Rating: 
Summary: Great entertainment (no more, but no less either..)
Review: Ken Follett has always been a favourite of mine. As other 'bestseller writers' he has a cash-proven ability to spin together plots that make you stay up much longer than you ought to. This offering proves that this skill is still with him. However this book is a bit of a soap opera. An entertaing one, but still. I miss Follett's normal 'added value' in comparison with the likes of Ludlum an Wilbur Smith, namely the ability to people his books with people rather than cartoon figures. The plot and the scenes are all a bit too predictable, the main characters too one-dimensional. If you are on the lookout for a book that will leave you with a pensive smile and new insights, give this one a pass. If, however, you are looking for an entertaining and well-crafted saga to keep you company on a plane ride or in your bed, this is a good choice. And don't be put off by the 'smut' warning above. Follett is a romantic at heart and while intimate scenes abound, they are well written and there for a purpose. But Mr Ken, please play it a little less safe next time around.
Rating: 
Summary: Smut at Best
Review: I picked up this book expecting mystery and suspense with a tinge of romance. I was wrong. If you're looking for smut, this book is for you. Also, the language is dull and riddled with grammatical errors ("The family were..."). Contrary to other reviews, I found few characters truely memorable.
Rating: 
Summary: Another good novel by Ken Follett
Review: Like Ken Follett's other novels, he has researched a particular part of society at a particular point in history. This novel is set primarily in the British banking industry in the late 19th century. It is a well developed story about greed and the struggle for social position without regard to the cost. One woman's lust for power and position gradually destroys her family. The story has a good sized share of hedonism, social decay of the upper class, anti-semitism when it suits someones purpose, and all the features of back-stabbing social climbing.
Rating:
Summary: Greed Personified
Review: Like so many good books, this deals with the issues of moral luck and good against evil. The "dangerous fortune" is not really evil in itself, but the greed for the power that it represents is the primary culprit. This is a very readable book with interesting character development, told in a way that forbids you to put it down until the end.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, well written book!
Review: This book is definately an attention getting book. I really like Ken Follet's style of writing, especially in this book. I have found it very hard to put down. You will start reading it and then pretty soon you are caught up in the story and the problems that each charcater is having. It is just an excellent, well written book that I would recommend to anyone that likes interesting books.
Rating:
Summary: Good Story, Keeps getting better and better
Review: This was the third book of Ken Follett I have read. In addition I do not read a lot. However, this book had a great story that kept getting better and better. There were a lot of characters and it took a while to get them straigh and their relationship with one another. However there was a family tree chart in the front of the book that helped. I definately enjoyed it and would highly recommend it...
Rating:
Summary: A well developed plot and great charcters
Review: This book was as good as any I have ever read. The 500 and some pages went by quickly and I hated having to put the book down. The amount of details in this book is numerous, and you never know when a seemingly insignificant detail will become important. And, the fact that the book was set in the 1800's only added to the realism and probable accuracy of the book. If you have never read a book by Ken Follet, you should stronglyconsider this book.
Rating:
Summary: It'll keep you up late
Review: One of the most engrossing novels I have read. The "feel" of the 19th Century, forbidden romance, money and character are weaved together in a book I couldn't wait to get to each night. Don't start it if you have to get up early the next morning!
Rating:
Summary: Banking, sex and murder but not in that order.
Review: Follett has written an excellent portrayal of the filthy rich in 19th century England. They murder without conscience, gamble, and frequent the brothals of London while still portraying the uppercrust image of the first class. An excellent read Mr. Follett that could certainly have a sequel -- what doesn't these days.
Rating:
Summary: This books holds your attention throughout, without a doubt.
Review: The description of characters makes you want to know them and live them, the plot twists and turns. You will NOT want to put this one down for more than a minute. Incredible. I wish that I had another book just like it (or at least a continuation of this one). I loved it that much!!
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