World Withour End by Ken Follet

World Without EndMerthin and Ralph, sons of Sir Gerald, descendents of the Earl Thomas who was the son of Jack Builder and Lady Aliena, meet Gwenda, Philemon and Caris when they move to Kingsbridge. Caris’ ancestor is Tom Builder; Brother Godwyn of the Priory is her uncle. Halloween 1327 they witness Thomas Langley kill two of the queens’ men-at-arms. As the years pass and the plague comes, Merthin, makes his way as a builder, Ralph strives to be a knight, Gwenda fights to be free of the bully Ralph, Philemon wheedles his way in the Priory with Godwyn, and Caris works to improves the towns’ health and hospitals.

Although this tome is as long as The Pillars of the Earth, I enjoyed this book more and finished it quickly. I feel I know the characters better and felt their ups ands downs more.