Leonardo's Chair

Rating:
Summary: Leonardo's Chair
Review: An excellent read. Intrigue, mystery, romance and an insight into the art world and the supposed power of a chair belonging to Leonardo da Vinci. This book is a must read for anyone who feels the da Vinci Code holds all the answers. Non-stop reading with a powerful ending suitable for a sequel. Anxious to see more from this author.

Rating:
Summary: A Modern Masterpiece
Review: Beyond a provocative, page-turning story, as others have here noted, DeSimone skillfully employs deliberate, well-chosen words to create a masterpiece of his own. Leonardo's Chair is a delightful first novel with an ending that cleverly leaves the door cracked open for a potential sequel.

After finishing Leonardo's Chair, my only question is-whose chair has John DeSimone been sitting in? To the author: Well done!

Rating:
Summary: For a Good Read, Take a Seat in Leonardo's Chair
Review: For an entertianing foray into the art world, DeSimone's novel provides a visual, even cinematic literary palette. A chair, reportedly built by Leonardo Da Vinci, is the center of this tale of international intrigue. Well-defined characters grapple with greed, pride, and the difference between artistic integrity and commercial success. DeSimone's portrait of Italy colors the plot as you answer the question posed by the chair's presence. Is it an icon that inspires genius or is it the seat of a curse passed through generations?

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Summary: Longing for a sequel
Review: In Leonardo's Chair, international portrait artist, Vincent LaBont has achieved the kind of fame that most men only dream about. But Vincent harbors a dark secret. He attributes his success to a piece of furniture that he owns..a chair created by Leonardo da Vinci. The chair is rumored to give whoever sits in it, the ability to paint like the master himself. But possessing the chair comes at a terrible price. When the chair is stolen from the LaBont home it sets of a chain of events that tests the mettle of each family member.

The book in itself is a masterpiece with rich, cinematographic settings, believable characters, and an intriguing well-paced plot. The author, John Desimone, isn't afraid to tackle the relationship issues in this novel and how Vincent LaBont's lust for greatness forces the rest of his family to face tough, life-changing moral decisions.

The novel is a must-read for anyone who loves art, intrigue, and has wrestled with their own question of, "how far would I go to achieve fame." All in all, an excellent read and a story that will have you longing for a sequel.




Rating:
Summary: Intrigue, romance, betrayal--and more
Review: Leonardo's Chair

A splendidly plotted and suspenseful tale of good and evil, blessings and cursings, propelled by the premise that the chair of the title, created by Leonardo DaVinci, bestows the master's consummate skills upon the artist who sits in it.

The story carries us to well-defined locales from Southern California to Savoy. A compelling cast of characters generates intrigue, romance, temptation, betrayal, peril and spiritual truth.

A terrific read, enhanced by the addition of a reader's guide with questions ideal for a book club or small group discussion.




Rating:
Summary: Just a Chair--or a Channel of Genius?
Review: With deft strokes, DeSimone paints us a portrait of not just a greatly-coveted chair, but of those who crave it--almost above life itself. Was this compelling piece of furniture really formed by the hands of the great master, DaVinci? And is it both a blessing to those who use it--helping them produce their own masterpieces; and a curse--condemning its users to die violent, often fiery, deaths? Is there an otherworldly secret to this simple concoction of wood and cloth? Or is it all a horrific coincidence?

Growing up with the chair in his Laguna Beach, CA, home, young Paul LaMont is at first just curious about it. But then his famous portrait artist father almost dies trying to rescue it from their burning mansion--only to discover it has been stolen. Suddenly Paul is ordered to find it and bring it home to save his father's life. Tracking down the chair takes Paul to Italy, to love, to high achievement, to terror, and to the greatest decision of his life.

A page-turner, a breath-taker, and a sit-up-all-nighter. Plus an awesome read!