The epic series prequel to Romeo & Juliet continues. Two houses will clash. One patriarch will fall.
The year is 1451. French newlyweds Armand & Ilaria de Capulet (recently announced young leaders of their powerful faction in Lyon) are completing a marriage tour and arrived in the outskirts of Verona to finally greet his sister Aurelie and her husband Sabatino Cortellani. But before arriving at their sprawling estate in the northern hills, taken completely by surprise, Armand and Ilaria clashed with the Cortellani's closest neighbor. His name is Onorato Montecchi (Romeo's uncle), a mercenary warlord known as the Black Wolf of Verona. And with his fiery wife Esmeralda, both are known to all as the primo Don and prima Donna of the citadel's most powerful faction.
Before sunset on that first day, Onorato's brother (Romeo's father) arrived at the Cortellani estate to issue a challenge to Armand to meet the Black Wolf in a winner-takes-all, duel to the death. With no chance to avoid it, the young French Chevalier accepted the challenge, nominating to meet at sunrise the next day in Verona's ancient arena. Book 3 in our gripping series opens upon that fateful morning.
Armand departs in the pre-dawn darkness with a grim entourage to meet his fate. It will be the first time he enters through the gates of Verona and the terms of his engagement seem clear. Once the combat begins, no quarter may be asked, none will be given. The grim appointment must leave just one of two alive. The premiere Sieur of Capulet will face the primo Don of Montecchi and the lives of all in both factions will be altered forever. Within just one chapter a result is revealed. Yet what follows the encounter unleashes a riot as bedlam greets chaos on the streets of Verona. The clash between the factions expands as screams for vengeance and cries for justice ring out through the citadel.
Industry Reviews
'I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Book 1 - Fate. I've already ordered Book 2 - Verona and can't wait to see how the series unfolds.'
Samantha M.
I'm already reading Book 3 of CAPULET. I find Marcus Hogan's style to be poetic and fluid, the actions and characters drew me into their story immediately. I can easily imagine the scenes in every chapter translating to the screen. I enjoyed the contrast of characters in Book 1, the emotions of a young Ilaria in love, the responsibilities of Armand, destined for war with great familial expectations, and the bold cheeky 'Fool' Marcel who narrates their journey. I particularly like the sense of intrigue woven in with Ilaria's dark premonitions and unexpected encounters with mystics. This is a drama-filled read, full of wonderful dialogue which I would highly recommend to any reader. I feel men and women would both enjoy it.
Cassandra A.
What a ripping read so far. I had little expectation diving into Book 1 but was greatly surprised and am onto Book 3. It's funny and adventurous. Marcel is a hoot. And the scenes leap to life like it was playing on a big screen. The language is stylised but easy to read and follow, not like trying to handle Shakespeare in High School at all. My thumbs are up for Books 1 2 and 3. Can't wait for 4.
Gary H.
