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Cornerstone
In the blink of an eye, a life begins & another ends. What do you do when all is lost? When all that’s left is guilt? These are the questions that face Brent Venturi, the leader of the Phantom Squad. His answer—go back to the beginning, to where it all began—Mount Ararat. The last known resting place of Noah’s Ark. What begins as a sabbatical of self-awareness turns into a mission of survival.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
46 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
J.M. LeDuc
21 books35 followersMark Adduci (J.M. LeDuc) was born in Boston, MA. and lives in south Fl. He writes in the genre of mystery/thriller and in the subgenres of crime, historical and YA. "Cornerstone" peaked on Amazon at #1 in Historical Mystery and #9 overall. "Evil Awakened," a YA paranormal thriller based in Native American mythology/folklore will be released in the first quarter on 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 22, 2013
CORNERSTONE by JM LeDuc would be considered in the genre of Christian fiction, but this author has brought to life a stunning action-adventure in the same arena with James Rollins and Brad Thor. LeDuc’s ‘Phantom Squad’, with leader, Brent Venturi, can match wits with the best of them and does in this fourth installment of the Phantom Squad Series.
Venturi’s loss of faith, brought on by the death of his beloved wife, Chloe, sends him into a tailspin and back to the ‘beginning’, a monastery at the base of Mt. Ararat where he must face his maker in order to understand his destiny. Then, with the help of his newest protége’, Tag Achek, a Cree warrior and hardened Army sniper, Venturi must find a way to save the President of the United States and the members of the Phantom Squad from torture and death at the hands of an enemy from within.
JM Leduc is thrilling readers once again with his writing style and hard-edged approach in this exciting new page-turner. The characters are smart, capable and deadly, while the action is electrifying and continuous throughout this much anticipated sequel. I am personally, an action-adventure junkie of the tenth magnitude and this novel had my blood racing and my fingers itching to turn the pages. LeDuc’s research is spot-on and his religious representations almost saint-like. I must say, this is one of the most satisfying stories I have read in a while. Literary Awesomeness!!!
5 spiders for CORNERSTONE and JM LeDuc… GO GET THIS BOOK!
DJ Weaver for WebbWeaver Reviews
Venturi’s loss of faith, brought on by the death of his beloved wife, Chloe, sends him into a tailspin and back to the ‘beginning’, a monastery at the base of Mt. Ararat where he must face his maker in order to understand his destiny. Then, with the help of his newest protége’, Tag Achek, a Cree warrior and hardened Army sniper, Venturi must find a way to save the President of the United States and the members of the Phantom Squad from torture and death at the hands of an enemy from within.
JM Leduc is thrilling readers once again with his writing style and hard-edged approach in this exciting new page-turner. The characters are smart, capable and deadly, while the action is electrifying and continuous throughout this much anticipated sequel. I am personally, an action-adventure junkie of the tenth magnitude and this novel had my blood racing and my fingers itching to turn the pages. LeDuc’s research is spot-on and his religious representations almost saint-like. I must say, this is one of the most satisfying stories I have read in a while. Literary Awesomeness!!!
5 spiders for CORNERSTONE and JM LeDuc… GO GET THIS BOOK!
DJ Weaver for WebbWeaver Reviews
April 29, 2022
Loved It
I wish this would get made into a movie! It would be great to see this play out on the big screen.
I wish this would get made into a movie! It would be great to see this play out on the big screen.
August 6, 2013
J. M. LeDuc in his new book, “Cornerstone” Book One in the Phantom Squad series published by Suspense Publishing gives us another adventure with Brent Venturi and The Phantom Squad.
From the back cover: In the blink of an eye, a life begins and another ends. In a blink of an eye, Brent Venturi falls into the chasm of despair.
What do you do when everything is lost? When the person you loved is gone and all you have left is guilt? These are the questions that face Brent, the leader of the Phantom Squad and the latest in Noah’s line of descendants. His answer—go back to the beginning, back to where it all began—Mount Ararat.
The last known resting place of Noah’s Ark.
In his travels, Brent will meet Rowtag Achak, a Cree brave and Special Forces sniper who is on a similar path of self-destruction. Together, they will trace their steps from Palm Cove to Washington D.C., all the way to Armenia and the Khor Virap Monastery, which sits at the base of Mount Ararat. Their travels will eventually take them to Alpha Camp and the Hindu Kush mountains on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
When President Dupree and the Phantom Squad get captured by the Brotherhood of Gaza, time for introspection is over and time for action begins. Brent must find a way to get back to the man he was in order to save the people still left in his life.
What begins as a sabbatical of self-awareness turns into a mission of survival. His own, that of the squad and more importantly, that of the president of the United States. What man and nature takes away, only God can restore. The restoration of the Cornerstone.
To find the beginning, one must walk through the past and be willing to step into the future.
While this is the first book in the Phantom Squad series it is actually the continuation of the previous “Trilogy of the Chosen” series which introduced the Phantom Squad and Brent Venturi. There is also a novella, “Phantom Squad” which is the prequel to the “Trilogy” series which gives the creation of the Phantom Squad. I mention all of that so, while this book can be read as a stand alone, quite a lot has come before with these characters. And within “Cornerstone” there is also quite a lot happening. The President, along with the Squad, are kidnapped and Brent has to go and rescue them. However it means Traveling to Mount Ararat and dealing with the Brotherhood of Gaza. The lives of Brent, The Squad and The President are in great danger. ”Cornerstone” is a wonderful thriller as Brent and Rowtag Achak strive to stay alive and rescue everyone. ”Cornerstone” have you flipping pages to find out what happens next. I don’t recommend starting this book late at night because you will give up sleep trying to finish it.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: In the blink of an eye, a life begins and another ends. In a blink of an eye, Brent Venturi falls into the chasm of despair.
What do you do when everything is lost? When the person you loved is gone and all you have left is guilt? These are the questions that face Brent, the leader of the Phantom Squad and the latest in Noah’s line of descendants. His answer—go back to the beginning, back to where it all began—Mount Ararat.
The last known resting place of Noah’s Ark.
In his travels, Brent will meet Rowtag Achak, a Cree brave and Special Forces sniper who is on a similar path of self-destruction. Together, they will trace their steps from Palm Cove to Washington D.C., all the way to Armenia and the Khor Virap Monastery, which sits at the base of Mount Ararat. Their travels will eventually take them to Alpha Camp and the Hindu Kush mountains on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
When President Dupree and the Phantom Squad get captured by the Brotherhood of Gaza, time for introspection is over and time for action begins. Brent must find a way to get back to the man he was in order to save the people still left in his life.
What begins as a sabbatical of self-awareness turns into a mission of survival. His own, that of the squad and more importantly, that of the president of the United States. What man and nature takes away, only God can restore. The restoration of the Cornerstone.
To find the beginning, one must walk through the past and be willing to step into the future.
While this is the first book in the Phantom Squad series it is actually the continuation of the previous “Trilogy of the Chosen” series which introduced the Phantom Squad and Brent Venturi. There is also a novella, “Phantom Squad” which is the prequel to the “Trilogy” series which gives the creation of the Phantom Squad. I mention all of that so, while this book can be read as a stand alone, quite a lot has come before with these characters. And within “Cornerstone” there is also quite a lot happening. The President, along with the Squad, are kidnapped and Brent has to go and rescue them. However it means Traveling to Mount Ararat and dealing with the Brotherhood of Gaza. The lives of Brent, The Squad and The President are in great danger. ”Cornerstone” is a wonderful thriller as Brent and Rowtag Achak strive to stay alive and rescue everyone. ”Cornerstone” have you flipping pages to find out what happens next. I don’t recommend starting this book late at night because you will give up sleep trying to finish it.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 17, 2013
Brent’s strength comes from the instructions that were drilled into him by Seven, the Phantom Squad’s training officer; the time of instruction with brother Gregory during his time in the monastery; the visions he has had in his life; his ability to meditate and look far back into his history; his personal meetings with the Almighty; and finally his meeting with Chloe.
“So,” Brent said, “is my destiny fulfilled?” “Your destiny is what you make it. Do you think it
is fulfilled?”
He knows he has a mission – one he alone can fulfill. He meets Tag at a bus station when he helps him fight off a tribal gang. They discover that Tag is given to Brent as a partner on this special mission. Tag is cunning in his ways to execute plans, creating the possibility for Brent to do the impossible.
Brent has messiah-like propensities – something that comes in good stead when it is up to him to rescue the President as well as his own Squad from the clutches of The Brotherhood of Gaza.
“It’s true,” he said, “we must all go back to the beginning in order to understand our present
and choose our future.”
It’s a book about faith and believing, not on the basis of what you can see with your eyes, but what you believe with our heart. The author expresses faith in a different way expanding on the Biblical story of Noah to express his views. His main themes is for one, the relationship with Almighty as a personal one, second the free will given to each human being, and third the issue of suffering and losing loved ones to death.
This book is not for those who get offended at Scripture being applied to someone else than Jesus. You have to keep in mind that it is a work of fiction, through which interesting concepts and ideas are expressed.
Definitely a fascinating read!
“So,” Brent said, “is my destiny fulfilled?” “Your destiny is what you make it. Do you think it
is fulfilled?”
He knows he has a mission – one he alone can fulfill. He meets Tag at a bus station when he helps him fight off a tribal gang. They discover that Tag is given to Brent as a partner on this special mission. Tag is cunning in his ways to execute plans, creating the possibility for Brent to do the impossible.
Brent has messiah-like propensities – something that comes in good stead when it is up to him to rescue the President as well as his own Squad from the clutches of The Brotherhood of Gaza.
“It’s true,” he said, “we must all go back to the beginning in order to understand our present
and choose our future.”
It’s a book about faith and believing, not on the basis of what you can see with your eyes, but what you believe with our heart. The author expresses faith in a different way expanding on the Biblical story of Noah to express his views. His main themes is for one, the relationship with Almighty as a personal one, second the free will given to each human being, and third the issue of suffering and losing loved ones to death.
This book is not for those who get offended at Scripture being applied to someone else than Jesus. You have to keep in mind that it is a work of fiction, through which interesting concepts and ideas are expressed.
Definitely a fascinating read!
August 29, 2013
BOOK REVIEW: Cornerstone by J.M. LeDuc Aug29
review by Ryder Islington
We live in a world where publishers like all the books to fit in to a nice neat category. Suspense. Action. Christian Fiction. International Intrigue.
J.M. LeDuc has gone out on a limb and combined these categories into a quick read with characters you’re sure to love–or hate. Having written a novella entitled Phantom Squad, the author went on to bring the Squad into a series of novels, of which Cornerstone is the first.
The Phantom Squad is a secret group of government employees who come into play when things get too big, or too sensitive, for other law enforcement/military groups. The leader, Brent Venturi, is a new father, and a new widower, two events that have set his world into turmoil. Now a new threat to the U.S. requires his attention. Except, he’s in no shape to lead a command, or to even be around those he loves.
As Brent Venturi goes on a quest to find himself, and his faith, the rest of the squad faces decisions and events which could end in disaster, for them, and for the country. The second-in-command, nicknamed Seven and married to the Director over the Squad, puts his team in motion, while the techie in the group searches for Brent. Soon, all of them will be fighting for their lives.
I recommend this book for lovers of espionage, action, and suspense. Yes there is a Christian component, and that gives Christians a whole new genre to read. But it takes nothing away from the story, so those who don’t usually read Christian Fiction can still enjoy the intrigue of the Phantom Squad.
review by Ryder Islington
We live in a world where publishers like all the books to fit in to a nice neat category. Suspense. Action. Christian Fiction. International Intrigue.
J.M. LeDuc has gone out on a limb and combined these categories into a quick read with characters you’re sure to love–or hate. Having written a novella entitled Phantom Squad, the author went on to bring the Squad into a series of novels, of which Cornerstone is the first.
The Phantom Squad is a secret group of government employees who come into play when things get too big, or too sensitive, for other law enforcement/military groups. The leader, Brent Venturi, is a new father, and a new widower, two events that have set his world into turmoil. Now a new threat to the U.S. requires his attention. Except, he’s in no shape to lead a command, or to even be around those he loves.
As Brent Venturi goes on a quest to find himself, and his faith, the rest of the squad faces decisions and events which could end in disaster, for them, and for the country. The second-in-command, nicknamed Seven and married to the Director over the Squad, puts his team in motion, while the techie in the group searches for Brent. Soon, all of them will be fighting for their lives.
I recommend this book for lovers of espionage, action, and suspense. Yes there is a Christian component, and that gives Christians a whole new genre to read. But it takes nothing away from the story, so those who don’t usually read Christian Fiction can still enjoy the intrigue of the Phantom Squad.
September 9, 2013
After the death of his wife, Chloe, Brent Venturi suffered a loss of faith. The Phantom Squad, worried about his mental and spiritual state, call a meeting and relieve him of his duties. He embarks on a journey that leads him to a monastery at the base of Mt. Ararat. Along the way, he is joined by Tag, a young Native American who is a soldier and sniper. Meanwhile, Omar, leader of the Brotherhood, seeks to destroy Brent once and for all.
Although the first in the Phantom Squad series, this novel follows the Chosen trilogy. For best understanding, it is necessary to have read the previous series before beginning this novel. The author has written a complex, well-researched saga with in-depth historical and geographical details. The characters are well-developed, and the plot will keep readers on the edge of their seat.
4 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime Book Tours reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Although the first in the Phantom Squad series, this novel follows the Chosen trilogy. For best understanding, it is necessary to have read the previous series before beginning this novel. The author has written a complex, well-researched saga with in-depth historical and geographical details. The characters are well-developed, and the plot will keep readers on the edge of their seat.
4 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Partners In Crime Book Tours reviewers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
September 11, 2013
Synopsis:
“Affectus mos adepto vos iuguolo”
Emotion will get you killed.
It’s the mantra of the phantom squad whose priorities are God, country and squad before all else. They’ve had to completely eliminate emotion from their missions.
So when there leader, Brent, cannot get past the devastation of the last mission he’s given a leave of absence until he can get his emotions under control – and see what God has in store for him next.
The only thing Brent knows at this point is that he must start at the beginning – the beginning of the covenant between God & Noah.
But can Brent discern between his priorities and make the right choice when God has a mission for him, his country is in jeopardy, and his team is captured?
Review:
Absolutely amazing! This book was so enthralling that before I’d even finished I’d gone back and purchased every book Mr. Leduc has for sale!
More…
Genre: Christian Fiction... Adventure
Source: Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours
Grade: A+
Ages: 16+
Steam: YA
Series: Phantom Squad
“Affectus mos adepto vos iuguolo”
Emotion will get you killed.
It’s the mantra of the phantom squad whose priorities are God, country and squad before all else. They’ve had to completely eliminate emotion from their missions.
So when there leader, Brent, cannot get past the devastation of the last mission he’s given a leave of absence until he can get his emotions under control – and see what God has in store for him next.
The only thing Brent knows at this point is that he must start at the beginning – the beginning of the covenant between God & Noah.
But can Brent discern between his priorities and make the right choice when God has a mission for him, his country is in jeopardy, and his team is captured?
Review:
Absolutely amazing! This book was so enthralling that before I’d even finished I’d gone back and purchased every book Mr. Leduc has for sale!
More…
Genre: Christian Fiction... Adventure
Source: Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours
Grade: A+
Ages: 16+
Steam: YA
Series: Phantom Squad
March 17, 2014
Cornerstone.... WOW just WOW! J.M. LeDuc has pulled off another religious thriller. At the end of the Chosen Trilogy, Phanton Squad leader, Brent Venturi, has lost his beloved wife after the birth of their daughter. Brent, who is a devout Christian, has lost everything including his faith. In is state is no good to anyone including his baby daughter, Faith.
As with all stories and journeys, it is often best to start at the beginning. This is exactly what Brent has to do. The beginning for Brent is a monestary at the base of Mt. Ararat. It is there he will come face to face with God and his own inner torment. While Brent had intended to go this alone, he meets up with Tag Achek who a Cree Indian and also a former Amry sniper.
The Phanton Squard along with Brent and Tag must defeat two forces. One is a former prospect for the Phanton Squard who has teamed up with a member of the Gaza Brotherhood.
Cornerstone is packed full of action, emotion, religious searching and love. It is an absolute page turner. I wasn't ready for the book to end.
Absolute must read novel.
As with all stories and journeys, it is often best to start at the beginning. This is exactly what Brent has to do. The beginning for Brent is a monestary at the base of Mt. Ararat. It is there he will come face to face with God and his own inner torment. While Brent had intended to go this alone, he meets up with Tag Achek who a Cree Indian and also a former Amry sniper.
The Phanton Squard along with Brent and Tag must defeat two forces. One is a former prospect for the Phanton Squard who has teamed up with a member of the Gaza Brotherhood.
Cornerstone is packed full of action, emotion, religious searching and love. It is an absolute page turner. I wasn't ready for the book to end.
Absolute must read novel.
June 30, 2013
Cornerstone by J. M. LeDuc brings us back to that ragtag group that you cannot help but affectionately consider family. Here we see the Phantom Force after the Trilogy of the Chosen and watch Brent struggle with some of the worst pain he has had to deal with yet and thus go through another painful but necessary transformation.
Just when Brent is ready to give up, he receives a message from the divine that gives him the push he needs to finish his mission. Although there is a religious base to this book (as with the previous trilogy) it is not so overpowering as to overtake it and definitely worth reading.
Be prepared for tears with this heart wrenching story and an ending that leaves you wondering where this tale will go next.
If you have not read the Trilogy of the Chosen, you should start with Cursed Blessing (Trilogy of the Chosen)
Just when Brent is ready to give up, he receives a message from the divine that gives him the push he needs to finish his mission. Although there is a religious base to this book (as with the previous trilogy) it is not so overpowering as to overtake it and definitely worth reading.
Be prepared for tears with this heart wrenching story and an ending that leaves you wondering where this tale will go next.
If you have not read the Trilogy of the Chosen, you should start with Cursed Blessing (Trilogy of the Chosen)
July 1, 2013
Cornerstone by J.M. Leduc is a fast paced action book from page one to the very end. This novel will grab you by the throat and not let go until it's over.
J.M. Leduc carries forward the characters from the Trilogy of the Chosen into Cornerstone brilliantly. The scene is set, the outcome is unknown. Classic of J.M. Leduc. He takes you where you will pray you never have to venture. When you lose your faith what is left? When revenge is all you can see, how will you find your way?
Cornerstone will traverse you around the globe and back. The action is fantastic and real to life. The mysticism will have you asking yourself, "could I do what was needed?" The answer may surprise you. Reading Cornerstone is a journey you must prepare for. Are you ready? James Rollins could not have done better. Kudos to J.M Leduc another masterpiece in print!!
J.M. Leduc carries forward the characters from the Trilogy of the Chosen into Cornerstone brilliantly. The scene is set, the outcome is unknown. Classic of J.M. Leduc. He takes you where you will pray you never have to venture. When you lose your faith what is left? When revenge is all you can see, how will you find your way?
Cornerstone will traverse you around the globe and back. The action is fantastic and real to life. The mysticism will have you asking yourself, "could I do what was needed?" The answer may surprise you. Reading Cornerstone is a journey you must prepare for. Are you ready? James Rollins could not have done better. Kudos to J.M Leduc another masterpiece in print!!
August 12, 2013
How I love a novel that keeps me glued to its pages. This is such a book! Fast paced, action packed pages you won't want to put down.
The President has been kidnapped and Brent Venturi must rescue him. In order to do so he must first travel to Mt. Ararat and deal with the Brotherhood of Gaza. He faces his maker and gains a deeper understanding of his destiny. His life, as well as the President's and his Squad, is in grave danger.
If you like thrillers, this book is for you. LeDuc is an amazing writer, I'm already looking forward to the next book!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The President has been kidnapped and Brent Venturi must rescue him. In order to do so he must first travel to Mt. Ararat and deal with the Brotherhood of Gaza. He faces his maker and gains a deeper understanding of his destiny. His life, as well as the President's and his Squad, is in grave danger.
If you like thrillers, this book is for you. LeDuc is an amazing writer, I'm already looking forward to the next book!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2013
J. M. LeDuc pens "Cornerstone" filled with action, suspense, heartbreak, and revenge. A fast paced historical fiction that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Between the author's characters were are very well developed and the many twists and turns within the story line, I had a hard time putting the book down and highly recommend it to all readers.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
October 18, 2015
Entertaining if a bit far fetched
But I always like the good guys to be really good, and they were. I didn't even mind the supernatural spiritualism woven through. Would that such chosen people were working their magic in our world today.
But I always like the good guys to be really good, and they were. I didn't even mind the supernatural spiritualism woven through. Would that such chosen people were working their magic in our world today.
November 2, 2015
Enjoyable
Surprise on just about every page. The mixture of religion, government agents, and the military.....as well as politicians always a seemingly interesting combination. Made for a good read.
Surprise on just about every page. The mixture of religion, government agents, and the military.....as well as politicians always a seemingly interesting combination. Made for a good read.
December 3, 2015
Wow
It is with much anticipation for book #2. I read this book so fast with awe and inspiration. This book was soooo good please let me know when book no. 2 is do to be. Released
It is with much anticipation for book #2. I read this book so fast with awe and inspiration. This book was soooo good please let me know when book no. 2 is do to be. Released
November 4, 2015
Good book
Even though I don't believe that God is the way the book betrayed him I still enjoyed the story and the characters.
Even though I don't believe that God is the way the book betrayed him I still enjoyed the story and the characters.
April 6, 2016
Great
Good character development
Good plotline
Loved the faith references
Ended with a cliffhanger
Foreshadowing
Action
Some references to other stories
Good character development
Good plotline
Loved the faith references
Ended with a cliffhanger
Foreshadowing
Action
Some references to other stories
November 28, 2016
Cornerstone
As again love the books by this author. What a great read. Will recommend this author to others. Good book. Waiting for more reads by this author.
As again love the books by this author. What a great read. Will recommend this author to others. Good book. Waiting for more reads by this author.
June 28, 2013
Stunning! A must-read nail-biter. Great work, J.M. LeDuc!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews