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Voice of the Falconer
by David Blixt
Published: 2012-04-23
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Star-Cross'd - Book Two
Italy, 1325. It's eight years after the tumultuous events of THE MASTER OF VERONA. Pietro Alaghieri has been living as an exile in Ravenna, enduring the loss of his famous father while secretly raising the bastard heir to Verona's prince, Cangrande della Scala.
But ...
Italy, 1325. It's eight years after the tumultuous events of THE MASTER OF VERONA. Pietro Alaghieri has been living as an exile in Ravenna, enduring the loss of his famous father while secretly raising the bastard heir to Verona's prince, Cangrande della Scala.
But ...
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Introduction
Star-Cross'd - Book Two
Italy, 1325. It's eight years after the tumultuous events of THE MASTER OF VERONA. Pietro Alaghieri has been living as an exile in Ravenna, enduring the loss of his famous father while secretly raising the bastard heir to Verona's prince, Cangrande della Scala.
But when word of Cangrande's death reaches him, Pietro must race back to Verona to prevent young Cesco's rivals from usurping his rightful place. With the tentative peace of Italy at stake, not to mention their lives, Pietro must act swiftly to protect them all. But young Cesco is determined not to be anyone's pawn. Willful and brilliant, he defies even the stars. And far behind the scenes is a mastermind pulling the strings, one who stands to lose - or gain - the most.
Born from Shakespeare's Italian plays, in this novel we meet for the first time Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt, the Nurse, as well as revisit Montague and Capulet, Petruchio and Kate, and the money-lending Shylock. From Ravenna to Verona, Mantua to Venice, this novel explores the danger, deceit, and deviltry of early Renaissance Italy, and the terrible choices one must make just to stay alive.
But when word of Cangrande's death reaches him, Pietro must race back to Verona to prevent young Cesco's rivals from usurping his rightful place. With the tentative peace of Italy at stake, not to mention their lives, Pietro must act swiftly to protect them all. But young Cesco is determined not to be anyone's pawn. Willful and brilliant, he defies even the stars. And far behind the scenes is a mastermind pulling the strings, one who stands to lose - or gain - the most.
Born from Shakespeare's Italian plays, in this novel we meet for the first time Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt, the Nurse, as well as revisit Montague and Capulet, Petruchio and Kate, and the money-lending Shylock. From Ravenna to Verona, Mantua to Venice, this novel explores the danger, deceit, and deviltry of early Renaissance Italy, and the terrible choices one must make just to stay alive.
Excerpt
TwelveCastelbarco’s teeth were clenched as he whispered, “I take it this wasn’t part of the plan.”
Pietro could only shake his head. “I should have known that Cesco wouldn’t stick to any arrangement. Even his own.”
“We’re all dead men,” moaned Bail sotto voce.
They may as well have spoken aloud. All attention was focused on the boy, who now made a rude face and continued, pitching his voice high to carry through the square. “I am proud not to be Veronese! If what I see before me is evidence of the true spirit of Verona, I’m relieved I wasn’t raised here. If you, the citizens of this pestilent blight of Lombardy, can be swayed by words – mere words, paltry, hollow, meaningless words – then this is indeed the foulest pit of Creation, worthy of Dante’s Inferno! How dare you! You have all knelt to this man.” From the foot of the steps, Cesco pointed to Mastino, high above across the square. “You’ve sworn to follow him for all your days! How dare you contemplate a change of allegiance? Is he a will-maker’s ape? Is a Veronese oath so scorned, so worthless, that it melts away with the slightest gust of wind?” ...
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Discussion Questions
What was unique about setting the novel in early 14th century Italy? Did it enhance or take away from the story?Whose death sparks the initial action?
How do Pietro and Cesco evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger their changes? Do they resist these changes, or embrace them?
Which character is the most modern in spirit? Which is the least?
Who is the prime mover of the story, the causer of the action?
How many Shakespeare characters make appearances in the novel? From which plays? Did you find them entertaining or distracting?
What is the Moor's background? Why is it shocking to his friends?
What historical details stood out? What is the origin of the phrase "at death's door"?
Do you think the author has a “message” he wishes the reader to carry away? In what ways do the events in the book reveal evidence of the author's world view?
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