The Master of Verona

Shakespeare and Dante collide in this sweeping novel of Renaissance Italy!

Dante's son Pietro falls under the sway of Verona's charismatic and brilliant ruler, Cangrande della Scala, risking battles, duels, and intrigue to impress his new lord. Uncovering an infernal plot against Cangrande's infant heir, Pietro must protect the child while navigating a rivalry between two friends that will sever a friendship, divide a city, and spark a feud that will someday produce Shakespeare's famous 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. An epic journey into the birth of the Renaissance that 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." - KirkusReviews
"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 fictionscene 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 thegenesis 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 isas 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