Product Description
They call themselves the Brethren: three disgraced former judges doing time in a Florida federal prison.

One was sent up for tax evasion. Another, for skimming bingo profits. And the third, for a career-ending drunken joyride.

Meeting daily in the prison law library, taking exercise walks in their boxer shorts, these judges-turned-felons can reminisce about old court cases, dispense a little jailhouse justice, and contemplate where their lives went wrong.

Or they can use their time in prison to get very rich -- very fast. And so they sit, sprawled in the prison library, furiously writing letters, fine-tuning a wickedly brilliant extortion scam ... while events outside their prison walls begin to erupt.

A bizarre presidential election is holding the nation in its grips -- and a powerful government figure is pulling some very hidden strings. For the Brethren, the timing couldn't be better. Because they've just found the perfect victim...


From the Paperback edition.Amazon.com Review
John Grisham's novels have all been so systematically successful that it is easy to forget he is just one man toiling away silently with a pen,experimenting and improving with each book. While not as gifted a prosestylist as Scott Turow, Grisham is among the best plotters in the thrillerbusiness, and he infuses his books with a moral valence and creative visionthat set them apart from their peers.

The Brethren is in many respects his most daring book yet. The novel grows from two separate subplots. In the first, threeimprisoned ex-judges (the "brethren" in the title), frustrated by theirloss of power and influence, concoct an elaborate blackmail scheme that preyson wealthy, closeted gay men. The second story traces the rise ofpresidential candidate Aaron Lake, a puppet essentially created by CIAdirector Teddy Maynard to fulfill Maynard's plans for restoring the powerof his beleaguered agency.

Grisham's tight control of the two meandering threads leaves the readerguessing through most of the opening chapters how and when these two worldswill collide. Also impressive is Grisham's careful portraiture. JusticeHatlee Beech in particular is a fascinating, tragic anti-hero: amillionaire judge with an appointment for life who was rendered divorced,bankrupt, and friendless after his conviction for a drunk-drivinghomicide.

The book's cynical view of presidential politics and criminal justice castsa somewhat gloomy shadow over the tale. CIA director Teddy Maynard is anall-powerful demon with absolute knowledge and control of the public willand public funds. Even his candidate, Congressman Lake, is a pawn inMaynard's egomaniacal game of ad campaigns, illicit contributions, andinternational intrigue. In the end, The Brethren marks a transitionin Grisham's career toward a more thoughtful narrative style with lessinterest in the big-payoff blockbuster ending. But that's not to say thatthe last 50 pages won't keep your reading light turned on late. --PatrickO'Kelley ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1038)

One of the Worst I've Read.
Is it just me or are John Grisham's books are getting worse every year? It seemed so when I read The Brethren. That was an awfully written book. He clearly showed that he couldn't juggle with the parallelisms of the subplots. He was focusing a lot on the CIA piece of work on Trevor and the three judges while less on Aaron Lake. At the same time, I am just thinking so much how much money was needlessly wasted. Honestly...at a time like this, nobody really...I mean....really cares if we elected a homosexual president. Aaron Lake wasn't even that homosexual to begin with. He could have denied the whole thing as he pleased and still be elected the president. We already have had a black person for president, and getting a woman for the presidency isn't too far off ahead although other countries have already had women for top leadership roles like England and Germany. John Grisham must think that the CIA must be so stupid. I know the easiest solution is just to assassinate the judges and Trevor right away to plug the holes before they start leaking bad. But he manages to insult my intelligence by letting it drag on and allowing the judges to win in the end (there is a indirect presumption that they will eventually be killed in the end). However, I am not satisfied with the finishing touches, and I am still insulted. Nothing interesting did happen throughout The Brethren. That was just a bad book. All in all, skip The Brethren and stick with the older works by Grisham. They were far more interesting to read.

you really can't judge a book by its cover
So, I picked this audiobook up at the library and the cover looked so ominous like it was going to be super serious. It's satire . The whole story is political satire. Feels like something a brit would come up with.It is two stories really. One about three imprisoned judges in a white collar prison playing a nasty get rich scheme on conservative billionares who can't tattle on them.And also about a elderly sadistic head of the cia(who loves herbal tea) buying a president using scare tactics. It kept me interested and had me shaking my head. No one is very nice in the book, but all the characters are interesting. I could see them in my head. Espteddy maynerd and the dumbass antisocial lawyer who is stuck in margaritaville.

Good, not great, Grisham
The best Grisham is A Time to Kill, next is The Firm.The Brethen a below those but still a solid read.Plot is complicated, lots of going back but he does take you along at a good clip.The end is anticlimactic, lands with a thud.Pick it up for a cross oountry plane ride.

Skip This One
"The Brethren" is based on an interesting premise, in which Grisham tries to intertwine a presidential campaign and the schemes of three former judges who are imprisoned in a federal minimum security camp.

Grisham fails with this book on pretty much every account. The presidential campaign, one of two main story lines, is shallow and unbelievable, and Grisham's overuse of tired political cliches is painful. (Persecution of homosexuals, military industrial complex, fearmongering, special interest group abuse,etc.). Grisham can't help but beat the reader over the head again and again and again with these. I know you're liberal, John. I read "The Street Lawyer." That was a bad book, and "The Brethren" is a bad book too. However, I loved "The Testament", "Playing for Pizza", and "The Last Juror", among others. Mr. Grisham needs to keep his political views out of his books - not that I don't mind political fiction, but it seems like he doesn't know how to incorporate his political views and still make a good novel.

My other main problem with "The Brethren" is that the story is divided equally among several different characters - the Brethren, Candidate Lake, the CIA director, and lawyer Trevor whatsisname. "The Brethren" has no protagonist. Who am I supposed to be cheering for? Every important character in this book is a dirtbag - and what's worse, none of them are likeable or even compelling dirtbags. Grisham seems to divide the story equally between all, and the result is that "The Brethren" reads like a nonfiction book, with the author taking pains to split time between all sides equally, lest he be accused of bias.

In short, "The Brethren" should be skipped. Grisham has written several great novels(The Testament, A Time to Kill) and plenty of good ones, but "The Brethren" and "The Street Lawyer" are not good and should be avoided by all but Grisham completionists.

relevant to the time of history
The book has produced some reflections of the recent US political events. It is somehow prophetic since it was published in 2000, nothing yet about the New York 911 and here some events did happen. A president elected through the manipulation of CIA, same with the current president, although by the mainstream leftist media. A president with an alleged secret , courtesy of Larry. As Grisham typical style,he can make the reader laugh . ... Read more

Product Description
(The Brethren Series, Book 2) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

dissappointment
I have read many books in this genre, and this series wasn't worth the money at all,the charecters had a very nice way about makeing me completely angry at how, for lack of better words, stupid they were.I bought both this and the book before it at the same time, and I am upset that I did, after one book I wouldn't have bothered, it was unrealistic and very disappointing, I would suggest something from alexendra avry or someone, if not anyone else

What happened to the first couple (Lina and Brandon)?
After getting over my initial disappointment about the lack of Lina & Brandon in this story; sometimes to point where only their names are mentioned, I accepted the book for what it is; a story about the developing love between Tessa and Rene.
This story also provides more insight about the Brethren in Kentucky; particularly the private hell that Tessa had endured as the one of the lower ranking wives of Martin Davenant. In the beginning, Tessa and Rene pretty much hate each other but after learning more about each others' lives and after some really heroic acts on Rene's part they both start to realize that they like each other a lot more than they dislike one another. The deceptive, cliff hanger ending was shocking and convinced me to continue on with the series; just to find out what happens to the one that sold out the other character and to the one who was tricked.

DARK HUNGER
I thought the plot was great the action great, but it would have been better without the bad language and explicit sexual details...I would not recommend this book to anyone under 21.

Rene & Tessa
Okay, this one was better and worse than the 1st one. I really liked the 1st one. I loved Brandon. But Rene in this book defiantely has a big place in my heart. IMO Rene and Tessa's relationship was alot more complex and passionate for obvious and not so obvious reasons more so than Brandon & Lina's. But the ending of this one which I will not be telling, MESSED ME UP!!!! I am certainly on edge a bit to read the 3rd and finally installment for this series. There certainly is alot more going on in this one and it gets alot deeper. Which will prove I'm hoping for a great ending and all my questions to be answered in the final book. I do recommend this read but only if you are following the series. Other wise you may feel this story is for lack of a better word "pointless" in the grand scheme of things if you are just reading it as a stand alone.

got to read book 3 after this
Great book but let me angry at the end. You must read book 3 to complete the story. ... Read more

Product Description
Cursed by Morganna LeFay, Marrok of Cadbury has lived in isolation for fifteen centuries without friendship, sex, or hope. When he begins dreaming of another LeFay woman with the trademark violet eyes and birthmark of the spell-happy witch who doomed him, he's determined to do whatever necessary to make her release him and grant him death--even abduct her. But soon Marrok discovers they are mates and that he must protect her from an evil wizard who knows she holds the key to a power both terrible and awesome--a power he will do anything to seize.

After her mother's death, Olivia Gray discovered that the father she thought died before her birth is actually alive and in London. Determined to find him and the acceptance she's always yearned for, she moves to the British capitol, opens an art gallery, and begins her search. It isn't long after a sexy stranger appears in her erotic dreams that he walks into her shop and abducts her--demanding she release him from a curse. As Marrok ingrains himself in her life, evil stalks her, and Olivia is caught between her long-lost family and her immortal mate. Will she and Marrok choose the dreams they've held dear or the love in their hearts? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

3.5 Stars.Good start to the series
Marrok was cursed fifteen hundred years ago by the witch Morganna with immortality. Everything was taken from him and he was forced to watch all those he love parish. He had given up hope of ever breaking his curse until a beautiful woman appeared in his dreams and he recognizes her as Morganna. Even more to his surprise, while in London at his friend's request he comes face to face with the woman with the violet eyes that have been haunting him for centuries.

Olivia had no idea of her magical roots until the frustratingly irresistible Marrok barged into her life. Now she has a mystical connection and feelings she is afraid to admit towards a man who only wants his own end. For now, they will need to work together and protect a diary against an ancient evil that seeks to destroy all magickind.

As a mortal Marrok was known for his skills on the battle field and in the bedroom. The latter is what brought Marrok to Morganna and after leaving her bed too soon for her, she cursed Marrok. Everything was taken from him and he was kicked out of King Arthur's court. Did he deserve some type of punishment for being the love 'em and leave 'em type he admits he was? Yes, but being the Morganna all magickind feared, she took the punishment too far. Fifteen hundred years later Marrok mistakes Olivia for Morganna herself. He soon learns that she is actually a decedent of the sorceress. He tales himself he should not trust her but the desire he feels for her can no longer be blamed on the mate bond they share.

Olivia is an American who moved to London to look for the father she finally learned about after the death of her mother. Not long after Marrok forces his way into Olivia's life does she learns about her bloodline. I think she takes the news very well considering she never knew about magic up till that point. Marrok is a worthy alpha male and Olivia is a strong independent woman. I liked both characters but they are not without their faults. Marrok came off as too much of a downer at times and Olivia seem to have mood swings when it came to Marrok. The thing that bugged me about both characters was the lack of admission of their feelings. It was the usual 'oh I love him/her but I'm sure they don't feel the same way so I'll keep it to myself' bit that appears in a lot of books in the genre. Got on my nerves a bit. In the end they made a great pair but getting to that point made me what to knock their heads together.

An old powerful sorcerer is back and is out to destroy everything. The Doomsday Brethren is formed of strong magic wielding (and very delectable) males out to destroy Mathias. Mathias is a horrible creature and this book really has you rooting for the good guys. There were several characters introduced in this book that I look forward to reading about. Tempt Me With Darkness a sexually charged magical adventure and has definite appeal to fans of Paranormal Romance. I look forward to continuing the story in Seduce Me In Shadow.

Worth the read, Great story line, but...
I really liked the larger story line started here.It's almost as good as the story line found in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which is what I was looking for when I got this book.The particular story here of Marrock and Olivia was just okay.Don't get me wrong, the sex scenes were hot and the story had a twist I wasn't expecting, but the whole "Do I love him, or don't I...or do I, or don't I...or do I, or don't I...(you get the picture) became really monotonous and annoying.I would like to know how it all pans out so I'll probably read the next one, but I'm certainly not feeling the need to run out and get it.

yummy!!!!!!!
love it! It's steamy, hot, sexy and yummy, I love these books, I wish there were more

Boring!
I am an avid romance/fantasy/paranormal series reader and I tried... I really did to get into this book but after several attempts I had to put it down after only reading 5 chapters. The characters just failed to capture my attention and interest. I am sorry now that I purchased the all the available books in the series at one time... what a waste of money!

Dark and Twisted
Book is set in England, a twist on magical history. Merlin and Morganna's battle of old carrying into modern times. An evil wizard threatens the magical and humankind population forcing a old brethren to reform. Nothing is stronger than a magical mating bond, this is what occurs with an immortal warrior (Marrok) and a descendant of old magic (Olivia).Olivia has to deal with discovering magic and bonding all at once, which she fights.It would be a lot to undertake all at once, I would resist too.New beginnings, old enemies...fun magic...I was entertained, I want to see where the story goes. ... Read more

Product Description
Annie Zook, the Amish preacher's daughter, is caught between two worlds. Living with shunned friend Esther, Annie longs to return to her forbidden art and the idyllic days spent with Englisher Ben Martin, before her father ordered her never to see him again. Stunned when family secrets come to light, Ben determines to solve the mystery of his past. Will his future include Annie--or will the Brethren always stand between them? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Excellent
I am from Lancaster County, Pa. and these Amish stories bring home to me here in Texas.I feel as if I know the people and they are chusta part of my life.I laugh and cry with the characters in the story.Beautiful. Beverley Lewis is an exceptional author. Thank you

Intriguing Characters... and Some Controvery
This is another excellent series by Beverly Lewis. A lot happens, but what really drew me in was the friendship between the main character, Annie Zook, and her pen pal/best friend, Louisa. Annie is Amish and Louisa is "English," and both young women are at a crossroads in their lives. Annie is torn between her pursuing her passion for art and obeying her father's old-fashioned ideas. Annie is expected to assume the traditional Amish role of wife and mother, and is not encouraged to do anything with her gift for painting and drawing; indeed, the Amish consider art to be "vain" and Annie has to hide her talents from her family and the community. Things become even more complicated when she starts dating an "Englisher," Ben Martin. Will she leave the Amish faith to be with Ben? Louisa, meanwhile, flees Denver after breaking off her engagement to a well-to-do man. She goes to visit Annie and ends up falling in love with the simpler Amish way of life. Then unexpectedly, she strikes up a tender relationship with Sam, a young man who was raised Amish but plans to leave the community. But now, Louisa's ex-fiancé wants her back. What will Louisa do? Lewis also touches upon some surprisingly serious and controversial topics, such as spousal abuse and gender bias in the Amish community. I don't want to give anything away, but let me just say that things are not always as blissful or simple as they may seem to the outside world.

Although there's a lot to like about this series, the ending left me unsatisfied. Everything turns out well for Annie--unbelievably well--but it's all too rushed. In her haste to wrap up the series, Lewis leaves a lot of plot points up in the air. For instance, I was confused about the kidnapping. Who did it and how did it happen? Esther's reconciliation with her husband left me feeling disturbed, not happy. And most unsatisfying of all are the unanswered questions about Louisa: Does she stay out West, or does she eventually return to Pennsylvania Dutch country, where she had accepted a job at one point? I guess we're supposed to assume that she breaks all ties with her former fiancé. If that's they case, does her relationship with Sam develop into something more? Louisa is a well-drawn and likeable character, and the open-endedness of her storyline is a big disappointment. With three books in the series, I think the author had ample time to wrap things up better.

My favorite Beverly Lewis series is "Abrams Daughters" (great reading!). "Annie's People" is not as riveting, but it's a page turner, too. To get the most enjoyment out of Annie's story, I suggest reading all three books back to back.

Great Book -great service
Just started reading these books after visiting with the Amish-great book and the company I ordered from was very easy to deal with

Beverly Lewis: The Brethren
I purchased this book for a friend.She loves Beverly Lewis and could not find this book at our local library. It arrived just in time, in good condition, and I'm so glad I found it on Amazon.Thanks.

sweet and simple
the conclusion of a lovely saga.It is refreshing, especially as a mother of two girls, to read something that is sweet and clean, but not juvenile. ... Read more

Product Description

An apocalypse approaches in the new novel from bestselling author Shayla Black's electrifying Doomsday Brethren series, as a magical warrior and a spirited witch ignite a smoldering passion that could destroy them both.

As a mysterious dark cloud drains the life of her beloved brother, Doomsday Brethren leader Bram, Sabelle Rion can think of little else. Still, every time she meets Ice Rykard's intense green gaze, her body aches with need for the sexy warrior. Their attraction is explosive, incredible -- and forbidden. As dangerous as he is unpredictable, Ice is her brother's sworn enemy. But as Bram weakens, a more sinister force is gaining power.

Evil Mathias and his ruthless Anarki army are on a bloodthirsty hunt for the Doomsday Diary. Sabelle must guard the potent book with her life -- and Ice vows to protect the beautiful witch with his. Duty demands that Sabelle deny her lover's fiery call of possession and mate with a man who can sway the magical Council against the impending rebellion. With the fate of magickind hanging in the balance, will she forsake the burning desires she can't ignore or turn her back on her people for the courageous man she can't resist? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Could be better
The Doomsday Brethren series is a continuing saga of the fight against Matthias, the evil wizard who wants to take over magickind.

When Matthias attacked Bram's (the leader who'd been injured in the previous book and is now unconscious) mansion for the Doomsday Diary, the warriors had to flee for their lives. Isdernus Rykard or Ice was charged with protecting Sabelle Rion, Bram's sister, who had the diary. Attracted to Sabelle from the moment he'd seen her, Ice couldn't help but issue the mating Call to her when he kissed her, for wizards knew their mates by taste. However, they faced a lot of obstacles: social gap (she's Privileged while he's Deprived), enmity between Ice and Bram, Sabelle's reluctance to mate without Bram's approval and the need for her to have an advantageous union that would aid in the fight for the good of magickind.

Sabelle, as seen from Ice's point of view, is good, kind, courageous, etc. Not that we really see the good and kind parts. She's more of a watering pot to me. Many times throughout the book, Sabelle is either crying or fighting not to cry. I mean, I get that she's under a lot of emotional strain, what with worrying over her brother, fearing that Matthias would get the diary or kill Ice or take over magickind, but really, does crying help? Descended from Merlin, she's like magickind's princess with the gift of emotional suggestion. Her saving grace is that at times, she's smart and diplomatic and proves she's not the helpless princess after all.

Ice, on the other hand, is big, bad and dangerous. He's able to kill 80 Anarki all by himself, but a slip of a woman felled him. He'd give up his life for Sabelle and that's so romantic, except that I don't see how Sabelle is worth it, especially when she can't make up her mind about Ice and uses the convenient excuse of needing Bram's approval. Ice is an interesting character, but how he almost defeated Matthias didn't quite ring true. That Ice is incorruptible...I don't buy it. Because no one is incorruptible. Evil attaches to evil, well, isn't there something evil/bad about Ice's need for revenge against Matthias (he tortured and killed Ice's sister)? The way Ice let revenge drove all his actions and created a wedge between him and Bram? Is revenge okay just because the object of the revenge is the villain?

I think I'm more interested to know Lucan's and Shock's stories. Will Anka return to Lucan or was their relationship damaged beyond repair? What about Shock? On whose side is Shock really throwing his lot with? Duke sounds interesting as well. But Bram? Didn't like him in this story and his murky relationship with the mysterious Emma didn't pique my interest at all.

Reviewed by Silver
for The Romance Reviews

4.5 stars.Favorite book in the series! (so far at least)
Isdernus Rykard, or Ice, is seen by most as being ruthless and crazy. He was born and raised under the Deprived class of wizards and is looked down upon by those of the Privileged. To want the beautiful Sabelle Rion is foolishness because someone like her, who is considered royalty among magickind, would never be allowed to mate someone like Ice. But the passion and love he feels towards Sabelle cannot be tamed. Granddaughter of the great Merlin, Sabelle knows she is expected to mate to only the best of the Privileged yet her heart and body calls out for Ice. The attraction only gets stronger when they must flee together along with her ill brother from the wicked Mathias. He has attacked the wizard Council and the only way to help save it and her people may be for Sabelle to become the mate of another. Sabelle will need to decided between her duty or her heart.

Sabelle Rion is half siren and all gorgeous but don't let her looks fool you. She is intelligent and knows how to work people in her favor. Ice doesn't just see the pretty face of Sabelle but the strong determined woman within. He hasn't opened himself in over 200 years to anyone until Sabelle and she may have to break his heart and mate with another. This was an emotional read from start to finish. You have these two wonderful characters that want to be together but because of who they were born to, they are not allowed to. Ice is very much the misunderstood tortured hero you'd be heartless not to fall for, who deserves to be loved and Sabelle is a woman with a good head on her shoulders but is seen as an object in a game to gain power. Their journey to be together is both difficult and sweet to read and the ending was worth it all.

Mathias continues to look for the Doomsday Diary which the Brethren have. In their last encounter, Bram Rion was gravely injured and barely escapes death. When he comes to, he is not happy with how close Sabelle and his former friend Ice have gotten. Bram's character really takes a dark turn in this book. He goes from being the sarcastic charming wizard you first meet and love to this cold man who would use is own sister to gain control of the wizard Council. He claims to do it for the greater good but it seriously irked me he would sacrifice his sisters happiness and future to get ahead. He shows some remorse in the end but not enough to get back on my good side.

The battle between Mathias and the Doomsday Brethren continues. Possess Me At Midnight is my favorite Doomsday Brethren book so far. Forbidden love, danger, dark magic, sizzling sexual encounters, sexy alpha men at each others throats. Everything a fan of PNR could want or need.

It was okay
I didn't like this one as much as the previous ones.Ice was a great character and definitely made the book.Yet, having to read in every book about the rape and murder of women is starting to get to me.In a society that freely gives sex because it is the only way to maintain their magic, it doesn't make sense that the women have to be raped, too.It makes me feel the only reason the author includes it is to come up with the most horrible crime she can think of to make the bad guy evil.

My other problem?The bad guy has hundreds and hundreds of minions to do his bidding and yet he brings an incredibly dumb witch to guard the captured heroine?One that is easily tricked?

There were more holes in this story, I'm not going to name every one, but it really messed the story up for me.

Finally
I was so excited for this book. From the first book there were little hints regarding Ice's pull to Sabelle and vica versa.
Thier attraction and pull to eachother is adorable and sexy. Just makes you smile. Ice is the outcast of the group, but a Warrior non the less. Bram, Sabelle's brother and leader of the Brethren, has disdain for Ice.He won't allow Ice to shake hands with Sabelle.Bram incounters a spell that has negative effects from the end of the second book through to the this book. When Bram's house encounters an attack from the Anarki the Brethren splits up to survive. Ice takes Sabelle and carries Bram to safety. On the run from the Anarki and Mathias, Ice and Sabelle learn more about eachother increasing their pull towards one another. Lucan is also chaising Sabelle, but for entirely different reasons.Lucan is lonely after his mate, Anka, survives an attack that leaves her confused about who she belongs with.Bram wants Lucan and Sabelle to marry for political gain. Sabelle is conflicted between duty and love. Ice is conflicted with his love and a long ago emotional wound. I loved this book, a page turner and a enticing love story.

Enjoyable read
I enjoyed this book. The fight scenes are extremely well written. Ice is a hero you can't help but like. Sabelle was a mostly likable heroine. I was frustrated with her trust issues with Ice. The development of that wasn't believable to me. Ice's love and devotion is so well written and Sabelle is seeing and believing it for 3/4 of the book. Then one mention from her brother and within two pages she can't trust Ice - at all? However, at the end I did find it to be a satisfying read.

One mention though about the editing. This book is weak on editing - numerous missed capitals at the beginning of sentences, a few missed words, and the references to Ice's supposed madness are so numerous that they get annoying. Update: I read this book on Kindle and since reviewing this book have read a few other books that have the exact same problem with the formatting. I'm guessing this is a Kindle issue and not a writing/proof-reading issue. ... Read more

Product Description
Augustus Noble is a man with secrets. His entire life has been built on half-truths, betrayals and lies-desperate measures to keep the woman he loves, Eleanor Trevilian-Noble, as his own. The patriarch of the Brethren, he has struggled for centuries to create an empire of wealth and prestige for her. Now all that he has fought for is in jeopardy-his grandson Brandon has risked it all in a desperate bid for independence and freedom. And just as Augustus can't allow Brandon to escape the ages-old traditions of the Brethren race, he also can't let the Brethren-and especially his longtime nemesis-discover a truth that, if revealed, would see them all killed.

Eleanor's Brethren birthright should have insured a life of longevity, while her marriage to the ruling clan should have guaranteed one of unsurpassed privilege and luxury. But a disease which has secretly been ravaging the Brethren for generations now afflicts her as well. Her prognosis is grim, her life all but forfeit. For nearly two hundred years, she has loved Augustus Noble, a shared passion that defied even the most sacred of Brethren laws. By that love, he forced her to leave; to protect her, he broke her heart. Now she must return to the sprawling expanse of Kentucky farmland she once called home, back to the Brethren compound to save not only her grandson but Augustus, as well. Because if she doesn't-if she somehow should fail, then everything they know will be destroyed, including their love. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

"Cruel to be kind" What a disappointment
First let me mention the positive aspects about this book:

1) The length; the other two books were in the 135-145 range while this book is over 310+ pages.

2) More historical background about the brethren in Kentucky.

3) New and interesting characters.

Now, the reasons why I did not like this one. I was expecting an explosive confrontation. After all of the crap that Brandon and Tessa went through while living with their dang near psycho family in Kentucky; after spending the first two books running for their lives from them all we get, as the reader is basically the explanation of "cruel to be kind." What?

This book spends so much time on the history of Auguste vs Augustus Nobel (the grandfather) that it seems to almost invoke pity for him and his situation with the elders. I wanted to continue hating him. I liked it when he was the big bad, power crazy, character from the previous two books that everyone was running from.

The new characters were bitter sweet too. We get a full blooded vampire doctor with a death wish; a female human nurse who is nearly fed up with her employers; a half blooded female vampire who is almost certifiably crazy; and actually two blast from the past characters but the mainly new one is knocking on death's door.
In regards to the new characters, the half blooded female vampire character is pretty much abandoned, like Lina, by the author.
The half blooded female vampire character's history is tied to the brethren's tale of the abomination, the beneath; and this character's existence served as the catalyst for the separation of the original brethren households. This character is but a blip on the radar; given just enough mention to cause intrigue and questions.

Then there is Lina, poor Lina she spends the majority of this story on the road in the company of another vampire. They leave in the beginning and then arrive on scene after the big stand off is over. Lina is left in attack and battle mode only to be told to basically get over it because all is right with the world now.

Also, there is a suicide of a gentle character which really had me feeling sad but then expecting the result to contribute to a justifiable, explosive confrontation- right? No, because it never happened.

Anyways, to me the book could have been better; preferably with Brandon, Tessa, Lina, and Rene storming through the doors of all of the brethren great-houses in Kentucky with machine guns in tow, blasting away all of the evil, inbred, violent, vampires who had caused them pain and then taking over the operation; beginning a new era of vampire and human relationships. One can only hope.

AWESOME!!
AWESOME! AWESOME! I loved this conclusion in this series. It answered all the questions that were raised in the 2nd book and explained so much that did not make sense in the 1st book. Augustus, what he went through...WOW! His story certainly reminded me that everything we see and think we know about someone, more often than not is not the case at all. This book had my heart stopping a few times concerning the Morins and Nobles. The ending and even well before that when Augustus was explaining things to Brandon (his grandson) I was teary eyed. If you read these books as stand alones you will be able to follow each story, but if you follow the series it makes for a much much richer conclusion. I highly recommend this read.

Dark Passion
The Brethren Series is well-written and compelling.I read all three in a matter of days.I am always surprised when the cover is not up to standards.If I did not already have insight to the characters and the storyline, I would not hve been drawn to the books by the covers.As they say "you can never judge a book by its cover". The publishers should take a look at the enticing Gena Showalter and Elizabeth Amber cover models.

Just want to know...
Not to spoil any key plot points, I just want to know from those who have read this book, does it explain what happens to Brandon after Rene's betrayal at the end of Dark Hunger?

Depressing with heaping sides of death, grief and suicide!
I just finished this book and I'm utterly depressed. Really, they've just killed off so many characters over the course of this novel, and the ones left over are either dying, or ended up not being as cool as I thought they were. It's just all a big bummer. I kept reading trying desperatly to find the happy, and really I don't think I ever really found it. The light at the end of the tunnel was there, but it's batteries were so low it was flickering and about to shut off. I found myself skimming through portions of this book because many of the scenes were so drawn out; exciting fight scenes became tedious and boring because the just went on FOREVERRRRRRRRRR... Rene ends up being an serious idiot, and for a bunch of people who are really old enough to know better, they all seem to act like a bunch of stupid teenagers. It seems that there is plenty of character set-up so that the series could continue on, but really, I just don't know if I can handle much more of this stuff. I read like a book junkie, and depressing endings are not something that leaves me wanting more. We'll see what the author does next, but until then I'm going to go dive into some 'guaranteed happy ending' novels to try to get this bad taste out of my brain. Blah... ... Read more

Product Description
The Brethren is the first detailed behind-the-scenes account of the Supreme Court in action. Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong have pierced its secrecy to give us an unprecedented view of the Chief and Associate Justices -- maneuvering, arguing, politicking, compromising and making decisions that affect every major area of American life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (46)

"How's it hanging, Chiefy Baby?"
The quote above is the way Thurgood Marshall would salute the chief, Warren Burger, when they met in the hallway. When the court had to view porn films to decide whether they are "obscene" or "educational", Marshall once quipped at the end of one such movie, addressing the obviously uncomfortable and prudish Henry Blackmun: "Educational? *I* didn't learn anything new -- what about you, Harry?"

This book, as you can see, had unprecedented information about the supreme court. It is by no means a "evil Nixon destroyed the saintly liberal Warren" job. To the book's great merit, it deals as objectively as possible with the court's decisions -- showing how they were, almost invariably, not the result of "conservatives" vs. "liberals", but of complex interaction of legal views and personal characters.

Let us take, for example, the discussion about the death penalty. The authors present the anti-death-penalty argument given to the court in full, but they also present, in rebuttal, the arguments of the judges who disagreed -- noting that, all in all, there was no constitutional reason to reject the death penalty as "cruel and unusual" per se, but only -- at most -- specific laws that applied it unfairly, and that this is precisely what the court did.

Or take the case about abortion, something many liberals support. Far from being supportive of the decision, the authors note that, whatever the outcome, the court's reasoning in this case was a mess -- essentially the judges acting as doctors and legislators, making "deals" to arrive at a "reasonable" opinion. The authors note that, socially, the court's decision might have been correct, but constitutionally, it was simply wrong.

Why, then, four instead of five start? The issue is simple: credibility. The book's claims ring true; they give a lot of verifiable detail; but you keep asking yourself, how do the authors know all this -- e.g., what happened in judges-only meetings? Who is the "deep throat" inside the court, and how does HE know all of it? Except if one of the judges themselves was the source, which is very unlikely, it is hard to see how they could get all the information.

But that aside, a fascinating book.

Simply Incredible
This amazing book really emphasizes the strategic interactions the justices engage in everyday. It's a page turner for scholars and people with only a moderate curiosity about the Court alike. 30 years later, this book is still worthwhile!

Crazy Old Men?A clerk's eye view.

I have become interested lately in the various opinions handed down by the Supreme Court in the Guantanamo habeas corpus cases.I was particularly surprised by the vehemence of the dissenting opinions expressed. This lead me to this book, to find out more.Published in 1979, it documents the internal workings, decision making and rivalries in the Supreme Court between the years 1968 and 1975.The activist Chief Justice Warren resigned at the start of this time, and the remainder of his colleagues moved towards retirement, replaced by Nixon appointees. The Court's more controversial cases in this time dealt with segregation, abortion and Watergate.

They say that no man is a hero to his butler, and I think this book provides a law clerk's eye view of the workings of the court and the interactions of the justices. Each year, each justice hires three (more recently four) law clerks to help with research and documentation.The clerks leave after one year, and the book is laced with opinions about lazy justices being over-reliant on their clerks to write their opinions, how hard working clerks can influence which cases are taken and what opinion `their' justice forms. I think this needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.It is certainly true that the justices are appointed to life-long posts (they can be impeached by Congress, but otherwise make up their own minds when to retire), and that the temptation exists both to remain at work though they get older and physically weaker, and to get less interested in the writing of complex opinions.However I think it is clear that all the justices mentioned here, closely valued their own opinion and were jealous in casting their vote in the judicial conferences. It is also clear that, over the years, their basic philosophies could lead close observers to predict what their views on a particular case were likely to be.
I have read that one of the authors' main sources for this book was theJustice Potter Stewart, who was in the running to become Chief Justice after Warren retired, but declined to put his name forward.There is an element of sour grapes towards Justice Burger, who did become Chief Justice.Burger is depicted as dim-witted, vacillating, manipulative and devious.I am sure that being in (essentially) a job for life, with eight other colleagues can lead to enormous frictions, especially when you are both freeand required to express your opinions, which can have enormous consequences on society.
The book is very informative about the workings of the Supreme Court, the characters of the Justices and the role of famous precedent setting cases.It is both enlivened and cheapened by the gossipy nature of some of the anecdotes, for example, when Justice Hugo Black died, he asked that all his personal papers be destroyed, to preserve the confidentiality of the decision making process. His paster, who wished to say something at his funeral, was left without much to go on, so he went to Black's book collection, and looked through books written by Black;s former law clerks; the pastor chosesome of the underlined passages, especially from one particular book which was heavily marked, to illustrate what he believed were Black;s interests and views. The book quotes the other justices saying, after the funeral, that Black must have been turning in his grave, as he only underlined areas with which he disagreed!.
There was an ongoing issue about how to define pornography, whether it was a version of free speech or an offense to the general public.The justices could not come up with a definition of pornography that might not infringe (they felt) on free speech, so the best they could come up with was expressed by Potter as `I can't define it, but I know it when I see it'.Unfortunately this translated into the Supreme Court having to view, and decide by majority, on every piece of contested pornography in these years!.This is also dealt in a gossipy, jocular way, which again undermines some of the seriousness of the decisions - in fact the `liberals' (Brennan and Douglas) felt nothing should be banned, provided it was proven that if was capable of being only viewed by adults who specifically were aware of its contents, therefore they did not view any of the material.
The relative standing of each justice is also described, especially Harry Blackmun's inferiority complex, his indecision and his desire not to be seen a overly-influence by Justice Burger (despite being a life-long acquaintance). Their interaction, and the pride they took in contributing to developing law- as opposed to writing futile and bitter dissents, is contrasted with their profound (and perhaps egotistical) political philosophies. Their personalities are largely described in relation to their clerks also - an `amiable' justice takes the time to learn his clerks first names, something you might think is common courtesy ; however usually their personality contrasts with their legacy - William O. Douglas, a liberal icon, is seen as acerbic, imperious and eccentric.
The book is particularly good on the abortion judgement and the Watergate decisions, which, I believe, show the Court at is worst and best respectively.The court ruled in favour of abortion, as an extension of a woman's right to privacy, and the opinion was written by Blackmun.The opinion as written is shown to be of equal parts concern not to interfere with medical practice, and as a way for Blackman to redeem his reputation for indecision.It was definitely an unexpected decision of a Nixon appointee, though the progress of the case and the writing of the decision are well described.
The Watergate controversy came to the Court as a challenge by President Nixon to orders for him to release taped Oval Office conversations to an committee investigating the Watergate break-in.As you would expect Bob Woodward has an excellent command of this case, and the process is described in detail.Though there was enormous concern (apparently) among the justices that their opinion be unanimous, and there was manoeuvring to ensure that Justice Burger, when writing the opinion, did not prevaricate or water it down, it seems to me that the strength of the court was that there was no question, from the outset, but that the President would loose. Whether the opinion would be narrowly based, and deferential, or a towering denunciation, was of some concern, but their unanimous view was that the President, who had appointed three of their number, was in the wrong, and must release information which would lead to his impeachment or resignation. Watergate and Nixon's resignation gave the Soviets a short-lived fillip in the Cold War, and at the time was seen as the Stumbling of the American Superpower, but ultimately can be viewed (I think) as the ability of the United States system of governance to impose standards and to correct itself.

In general I think this book is useful, if too biased and gossipy.I think the absence of any footnotes, references or bibliography does it a disservice.As with all Woodwards material, I presume these absences are part of the price paid to get the information in the first place, and his reputation is such that the credibility of the book remains high. However, while it is likely that the events described are factually reported, and the characters and interactions are as fractious and frail as described, I think Hugo Black's view is more germane i.e. that publication of private papers/stories of Justices would inhibit the free exchange of views in the court.Read the formally published opinions and dissents, they are dramatic and revealing enough.

Constitutional law (little) -- Moral judgements (plenty) -- Office politics (lots)
So, you say you want to understand what CONSTITUTIONAL basis the Supreme Court's decisions stand upon? --- You won't find much of that here.

Maybe you want to know the MORAL basis of all those famous Supreme Court decisions? --- This book's got it covered.

Or maybe you just want to read about the juicy OFFICE POLITICS between the Supreme's. --- Bingo.

Great research, good effort, reads like the Washington Post
Depth:B
Style:C
Content:B
Research:A
Historical Impact:D

Woodward and Armstrong write a tale of 7 years and 14 Supreme Court judges.To actually write the book, and to access dozens of law clerks and judges, and to amass huge documentation is in itself the feat of the book.The Supreme Court has been the most sheltered of all public institutions with only trifles of coverage before. The book doesportray the quirks of the judges, the key decisions of each year, the infighting and the peculiarities of an institution founded on politics yet delivering fundamental cultural dictates.

W and A fall down on two points - first, this is not a history book, but a retro-newspaper account.The two can't help but fall into the mode of journalists (which they tacitly state in the intro).This is not a book by Foote, Sandburg, Tuchman, or any other great historian.

Secondly, in style they go year by year, day by day practically, without developing any great over-arching themes, lessons, keys, or even predictions.

Toobin's recent book "The Nine" is actually sounder and more stylistic due to Toobin's political analysis and book writer's flair.

It is clear that the authors despise Warren Burger, and their portrayal of him is of a petty, manipulative man with little integrity.Other accounts will have to be checked to see if the man is actually so unredeemed.

all rights reserved - Scott Jones ... Read more

Product Description

Ex-marine Caden MacTavish has shunned his magical heritage all his life, but he will do anything to heal his desperately ill brother, a Doomsday Brethren warrior in mourning for his missing mate. Posing as a photographer, Caden must convince firecracker tabloid reporter Sydney Blair to reveal the source of her recent exposé on a supernatural power clash. Unfortunately, keeping his hands off the sizzling redhead proves as hard as getting them onto the potent and mystical Doomsday Diary he discovers at her bedside. A bloody rebellion led by an evil, power-hungry wizard is imminent. If Sydney divulges the book's existence, she will jeopardize magickind's most deeply guarded secrets and become the ruthless wizard's number one target. Caden has never trusted magic's cruel and dangerous powers, but he will protect Sydney with his life and magic -- even if it means risking his heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Teeming with magic and mayhem, adventure and romance!
Due to a mishap in his childhood, Caden hated magic and decided to live among humans. However, he went back when his brother Lucan needed his help, only to find himself embroiled in a war among magickind as Matthias, an evil wizard, has come back from his exile, more powerful than before.

A powerful artifact called the Doomsday Diary has been stolen from Bram, the leader of the Doomsday Brethren, an underground force dedicated to battling against Matthias. Moreover, a human, Sydney Blair, was seen reporting about magickind's battle and Caden was sent to find out more about how she knew about these things and to stop her from continuing. The attraction that sprang up between them was a complication Caden didn't need, nor did he welcome the instinctive urge to take her as his mate. But when Sydney found herself in trouble, he couldn't deny the need to rescue and protect her.

As I was reading, I thought some elements of the story sounded familiar. And I realize what they reminded me of: Harry Potter. The arch enemy, evil wizard Matthias back from his exile (Voldemort coming back after being defeated ages ago), but the Council, a group of elderly wizards, wouldn't believe the rumors and even wanted Bram to squash them (Ministry of Magic [?] doing much the same thing in HP book 5, I believe). A rogue group of wizards banded together and called themselves the Doomsday Brethren to fight against this evil (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), a pitiful few against Matthias and his Anarki (Voldemort and his Death Eaters). The only thing not in Harry Potter is the matter of the wizards and witches needing sexual energy to recharge their magic.

It's best to clarify that I haven't read book 1, so I don't know if I'd have the same impressions if I'd started the series in sequence. That aside, Shayla Black made this series her own with her unique characters and the particular adult dilemma the characters faced in their fight against evil and their own internal struggles.

Sydney, for all that she's human, is fascinated by magic. When she stumbled into magickind, she takes to it like fish to water, despite the dangers the Brethren are facing just then. I like that she's smart and ethical, that despite being a reporter, she knows the danger to magickind if she reported certain news ahead of time, so she didn't and had no intention of doing so. However, her zeal to help the Brethren overcame her common sense at times and thus, she unwittingly put herself and others in danger.

Caden MacTavish is the typical guy who denies his feelings for Sydney to the death, in part because of his brother's experiences. That I can empathize with, though he comes across as a man who isn't willing to risk his heart. But then, what man or woman is? Only someone who hasn't loved before or one who has witnessed terrible tragedy in a person close to him.

However, there is one thing that made me want me to wallop Caden over the head with something hard. His irrational fear and denial of magic. I understand the childhood trauma he has witnessed, and this might have a bearing on his definitive stand against magic. However, when he instinctively called magic to save Sydney, he should've realized that magic can also be harnessed for good. Accidents do happen, but magic in the hands of an untrained wizard like him would do more harm than good. If nothing else, I think he would've wanted to learn to use and control his magic to protect Sydney. I think this part of his denial went on a bit too long.

Still, action and adventure abound in this story, making for an exciting read. In my opinion, it isn't necessary to read the first book in the series, as past important events were highlighted in the story without info dumping.

Reviewed by Silver
for The Romance Reviews

Even better than the first book
Caden MacTavish left magic behind when he left his native home of England for the States 12 years ago. He wants nothing to do with magic and the troubles it brings but he is called home after his brother's mate is kidnapped ends their bond and sends him spiraling towards his death. He will do everything to find his brother's missing mate. He is sent undercover to find out who the source is for the fiery reporter Sydney Blair's recent articles on the brewing war taking place in the magic world. While attempting to seduce Sydney for her information he finds that she is in possession of the Doomsday Diary. The battle against the evil wizard Mathias gets bloodier each day and if Caden doesn't stop Sydney from telling the world about the Diary, it will put the lives of all magickind in jeopardy and make her capture Mathias' number one priority. The only way to save his fated mate and his fellow Brethren is to embrace and use the very magic he has spent so many years running from.

Caden witnessed a tragic event when he was younger that made him shun his magical heritage. He sees no use for it and refuses to embrace his transformation into becoming a wizard. He only returns to England because his brother Lucan has fallen gravely ill after a forceful mate bond brake. Caden has no intention or desire for joining the Doomsday Brethren that fights the evil wizard Mathias. Bram is the leader of the Brethren and Lucan's best friend. He has been taking care of his sick friend and Caden has agreed to help Bram quiet reporter Sydney Blair and her stories of the fighting as a way to repay Bram for helping to take care of his brother. He takes a job as a photographer to work with Sydney to learn the source of her stories and to get her to stop writing her articles. As soon as he learns that Sydney is also in possession of the Doomsday Diary, a diary that grants the wishes of those who write in it, he is also tasked with relieving her of it. Things get complicated when Caden feels that Sydney is his destined mate.

Caden really does not like magic. He wants to hurry and find his brother's mate so she can heal his brother and then leave as soon as it's all done. He is a man of honor so he helps out Bram because of all he has done for his brother. He thinks that Sydney's source is his brother's mate and sets out to find out who exactly is supplying her with all the details. It isn't long after he starts to work with Sydney that he becomes attracted to her and is not happy to realize that she is suppose to be his mate. He doesn't like the magic world and does not want to drag Sydney into it but it becomes more and more difficult not to make her his.

Sydney is an intelligent strong headed woman who wants to bed Caden but is weary about his intentions with her story. He is constantly asking her about her source and she won't budge on giving him any information. When she finds out the truth she actually takes to the knowledge of magic better than Caden. She wants to do all she can to stop Mathias while Caden can't get out of England fast enough. Their biggest obstacle in being together is Caden and him being afraid of what magic and a mate bond could do to him or Sydney. He is a strong, handsome, caring male with good values but all his reasons for not wanting magic or to mate with Sydney were just excuses and I started to tire of them. Sydney was a good fit for him because she was caring to his situation but at the same time she wasn't going to baby him and let him just bury his head in the sand.

The story from Tempt Me With Darkness continues in Seduce Me In Shadow. Mathias has risen from the dead and is creating an army of undead soldiers to fight. He is going after the Privileged (Magickind is segregated into the rich Privileged and the oppressed Deprived) and the Doomsday Brethren is all that stands in between him and mass murder. The Brethren's numbers are very small and with Lucan down, it is even more difficult. Lucan's story is very sad. I've learned his book won't be out until February 2012 and I know it is going to be an emotional one. The second installment in the Doomsday Brethren series is even darker and more addicting than the first. Shayla Black's characters have a way of getting under your skin and make you want to know more.

Horrible
I bought the book based on the reviews and the blurb on the back, and boy was it a mistake.The story is way too hard to follow with how the author changes the POV often and how awful the writing actually is. You cant stay involved in the book, the world the author created is too unbelievable and boring.

pretty good
I remember liking the first book in the series more, but this one was not a flop.Caden was introduced in the previous book as the American soldier brother of Lucan.He was called in to help when Lucan's wife was kidnapped.Although, his magic had not come in, he had hand-to-hand and arms experience that the other wizard's lacked.In this book, he is on the cusp of transitioning and determined to save is brother by finding his sister-in-law.A lead takes him to a reporter who has an unknown source that knows too much.Caden's instincts tells him the source is who he is looking for, but he's not willing to hurt Sydney, the reporter, to get what he wants.Although there are many other things he would like to do with her.

I enjoyed the book, but I found some points a bit lame.Like the fact that Caden refused to give Sydney any information about wizardkind.She obviously already knew about much of it from her source and believed it to be true, yet he kept pussyfooting around the issue.The excuse, I assume was to build tension and drama, but I think it fell flat.It would have been better if he would have just told her, and Black could have found something more realistic to build drama.

SEDUCE ME IN SHADOW (review)
One of a series, this is an awesome read.I've read them all and seriously hope more will follow.Shayla is a master at creating fascinating characters, especially the evil one - truely a person you love to hate. The reader is on edge from the first word to the last.Keep 'em coming Shayla.
Dianne Gibbens, Louisiana ... Read more

Product Description
An international bestseller certain to appeal to fans of The Last Templar—the thrilling first book in a sweeping medieval trilogy

On the eve of the last Crusade, two men’s destinies will come together as two great civilizations go to war. Amidst conspiracy and intrigue in Europe, Will Campbell, a young knight, risks his life to recover the stolen Book of the Grail. Hidden within its pages are the heretical plans of a secret society within the Knights Templar. Meanwhile, the former slave Baybars Bundukdari and his army have taken over Egypt and Syria, and are planning a new Holy War to bring the Crusaders to their knees.

With breathtaking battle scenes, memorable characters, and a riveting mystery at its center, Brethren (being published simultaneously with book two, Crusade, in hardcover) is a heart-stopping historical drama that brings the Middle Ages vividly to life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

LOVED IT!
A GREAT STORY. FIRST IN A TRILOGY. YOUNG IS EXCELLENT AND HER CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IS IMPRESSIVE.

William and Harrry
Sensitive, aspiring, vital, adventurous and avid for mysticism, I saw William Campbell is a historically grounded Harry Potter. Instead of Hogwarts, the London Temple was the institution through which he had to pass. In place of the masters and mistresses of academic magic, the knights and commanders both outlined the boundaries of his freedom and taught him to move beyond it. Everade was an exacting mentor and Gavin and Elwen were the companions who aided and abetted young William. The magic of history is worked as eloquently by Robyn Young in "Brethren" as the dark arts are evoked by J.K. Rowling.

This was revealing and spell binding because Young found, in the era of the Crusades, the complexities we now spin fantasy to encounter. "Brethren" looks at familiar themes of family break up, bullying, alienation and betrayal in a very believable yet fascinatingly strange context but, in addition, she is able to examine the theme of growing up, not just as a social but also as a spirtual phenomenon.I applaud the selecton of character and setting that enabled her to package this investigation in the recreated reality of the Medieval Knights Templar.

Robyn Young's narrative skills create a rich and diverse canvas that spans Europe and the Middle East and finds humanity in ancient history and heroic
figures of the past on both sides of the idealogical struggles that gave rise to the Crusades. She hints at the relevance of this conflict to
contemporary issues, a theme to be developed further in "Crusade".

Young people who learned to love readingin the Harry Potter break through period will relate to this book and find it a great path to a new genre at an adult level. Established readers who have been thrilled by Dan Brown will be drawn to Robyn Young as a well informed source of further musing about the origins of faith and the conflicts associated with religion. Seasoned epic readers will become quickly fascinated by the scope of the Brethren trilogy.This book brings together timeless human concerns and clearly redrawn historical situations.

Fair first effort...
I'd actually rate this at 3.5 stars, but that wasn't an option. This was Robyn Young's first novel, and though I generally shy away from reading books written by women (I know, I know - MCP!), the subject of the story is a fascinating one for me. It concerns the Kings Templars and the end of the Western presence in the Near East.
As a history buff, I found her research to be first rate. I have read other novels where Baybars, the Mamluk leader of Egypt was the main character and her interpretation of him and his motives was just as believable. I'd read the novel just for the historical insights and flavor.
I did think the plot took too long to develop and some aspects of it may have stretched probability. On the other hand, her characters were well developed and internally consistent.
I will probably buy the next in the series since I've put this much time into getting to know the characters and invested still more time understanding the plot.
When she did write the action scenes they were OK, but the story could have used more of them, seeing how violent that era was.
Would I buy this book again, knowing then what I know about it? Maybe, depends on what else was out there at the time. I value my time, and am quite willing to stop reading a book that I find I don't like enough. I finished this one, and will probably buy the next one. She has a way to go to become one of my favorite authors.

I hate spunky girls
Note: I have only read through someowhere around 4/7ths of the book or so.

The writing flows well and does a good job at describing areas of importance with great detail, and leaving areas where most people want to have imaginary freedom basic. The book is cut up in to a number of storylines which converge, while at the start I had a hard time wanting to switch because they weren't relevant to each other yet as they become more and more interconnected the switchovers are more and more welcome.

I am not a medieval history major but from what I know of the crusades this is all pretty correct (except for the whole conspiracy thing but there wouldn't be a book without it). I can't say for people who are more educated in the area but if all you have taken is western civilization and read a couple of books on the crusades I think it will be enjoyable.

My biggest problem is with the main female character. I hate when they put in the "spunky" girl who acts like a tomboy and somehow gets away with it in a period where she probably wouldn't have been able to. She annoys me greatly, and so I stopped reading the book. Well actually I put it down for a few days and then decided not to pick it back up, because her story was just getting more and more annoying.

An enjoyable read
I found this book to be an enjoyable read.
I look forward to the rest of the series; it is interesting the author gives credit where credit is due (research), and is willing to accept blame if there is any inaccuracy.
This shows me that she is formidable and up front in her writing!
Thank you ... Read more

Product Description
When Brandon Noble and Angelina Jones first met, he was an awkward teenager harbouring a crush on his tutor's sister. Five years later, Angelina is a streetwise cop who's sure she's seen it all, until Brandon comes back into her life - lean, handsome, possessing a strange, powerful allure...and a terrifying secret. "Dark Desires" - Brandon is one of the Brethren, an ancient clan of ruthless vampires. Like other Brethren families, the Nobles have accumulated great wealth and prestige, never marrying outside of their kin, never leaving the isolated Kentucky farmlands where they live, undetected, among their prey. Horrified by his birthright, Brandon shunned the ritual of the first kill, earning the Brethren's lasting wrath. But the exhilarating passion he and Angelina share rouses the primitive impulses he has tried so hard to deny. And even if Brandon can protect Angelina from his enemies, can he save her from his own dark thirsts? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

I liked it
I finished reading this story yesterday and I actually liked it. Originally, I was not interested in reading about a disabled vampire because it does not fit the image. Vampires are suppose to be incredibly strong, assertive, and powerful; an alpha type and Brandon was not. He was vulnerable, inexperienced, and submissive; pretty much an omega. Brandon was forced to be this way because of his family; they were rotten to him. When Brandon was a child, before his body would be able to rapidly heal because of a rite of passage ceremony for their blood-lust, he was brutally attacked by burglars which disabled him permanently. His family did not expect him to live, he was so badly injured but when he did Brandon became a source of shame for them. The book begins with his psycho grandfather and evil older brother Cain breaking both of his hands in order to intimidate Brandon and keep him from leaving the Great house where they all live; several generations on what seems to be a huge family commune. Brandon does not want to be like the "monsters" that his family truly are and escapes even though he knows that they will search for him and kill him for it. Brandon started as a brave but weak and intimidated character who turned out strong. He was always intelligent and even strong but he had to find and accept his self worth first before he could realize his strength. The fight scene in the vampire club (a human goth club) called Apathy was great too.

DARK THIRST
I thought the plot was great, it kept my attention. My only thought was that it would have beenjust as good without the bad language and the sex details.I would not reccommend this to anyone under 21.

good read different spin!
Nice blend not all about the sex, not all about the macho, and really enjoyed the whole Bethren concept of hidden society ofvampire families and their dark rules of living. Great new spin only found the end taking on the paths already travelled arena. Characters are very likable and can be believed not all about darkness and tribal tats.

Slow start, but pretty good...
I bought this book because of the price and I was looking to expand my Paranormal Literature reading list. I have to admit that I wasn't so crazy about it after the first three chapters. I really hated the repetition of how Brandon became deaf and mute. I had had enough of the graphic details...I got it already!However, it did start to become interesting for me after chapter 10 and when Rene came into the fold.I thought it's was pretty good. However, I'm still on the fench as to whether I want to continue with this series so I guess I wasn't grabbed by it.

Different from your typical vamp romance
I loved this book! The characters are so different from the norm. I usually don't read books where the main character isn't caucasian -- I know that sounds racist, but really it's just that most books in the paranormal romance category have all white leading roles. Also, the deaf/mute aspect is fascinating, and made me realize I had a predujice that I never even knew I had. I seriously wanted to learn to sign just from reading this book. Not only is the main character black, but it shows you little details that back it up. Really, even in books where there are black characters, they don't go into the details; mainly because the author is white and doesn't know much about being black. To add to all of this, the story was AMAZING. I LOVED that Brandon wasn't some macho badass take charge type -- he's kinda weak but shows strength where it matters. His abuse seems so real, and you feel for the guy. It's just a wonderful book, and I'm so happy there are 2 more after it! I'm hoping there will be more and more and more because I'm fascinated with this series!!! ... Read more

Product Description
New England Indians created the multitribal Brothertown and Stockbridge communities during the eighteenth century with the intent of using Christianity and civilized reforms to cope with white expansion. In Red Brethren, David J. Silverman considers the stories of these communities and argues that Indians in early America were racial thinkers in their own right and that indigenous people rallied together as Indians not only in the context of violent resistance but also in campaigns to adjust peacefully to white dominion. All too often, the Indians discovered that their many concessions to white demands earned them no relief.



In the era of the American Revolution, the pressure of white settlements forced the Brothertowns and Stockbridges from New England to Oneida country in upstate New York. During the early nineteenth century, whites forced these Indians from Oneida country, too, until they finally wound up in Wisconsin. Tired of moving, in the 1830s and 1840s, the Brothertowns and Stockbridges became some of the first Indians to accept U.S. citizenship, which they called becoming white, in the hope that this status would enable them to remain as Indians in Wisconsin. Even then, whites would not leave them alone.



Red Brethren traces the evolution of Indian ideas about race under this relentless pressure. In the early seventeenth century, indigenous people did not conceive of themselves as Indian. They sharpened their sense of Indian identity as they realized that Christianity would not bridge their many differences with whites, and as they fought to keep blacks out of their communities. The stories of Brothertown and Stockbridge shed light on the dynamism of Indians own racial history and the place of Indians in the racial history of early America. ... Read more

Product Description
In national bestselling author Shayla Black’s electrifying new novel, the Doomsday Brethren fight their mortal enemy for the newest weapon in a bloody magical war: the one woman a warrior shouldn’t claim . . . yet can’t resist.

Dangerously handsome Simon Northam, Duke of Hurstgrove, and his uptight brother Mason are hardly close, but crashing Mason’s wedding and stealing his fiancée further aggravate their sibling rivalry. Duke’s family has no notion he’s a wizard, so how can he explain that magickind’s fate lies with the beautiful, tenacious bride he longs to seduce? Felicia is an Untouchable, a rare human whose presence disables magic—even the impenetrable forces surrounding Morganna le Fay’s tomb. The evil witch’s malicious powers could propel nefarious wizard Mathias to ultimate world domination . . . if he can resurrect her. To conceal herself, Felicia must succumb to her smoldering desire for Duke, but he risks binding his life—and sanity— to a lover whose loyalties are forever torn. He faces a choice: betray his brother for ultimate survival . . . or lose the woman who tempts him beyond control.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies!
Bestselling author Shayla Black continues to dazzle and delight readers with ENTICE ME AT TWILIGHT, her latest installment of her DOOMSDAY BRETHREN series.Readers clamoring for Duke's "happily ever after" will be more than pleased!

Bram's home has been destroyed, the evil Mathias is still on the loose, and in less than two hours Simon "Duke" Northam is supposed to stand up as his brother's best-man.Then, as if things can't get any worse, Simon is informed that his aura has changed.Somehow, someway, according to Shock, Duke has come into contact with an `untouchable.'And that news is definitely not good - Mathias is searching for an untouchable at the moment, and so Duke must find her before he does.As a person who negates and shuts down all magic around her, an untouchable is valuable - especially to a person like Mathias who has nefarious plans.

Imagine Duke's shock, surprise, and quiet relief when he finds the untouchable he is looking for - Felicia, the woman set to marry his brother in a matter of minutes.Getting her to safety is of upmost importance.Getting her away from his brother is serious.Getting her out of his mind is impossible.With time running out and the Anarchi getting closer, Duke does the only thing he can do to save Felicia's life and keep her safe.He kidnaps her from her wedding and rushes off into the night.

If I hadn't have loved Duke before reading ENTICE ME AT TWILIGHT, I most definitely would have loved him after finishing this marvelous story.Duke is haughty, but guarded.He is used to living a lie - at least where his family is concerned.But he isn't used to needing someone like he needs Felicia.And while he craves her with his entire soul, he is willing to do and be what she needs - even if it means his happiness.

If Duke is guarded, Felicia is a citadel.She has seen what happens when a person falls in love - she wants no part of it.She wants stability, and is willing to spend the rest of her life trying to find it.Her reaction and attraction to her fiancé's brother bothers her, but only because she can't put him into a category.She wants him, but she is afraid.And it is that normal reaction that endeared her to me.

Passionate, magical, and just downright sexy, Duke and Felicia's story, ENTICE ME AT TWILIGHT is the perfect story for these two enigmatic characters!I plan to read it over and over!

Natalie S.

Hot heroes, sexy and sassy heroines and some really wicked evilness make for a phenomenal series.
Entice Me at Twilight by Shayla Black
Paranormal Romance -Oct. 26th, 2010
5 stars

I loved Entice Me at Twilight!Why?Because the whole story rocks!Shayla Black is a master story teller as she returns to her complex and super sexy paranormal series, the Doomsday Brethren.In this series there are wizards and magic that most of the human population are unaware of.Unfortunately, one wizard named Matthias is determined to win absolute control.He has recruited other wizards and amassed an inhuman army.And only the valiant Doomsday Brethren has a chance to stop him!

In this story the uptight and super sexy aristocrat Simon Northam Duke of Hurstgrove
is half human and half wizard.He is summoned by their leader Bram to find an untouchable.An untouchable is rare person who is unaffected by magic.Simon discovers that their enemy Mathias plans to find and use an untouchable to release Morganna le Fay, a powerful witch and harness her power.(Because only an untouchable can walk through the deadly magical traps that entomb her.)

Simon soon discovers that he has been near the untouchable recently because that person has affected his magical aura.And he realizes it must be one of the guests at his brother Mason's wedding.But when they arrive and 'crash' the party Simon is dismayed to discover that the untouchable is Mason's extremely desirable bride to be Felicia!And to his brother's ire Simon finds that he must kidnap her to protect her.But Simon is further conflicted because he is extremely attracted to her and doesn't want to hurt his brother.

Felicia craves a life that is pain free and thinks she has found it with her dependable best
friend Mason.But she discovers to her distress and shock that Mason really loves her and not just as a friend.Felicia knew they would eventually have sexual relations as a couple but when Mason kisses her she panics.When Mason's wildly attractive and wastrel brother tells her that she is in danger and abducts her from her own wedding she is upset and oddly relieved.But his crazy talk about death and magic is just mad... or is it?

This was a fantastic story because it has so much going on and the 2 main characters are such a joy to read.Simon and Felicia had a lot of chemistry.I enjoyed the intensity between the 2 of them and their forbidden love made it even more enthralling and delicious to read.Felicia is no pushover.Simon has always been a bit standoffish and it was a pleasure to see Felicia break his hard won control.He tries to stay away from her since he doesn't want to further jeopardize his relationship with his brother but his attraction to her is soo intense!

I also loved how this author flawlessly juggled the intertwining storylines of the other Brethren. Lucan nearly went insane and is trying to recover the severing of his bond with his mate Anka.Anka has been abducted and abused by the enemy and now survives by living with Shock a man whose loyalty is ambiguous.Shock's character is tortured and has a lot of depth and I would love to find out his past! I would also like to know about Bram whose missing mate is mysterious, elusive and I am eager to find out what happens once he finally gets his hands on her...

If you have not read this series, you really don't know what you are missing! (Especially if you like paranormal romances with a lot of substance and a real plot.)The Doomsday Brethren and their trials are riveting to read.Hot heroes, sexy and sassy heroines and some really wicked evilness make for a phenomenal series.This book did not disappoint but it made me want more!! So my only complaint would be I wish Shayla Black wrote faster!!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Terrific Red-Hot Paranormal Romance
Paranormal romance fans can rejoice that another fantastic installment is being released in Shayla Black's bestselling Doomsday Brethren series for Pocket, Book #4, ENTICE ME ATWILIGHT
(Nov. 2010).In present day England, Simon Northam, the Duke of Hurstgrove (aka Duke) has been summoned by Bram Rion, the head wizard of the Doomsday Brethren, at a most inconvenient time. It's New Years Eve, and Duke will be the best man at his barrister brother, Mason Daniel's wedding to nursery school teacher, Felicia Safford. Bram desperately needs the Brethren and Duke's help, who is not only a ladies' man and one of England's most eligible bachelors, but also a wizard. The warrior wizards and witches of the Doomsday Brethren are in an ongoing battle against the evil Mathias d'Arc and his Anarki army, who want to destroy them. Mathias' minions have recently burned Bram's home and the Brethren's headquarters but luckily did not find Merlin's texts, which hold many of magickind's secrets. Double agent Shock Denzell has recently warned them that Mathias' latest scheme is to gain power is to sneak into the evil Morganna le Fay's tomb and resurrect her. The only way to succeed is by using a very rare "Untouchable" human who is not affected by magic at all. Shock believes Simon has touched one recently since Simon's signature or aura has gone faint. Duke has no idea who it could be, but has come in contact with dozens of people recently due to his brother's wedding, including the beautiful bride, Felicia, whom he did not know previously since he and Mason have been estranged for years. Felicia has agreed to marry her best friend, Mason for convenience, but not love. In the meantime, Duke discovers that Felicia is definitely the Untouchable. He tells her she's in great danger and must come with him immediately. When Felicia resists going with the man she sees as a debonair playboy pursuing his next conquest, he's forced to abduct her, which he realizes will cause a further rift between him and Mason. On their flight to safety, Felicia questions Duke on who he really is and what's going on since she is not only an Untouchable but can also detect if a person is lying.When they reach their destination Felicia meets the other Brethren and must face the fact that Duke is telling the truth. However, when she's told that mating with him will help her conceal her "signal" to others in magickind, she resists, fearing that she could love him, which would destroy the careful future she had planned. It's up to Duke to convince Felicia she's not just another conquest to him but his true mate. Shayla Black is once again at the top of her game in this terrific red-hot paranormal romance with enough action and emotion to satisfy her fans. ENTICE ME AT TWILIGHT will entice readers to fall in love with the wizards of the Doomsday Brethren and leave them begging for more!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Very excellent book on non-Catholic religions
This is a very excellent book on a Catholic layman's view on non-Catholic religions. Mr. Whalen has been updating this book since the late 1950s. The book has progressed since before the Second Vatican Council and, as the Roman Catholic Church has changed its view on non-Catholic religions, so has the book.
Mr. Whalen has enlisted the cooperation of spokespeople of the other religions.
This is a good book for Catholics seeking to know what other religions believe through the lens of a Catholic layman. It is also an excellent book for people of other religions to see what Catholics believe about their religion and other religions.

Balanced and Scholarly
Though written from a Roman Catholic perspective, few comparative religion studies are as balanced as this classic work.As a former Presbyterian I was especially interested in the section on Presbyterian denominations and was thrilled to find such detail in such concise form. This works exceeds even similar works by Presbyterian authors I have read. Concise yet thorough and immensely fair, this work delivers where so many others have failed. For depth of research and balanced explanation, there is no finer work. A must have for anyone hoping to unravel the major religions and Protestant denominations in America. Of course, describing Protestant denominations alone is a challenge since it is an attempt to hit a moving target - so often they morph and branch into the plethora of contradictory views. Yet Dr. Whalen has managed to organize and convey the key distinctives in Protestantism and also take on other non-Christian-based religions at the same time. A tall order filled in a relative small package of objective study. Very well done.

Comprehensive and informative, but perhaps reaching TOO far?
In this book Mr.Whalen attempted to give a detailed overview of the various protestant churches and other religious movements in the US. It was originally written in 1958 and updated in 1978 and again in 2002. Overall I think it serves it's purpose, It gives a detailed view of churches such as the Anglican and Lutheran, as well as many of the newer movements such as the pentecostal churches. It also details cultish movements such as the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Mormons. The point where I think the book fails is that the author then goes on to discuss the Orthodox Churches, which are generally in line with Rome, and not too far from the fold. So the Chapter was short and didn't do these Churches justice. He also discusses Judaism and Islam, as well as Buddhism. Those three chapters really seemed like a rushed hack job, and seemed thoroughly out of place with the rest of the book. Yes, they are religious groups in the US, but I think the Author would have done better to stick to those groups that have strayed directly from the Catholic fold rather than just willy nilly covering everyone. The Chapters on Judaism and Islam did not do either religion any justice, and the chapter on Judaism smacked of anti-semitism. Maybe I'm being too sensitive? I don't know.By now with the developments of Episcopalians appointing a gay bishop and suck the book is a little out of date in its optimism of reconciliation, but overall it was a great, comprehensive and quick read for those looking to learn more about protestant movements in the US. Because of the chapters on Judaism and Islam being unnecessary and somewhat offensive I will have to dock the rating and so I shall give this book 3.5/5 points.

Concise, informative, and tries hard to be fair
Separated Brethren is a nice compendium of information on the wide range of Faiths outside of the Roman Catholic Church.William Whalen is to be commended on his efforts to be matter-of-fact, and in most cases, succeeds at tempering bias.The book is an engaging read, full of information, well balanced, and broad in scope.

There are a few instances where the text contains implied judgement.Particular scorn is reserved for the Mormans (as would, of course, be fitting for such a religion that has the gall to call itself Christian).Whalen cannot resist the occasional contrast against Roman Catholicism, and I got the impression that apologists for the various Faiths described would not have focussed quite so much on certain aspects.

Nevertheless, it must be recognized that this is a book written to assist Catholics in ecumenical and interfaith understanding, rather than a purportedly unbiased review of religions.As such, it is perfectly acceptable to feel the loss of critical aspects of the Catholic Faith within those religions that derive from the Mother Church.

As a side note, since some Baptists claim their church "pre-dates Christ," I suspect they would be quite offended by their place on the "Christian Family Tree" in Whalen's book.I also suspect that when even the Pope recognizes Eastern Orthodoxy as "the second lung" of The Church, the placement of the Eastern Orthodox church on a branch would cause significant resentment.

Finally, most notably lacking in the book was treatment of the Traditionalist Catholics.Their claim is that the second largest denomination in America is "Catholics who left after Vatican II."While SSPX might be relatively small in America, I would consider their presence at least as worthy of note as "The Old Catholics."

Essential reading for any Christian
Of all the books on my shelf, Wm. Joseph Whalen's Separated Brethren is among the most instructive and the least dispensable. This is the first book I bought after converting to Catholicism, but that is not why I treasure it. Its pages are now yellowed and its cover worn, but I treasure it because it has everything I want in a book. It is concise, easy to read, gripping and addresses an issue that anyone who seeks truth should examine if he is truly sincere in his search. Which Church is the true one? Whalen answers this clearly by presenting the facts of history.

Whalen's Separated Brethren is not apologetic in style, but it is apologetic in effect as it enumerates with certainty the post-apostolic origins of non-Catholic, Christian religions. Like Foxe's Book of Martyrs? Read this. You will be blown away when you see the other side of the coin. Are you a Christian who would like to see the early Church restored? Read this and find that She never died. She is, perhaps, unrecognizable, but only because She has grown more wise and beautiful.

Whalen also brings together in one volume the teachings of all the mainline Protestant traditions, as well as some cults and some non-Christian traditions. I would like this book to be in the hands of every Catholic who thinks that it doesn't matter which church you go to. They are NOT all the same.

A quote from "Critic" on the back cover calls this book "a masterpiece of synthesis." Well said. ... Read more

Product Description
An army of shadows has been amassed. Its one goal: to destroy the Pirate Lords for their Shadow Lord—an alchemist who has created a special gold that grants him unfathomable power. But the soothsayer, Tia Dalma has other plans for the Lords and cannot allow them to be destroyed. So she calls on the one man who can turn the tide—Captain Jack Sparrow...

Product Description

In the first book ever written on the subject, Carl Bowman examines how and why members of the Church of the Brethren -- historically known as "Dunkers" after their method of baptism -- were assimilated faster and earlier than their Amish, Mennonite, or even Hutterite cousins.

"Brethren Society is unique, creative, and well written. There are virtually no other books to compare with it." -- Donald B. Kraybill, author of The Riddle of Amish Culture

"Thoroughly and richly researched, clearly organized and cogently written. Bowman's account will be the standard reference on the subject for years to come." -- James Davison Hunter, University of Virginia

"This brilliant analysis will shape the interpretation of Brethren history for many decades." -- Donald F. Durnbaugh, Elizabethtown College

Customer Reviews (4)

Tolerating diversity
The Brethren, known as the "Peculiar People," according to Bowman, were also once called the "plain people."
Emerging at the River Eider in Schwartzenau, Germany in 1708, due to the beliefs of Alexander Mack and a small number of religious separatists, the Tunkers/Dunkards attempted to engender the qualities of the early Christian Church (pp. 26-27) without the creeds imposed by more organized state religious institutions.The triune baptism by dunking in water, communion, feet washing, anointing and the "holy kiss" were to be practiced as instructed by Jesus.The New Testament, and later annual meeting minutes, were the loose creed of the faith- childlike faith, unity, obedience, and separation from the world.
Initially, the Brethren were a people of nonresistance who would not bear arms to defend country or family (p. 38.)In fact, they were marched, singing hymns, off to prison by those who did not approve of their beliefs.
For a time the Brethren maintained a strict fashion code (p. 79.), but they got over it.During the mid to late 19th century, German no longer was the language of choice, and members began publishing periodicals and even founding colleges, entering nonagricultural vocations.Members of the church spread from Pennsylvania to California and slowly began to resemble other protestant churches. This included introduction of musical instruments, paid preachers, and offering collections, stained glass, etc.
And by the late 1800's more traditional factions peeled away leaving the more progressive Brethren Church standing aloof from their fundamentalist brethren.(pp. 126-127.)And, by 1917 Brethrens were less separatists and even voted...for the more moral candidate, of course.By 1908 the term Church of the Brethren came into favor (p. 225).
And, by the 1920s, the Brethren became a part of the common community.And, by the 40s most Brethren did not want to be different anymore.Gone were the prayer coverings, the elders, and the church's demand for pacifism. Although peace was still endorsed, it was not mandatory and military service was considered an honorary option. (pp. 331-334.)Toleration rated higher than division. The very "peculiar" attributes of the initial faith distracted from growth/missions and were pared back.
In 1979, the Annual Conference encompassed both diversity and unity.(p. 363.)But, still in 1985, most Brethren had some previous family connection to their Church. (p. 382.)
Today, the Church of the Brethren remains a Church without a creed (other than the New Testament).
This book is a general narrative.Each church within the Church has its own history and beliefs which may vary dramatically.
Persons interested in this denomination may find the book "History of the Tunkers and the Brethren Church" by Henry R. Holsinger to also be informative.

Heart-breaking!
Carl Desportes Bowman tells it like it was in his account of the decline and acculturation of the Church of the Brethren, the formerly conservative wing of the Brethren Movement.

It's readable, enjoyable, but on the whole a very sad story.

A comprehensive work
As it becomes more and more difficult to provide information to those who desire it in regards to brethren history, Bowman has done a service to the Brethren movement. That he does not champion it but rather observes it is of great service. As one who traces my religious heritage through this body, i am grateful to Bowmam for the scholarly work which also manages to be an easy read. This book is for anyone with a great desire to understand the Brethren movement, it's roots, and its divisions.

Provides and in depth interpretive history of the Dunkards.
Bowman presents good information which is not easily found in the Brethren History Books.However, when charting the demise of the Brethren Movement, he identifies the loss of peculiarness as the reason the group lost its influence.While he documents the increase of bureaucratic baggage to the denomination and the abandonment of the original simplicity of the group, he does not see this as causal in the group loosing its original impact.He does not hedge or create heros as other Brethren history works tend to do, which is a definite value to this work. ... Read more

Product Description
The Summons
Once Judge Atlee was a powerful figure in Clanton, Mississippi–a pillar of the community who towered over local law and politics for forty years. Now the judge is a shadow of his former self, a sick, lonely old man who has withdrawn to his sprawling ancestral home. Knowing the end is near, Judge Atlee has issued a summons for his two sons to return to Clanton to discuss his estate.
The summons is typed by the judge himself, on his handsome old stationery, and gives the date and time for his sons Ray and Forrest to appear in his study. But the judge dies too soon, and in doing so leaves behind a shocking secret.

The Brethren
They call themselves the Brethren: three disgraced former judges doing time in a Florida federal prison.
Meeting daily in the prison law library, taking exercise walks in their boxer shorts, these judges-turned-felons can reminisce about old court cases, dispense a little jailhouse justice, and contemplate where their lives went wrong.
Or they can use their time in prison to get very rich -- very fast. And so they sit, sprawled in the prison library, furiously writing letters, fine-tuning a wickedly brilliant extortion scam ... while events outside their prison walls begin to erupt. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book
We took a lengthy car trip and this book was an intriguing story that made time go fast

audio stories
Loved the stories, thought the speaker was wonderful with his voice changes.definitely for those commuting and sitting in that traffic, on long trips. or relaxing somewhere. .

THE SUMMONS THE BRETHREN
THE BOOKS WERE EXCELLENT AND THE READERS WONDERFUL. FRANK, MULLER WAS ONE OF THE GREATS. JUST FOR YOUR INFORMATION THE BRETHREN WAS READ BY FRANK MULLER. ALSO WHEN THE READER STARTS THE SECOND BOOK HE SAYS DISC ONE WHEN IT IS NINE. A LITTLE BIT CONFUSING. AMAZON TO ME SPEAKS OF EXCELLENCE ! [...]

Great Road Trip Companion
I havent had a chance to hear The Summons yet, but The Brethren was a very nice listen. It is so much nicer to have a book-on-cd to listen to during a long trip than just normal music. Music gets old, a good grisham novel pulls you in. If you have a shorter trip (or if you arentvery patient) you might want to check out abbridged versions of his books. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Fantastic!
The book was outstanding! It had a lot of historical detail. The story was thoroughly enjoyable. I wish there was another follow up book. The author Robert Young is superb! I donated this book to the public library.

I look forward to the finish this series; if her past is any indication - I will recommend it!!
it is interesting the author gives credit where credit is due (research), and is willing to accept blame if there is any inaccuracy.
This shows me that she is formidable and up front in her writing!

Excellent product, fast shipping.
This book was described as "excellent condition" and it was that, even more, it was like NEW condition.The shipping was very fast.I recommend this seller.

Attempted rating adjustment
I'm giving this book a 5 star rating to attempt to offset the one star rating given by someone who has not even read the book.I have read the other two books in the series and they are very good. I haven't read this one yet but if they are as good as the first two I'm sure it will be great. (most likely really four stars) However to see a one star review because someone has other issues than the product itself. This is a disservice to the book and is a misuse of the rating system. Overall this has been a good series and I see no reason this installment shouldn't be just as good as the first two. (Please don't penalize the third book with a poor rating just because the publisher published the second book with two titles. Blame the publisher not the product)

A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RIP-OFF!
While I will leave any additional commentary regarding this work until I have actually read it, I am EXTREMELY unhappy with the Author, Publisher and Amazon for perpetrating this charade!

I read and very much enjoyed Robyn Young's first book in this series, Brethren, while on my last business trip overseas. When I returned home, I suggested to my Wife that I thought she would enjoy this book as well. During the course of a subsequent trip overseas, my Wife told me how much she enjoyed reading Brethren.

Due to the length of my current trip, I thought I might surprise my Wife by purchasing the rest of the series along with any other similar works by Robyn Young. I ordered Crusade, Requiem and The Fall of the Templars. The books arrived and my Wife picked up the series where she left off and gobbled them up. After reading Requiem, she moved on to The Fall of the Templars only to find that they are the EXACT SAME BOOK with two different titles??? I have never in all my years run into this before!??? Yes, titles change occasionally when translated from one language to another, but we are talking strictly English here?

In going back and looking at Amazon's listings once again, the books are offered as follows...

Requiem (Brethren Trilogy 3) (Hardcover)

The Fall of the Templars (Hardcover)

Obviously, had I realized that they were in fact the very same book, I would not have purchased both titles! As for an actual review of the book, when I have finished the trilogy I'll be happy to report back on the contents of the book. In the interim, I simply hope that this "review" will prevent any of you from accidentally purchasing two copies of the same books under different titles!

Why Amazon doesn't make this clear in their listings is beyond me?

Respectfully submitted,

John P. Sheehan ... Read more

Product Description

This is the definitive history of the Evangelical United Brethren Church.  The result of many years of painstaking research, this volume presents a comprehensive account of an important American denomination that became part of United Methodism.

Product Description
Kari Keswick and Ronan Wolvesey burned for one another, but a deadly family curse targets their love with destruction.Will magic tear them apart?
... Read more