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Fortune's Fool by David Blixt (
Wikipedia), 3rd in his Star-Cross'd series of Shakespeare-inspired novels set in Verona, exploring the origins of Montague/Capulet feud, according to Wikipedia. This is recently-written continuation of a series that was originally out from St. Martin's Press, from which we've previously received some of the earlier novels free.
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 and plead for Cesco's legitimacy. He doesn't know an old foe has been waiting to ruin Pietro’s life and seize control of Verona for himself.
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.
Inspired by Shakespeare, Dante, and Petrarch, this Renaissance novel of intrigue and passion reflects the heights of drama, exploring the capricious whims of lady Fortune, who has her favorites – and her fools.