Rating: 
Summary: Predictable Plot but still engrossing
Review: The reason why this book can't be rated a 5 star is because people expect a little more from an author of Time to Kill, The firm and The Rainmaker.
Set amidst US presidential race, terrorist attacks in the middle east and 3 insignificant judges in a federal prison, the book spins a tale of political showdowns and prison scams that get intertwined in the most improbable but highly predictable way.
The narrative is very realistic, and just when it seems that the story is reaching its climax, it ends!
That is the weak point, the waterloo, the pearl harbour for this otherwise great plot. The end just happens, as if the author is in a hurry to make it happen or lacks better imagination.
CONCLUSION: READABLE if you have nothing else to read.
Rating: 
Summary: The meaning of Brethren
Review: BRETHREN: This is a plural word for 'brother' as shown in dictionaries. Nowhere in the book, this is written. This is a complo theory as usual in Grisham books, with a introductory preface section for his new book, to make the readers edicted to his series. Easy & impressive to think on last presidential elections, predictions on Bust period in future to expect.
Rating: 
Summary: The Best Review Ever
Review: I definately recommend this novel for everyone who enjoys John Grisham. The Brethren gives a new twist to the legal system through his portrayal of corrupt judges and powerful government officials. This legal thriller keeps the reader turning pages, and is easily a one-nighter, as one can hardly help but to rush to find out if a presidency can be so easily won, if you have the right friends. Anyone who finds an interest in the government, the legal system, corruption, or in just picking up a good book, this is a MUST READ!!! Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: From Beginning to End... Outstanding
Review: * This review is for the UNABRIDGED edition (don't waste your time with abridged books). No bad review here! It was stellar. The book was fun to listen to from the first word - wondering what would come next. The players were believable characters and were all well presented. I worried many times during the read if Big Brother could actually pull off the lock, stock and barrel purchase of a presidential candidate. If you like Grisham, you'll love this book. I have also purchased the hard cover for my collection. To me, the reader of an audio book plays a monumental role in the book's feel and can greatly enhance or diminish the author's plots and characters. This book is read by Frank Muller. His tone and changing gears from one character to the next was flawless. I particularly liked Teady in the book. I felt his old age and even the pain in his crippled legs under the blanket. Grisham's players 'think' to themselves all the time, which Muller nicely injects after the main dialogue... it seems I could feel their inner emotions with the unspoken mental thoughts. If you listen to audio books, you will enjoy this immensely, and coupled by the fact that this is another Grisham runaway, I know this book will be listened to many times. Enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Read "The Pelican Brief" instead
Review: I have read and enjoyed other Grisham novels (e.g., The Pelican Brief), but I didn't think much of this one. Most of the characters are seedy and all are unsympathetic, the link between the two subplots can be spotted a mile off, and the political elements are laughably unrealistic (what one-term governor defeated for re-election would ever dare to run for president? what government agency would be disciplined enough to fund a leak-free presidential campaign?). A book without a hero can be redeemed by wit or gritty realism, but this one has neither.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: This is another master piece for Grisham. Slow start, but great ending. Highly recommend
Rating:
Summary: grisham rules :)
Review: great book, but a really slow start... but grisham pulls it off very well as usual. :) the ending was a nice unexpected twist, and a pretty interesting plot once it got really started. 4 stars.
Rating:
Summary: A simple book
Review: A quick read, something that doesn't seem to have taken any strain to write. A convenient oh-so-smiley ending. No intense action, but a pleasant way to spend some reading time if you're in the mood for something light.
Rating:
Summary: Good story idea, but not up to par with his others
Review: The Brethren is one of those books that you start reading and say, wow, what an interesting idea! But by then end you are saying, what an interesting waste of time. The Brethren starts out strong with the idea of three former judges blackmailing men from inside a federal prison and getting away with it, until they target the wrong man. This is a great idea, full of promise and somehow Grisham looses all of that promise in the end. One of the things that I still do not understand about this book is when of the people being blackmailed actually finds his way to Fla., and finds the lawyer who is the outside man in this scheme. We hear about him finding the lawyer, and then what, he just drops off the face of the Earth? Also the ending is very weak, and so predictable that it almost not worth the effort to finish the book. I started out thinking that I was going to like this book and recommend it highly, but I am sorry to say that this was one of Grisham's biggest let downs, and I would have to say, do not waste your time.
Rating:
Summary: Bogs down a litte, but an interesting read
Review: Grisham comes up with some pretty cool ideas and great plots; however executing this one is pretty tedious!!! His characters are real, the plot flows smoothly for the most part, and he keeps my interest throughout. It just loses focus at times; an interesting book. At times, Grisham strays a little, but hey nobody is perfect! He is still a capable writer and certainly no hack!!!
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