Tania Grasso

A Disappointing Conclusion to the Kingsbridge Series Having devoured and cherished the first four books of Ken Follett's Kingsbridge series, I approached the latest installment with great anticipation. Unfortunately, this final book was a significant letdown. The characters, which have always been the heart of Follett's novels, were a major disappointment. In the earlier books, we were treated to legendary couples whose stories captivated and moved us. In this book, however, there was no such compelling duo to root for, leaving the narrative feeling hollow and uninspired. I was particularly excited to read about the Industrial Revolution, expecting a rich and immersive exploration of this transformative period. Sadly, the treatment of this era was so poorly executed that without prior knowledge, it would be difficult to grasp its significance. The narrative failed to convey the profound impact of the Industrial Revolution, making it seem trivial and unengaging. Moreover, the lengthy passage on the Battle of Waterloo, while well-described, felt misplaced in a novel. Providing extensive military details without intertwining them with the fates of beloved characters made the battle feel generic and detached. There were no emotional stakes, no characters to fear for or to cheer for, turning what should have been a gripping scene into a tedious recounting. The characters themselves were so unremarkable that by the end of the book, I still couldn't tell who was who. Unlike the previous novels, which transported me through time and made me care deeply about the characters' journeys, this book left me bored and profoundly disappointed. In conclusion, as a long-time fan of the Kingsbridge series, I found the latest book to be a disappointing and unsatisfying end to an otherwise remarkable saga. I can only hope that future works will recapture the magic that made the earlier books so unforgettable