I'm a Ken Follett fan, and loved his Pillars of the Earth series and Fall of Giants series, so when I saw this on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it. Whiles the story is interesting and had lots of potential, I was disappointed. This isn't up to Mr. Follett usual excellence. The writing is much simpler and the characters aren't as well developed or believable. It almost feels like he dumbed down a lot of them, making them not nearly as a relatable as the folks in Kingsbridge. When you do connect with someone, they drop out for a bit and then come back with big gaps in their story. Seft, for example. The bad guys are very two dimensional and completely bad, no redeeming characteristics and with little reason why they are that way.
It feels as if this book is an outline for a series, and that it could be good with more attention and expansion.

I thank NetGalley, the author and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced readers copy for an honest opinion. Sorry Mr. Follett that I can't give a better review.

I do love a good Ken Follett book, his ability to write about epic journeys through time is incredible. He does the research and turns the details into a story that is readable and educational. This however, was not my favorite - I was a little caught up in the use of modern language from characters that lived in such an undeveloped time. Not sure how to correct that since it had to be something the reader could follow but still I just couldn’t get my head around the time period. Won’t stop be from reading the next book by the author, just didn’t love this one. I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley and I appreciate the opportunity to read this book.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. The story kept me engaged from start to finish and had some moments that really stood out. Overall, it offered an entertaining reading experience.

In Circle of Days, Ken Follet returns to the past and brings his readers with him to the building of Stonehenge . As he did with Pillars of the Earth, Follet weaves a tale of people, culture, politics and religion.
Though set in the Neolithic era of 2500 BCE, Circle of Days deals with many modern day issues. It is a tale of greed, faith, women's rights, sexual preference and the perils of war.
I enjoy how Follet creates a believable world filled with interesting characters and tells a tale containing a lesson for the ages.

Excellent understanding how civilization was changed from the flint.

The mining and multiple uses was very interesting. All things about a caste system I enjoy reading about. This book was richly researched and generously written. Simple conversations gave me the feeling of being in a dark forest, exploring the earth the first time. Buy it , borrow it, but enjoy it!

I appreciate this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

And honestly ... this was not his best. It was a great attempt to explain the mystery of Stonehenge, but fell way short of his other historical novels.

2.5 stars rounded up - just because I've loved all his other books.

I received a temporary digital copy of Circle of Days from NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

2500 BCE - The herders, farmers, and woodlanders of the Great Plain interact with one another to trade and procreate, yet that is where much of their commonalities end. The three groups savagely fight for what they believe to be theirs and when a years-long drought threatens the continuation of life in the Great Plains, is there a common goal that can bring the people back together? Joia, a young priestess, envisions the community's wooden monument to be made of stone. Can she lead hundreds to create a monument that will stand the test of time?

Ken Follett's ability to write historical fiction is unparalleled. I greatly enjoyed Circle of Days and highly recommend it; it was fascinating to read the harsh conditions the people had to endure and their viciousness towards one another. Follett's villains are monstrous and Troon is no exception. Nevertheless, I rated Circle of Days "4 stars" because the writing was so simplistic and the 21st-century words and phrases got to me too often.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an Advance Digital Copy of Circle of Days by Ken Follett in exchange for my honest opinion. The publication date for this book will be September 23, 2025, and I can't wait for that date so I can purchase a physical book for my library! I loved this book! Pillars of the Earth is one of my all time favorite books, and Circle of Days is going to join it. This is an epic story based on the creation of Stonehenge. Mr. Follett has done it again! Amazing!

Circle of Days
by Ken Follett
Pub Date: Sept 23, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
For fans of Follett, I highly recommend this book. It is epic!
This historical fiction novel imagines the origins of Stonehenge using the lives of characters living in three distinct tribes based on their surroundings; woodlands, pastures, and farmland. Each tribe has unique cultures and survival challenges.
There are two main themes running throughout the story; the building of Stonehenge and a severe drought. Both allow the author to explore what people will do when faced with what seems to be insurmountable and complex dilemmas. Stealing, killing, bartering, and learning—all needed for your tribe to survive.
At 704 pages, it’s a substantial commitment. However, stay with it. It does not disappoint.

If you're a fan of Ken Follett, The Circle of Days will not disappoint. This historical fiction novel imagines the origins of Stonehenge using the lives of characters living in three distinct tribes based on their surroundings; woodlands, pastures, and farmland. Each tribe has unique cultures and survival challenges.
There are two main themes running throughout the story; the building of Stonehenge and a severe drought. Both allow the author to explore what people will do when faced with what seems to be insurmountable and complex dilemmas. Stealing, killing, bartering, and learning—all needed for your tribe to survive.
At 704 pages, it’s a substantial commitment. It's the kind of book best enjoyed on long winter nights with a hot cup of tea and nowhere else to be.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC.

Oh my ... what to say about this book ...

NEGATIVES:

1. Characters, numerous characters ... did I say lots and LOTS of characters??!! How about 65 ... and then I stopped counting ... and no cheatsheet in the front or the back ... after reading about 25%, I had to restart from the beginning and list the names ... most were encountered frequently, but others were only mentioned once, never to be heard from again...

2. SLOW starting ... I almost gave up at the 25% mark ... but so glad I didn't ... once I latched on, it was worth every word ...

2. Violence ... and I mean V.I.O.L.E.N.C.E. ... those people were truly bloody mean ... wouldn't want to meet up with some of them ....

3. Sex ... and we thought the 1960's were the start of Free Love ???!!!?? Hahaha ... the 60's were tame compared to these pre-historic times ... ahh, but maybe this is a positive instead of a negative since without all that free love, we wouldn't be here today!!!

POSITIVES:
1. GREAT, GREAT, REALLY GREAT STORY about the creation of Stonehenge ... truly breathtaking to imagine the building of this magnificent monument ... not just the concept, but the actual physical engineering of such edifice ...

2. CHARACTERS: Follett always develops interesting characters ... people who you either truly admire or who you truly despise ... and there were many of both types.

3. HISTORY: Needless to say, Follett does a lot of research when he creates an historical novel so one can assume the facts are basically true in this book. There is so much information, not only about Stonehenge, but the lifestyle, the mannerisms, the myths ... all are presented ...

A definite definite recommend ... just hang in there at the start ... it's truly worth it!!!

When you pick up a Ken Follett book, you can expect to immerse yourself fully into a time period and that was certainly true with Circle of Days. Following a few families across different communities in ancient England, this is the story of how Stonehenge was built - the vision, knowledge and physical strength required as well as the challenges they faced. I enjoyed getting to know the different communities (farmers, herders, woodlanders, priestesses, etc.) and how they interacted with one another, how they utilized language, observed the natural environment and survived through tough times. The story was straightforward and the plot was well-paced (even though this is a long book, it didn't drag). For me, this was a book that I read for the story/plot rather than the writing style or deep insight into human nature. Entertaining and interesting. 3.75/5


Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the e-arc.

An amazing story about the creation of Stonehenge - as enthralling and harrowing as Edward Rutherford’s Sarum, and it is possible both could have happened!

Bringing little known ancient history to light and adding characters and a storyline we can identify with is Ken Follett's superpower. What he did for the story of building the magnificent cathedral's of England he now does with the prehistoric history of Stonehenge. Once again power struggles and violence erupt, each faction chooses a side and violence and war begins. It will take a common man with skills and a priestess with vision to end a war and create something extraordinary. Not a quick read but if you enjoyed the PILLARS OF THE EARTH series you will find much to love here. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

Brilliant writer and have read everything that he has written. Enjoyed the book and really appreciate the early read. Thanks so much and good luck with the book.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

Set around 2500 BCE, Circle of Days is Ken Follett’s ambitious reimagining of how Stonehenge might have come to be. Told through the intersecting lives of herders, farmers, and woodlanders, the novel paints a vivid picture of prehistoric life and the monumental effort it would take to unite divided tribes in the pursuit of something greater than themselves.

At the center is Seft, a flint miner born into a brutal home but blessed with talent and quiet resolve. His chance encounter with Neen, a kind-hearted herder, opens his eyes to a different kind of life, one built on love rather than dominance. Then there's Joia, Neen’s younger sister, whose fascination with the priestesses and their ancient knowledge sparks a vision of a grand stone monument, one that will define a civilization.

As drought ravages the land and tensions rise between the communities, the fragile peace begins to unravel. Conflict simmers, forbidden love blossoms, and hope flickers in the form of Joia’s dream: a sacred stone circle to bring unity through awe and purpose.

One of the most compelling elements of Circle of Days is the detailed, almost hypnotic account of how the massive stones are sourced, transported, and eventually raised. Follett's meticulous research shines through, making this imagined origin story feel eerily plausible and grounded in real historical possibility.

That said, this novel reads quite differently than Follett's other works. The prose is more restrained, and the characters felt emotionally distant. I struggled to connect deeply with any single protagonist, despite appreciating their perspectives. The pacing also leans slow, with the monument-building not beginning until the final quarter of the book.

Still, Circle of Days is a unique addition to Follett's body of work. It’s a slow but absorbing burn, perfect for readers drawn to ancient history, human resilience, and the enduring mystery of Stonehenge. Just don’t come expecting Pillars of the Earth. This is a quieter, simpler, but still powerful tale.

I have read all of Ken Follett’s books so I was not surprised Circle of Days would be another great book. It was long, but I enjoyed every bit of the book. I knew nothing about Stonehenge, but now the book made me curious about the history of this monument. I loved the stories of the herders, farmers, and people of the Woodlands. I was really just fascinated by every part of this book! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read Circle of Days.

This is a tale of loss, grief, survival and resilience set amongst a most interesting time period. The day to day living of these ancient people was wonderfully portrayed, although their modern dialogue kept me from feeling completely immersed in their world. The characters themselves were varied in their professions which often gave them quite biased outlooks, sometimes not able to see past their own needs for survival. While quite a chunky book I never felt the story slowed down and was kept quite interested throughout.

Circle of Days by Ken Follett is an immersive journey into the Neolithic era, capturing the monumental endeavor of constructing Stonehenge. Follett masterfully intertwines the lives of Seft, a gifted flint miner seeking love and purpose, and Joia, a visionary priestess driven to unite warring tribes through the creation of a grand stone circle. Set against a backdrop of drought, tribal conflicts, and societal upheaval, the narrative delves deep into themes of ambition, resilience, and unity. Follett's meticulous research and vivid storytelling breathe life into this ancient world, making Circle of Days a compelling read that resonates with contemporary reflections on community and perseverance. It did feel a little "simple" or juvenile at times, especially at the beginning when the characters are a lot younger. Almost YA-ish,

Circle of Days is an entertaining work of historical fiction in which Ken Follett proposes how and why Stonehenge was created. Follett paints a picture of the people of the time….woodlanders, farmers, herders, flint miners, and priestesses, all struggling to survive and often in conflict with one another. At the heart of the story is Joia, a priestess who dreams of honoring the sun god through a seemingly insurmountable task — to build an impressive monument with enormous stones that must be moved from miles away. Throughout the story I felt a sense of awe at how these ancient people could create such a colossal monument without the assistance of modern equipment. While I did enjoy the novel, it was not as compelling as Follett’s other books. The pace was a little too slow and started to drag a bit. If you are expecting an epic adventure or fast paced thriller, this is not the book for you. However, if you are a history buff and don’t mind slower pacing, you should give this one a try. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions given are my own.