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Author: Ken Follett
Genres: Historical Fiction, Political Drama, Epic Saga
Publication Date: September 23, 2025
Publisher: Viking
Pages: 784 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9780593489280
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
Circle of Days is Ken Follett’s latest historical epic, reaffirming his place as one of the masters of large-scale storytelling. This circle of days book review examines how Follett blends his signature style—meticulous research, sprawling casts, and intertwining plotlines—into another saga of power, ambition, and survival.
Set against a richly detailed historical backdrop, Circle of Days traces the lives of several families whose fates intertwine across shifting political, social, and personal struggles. Follett once again uses individual characters to illuminate broad themes of justice, loyalty, and betrayal. The novel moves through battles, councils, and quiet moments of resilience, building toward a crescendo of suspense and resolution.
Follett’s prose is clear, immersive, and cinematic. His pacing alternates between slow-burning political maneuvering and sudden bursts of conflict, keeping readers engaged across hundreds of pages. He balances factual accuracy with human emotion, ensuring that the historical scaffolding supports a gripping narrative rather than overwhelming it.
Strengths: Sweeping scope; vivid historical settings; emotionally engaging characters; strong thematic resonance.
Weaknesses: Length may intimidate casual readers; some political intricacies can feel dense.
On Goodreads, early readers praise the novel’s scale and character depth, often calling it a worthy successor to Follett’s earlier works. Amazon reviewers highlight its readability despite its length, though some caution that patience is needed for its complex plotlines.
Publishers Weekly hailed it as “another sweeping triumph of historical fiction.” Kirkus described it as “dense but rewarding,” while The Guardian emphasized Follett’s unmatched ability to make history feel immediate and human.
Perfect for fans of epic historical sagas, readers of political and family dramas, and anyone who enjoyed The Pillars of the Earth or its sequels. Less suited for readers preferring short, fast-paced novels without intricate detail.
Ken Follett is an internationally bestselling author of more than 36 books, with over 180 million copies sold worldwide. Known for The Pillars of the Earth series, he specializes in blending historical fact with compelling fiction, creating immersive sagas that span generations.
Circle of Days is a powerful addition to Follett’s legacy, combining depth, scope, and emotion in a way that few authors can. It may be long and dense, but it rewards readers with a story that lingers well beyond the final page. Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
See more at Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and The Guardian Books.
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