, I'm assuming sometime in 2024?

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's the plan!

[@mixedbooktape]

I'm listening to this on audio right now because of how much you gushed about it. I'm about 75% of the way through and I've loved it pretty much from the very start. Such an amazing book. And holy crap I didn't think there was a character I could hate more than say Lykos from FATF or Kyle Haven in Live Ship but William Hamleigh is that character. Absolutely despicable. Knowing that every time things are going well for certain characters William will of course show up and ruin it makes me so angry. And his POV chapters are both hard to listen to and also kind of hard not to stop listening to. It's like watching a car crash.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Love to hear it!

[@nikkivenable73]

This is one of the only books I've DNF'd. I got 3/4 of the way through but just couldn't do it. The other book i didn't finish was The Name of the Wind. The issue is w ME because everyone loves those books! Ugh. I'm not sure why i didn't like it.... it's been a few years since i read it.

[@daemonad]

They are both horribly written books, with ridiculous, cartoonish characters. Pillars is one of the worst HF books I've tried to read just to see why was everyone raving about. I guess, it appeals to people who have no idea about middle ages and enjoy clumsy soap opera.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Sorry it didn't work for you.

[@nikkivenable73]

@@daemonad this makes me feel better. At least I'm not alone. 😫

[@bobkeane7966]

Just read it a month ago, great book. If you liked it you should give Sarum a shot

[@stuart1346]

Man I’m nearly at the end of part 1, started the other day and it’s awesome, read 100 pages today and I’m loving it 🫡

[@mikesbookreviews]

Only gets better.

[@0Arman0]

Just bought it!