Fortune's Fool

Italy, 1326. While the brilliant and wily Cesco is schooled in his new duties at the hand of a hard master, Pietro Alaghieri travels to Avignon, current seat of the Papacy, to fight his excommunication. He doesn't know an old foe has been waiting to ruin his life and seize control of Verona itself.

Back in Verona, separated from everyone he trusts, Cesco must confront his ambitious cousin, a mysterious young killer, and the Holy Roman Emperor himself. A harrowing series of adventures reveal a secret long hidden, one that threatens Cesco's only chance for true happiness.

The third novel in Blixt's acclaimed Star-Cross'd series, Fortune's Fool combines Shakespeare's Italian plays, the poetry of Dante and Petrarch, and the brutal intrigue of Renaissance Italy to create a story of heartbreaking adventure, exploring the capricious whims of lady Fortune, who has her favorites - and her fools.

"This is one of the most exciting, and satisfying, reads that I have immersed myself in for a long time... masterfully written entertainment. David Blixt is a gem of a writer." - Helen Hollick, Pendragon's Banner and Shadow Of The King

"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 Here Be Dragons

Praise for the Star-Cross'd Series:

"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

"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

"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 Tudor Conspiracy

"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