Haggard writes like no other. Today's authors cannot spin a yarn without filth and smut. Haggard writes of true gentlemen; heroes that are God-fearing and righteous, and do not compromise their morals or beliefs no matter what. This novel should be read by all youth of today so they can learn how to act. This novel is important today since Islam and Christianity are still at odds with one another more often than we'd like.

I simply delight in the way Haggard constructs his sentences and enjoy the words he uses to forward the narrative. He is an absolute genius and nobody today that is compared to him even comes close. ( )

Prolific as he was, H. Rider Haggard essentially wrote at three levels of quality. Much of his Quatermain series and some of the Ayesha series are first rank. Others in the series fall into place, merely filling out the framework of the story, albeit they are readable and engaging. There are also one-offs, such as Montezuma's Daughter, which achieve some degree of novelty and revelation, especially about peoples who were alien to Haggard and his reading audience. There are clunkers, however. And The Brethren is one of them.

It is a well plotted novel--perhaps too well plotted--almost as if it is hammered into a workpiece to adhere to a rough design. Still, Haggard can maintain interest, even at this level. But whereas many of his novels shoot the reader into their stories, The Brethren merely pushes you along with sufficient interest.

As is often the case with Haggard, there is an element of melancholy to the resolution of this novel. Otherwise, it plays out all too predictably. Too, there are not many ideas explored, here. Haggard was one for introducing certain nuanced ideas of religion, empire, and perspective into his work. Here, the religious element is hamfisted in its play between Christianity and Islam. There are, however, many good scenes of action, although the prelude to them is sometimes a bit talky. ( )

Two friends and sworn brothers fall in love with the same woman. When they find out instead of falling out over her they pledge to go off to the crusades and after time come back to the issue. This book records their adventures and the results. Well done and a classic favorite.

This author was reportedly Winston Churchill's favorite fiction author. :) ( )