Leonardo's Chair

By John DeSimone

Vincent LaBont is a world-class artist who attributes his creative ability to a chair he owns--a chair that he claims was created and empowered by Leonardo Da Vinci. When his home catches fire,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589190319
• ISBN13: 9781589190313
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: David C. Cook
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 1.0" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

4 1/2 Stars...An Artistic Thriller!

Most thrillers are all thrill and no substance. "Leonardo's Chair" follows in the footsteps of "The Rule of Four" and "A Conspiracy of Paper," providing a fast-paced story full of historical mystery. Paul LaBont is a man overshadowed by his father's artistic genius. When a fateful fire leads to tragedy for Paul's parents, he is sent halfway around the world in an effort to restore his family. A mystically empowered antique, a chair once owned and used by Leonardo Da Vinci, promises riches and glory--as well as omens of death. Paul finds himself wrestling with temptations within and without, finally facing the truth of Jesus' teaching via Leonardo's masterpiece, The Last Supper. DeSimone draws interesting characters and visually sumptuous settings. I enjoyed the journeys of Paul and his mother, in particular. Paul's father, Vincent, (mysteriously referred to as "Victor" on the back cover) was less well defined. My only real complaint, though, was the lack of surprise in the climactic scenes. Nevertheless, DeSimone leaves plenty of room for a great sequel. This is a series worth latching onto.

Gripping and compelling

Fact or fiction? "Leonardo's Chair" is written with such conviction, insight and authority, the reader wonders if this chair truly exists. Is it a blessing or a curse? Using art history as his backdrop, John DeSimone paints a masterful tale of mystery, suspense and romance. Characters come alive and almost walk off the pages. The world DeSimone creates is filled with good and evil; suspense and mystery; tradegy and sorrow; love and despair. DeSimone's masterpiece grips the reader from beginning to end and leaves the reader longing for a sequel. Excellent!

Rich Web

Brilliant presentation of not only the art world and the use of the English language, but also full of mystery, romance and thought provoking issues. The author grabbed my attention from the beginning pages and I found that I did not want to put the book down!!! I found the "study questions" at the end of the book a unique concept which provided additional insight into what the author was attempting to portray. Although a complete story in itself, the ending of the book easily lends itself to another sequel. Can hardly wait to read more from this author.

A Modern Masterpiece

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!

Leonardo's Chair

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.