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Start with The Pillars of the Earth and continue through all 5 books in the listed reading order.

5 books
Published 1989 to 2023
Status: Likely complete

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The Pillars of the Earth

Start with The Pillars of the Earth

Book 1 by Ken Follett • Published 1989

In 12th-century England, a master builder creates a magnificent cathedral amidst civil war and religious strife. This epic tale of ambition and resilience is the cornerstone of the Kingsbridge saga.

Complete List

Kingsbridge reading order

Ends with The Armor of Light

  1. 1
    The Pillars of the Earth

    Book 1:The Pillars of the Earth

    Ken Follett • 1989 • 1 recommendation

    In 12th-century England, a master builder creates a magnificent cathedral amidst civil war and religious strife. This epic tale of ambition and resilience is the cornerstone of the Kingsbridge saga.

  2. 2
    World Without End

    Book 2:World Without End

    Ken Follett • 2007 • 1 recommendation

    Two centuries after the cathedral was built, Kingsbridge faces the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. A feisty young woman and a visionary builder fight for progress against tradition and disaster.

  3. 3
    A Column of Fire

    Book 3:A Column of Fire

    Ken Follett • 2017

    Set during the reign of Elizabeth I, this novel follows young spies and lovers caught in the religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics. The battle for the soul of Europe threatens to tear Kingsbridge apart.

  4. 4
    The Evening and the Morning

    Book 4:The Evening and the Morning

    Ken Follett • 2020

    A prequel to the Kingsbridge series, set in 997 CE. At the end of the Dark Ages, a boatbuilder, a noblewoman, and a monk clash with Vikings and ruthless bishops to establish the town that will become legend.

  5. 5
    The Armor of Light

    Book 5:The Armor of Light

    Ken Follett • 2023

    The Industrial Revolution arrives in Kingsbridge as the Napoleonic Wars rage. Weavers and clothiers face the upheaval of mechanization, fighting for their rights and livelihoods in a rapidly changing world.

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Quick Answers

Kingsbridge FAQ

What is the best order to read the Kingsbridge series?

The recommended reading order is the numbered order shown on this page, starting with The Pillars of the Earth.

How many books are in the Kingsbridge series?

There are 5 books currently listed in the Kingsbridge series on GurusReads.

Where should I start with the Kingsbridge series?

New readers should start with The Pillars of the Earth, the first book in the reading order.

Is the Kingsbridge series complete?

Based on the publication years we have, the series appears likely complete and spans releases from 1989 to 2023.