Rating: 
Summary: Worth the read!
Review: Although The Brethren was not as engaging a read as Grisham's former works (i.e. The Pelican Brief, The Partner), I do believe this one is worth the read. As with his other books, you are guessing the entire way through about how the various characters will end up interacting. However, half-way into the book, I found it slightly difficult to keep going; it was hard to stay focused on Lake's character in particular. But the ending makes it worthwhile. As always, Grisham leaves you with a smirk on your face as you turn the last page.
Rating: 
Summary: Not up to par
Review: I'm a Grisham fan and have read all his books. This one is my least favorite. It reads like he wrote it in a huge hurry and his editor wasn't paying attention. What happened to the John Grisham who wrote "A Time to Kill?"
Rating:
Summary: Grisham has lost his touch.
Review: Why would the CIA not blink an eye and let an entire embassy be destroyed with the people in it and yet be afraid to "terminate" three federal prisioners? A little inconsistent. This could have been a very good book, but the author seemed afraid to make the CIA look bad (CIA agents were even cleaning and dusting.) Come on John, you seem to get a little weaker with each book. Let's get back to the plots of "The Firm" and the characters of "A Time to Kill": Those were great.
Rating: 
Summary: Grisham Has Lost His Edge
Review: Like The Testament, The Brethren meanders and finds nothing in the end. Grisham seems to have lost his ability to create suspense and excitement. His previous novels were filled with suspense and rivited me to his pages. The last two have left me with "so what! "Grisham needs to re-focus or we will need to find another writer.
Rating: 
Summary: Thought-Provoking in Lieu of Upcoming Elections
Review: One of Grisham's best! I finished this one in only a few days despite a busy schedule since I could hardly put it down! Very interesting and thought provoking with the upcoming elections and current primaries underway. Makes you wonder, what don't we know about the REAL candidates and do we need to know?
Rating: 
Summary: Better than The Testament!
Review: Loosely based on a true story, Grisham's latest novel is good reading. More engaging than his last. The characters weren't what draws you in, it's the raw emotion of blackmail and extortion that does. Recommend!
Rating:
Summary: Ho Hum
Review: The Brethren will not go down as one of Grisham's best works. The story lines never really connect and I had a hard time really caring one way or the other. An easy read but nothing along the lines of his previous books.
Rating:
Summary: Not that bad...
Review: I have read every Grisham book so far, and I have to say The Brethen is the most daring one. The style is totally different and John Grisham took a big risk writting this book. But, I liked it. He was able to talk about politics and law, about 4 major characters, all in one book. It may not be the best Grisham book yet, but it is not the worst either. This one is better than The Testament, and it is a great book to read if english is not your first language. If you're a Grisham fan, you should buy this book, even if it's only to see if he succeeded in this new writting style.
Rating:
Summary: A Grisham Best
Review: This is certainly one of John Grisham's better book. Althought he doesn't expand on character devolpment, the excellent plot makes up for all that. He uses his skills as a mediocre writer to make it sound as good of a book as a Clancy or King. I think he will match up fairly against those two authors if he was to write in their genres. His story lines have expanded from his first book, A time to kill. The writing flows better and he turns a fictional book to seem to fit reality. But controversy might come up when people read about his usage of gay people and the term gay more freely. But he hasn't brokenn any laws so i think he will be okay. If you do get a chance to read this book, i think you should also try THe street lawyer, another of Grisham's better works.
Rating:
Summary: Also disappointed in the ending
Review: I'd have to agree with the reviewers who said that he seemed to "mail in" the ending. Maybe he was rushing to try to get it out during the election. Also, what about the poor men who got embezzelled? Is there no justice for them? I'm sure a lot of gays would be disappointed in their portrayal in this book. It's almost like saying "you're gay and this is what you get for it." Still, I found it somewhat engaging, just don't think it's his best work by a long shot.
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