The Brethren - Brossura

'Swashbuckling historical fiction... For all its philosophical depth [The Brethren] is a hugely entertaining romp... The comparisons with Dumas seem both natural and deserved and the next 12 instalments [are] a thrilling prospect' Christobel Kent, Guardian

'A vivid novel by France's modern Dumas... [there is] plenty of evidence in the rich characterisation and vivid historical detail that a reader's long-term commitment will be amply rewarded' Sunday Times

'The mainstay of the novel is swashbuckling action... What stands out is Merle's eye for detail' Spectator

'We're swept away by triumph, tragedy, action and adventure... It's a novel like this that makes reviewing one of the best jobs in the world.' Bookbag, Five Star Review

'Cleverly depicts France's epic religious wars through the intimate prism of one family's experience. It's beautifully written too. Metro.

'Historical fiction at its very best... This fast paced and heady brew is colourfully leavened with love and sex and a great deal of humour and wit. The second instalment cannot be published too soon' We Love This Book

'This is old-fashioned story-telling. It has swagger and, vibrancy with big characters... A gripping story with humour and strength and real attention to historical detail" Mature Times

'A master of the historical novel' Guardian

'The spectacular 13-volume evocation of 16th-17th-century France' Independent

'Merle's novel offers a sympathetic and highly imaginative view of a fraught time in French history... filled with originality, humanity, and insight'New Welsh Review

'The Brethren very quickly wins one over' Glasgow Herald

'The Dumas of the twentieth century' Neues Deutschland

'A wonderful, colourful, breathlessly narrated historical panorama' Zeitpunkt

'Robert Merle is one of the very few French writers who has attained both popular success and the admiration of critics. The doyen of our novelists is a happy man'