The Master Of Verona

In 1314, seventeen-year-old Pietro Alighieri travels to Verona with his father, the infamous poet Dante, at the invitation of its 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.

A sneak attack from Padua draws Pietro into a web of intrigue involving Cangrande, his sister Katerina, and a star-crossed child. He finds refuge in his friendship with Mariotto Montecchio and Antonio Capulletto, but is torn when the pair 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. Filled with swashbuckling adventure and unrequited love, this epic journey recalls the best of Bernard Cornwell, Sharon Kay Penman, and Dorothy Dunnett.

A novel of intricate plot, taut narrative, sharp period detail and beautifully realized characters. - Publishers Weekly

Intricate plotting, well-staged scenes, and colorful descriptions enhance head-spinning but lively entertainment. - Kirkus Reviews

A delightful romp through the backstory of ‘Romeo & Juliet. - Chicago Sun-Times

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