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Corps Justice #2
Council of Patriots
A beautiful woman butchered... A Congressman blackmailed... A secret cabal of Japanese imperialists... A small group of retired politicians form to protect America. The Council of Patriots is born. Former Marine Cal Stokes, and his team at SSI, head to Las Vegas, to uncover an invisible enemy that threatens to infiltrate the Democratic National Convention. What is their endgame, and more importantly: Who is the American politician pulling the strings? With assassins around every corner, and a supposed ally manipulating both sides, Stokes must carefully utilize his team and the Council to stop the rise of a new empire.
244 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2012
2852 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
C.G. Cooper
87 books397 followersC. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 27, 2020
Political intrigue drives this second of the Corps Justice series.
This story didn't grab me as much as the first book did. It was somewhat predictable, and it seemed a little shallow in character development to me.
This story didn't grab me as much as the first book did. It was somewhat predictable, and it seemed a little shallow in character development to me.
September 15, 2013
I thought I would check out a book in this subgenre—which I will loosely call vigilante action adventure thriller. This is the second in a series (though there was plenty enough exposition so you don’t need to read the first book to understand context; in fact, so much of what occurred in the first book is summarized here that it makes reading the first book unsurprising and unnecessary).
This is the story of a secret private security organization, SSI, (think of a fantasy variant of Blackwater) who have cutting edge technological advances and extraordinary combat and violent defense skills. SSI go on extralegal paramilitary operations to protect the free world and civilization as we know it. Although there are a lot of clichés, this fast read does have exciting adventure, lots of violent encounters, and some decidedly evil bad guys to overcome and subdue (a secret Japanese samurai/big business group that has survived for generations, dedicating to avenging World War II in the 21st century and restoring their envisioned empire). Most of SSI are retired Marines, Navy Seals, or Congressional Medal of Honor winners, and much of the action takes place amid the luxury and opulence of life in Las Vegas for the very rich. The main focus is on Cal, the natural born leader and head of the task force undertaking the current mission.
SSI works for a secret society of ex-presidents and American leaders, the Council of Patriots, who regularly work covertly outside the law (both American and international) because, we are to understand, this is the only way anything ever gets done in the real world. I enjoyed the basic story line and rising threat in this novel, leading to the inevitable big climax that could make or break the future of the United States, but the fundamental ideology driving this book—and the entire series—deeply troubles me.
Here is the hallowed Corps Justice credo, taken verbatim from the text: “1. We will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. 2. We will protect the weak and punish the wicked. 3. When the laws of this nation hinder the completion of these duties, our moral compass will guide us to see the mission through.” This sophistry negates and overrides rule #1 by allowing each person’s definition of “moral compass’ in #3 to allow them to do whatever they want to achieve #2.
Embedded in this adventure tale is a strong anti-government philosophy, and the few good Democrats are noted as exceptions, and are only accepted once they embrace neoconservative hawk militarism and fascist override by powers-that-be over democratic institutions. The military and veterans, particularly grunts and ex-Marines, are glorified, and I am fine with that, even pleased. But when the author makes all the heroes belittle and ridicule the current president (who is identified as a Democrat) repeatedly, the Tea Party mindset is portrayed as the only mindset for those in service, and I don’t think that’s fair or true. Also, if they hate all politicians so much (another oft iterated theme) and abhor the policies of the current president, why they would all give their lives in an instant, if necessary, to protect him, as is clearly the intent, seems a bit more unlikely.
This is the story of a secret private security organization, SSI, (think of a fantasy variant of Blackwater) who have cutting edge technological advances and extraordinary combat and violent defense skills. SSI go on extralegal paramilitary operations to protect the free world and civilization as we know it. Although there are a lot of clichés, this fast read does have exciting adventure, lots of violent encounters, and some decidedly evil bad guys to overcome and subdue (a secret Japanese samurai/big business group that has survived for generations, dedicating to avenging World War II in the 21st century and restoring their envisioned empire). Most of SSI are retired Marines, Navy Seals, or Congressional Medal of Honor winners, and much of the action takes place amid the luxury and opulence of life in Las Vegas for the very rich. The main focus is on Cal, the natural born leader and head of the task force undertaking the current mission.
SSI works for a secret society of ex-presidents and American leaders, the Council of Patriots, who regularly work covertly outside the law (both American and international) because, we are to understand, this is the only way anything ever gets done in the real world. I enjoyed the basic story line and rising threat in this novel, leading to the inevitable big climax that could make or break the future of the United States, but the fundamental ideology driving this book—and the entire series—deeply troubles me.
Here is the hallowed Corps Justice credo, taken verbatim from the text: “1. We will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. 2. We will protect the weak and punish the wicked. 3. When the laws of this nation hinder the completion of these duties, our moral compass will guide us to see the mission through.” This sophistry negates and overrides rule #1 by allowing each person’s definition of “moral compass’ in #3 to allow them to do whatever they want to achieve #2.
Embedded in this adventure tale is a strong anti-government philosophy, and the few good Democrats are noted as exceptions, and are only accepted once they embrace neoconservative hawk militarism and fascist override by powers-that-be over democratic institutions. The military and veterans, particularly grunts and ex-Marines, are glorified, and I am fine with that, even pleased. But when the author makes all the heroes belittle and ridicule the current president (who is identified as a Democrat) repeatedly, the Tea Party mindset is portrayed as the only mindset for those in service, and I don’t think that’s fair or true. Also, if they hate all politicians so much (another oft iterated theme) and abhor the policies of the current president, why they would all give their lives in an instant, if necessary, to protect him, as is clearly the intent, seems a bit more unlikely.
February 24, 2019
Although each book in the Corps Justice series stands alone, and fills in background information as necessary, I’d recommend reading them in order. Book 2 soon picks up where the first book left off with former Marine, Cal Stokes, who now works for his deceased father’s company, heading up the covert branch of the security organisation; his SSI division deals with threats to the American homeland, exacting justice in order to keep their country safe.
Immediately after his fiancée’s funeral, Cal had been introduced to the secret group of retired politicians who form the Council of Patriots. In turn, they indirectly introduce SSI to clients, which might include members of the serving government who face challenges, such as being set up. or blackmailed. While in Las Vegas, to assist a politician, Cal senses he’s being watched....but there’s rarely a fair fight; usually someone opens their big mouth! Despite using every advantage SSI has, no-one can predict the outcome of the forthcoming drama.
Immediately after his fiancée’s funeral, Cal had been introduced to the secret group of retired politicians who form the Council of Patriots. In turn, they indirectly introduce SSI to clients, which might include members of the serving government who face challenges, such as being set up. or blackmailed. While in Las Vegas, to assist a politician, Cal senses he’s being watched....but there’s rarely a fair fight; usually someone opens their big mouth! Despite using every advantage SSI has, no-one can predict the outcome of the forthcoming drama.
January 6, 2016
Wonderful Story
This story flowed very well and kept me on the edge of my seat. The author was able to create enough tension at one point that I thought I might begin to tremble! I love this series by C. G. Cooper.
This story flowed very well and kept me on the edge of my seat. The author was able to create enough tension at one point that I thought I might begin to tremble! I love this series by C. G. Cooper.
June 7, 2019
Love This series
Just discovered the series and I love it - lots of action and it's constantly on the move. Read you will not be disappointed
Just discovered the series and I love it - lots of action and it's constantly on the move. Read you will not be disappointed
December 29, 2017
The book was ok. Have you ever watched the House of Cards? Spacey acts a little and then stops, looks into the camera, and then talks directly to the audience. A sideshow, cute and catchy, but adds no real value to plot. The same goes with this book. The author gets on a roll, then stops the storytelling and goes into tangent descriptions of characters (for example, Daniel) to introduce them to the reader. Totally not needed. There is a better way or don't do it at all. It is as if the author has to explain what the characters are thinking or doing to a fault. One more thing: The plot has to be believable. If a congressman is involved in a scene where the ex-President's daughter is mutilated (supposedly by the congressman), believe me, the story is not just broad-brushed away. The ex-Presidente accepts the Congressman's apology off handedly and then asks for forgiveness for something he, the President, did? Give me a break.
June 21, 2018
Council of Patriots C.G. Cooper
A council of Patriots, devoted to protecting America. SSI a privately owned security company helps them in their endeavours. Primarily comprised of former extremely highly skilled military veterans. Colonel Stokes, now deceased was the companies founder. His son Cal heads up their covert branch under the watchful eye and approval of POTUS. A Japanese executive, a multi billionaire wants Japan to return to its glory days prior to Japan's surrender following W.W.II His primary tool ? Blackmail. Murder, if needed. He plans to put his handpicked politician in office. They didn't factor in Cal Stokley and his handpicked team of covert operators into their equation. Bad mistake. An excellent read. Action, suspense to the very last page. Enjoyed immensely!
A council of Patriots, devoted to protecting America. SSI a privately owned security company helps them in their endeavours. Primarily comprised of former extremely highly skilled military veterans. Colonel Stokes, now deceased was the companies founder. His son Cal heads up their covert branch under the watchful eye and approval of POTUS. A Japanese executive, a multi billionaire wants Japan to return to its glory days prior to Japan's surrender following W.W.II His primary tool ? Blackmail. Murder, if needed. He plans to put his handpicked politician in office. They didn't factor in Cal Stokley and his handpicked team of covert operators into their equation. Bad mistake. An excellent read. Action, suspense to the very last page. Enjoyed immensely!
January 19, 2021
Wow, What a great story!
A number of former and current high-ranking politicians have formed a Council of Patriots to help ensure America’s safety and protect this country they love.
The Council decides to work with Cal Stokes and Stokes Security International [SSI]. SSI forms a covert branch of the company that interfaces with the President and the Council.
SSI gets involved with a Japanese multi billionaire who plans to put his puppet into the office of President so he can return Japan to its glory days.
Join Cal and the team as they go to the Democratic Convention in Las Vegas to try and find and fix the corruption.
There are many twists and turns as the story unfolds. Read along and join the adventure. I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!!
A number of former and current high-ranking politicians have formed a Council of Patriots to help ensure America’s safety and protect this country they love.
The Council decides to work with Cal Stokes and Stokes Security International [SSI]. SSI forms a covert branch of the company that interfaces with the President and the Council.
SSI gets involved with a Japanese multi billionaire who plans to put his puppet into the office of President so he can return Japan to its glory days.
Join Cal and the team as they go to the Democratic Convention in Las Vegas to try and find and fix the corruption.
There are many twists and turns as the story unfolds. Read along and join the adventure. I think you will really enjoy this book, I know I did!!
September 26, 2017
The Council of Patriots was formed by Cal Stokes' Dad when he developed SSl into the Organization it is today! This Council of ex Presidents and politicians helps Vett the assigments SSI undertakes. A Girl's murder, the blackmailing of politicians, and group of foreign nationalists combine to show how dirty politics can be! Cal and his teammates go to work. During this time Cal makes his decision to stay with SSI. The Democratic National conference is Scheduled for Las Vegas. Assassins are around every corner and conspiracies are everywhere. But that's enough information, I do not want to spoil your read. This book is exciting and you will enjoy it. A very Good Read Santa Mike
June 23, 2017
'Council of Patriots' was full of twists and turns. The storyline pulled me in from the beginning and I was hooked. The way it played out held quite a few surprises that I didn't see coming. The characters were great. SSI is sure testing Cal and pushing his limits as to how he addresses and deals with scenarios. Daniel is a great addition to the team. He is definitely quite crafty. I'm not sure I liked how this book ended, but I had already planned on reading the next book, so it's all good. A great add to your tbr list.
February 7, 2020
I'll keep this simple. Good book for what it is and if this is what you are looking for, you'll enjoy it. There wasn't much surprise as to who the "bad guy(s)" are toward the end of the book and what I can only assume is the plot of the next book was shoe-horned in last paragraph.
Fun introduction to a new character (Daniel Briggs). I didn't feel like he was overused, and great intro to a secondary book series covering his character.
I really liked the book, but struggle between the 3-4 stars. Good read, you'll enjoy
Fun introduction to a new character (Daniel Briggs). I didn't feel like he was overused, and great intro to a secondary book series covering his character.
I really liked the book, but struggle between the 3-4 stars. Good read, you'll enjoy
June 8, 2020
A small group of retired politicians form to protect America. The Council of Patriots is born. Former Marine Cal Stokes, and his team at SSI, head to Las Vegas, to uncover an invisible enemy that threatens to infiltrate the Democratic National Convention. What is their endgame, and more importantly: Who is the American politician pulling the strings?
With assassins around every corner, and a supposed ally manipulating both sides, Stokes must carefully utilize his team and the Council to stop the rise of a new empire.
With assassins around every corner, and a supposed ally manipulating both sides, Stokes must carefully utilize his team and the Council to stop the rise of a new empire.
August 7, 2017
This book was ok. I actually liked the first book a little bit better, but I can't really remember why. I found this book to be suspenseful, surprising, and a decent quick read. But something about the writing style and the jokes and dialogue between the characters seemed a bit too forced. It's hard to explain. This wasn't bad, it was definitely entertaining, but I wouldn't have paid money for it or for more in the series at this point.
October 24, 2018
I just got a check and I’m on kindle
“Let me just say that you would not want these videos to get leaked to the police or the public.” Brandon’s head started to clear as did his bravado. “Are you trying to frame me?” The security man looked almost contrite and bowed before answering. “Of course not, Congressman. You do see our dilemma…” He was interrupted by Ishi Nakamura bursting through the door.
“Let me just say that you would not want these videos to get leaked to the police or the public.” Brandon’s head started to clear as did his bravado. “Are you trying to frame me?” The security man looked almost contrite and bowed before answering. “Of course not, Congressman. You do see our dilemma…” He was interrupted by Ishi Nakamura bursting through the door.
December 29, 2018
OMGosh!!!!!!
I MUST get started on the next book in this series....NOW!!! This thrilling story about how terrioristrk for years to set up events, corrupt politics, a secret society, covert warriors......you will not be able to put this story down! Last night I even dreamed that I was in the story! The identity of the politician who was a traitor will totally surprise you. So will the ending. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING!
I MUST get started on the next book in this series....NOW!!! This thrilling story about how terrioristrk for years to set up events, corrupt politics, a secret society, covert warriors......you will not be able to put this story down! Last night I even dreamed that I was in the story! The identity of the politician who was a traitor will totally surprise you. So will the ending. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING!
February 14, 2019
This is a fair mystery novel. I bought it because I loved the first novel with Daniel Briggs, a slick ex-Marine Sniper trying to find himself. In Council of Patriots he has a minor role. Several problems that I had were the wrong enemy, Japanese, Briggs being guided by a superior being to Las Vegas, and a out of the park Black Mail attempt. The rest was enjoyable and realistic. It might do with fewer characters.
March 2, 2018
Enjoyable but slightly outlandish
This storyline starts very slow but soon picks up speed with the vicious murder's of everyone from secret service agents to Japanese assassin's and the sitting President is next . And only a small group of retired ex military patriots can save the country from a foreign threat with deep ties in corruption within our own government!.
This storyline starts very slow but soon picks up speed with the vicious murder's of everyone from secret service agents to Japanese assassin's and the sitting President is next . And only a small group of retired ex military patriots can save the country from a foreign threat with deep ties in corruption within our own government!.
April 20, 2018
I can honestly say that while Mr. Cooper can look up gun models on Google, that's about the extent of his knowledge about the protections we have around politicians in the United States. I understand that it was written for entertainment, but it was so inaccurate that it made it very difficult to finish.
November 6, 2018
this is the second book in the series. Cal has avenged the death of his fiancee. He finds out his father's company which is now his works on the secret side with a council of former and current men in power. He and his company are tasked with a mission .
the writing is good and I enjoyed it.
the writing is good and I enjoyed it.
Read
May 4, 2020Good story!
Sorta believable story. Good action, almost believable characters. A story about plain people wouldn't be much of a story, but that's who settled our country. They may not have had seal or ranger training, but they planted crops, build homes and raised their children. Who then did the same thing.
Sorta believable story. Good action, almost believable characters. A story about plain people wouldn't be much of a story, but that's who settled our country. They may not have had seal or ranger training, but they planted crops, build homes and raised their children. Who then did the same thing.
March 30, 2025
Totally Kept My Attention
I enjoyed this one as much as the first in the series. I'm looking forward to Corps Justice Book 3.
Such a well developed storyline. There are a few edits needed, as in the 1st, but it doesn't distract from the story. I love that there are more characters added to each book.
Thanks, C. G. Cooper
I enjoyed this one as much as the first in the series. I'm looking forward to Corps Justice Book 3.
Such a well developed storyline. There are a few edits needed, as in the 1st, but it doesn't distract from the story. I love that there are more characters added to each book.
Thanks, C. G. Cooper
May 4, 2017
Patriotic action packed read
Enjoyed it for the entertaining easy read. Characters were consistent with the first book. The American patriotism depicted is refreshing in the age of political correctness.
Enjoyed it for the entertaining easy read. Characters were consistent with the first book. The American patriotism depicted is refreshing in the age of political correctness.
May 7, 2017
Semper. Fi
Great book! Exciting read with action, intrigue. drama, pathos, interesting story line and gripping conclusion. Not the deepest plot ever but a very entertaining story that keeps you engrossed and leaves you anxious for the next book. Well done!
Great book! Exciting read with action, intrigue. drama, pathos, interesting story line and gripping conclusion. Not the deepest plot ever but a very entertaining story that keeps you engrossed and leaves you anxious for the next book. Well done!
November 5, 2017
Great Book second time around
I chose this rating because I have read this book twice so far and I enjoyed it better the second time. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
I chose this rating because I have read this book twice so far and I enjoyed it better the second time. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
November 13, 2017
Good storyline .
Relationship development is good. Enjoying following along as Cal grows into his place in the family business. Plot for this one is a little frightening. Good read.
Relationship development is good. Enjoying following along as Cal grows into his place in the family business. Plot for this one is a little frightening. Good read.
December 20, 2017
Another winner
This book is a must read. Book #2 in the series. Looking forward to book #3 Prime Asset. These reads are page turners and side affects is lost sleep not able to put the books do.
This book is a must read. Book #2 in the series. Looking forward to book #3 Prime Asset. These reads are page turners and side affects is lost sleep not able to put the books do.
November 28, 2018
Very enjoyable
A very entertaining read. I intend to continue reading this series, Cooper is very good writer. Lots of twists and turns. The main character, Cal, is very believable and fun.
A very entertaining read. I intend to continue reading this series, Cooper is very good writer. Lots of twists and turns. The main character, Cal, is very believable and fun.
January 14, 2019
Interesting, but too unbelievable.
Very far fetched story of an American government formed inside the existing government. Could never happen. Just a blown up fairy tale in my opinion. Add to that the improbable notion of Japan taking over america
Very far fetched story of an American government formed inside the existing government. Could never happen. Just a blown up fairy tale in my opinion. Add to that the improbable notion of Japan taking over america
April 21, 2019
Although he is not related, CG Cooper is an excellent author. I’ve read many of his novels and have enjoyed every one of them. His characters are human, talented and brave. Keep writing please!!!!!!
Dr. C. 🙏🎉🎊🌈
Dr. C. 🙏🎉🎊🌈
May 12, 2019
Wonderful about justice
Well this getting to be repeated occurrence for me for saying that I am impressed with his book. Wow SSI saves the day from bad guys and bad politicians. Just wow
Well this getting to be repeated occurrence for me for saying that I am impressed with his book. Wow SSI saves the day from bad guys and bad politicians. Just wow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews