Never

Description

Expertly researched, visionary in scale and the first contemporary novel in over a decade from international No. 1 bestseller Ken Follett, NEVER is more than a thriller. It imagines a scenario we all hope never comes true, one which will keep you transfixed until the final page . . . A stolen US army drone. A shrinking oasis in the Sahara Desert. A secret stash of deadly chemicals. Each is a threat to the stability of the world but individually are problems that can be overcome. In the diplomatic arena though, everyone will have a different way of dealing with such a threat. And when those in charge disagree and refuse to back down, it will kick off an international chain reaction with potentially catastrophic consequences: a world edging closer to war. Now three people must work tirelessly and with the utmost skill to stop that from happening: A spy working undercover with jihadists. A brilliant Chinese spymaster. A US president beleaguered by a populist rival for the next election. The only question is, in a game of brinksmanship can the inevitable ever be stopped? "A compelling story, and only too realistic." -Lawrence H. Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary

Ken Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales. Barred from watching films and television by his parents, he developed an early interest in reading thanks to a local library. After studying philosophy at University College London, he became involved in centre-left politics, entering into journalism soon after. His first thriller, the wartime spy drama Eye of the Needle, became an international bestseller and has sold over 10 million copies. He then astonished everyone with his first historical novel, The Pillars of the Earth, the story of the building of a medieval cathedral, which went on to become one of the most beloved books of the twentieth century. Now he springs another surprise with Never. One of the most popular authors in the world, his many books, including the Kingsbridge series and the Century trilogy, have sold more than 178 million copies. A father and husband, Ken lives with his wife in England and enjoys travelling the world when he can.

Ken Follett has never been short of ambition. And it's the global scope and vast multinational cast that chiefly impress in Never, his return to contemporary storytelling . . . Bold in scale and meticulously researched, Never makes other international spy novels appear timid, lazy and parochial -- Sunday Times Thriller of the Month November 2021 I couldn't put it down . . . terrifying read . . . masterful detail . . . It's a stunning thriller and one of the most compelling reads of the year. It's not quite The Godfather, but it comes pretty close -- Daily Express A master storyteller, Follett has created a tale vast in scale, yet richly detailed, exploring the consequences of international power plays and the chilling imminence of global catastrophe. * The i * An ambitious and compelling narrative, exploring the consequences of international power plays and the chilling imminence of global catastrophe -- Press Association syndicated review Urgent and fiercely compelling . . . Never is first-rate entertainment that has something important to say. It deserves the popular success it will almost certainly achieve -- Washington Post Superstar novelist Ken Follett's what-if political thriller . . . is so exciting - and so plausible - you won't want to look away -- Apple Books Best Book of the Month Settle in for a thrilling ride -- CNN.com Follett's story captivates -- Christian Science Monitor A complex, scary thriller that feels too plausible for comfort. You'll be so absorbed in the story threads that you'll follow them anywhere - and you'll suddenly realize you've read hundreds of pages . . . On one level, it's great entertainment; on another, a window into a sobering possibility -- Kirkus Reviews starred review Absolutely compelling . . . A smart, scary, and all-too-plausible thriller -- Booklist Terrific . . . A powerful, commanding performance from one of the top writers in the genre -- Publishers Weekly starred review [Follett] weaves a web of intrigue . . . Shocking to the very last page * Sunday Express * Taking readers on a thrilling, rollercoaster ride through 800 pages of dazzling storytelling, Follett brings his extraordinary visionary talents to this powerful and far-reaching novel. * Lancashire Evening Post * A pacey, character-driven thriller set against the backdrop of an imminent Third World War * Choice Magazine * Told in Follett's hallmark widescreen style, the blockbuster thriller is packed with memorable characters and global politics, it's a nail-biting ride! * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *