Romeo & Juliet is the greatest love story ever told. Every story has a beginning... "A novel of intricate plot, taut narrative, sharp period detail and beautifully realized characters." - Publishers Weekly "A delightful romp through the backstory of 'Romeo & Juliet.'" - Chicago Sun-Times Dive into a captivating fusion of literary worlds for an unforgettable journey that intertwines the iconic characters of Shakespeare's Italian plays with the real-life figures of Dante's Inferno to unveil the astonishing origin of the legendary Capulet/Montague feud. 1314. Verona is a city brimming with political intrigue, forbidden love, and unrelenting vendettas. Pietro Alighieri arrives with his father, the infamous poet Dante, at the invitation of Verona's leader, the legendary Cangrande della Scala. Cangrande is everything a man should be: Daring. Charming. Ruthless. To Pietro, he is the ideal Renaissance prince - until Pietro discovers a secret that could be Cangrande's undoing. Pietro is drawn into a web of deception involving Cangrande, his sister Katerina, and a star-crossed child. Meanwhile, his friends Mariotto Montecchio and Antonio Capulletto are torn as they feud over a woman. Pietro must navigate a rivalry that severs a friendship, divides a city, and sparks a feud that will produce Shakespeare's famous star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Inspired by the plays of Shakespeare, the poetry of Dante, and the events of history, The Master Of Verona is a sweeping novel of Renaissance Italy that breathes new life into the iconic tale of the star-crossed lovers and their feuding families. Filled with swashbuckling adventure and unrequited love, this epic journey recalls the best of Bernard Cornwell, Sharon Kay Penman, and Dorothy Dunnett. "Intricate plotting, well-staged scenes, and colorful descriptions enhance head-spinning but lively entertainment." - Kirkus Reviews "Blixt is a man of many talents - actor, director, author. In his hands, history comes to bright, blazing life." - Sharon Kay Penman, author of Lionheart and The Sunne In Splendour "Be prepared to burn the midnight oil. It's well worth it." - Historical Novel Society "David Blixt bursts onto the historical fiction scene with this masterful tale of adventure, love, and intrigue. This is high adventure at its best." - C.W. Gortner, author of The Last Queen