Romeo & Juliet is the greatest love story ever told. And every story has a beginning.
A sweeping novel of Renaissance Italy, THE MASTER OF VERONA follows Pietro Alaghieri, eldest son of the poet Dante, as he’s caught up by the charisma and genius of Verona’s ruler, Cangrande della Scala. Pietro risks battles, duels, and murder to impress his new lord. At the heart of the story is an infernal plot against Cangrande’s bastard heir, and the rivalry of two friends over the affections of a girl. That rivalry will sever a friendship, divide a city, and initiate a feud that will someday produce the star-cross’d lovers.
Based on the plays of William Shakespeare, the poetry of Dante, and the history of Italy, THE MASTER OF VERONA is a novel of brutal warfare, lost friendship, and dire conspiracy, combining to create a heart-stoppingly epic journey into the birth of the Renaissance that recalls the best of Bernard Cornwell and Dorothy Dunnett.
Intricate plotting, well-staged scenes, and colorful descriptions enhance head-spinning but lively entertainment. – Kirkus Reviews
A novel of intricate plot, taut narrative, sharp period detail and beautifully realized characters. – Publisher’s Weekly
Be prepared to burn the midnight oil. It’s well worth it. – Historical Novel Society
A delightful romp through the backstory of ‘Romeo & Juliet.’ – Chicago Sun-Times
David Blixt bursts onto the historical fiction scene with this masterful tale of adventure, love, and intrigue — this is high adventure at its best, an epic novel filled with the breathtaking feats and evanescent beauty of the early Renaissance. — C.W. Gortner, THE LAST QUEEN and THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI
Shakespearean actor David Blixt traces the genesis of the famous feud between the Montagues and Capulets in this sharp, arresting novel that is completely impossible to put down. — Michelle Moran, NEFERTITI and MADAME TUSSAUD
Dante's Italy and the internecine, blood-feuding struggle of the dominant families of the northern city states. This story of corruption and the quest for power is as compelling as Mario Puzo's Godfather and as thrilling as any of Rafael Sabatini's historical adventures. – Peter Tremayne, THE CHALICE OF BLOOD
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