1558, and Europe is in revolt as religious hatred sweeps the
continent. Elizabeth Tudor has ascended to the throne but
she is not safe in this dangerous new world. There are many
who would see her removed, not least Mary Queens of
Scots, who lies in wait in Paris.
Elizabeth determines to set up a new secret service: a group
of resourceful spies and courageous agents entrusted to
keep her safe and in power. As she searches for those who
will make the difference, one man stands out.
For Ned Willard the opportunity to serve his queen is Godsent. He cannot stay in Kingsbridge and watch the love of
his life marry another, and as fires burn and extremism begins
to spark throughout Europe, Ned makes his choice. He will
spend his life protecting his monarch from the tyrants who
aim to destroy her or die trying . .

Ken Follett was born in Cardiff, Wales. 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. One of the most popular authors in the world, his many books including the Kingsbridge series and the Century trilogy - a body of work which together chronicles over a thousand years of history - and his latest novel Never - which envisages how World War III could happen - have sold more than 188 million copies.