tamaralgage1's review
5.0
The year is 997 in a small village of England when the Vikings raid. From this beginning we watch a young man struggle to earn his way in the world. In a land across the water in Normandy, there is the daughter of a Nobleman who is smart, kind, and skilled in politics. She marries an English Nobleman and travels across the water to her new home. Obviously the boy and girl's paths will cross because what be the point of telling their stories. But here I will stop. As always, the author has created a compelling story of the times.
Once again I am reminded of the expression “the good old days” and the desire for its return. I have rated this book a 5*. It’s really good. But OMG I am glad it’s over. This is not a light hearted read.
Once again I am reminded of the expression “the good old days” and the desire for its return. I have rated this book a 5*. It’s really good. But OMG I am glad it’s over. This is not a light hearted read.
dragongirl271's review against another edition
Starts off with a brutal viking raid and I just couldn't get myself to care about the story. Could just be the wrong time. I'm not opposed to returning to this book in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Minor: Rape
hellsenpai's review against another edition
4.0
Another amazing part of the Kingsbridge series, and Ken Follett did not dissapoint. In comparison to the other books, The Evening and the Morning is more focused on characters (this time there are only four main characters and all of them are as usual well written) and it sometimes felt a bit more raw in comparison to the other books - but that went well with the raw times it was portraying. But just a little alert: there is a lot of violence, rape and injustice. But it is balanced with love, care and justice in the end.
What I would say is a bit of a shame (and the reason I am deducting a star) is that the Viking threat did not feel as big as it could have. Except for the first few chapters, the main characters are not in any imminent danger from them at all. Obviously there is a lot of other danger, but I believe the Vikings would have worked well as a form of some greater danger (as the plague did in World Without end for example).
At the same time, The Evening and the Morning reads a lot better and faster in comparison to the other books. Ken Follett built this one mainly on dialogues, which helps the plot to flow nicely.
What I would say is a bit of a shame (and the reason I am deducting a star) is that the Viking threat did not feel as big as it could have. Except for the first few chapters, the main characters are not in any imminent danger from them at all. Obviously there is a lot of other danger, but I believe the Vikings would have worked well as a form of some greater danger (as the plague did in World Without end for example).
At the same time, The Evening and the Morning reads a lot better and faster in comparison to the other books. Ken Follett built this one mainly on dialogues, which helps the plot to flow nicely.
aleber's review
3.0
A fast read (despite its 900 pages) and one I really enjoyed. I did get slightly fed up with the repetitive story structure and random (yet predictable) cliffhangers. Also, there is sexual and violent content that often catches you by surprise - so, content warning.
mllesophie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I'm not sure how this book fit in the series, since I've read them a few years ago. Still, I enjoyed it a lot!
fatimaxpanda's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
sweetclover's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
heather12's review
Felt more like a history textbook of the Middle Ages trying to wrap itself in a story
mamalemma's review against another edition
5.0
Horrifying and cruel, making you despair throughout, as always. Truly evil bishops and nobles, naturally. Smart, feisty, beautiful women in love with handsome, kind, manly builders, tortured by their inability to be together, you bet. Stellar, of course!
kaulyjo's review
4.0
I can’t quite give it five stars, but it’s a book that pulled me in quickly and held me for nearly 900 pages.
This is a prequel to the Pillars of the Earth/King’s Bridge series. If you’ve read those, you’ll probably like this. If you haven’t, it’s a journey into the end of the Dark Ages with fights for power mixed with piety in the feudal Western England region.
This is a prequel to the Pillars of the Earth/King’s Bridge series. If you’ve read those, you’ll probably like this. If you haven’t, it’s a journey into the end of the Dark Ages with fights for power mixed with piety in the feudal Western England region.