The Armour of Light

Ken Follett, the grand master of gripping historical fiction, returns to the beloved city of Kingsbridge with his latest epic, The Armour of Light. This stunning continuation of the Kingsbridge series leads you into the tumultuous era of the late 18th century, when revolution and industrialization bring both promise and peril to the people of England.

It is 1792 and revolution is in the air. France is embroiled in turmoil as Napoleon Bonaparte begins his meteoric ascent to power. His aggressive ambitions fuel fear and alertness in neighbouring countries, including England, where a tyrannical government is steadfast in its quest to establish a mighty commercial empire. Amidst this backdrop of international strife, the industrial town of Kingsbridge finds itself on the precipice of unparalleled transformation.

As the tides of unprecedented industrial change sweep across the nation, the once-thriving cloth mills of Kingsbridge are thrust into chaos. Newfangled machinery and unchecked modernization threaten to render traditional jobs obsolete, plunging the working class into misery and uncertainty. Families are torn apart by the relentless march of progress, and the social fabric of Kingsbridge is stretched to its limits.

At the heart of this upheaval, a small but determined group of individuals emerges as the torchbearers of hope and resistance. Spinner Sal Clitheroe struggles to navigate the perils brought by the new industrial era, while weaver David Shoveller fights to maintain dignity and livelihood in the face of insurmountable odds. Meanwhile, Sal's inventive and headstrong son, Kit, yearns for a future free from oppression and full of opportunity.

Their intertwined stories of resilience, enlightenment, and defiance against tyranny come to define the struggle of a generation. As international conflict looms on the horizon, the people of Kingsbridge must find the courage to stand up to the forces threatening their way of life.

In The Armour of Light, Ken Follett's unparalleled storytelling prowess takes readers straight into the heart of history. With meticulous research and bold narrative scope, this fifth novel in the groundbreaking Kingsbridge series is his most ambitious and compelling work to date. The captivating plot and richly drawn characters ensure that this novel is not just a historical epic but a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

"Follett's storytelling skills make their adventures riveting" - The Times

"An effortlessly engaging and entertaining read" - Daily Mail

"Bold in scale and meticulously researched" - The Sunday Times

"The plague scenes are expertly handled. Where Follett excels is in telling a yarn" - Independent

With over 175 million copies sold worldwide, and publications in more than eighty territories and thirty-seven languages, Ken Follett continues to captivate global audiences. The Armour of Light solidifies his status as an international no.1 bestselling phenomenon, delivering yet another masterful addition to his illustrious body of work.