Books Like...
Lie Down with Lions by Ken Follett is a gripping espionage thriller set during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The story follows a complex love triangle involving Jane, an English nurse, Ellis, a CIA agent, and Jean Pierre, a French physician, as they navigate treacherous political landscapes and personal betrayals in the midst of war. With detailed descriptions of the Afghan culture and the harsh realities of the conflict, the book weaves together elements of romance, espionage, and suspense to create a captivating narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The plot of Lie Down with Lions unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering insights into the characters' motivations and the intricacies of their relationships. As the story delves into themes of deception, loyalty, and survival, it builds tension through unexpected plot twists and high-stakes confrontations. Ken Follett's writing style is characterized by its evocative descriptions, well-developed characters, and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling read for fans of espionage thrillers and historical fiction.
If you liked Lie Down with Lions, here are the top 11 books to read next:
- #1
Save:In "The Key to Rebecca" by Ken Follett, the story is set in Cairo during World War II, where a German spy named Alex Wolff is on a mission to steal British military plans to aid Field Marshall Rommel's invasion of Egypt. The protagonist, Major William Vandam, is a British intelligence officer dedicated to catching Wolff. The cat-and-mouse game between the spy and the intelligence officer unfolds against the backdrop of the war in Africa, with themes of espionage, romance, and betrayal intertwining in the plot. The writing style is described as tightly written with good characterization, capturing the essence of big cities in the Near East, and keeping the reader riveted till the end.
It was the five-year-old white bull he had bought in Gialo, the youngest and strongest of the three beasts, and the least ill-tempered: he liked the animal as much as a man could like a camel, which i... - #2
Save:'A Place Called Freedom' by Ken Follett is a fast-paced historical fiction novel set in the 18th century, spanning locations such as Scotland, London, and Virginia. It follows the parallel lives of Mack McAsh, a Scottish coal miner seeking freedom from indentured servitude, and Lizzie Hallim, a strong-willed heiress navigating societal expectations. The story delves into themes of social and political upheaval, class politics, and the desire for freedom in a time of strict socioeconomic hierarchies.
SNOW CROWNED THE RIDGES OF HIGH GLEN AND LAY on the wooded slopes in pearly patches, like jewelry on the bosom of a green silk dress. In the valley bottom a hasty stream dodged between icy rocks. The ... - #3
Save:"A Dangerous Fortune" by Ken Follett follows the lives of the Pilaster Family, particularly focusing on Hugh, over a span of 30 plus years. The story revolves around family conflict, tensions, and manipulation set against the backdrop of the late 1800s English banking scene. The plot includes elements of mystery, intrigue, treachery, and character development, with a narrative that spans generations and intertwines various relationships and events.
delves into themes of deception, family dynamics, financial chicanery, loveless marriages, murder, and the impact of individual decisions on the future. It is described as a page-turner with a fast-paced plot, rich and believable characters, and a blend of suspense, greed, retribution, and complex relationships. The writing style is praised for its detail, historical accuracy, and the ability to engage readers with a well-crafted storyline that balances darkness with humor.
Señor Carlos Raul Xavier Miranda, known always as Papa, was a short man with massive shoulders. His tanned face was carved in lines of aggression and brutality. In leather chaps and a broad-brimmed ha... - #4
Save:'The Man From St. Petersburg' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction and thriller set in the months leading up to World War I. The plot revolves around a secret treaty negotiation between Britain and Russia, orchestrated by Prince Orlov and the Earl of Walden, while a Russian anarchist assassin, who was once romantically involved with the countess, aims to disrupt the negotiations. The story is filled with deception, lies, and a race against time to prevent a murder, all unfolding against the backdrop of political tensions in England, France, Germany, and Russia in 1914. Despite some two-dimensional characters, the relationships and events in the book manage to bring them to life intermittently.
It was a slow Sunday afternoon, the kind Walden loved. He stood at an open window and looked across the park. The broad, level lawn was dotted with mature trees: a Scotch pine, a pair of mighty oaks, ... - #5
Save:'Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001' by Steve Coll is a detailed and exhaustive account of the CIA's involvement in Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion to the lead up to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It chronicles the rise of the jihadist movement, the support for Afghan fighters, the birth of radical ideals, the Taliban's emergence, and the conditions that allowed Osama bin Laden to establish his power base in the country. The narrative explores the intricate relationships between the CIA, Pakistan's ISI, and Saudi Arabia, shedding light on how these connections led to the events that shaped the War on Terror.
The writing style of the book is journalistic and well-researched, providing a clear and thorough examination of the historical events leading up to 9/11. It offers an eye-opening perspective on American foreign policy in the Middle East, detailing the complexities of U.S. involvement in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the rise of Al Qaeda, and the consequences of the decisions made by intelligence agencies. Through a meticulous exploration of the CIA's operations and the geopolitical landscape, 'Ghost Wars' delivers an essential overview of the challenges and intricacies faced by the U.S. in the region.
1. The account in this chapter of Schroen's visit to Kabul, the details of his discussions with Massoud, and the history between them more than five years earlier is drawn from multiple interviews wit... - #6
Save:'A Column of Fire' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction novel set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 1500s. The book delves into the intricacies of Elizabethan court life, religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, and historical events in France, Spain, Scotland, and England. The plot follows characters like Ned Willard and Margery Fitzgerald as they navigate through political and religious turmoil, secret service missions, and personal struggles in a backdrop of historical significance.
He sailed upstream from Combe Harbour in the cabin of a slow barge loaded with cloth from Antwerp and wine from Bordeaux. When he reckoned the boat was at last nearing Kingsbridge he wrapped his Frenc...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kingsbridge ) - #7
Save:Set during World War II, 'Eye of the Needle' by Ken Follett is a thrilling spy novel that follows the story of a German spy known as 'The Needle' who holds crucial information that could change the course of the war. As British Military Intelligence races to stop him from reaching Hitler with the information, the suspense builds up relentlessly to a thrilling climax. The novel expertly blends historical events surrounding the lead-up to D-Day with a gripping spy narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Follett's writing style in 'Eye of the Needle' is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of action and adventure. The characters are starkly drawn, the intensity is palpable, and the plot keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns. The author successfully creates a sense of realism and intrigue, providing insight into the life and times during World War II while delivering a compelling spy mystery that captures the imagination of readers.
IT WAS THE COLDEST WINTER FOR FORTY-FIVE YEARS. Villages in the English countryside were cut off by the snow and the Thames froze over. One day in January the Glasgow-London train arrived at Euston tw... - #8
Save:"The Evening and the Morning" by Ken Follett is a prequel to his popular novel "The Pillars of the Earth" and is set in England during the Middle Ages, specifically in the year 997 AD. The story follows the lives of three main characters - Edgar, a gifted boatbuilder's son who faces tragedy due to Viking raids, Ragna of Normandy who struggles with her marriage to a British earl, and Brother Aldred, a monk with aspirations of creating a renowned center for education. The novel is described as a completely modern historical fiction with explicit sex, a mix of sweet romance and villainy, and strong, competent female characters, vividly portraying medieval society and ordinary life details.
Follett's storytelling in "The Evening and the Morning" is hailed as masterful, engaging readers with a mix of Vikings, power-hungry family members, slaves, and monks. is praised for its rich historical details, intense plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and the ability to transport readers into the setting with vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses. The writing style is noted for its ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and emotions of each character, making it an immersive reading experience.
He had spread his cloak over the reeds on the floor and now he lay on it, dressed in the knee-length brown wool tunic that was all he wore in summer, day and night. In winter he would wrap the cloak a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kingsbridge ) - #9
Save:'World Without End' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction novel set in the 14th century, serving as a sequel to 'The Pillars of the Earth.' The book follows the lives of various characters in the town of Kingsbridge, 200 years after the construction of the medieval cathedral. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by the villagers during the outbreak of the plague, exploring themes of ambition, love, greed, revenge, and the role of the church in society. Despite being a lengthy tome, the book intricately weaves together multiple plots and characters, providing insights into the day-to-day struggles and ordeals of individuals living in the 12th century.
“I can make the formwork,” Merthin said, already thinking about how the frame would be supported by the scaffolding, and the platform on which the masons would have to stand. “But these vaults were no...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Kingsbridge ) - #10
Save:The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is a beautiful and magical book that weaves together the stories of characters in London and Cyprus across different time periods. The narrative starts with young Amy's traumatic day at school and explores the tension between the Turkish and Greek communities in Cyprus. The unique aspect of the book is the narrator being a fig tree, offering a fresh perspective on the unfolding events. Through vivid writing and language, the book transports readers to the island, making them feel like they are part of the story. The story delves into themes of love, war, colonialization, and the impact of past wounds on future generations, all while incorporating elements of magical realism seamlessly.
It was the last lesson of the year at Brook Hill Secondary School in north London. Year 11 classroom. History lesson. Only fifteen minutes before the bell, and the students were getting restless, eage...
