It is about a potential nuclear war involving the United States, North Korea and China.

[1] Set in a version of the present day, Never charts several different major events with the power to cause a global upheaval: a pair of agents trailing terrorists in the Sahara; a Chinese spymaster with political ambitions; a woman being trafficked by people smugglers; the United States' first female president navigates a minefield while dueling her blustering political opponent.

Eventually, events spiral that could lead to conflict that could cause the end of the world.

[2] The New York Times criticized some plot choices but found the ending 'sobering'.

[3] Kirkus Reviews also commended Follett's combination of topical and entertaining, as well as the scope of the storytelling.