The Master Of Verona

by David Blixt

Overview

Romeo & Juliet is the greatest love story ever told. 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 - a rivalry will sever a friendship, divide a city, and spark 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 an epic journey into the birth of the Renaissance that recalls the best of Bernard Cornwell and Dorothy Dunnett.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781944540005
Publisher:	Sordelet Ink
Publication date:	01/31/2016
Series:	Star-Cross'd , #1
Edition description:	Classic Cover ed.
Pages:	562
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.25(d)

About the Author

David Blixt's work is consistently described as "intricate," "taut," and "breathtaking." A bestselling author of historical fiction, his novels span the Roman Empire (the COLOSSUS series, his play EVE OF IDES) to early Renaissance Italy (the STAR-CROSS'D series) through the Elizabethan era (his delightful espionage comedy HER MAJESTY'S WILL, starring Will Shakespeare and Kit Marlowe as hapless spies), to 19th Century feminism (WHAT GIRLS ARE GOOD FOR, his novel of reporter Nellie Bly). His stories combine a love of theatre with a deep respect for the quirks and passions of history. As the Historical Novel Society said, "Be prepared to burn the midnight oil. It's well worth it."Living in Chicago with his wife and two children, David describes himself as an "author, actor, father, husband-in reverse order."

Editorial Reviews

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

"For anyone who has not yet read one or more of David's novels, you are about to hit the literary lottery. Yes, he is that good. In his hands, history comes to bright, blazing life. " - SHARON KAY PENMAN, The Sunne In Splendour and Lionheart

From the Publisher