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Cornerstone
After prospering many centuries in a paradise known as the Inheritance, the Estates believed their fortune would endure forever. But then the rain stopped, and famine ravaged the land, eroding the old alliances. Battles over dwindling resources have killed thousands, and the once-peaceful continent now teeters on the brink of apocalypse.
The only salvation is the Cornerstone-an ancient relic of immense power-and although many doubt its existence, Lieutenant Mordecai will gamble his life for a chance to revive his Estate. He must hurry. A malevolent rival also covets the relic, and if Mordecai fails, the Inheritance will surely collapse. Should he succeed, however, he risks destroying immeasurably more, because with the Cornerstone, even the smallest choice can change the world.
The only salvation is the Cornerstone-an ancient relic of immense power-and although many doubt its existence, Lieutenant Mordecai will gamble his life for a chance to revive his Estate. He must hurry. A malevolent rival also covets the relic, and if Mordecai fails, the Inheritance will surely collapse. Should he succeed, however, he risks destroying immeasurably more, because with the Cornerstone, even the smallest choice can change the world.
434 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 29, 2013
It is not often that I am completely surprised at the end of the book, but this book managed it. I don't want to give anything away, but Mr. Diamantopoulus' choice of first person narrative combined with the slow reveal through an interrogation is behest did the trick.
I have to admit that I was nervous at first. The book was a little slow to grab me, but when it did I was done for. If you like a mental challenge and a story with more secrets than you can shake a stick at, then "Cornerstone" is for you. Well done, sir. Well done.
I have to admit that I was nervous at first. The book was a little slow to grab me, but when it did I was done for. If you like a mental challenge and a story with more secrets than you can shake a stick at, then "Cornerstone" is for you. Well done, sir. Well done.
August 2, 2014
Wow! This book really took me by surprise. The ending was unexpected and left you wanting more.
The author kept me guessing the whole time, and by the end had left me satisfied but also feeling extremely dull for not guessing the real plot behind the story. He did a good job at straightening everything out. The character development was good, but I never really got emotionally attached to the characters themselves.
Although I wouldn't call this one of my favorite books, I would still say it's definitely worth buying. I'm still not sure where the message behind the story is going, but I want to find out. This means I'm most certainly going to buy the next book when it comes out. I give it a three cheers and recommend it to people who love surprises. This one will surprise you (unless you flip through it first, so don't do that).
The author kept me guessing the whole time, and by the end had left me satisfied but also feeling extremely dull for not guessing the real plot behind the story. He did a good job at straightening everything out. The character development was good, but I never really got emotionally attached to the characters themselves.
Although I wouldn't call this one of my favorite books, I would still say it's definitely worth buying. I'm still not sure where the message behind the story is going, but I want to find out. This means I'm most certainly going to buy the next book when it comes out. I give it a three cheers and recommend it to people who love surprises. This one will surprise you (unless you flip through it first, so don't do that).
September 11, 2013
It is not always that a book will keep me up past my bedtime, or distracted to the point where my ignored family is scavenging cereal for dinner, - this book did! Cornerstone is an enthralling debut fantasy novel by Peter Michael Diamantopoulos; I could not put it down! From the very first page, it grabs you with its first person narrative of Lieutenant Mordecai's interrogation, and his only defense is his witness of a devastating chain of events. Through his eyes, an intriguing story unfolds, and how quickly we become comfortable with his point of view. But is it the truth? With his nation on the brink of war, the action comes quickly: a summit meeting for peace quickly descends into chaos, and after an assassination attempt, Mordecai finds himself assigned to protect an important heiress on the run and her elderly tutor. But who is she really? Why all the secrecy? And with questions aplenty, we plunge headlong into their dangerous journey, as they hunt for a relic they believe can save their nation, and all the while, there is an evil after them. Their world and legends unfold before us in delightful prose and clever twists, and things are not all what they seem. This book kept me riveted 'til the last page... can't wait for the second installment!
September 23, 2013
Synopsis:
Tasked with protecting a vulnerable heiress pursing arcane knowledge, an elite soldier finds himself following her to an ancient city in pursuit of a madman and an object that grants ultimate power.
Review:
Cornerstone is a solid debut, offering a world with strong possibilities for a developed storyline. I think Peter Diamantopoulos was smart in the choices he made regarding point of view and structure, because he did keep me guessing throughout. I really hope that in the second book he develops his ideas further than he does here, and capitalizes on the strong cliffhanger he set up.
Tasked with protecting a vulnerable heiress pursing arcane knowledge, an elite soldier finds himself following her to an ancient city in pursuit of a madman and an object that grants ultimate power.
Review:
Cornerstone is a solid debut, offering a world with strong possibilities for a developed storyline. I think Peter Diamantopoulos was smart in the choices he made regarding point of view and structure, because he did keep me guessing throughout. I really hope that in the second book he develops his ideas further than he does here, and capitalizes on the strong cliffhanger he set up.
October 15, 2014
Started a little slow and I had a bit of trouble getting connected to the characters but once I did, it was hard to put down and the twists and turns left me wondering many things. Who do you trust? What sort of deception is happening now? I'm of course left hanging at the end of the book and feel somewhat vindicated that some of my instincts were correct, or perhaps there was just enough suggestion for me to come my conclusions. Either way, very fun book and has quite a bit of deeper fodder for thought regarding redemption, salvation, and sin. How is it we lie to ourselves and pretend to be what we are not?
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews