Four times a year—and with special fanfare during midsummer—the people of the Great Plain come together at the Monument to commemorate the passing of time. Only the priestesses know how to connect with the Sun God, to count numbers beyond what can be counted on fingers and toes and to keep track of the days accordingly, so thousands circle the massive wooden henge to watch the priestesses perform ceremonial songs and dances. But when farmer men burn down the Monument in a fit of anger, their community rituals are brought to a halt. Joia and Seft are determined that such destruction never befall the Great Plain again. Their solution? Rebuild the Monument in stone.
Circle of Days is an expansive epic, and Joia, a charismatic burgeoning priestess, and Seft, a young miner, are just two of its many standout characters. There are also Ani, Joia’s mother who is a wise elder of the herder tribe; Neen, Ani’s other daughter who Seft is in love with; Bez, a loyal and well-respected woodlander; and Pia, a farmer who, like other farmer girls and women, struggles against the control of the farmer men, especially the misogynistic and ever-vengeful “Big Man,” Troon. Ken Follett—bestselling author of the Kingsbridge series, and many other books—skillfully draws out each of their unique voices in such sharp detail that readers will feel they know them intimately.
Follett’s background research is evident in Circle of Days, adding a measure of historical authenticity. On the other hand, the era and storyline set up the book to read almost like a fantasy, complete with the pacing, language, attention to world building and detailed terrain mapping one would expect of that genre. Even at 704 pages, the novel remains a light, intriguing adventure.
Without ever mentioning Stonehenge by name, Circle of Days leaves no doubt as to the legacy its heroes leave; it is a proud ode to an ancient feat unlike any other.