I was enjoying the book until about half-way through, but the second part turned into a YA novel and went seriously downhill. Though I didn’t love Edge of Eternity quite as much as Fall of Giants and Winter of the World, I’m glad I was able to see how the five families turned out. Certainly, fans of the first two books should read this one. Edge of Eternity is going on my Time to Kill List. Ken Follett's extraordinary historical epic, the Century Trilogy, reaches its sweeping, passionate conclusion.

The second book ends with Volodya showing his scientist wife a Sears catalog. Nothing comes of that, and the book focuses on the fraternal twins of Volodya's sister (whose marriage no one was thrilled about). Having lived through most of this history, I had never thought about how these seemingly disparate events influenced and shaped each other. The very last chapter brought tears to my eyes, having lived it so recently. Edge of Eternity is the epic, final novel in Ken Follett's captivating and hugely ambitious Century trilogy. On its own or in sequence with Fall of Giants and Winter of the World, this is an irresistible and spellbinding epic about the fight for personal freedom set during the Cold War.This is the third and final - and worst - installation of the "Century Trilogy" by Ken Follett. I listened to the audiobook, read with too much pomp and too little warmth by the actor, who sounded like an anchorman from the '50s. The one negative thing I'd say is that poor Lee got thrown a curveball with this book. If he'd known he'd have to impersonate John and Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Richard Nixon, he might have turned it down. But by the third book, it was too late! Mesmerizing . . . flowing with spicy, expertly paced melodrama, character-rich exploits, familial histrionics, and international intrigue.”

Many people complained before me, too much pointless sex. Does he really have to tell us that a brother and sister do not mind seeing each other naked? Hiding in a women's lingerie store was a great idea for two women looking not to be followed, but comparing breasts? And that "if I was a lesbian" line? Seriously? Plus the whole thing about Walli shaking hands with Karoly's husband and "seeing something" then Lilli remembering it was absurd. Edge of Eternity is a historical and family saga novel by Welsh-born author Ken Follett, published in 2014. It is the third book in the Century Trilogy, after Fall of Giants and Winter of the World. I was disappointed by this book. Maybe as a standalone version it would have been better received, but as the third of what had been a superb trilogy I was let down.

You’re in!

As a series of historical novels, the whole Century Trilogy revolves around an episodic treatment of history, highlighting the most significant events of the 20th century by immersing characters in those events. In doing so, Follett covers almost all of the major historical events between 1961 and 2008, the termination of the novel. Steve Novak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette described the novel as "an extremely extensive refresher course [in history]. This isn’t just a few snapshots of history — this is a miniseries." [1] Novak points to Follett's deliberate choices about representing the past that make the treatment of history successful; Novak quoting an interview in which Follett said "The research and effort at authenticity is more difficult when you’re writing about history that is within living memory." [1]

very strong first part covering roughly 1961 - 1963 (Berlin wall, fight for Civil Rights, the Cuban missile crisis), but then the novel starts scattering and after a while becomes almost an encyclopedia like recital of what happens as it follows the diverse group of characters until 1989 A well-written entertainment, best suited to those who measure their novels in reams instead of signatures.And one small scene with Nicolae Ceausescu as protagonist. I was a kid but I remember how communism was: the wake up at 4 in the morning for the queues if you wanted to buy something, the fear of expressing yourself freely etc. I was hooked by the first part of this trilogy, was further entranced by the second and eagerly awaited this final part. The creation of fictional characters followed through successive generations of families in the USA, USSR, East and West Germany and the UK vividly brings to life the impact of two World Wars on people’s lives during the 20th century. The sheer length of these books allows the fictional characters to become so real that I felt sad when their lives were blighted, delighted when things went well and focused my mind on the injustices of segregation in the USA, the helplessness of ordinary people in totalitarian regimes and how unrestrained power corrupts.

Masterfully sweeping stories . . . political intrigue, amorous episodes, suspense, and drama. History comes to life.” Even with these serious flaws, if the book was entertaining or moving that could redeem it, but sadly it is not. It is a story populated by caricatures who are stupid, promiscuous, drug addicted or delusional fools. Follett tells his stories by placing readers into bedrooms, boardrooms, even at the Berlin Wall as it comes down. He’s masterly at juggling complex plot lines with a mix of real world leaders and fictional characters who are spread throughout Eastern and Western Europe and the United States. Hugely ambitious, the trilogy serves as a massive history lesson as well as an example of good, old-fashioned storytelling.” Follett once again creates a world at once familiar and fantastic. . . . A guiltless pleasure, the book is impossible to put down. . . . Empires fall. Heroes rise. Love conquers. After going through a war with these characters, you’re left hoping that Follett gets moving with the next giant installment.”

Additional info

The man tells a story so well. . . . Follett can make things glow with some beautifully written episodes. . . . If you read Volume I, you’ll have to read Volume II. And once you read Volume II, you’ll be committed to reading Volume III. See you in a couple of years.” These characters and many others find their lives inextricably entangled as they add their personal stories and insight to the most defining events of the 20th century. From the opulent offices of the most powerful world leaders to the shabby apartments of those trying to begin a new empire, from the elite clubs of the wealthy and highborn to the passionate protests of a country’s most marginalized citizens, this is truly a drama for the ages.