Author Ken Follett's 'Never' is a departure from his usual historical fiction, delving into a present-day scenario involving a possible nuclear war between the US and China. The plot is described as complex yet clear, focusing on the dynamics between the American and Chinese governments, with convincing storytelling on how the conflict escalates despite efforts to prevent it. The book offers a mix of political intrigue, diplomatic thriller elements, and detailed insights into the consequences of nuclear war.

Characters:

Characters are often seen as predictable and lack depth, with some being mere stereotypes, particularly among female roles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style mixes readability with stilted phrases, and includes a political undertone that some readers found off-putting.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a weak structure, struggles with credibility, and has disjointed connections between its various settings and conflicts.

Setting:

The setting spans various contemporary global locations, integrating real-world themes with fictional elements.

Pacing:

The pacing begins effectively but later becomes predictable, with some subplots contributing to slowdowns.

Seen from a plane, the car would have looked like a slow beetle creeping across an endless beach, the sun glinting off its polished black armour. In fact, it was doing thirty miles per hour, the maxim...

Notes:

Ken Follett's latest book 'Never' explores the theme of potential nuclear war between the US and China.

The book shifts from Africa to Korea, China, and the US, creating a global narrative.

Many readers felt disconnected from the story due to weak structural links and lack of credibility.

The characters have been described as overly perfect and predictable, leading to a less engaging read.

Follett's approach diverges from past works by avoiding one-dimensional characterizations of heroes and villains.

The story presents a nuanced view of American and Chinese characters, reflecting a broader range of motivations.

Themes of escalating tensions and the risk of war echo the small wars theory, showing how minor incidents can spiral out of control.

Some readers found the political elements too pronounced, comparing it to propaganda rather than fiction.

The book has been criticized for shallow character development, particularly among female characters.

Many fans expressed disappointment, feeling it doesn't compare to Follett's historical novels like 'Pillars of the Earth'.

Despite mixed reviews, some readers praised the book for its engaging storytelling and relevance to current geopolitical issues.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Never include depictions of nuclear warfare, political violence, and themes of geopolitical instability.

From The Publisher:

New York Times Bestseller

The new must-read epic from master storyteller Ken Follett: more than a thriller, it's an action-packed, globe-spanning drama set in the present day.

"A compelling story, and only too realistic." -Lawrence H. Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary

"Every catastrophe begins with a little problem that doesn't get fixed." So says Pauline Green, president of the United States, in Follett's nerve-racking drama of international tension.

A shrinking oasis in the Sahara Desert; a stolen US Army drone; an uninhabited Japanese island; and one country's secret stash of deadly chemical poisons: all these play roles in a relentlessly escalating crisis.

Struggling to prevent the outbreak of world war are a young woman intelligence officer; a spy working undercover with jihadists; a brilliant Chinese spymaster; and Pauline herself, beleaguered by a populist rival for the next president election.

Never is an extraordinary novel, full of heroines and villains, false prophets and elite warriors, jaded politicians and opportunistic revolutionaries. It brims with cautionary wisdom for our times, and delivers a visceral, heart-pounding read that transports readers to the brink of the unimaginable.

Ratings (5)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (2)

Reader Stats (15):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (8)
Not Interested (1)

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Never

Ken Follett