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Verona in Autumn: What next for Romeo and Juliet?
Romeo and Juliet - one of the most famous tales ever told. But what if their violent delights had not ended in tragedy? What then for the star-crossed lovers, doomed to burn so bright and brief?
When Romeo Montague fails to kill himself at his wife's side, he and Juliet instead go into exile - far from the rage of their families. Twenty years later they return with their grown children to a city still beset by the unending feud between Montagues and Capulets. Their survival has cost Verona dearly and danger stalks them still, but does their love finally hold the key to ending the city's woes?
When Romeo Montague fails to kill himself at his wife's side, he and Juliet instead go into exile - far from the rage of their families. Twenty years later they return with their grown children to a city still beset by the unending feud between Montagues and Capulets. Their survival has cost Verona dearly and danger stalks them still, but does their love finally hold the key to ending the city's woes?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2023
13 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
Tom Lloyd
47 books448 followersTom Lloyd was born in 1979 and showed almost no interest in writing until the age of eighteen. I blame the teachers myself.
Nevertheless he did eventually find himself with a long summer to spare before university, and decided to start a novel when it was suggested he get a job to pass the time. This tells you much of what there is to know about him. The rest can be derived from the fact that he first had the idea of writing a book to annoy a schoolfriend by getting published before him.
No, honestly; he's actually that shallow.
It was swiftly apparent that this was not the quick route to fame and fortune that he’d hoped for. The first sign of this was the realisation that being good at writing was required, but he managed to surprise everyone by not giving up on something he didn’t show immediate promise in.
Studying Politics and International Relations at Southampton University had very little appreciable effect on him, beyond giving him a couple of ideas for future novels, but that was largely due to spending most of those three years in London shacked up with the god-daughter of an Asian dictator. Upon leaving university he decided – along with what seemed like half of all other graduates, some of whom had had the temerity to study English – that doing “book stuff” sounded like a fun alternative to working out what sort of job he wanted to do. There was also the intriguing suggestion of literary talent being passed on by some osmosis-like process. As a result of a little work experience at Simon and Schuster - combined with some shameless flirting with the HR manager - he got a job as an editorial assistant on the Scribner list, which allowed him to mistype letters to a whole host of talented writers.
Certain luminary examples there made it clear that before he became a fantasy editor he was going to have to spend several years iron-cladding his liver. Towards this goal, he decamped to the A M Heath Literary Agency by way of Random House, which was silly because walking down Longacre would have been a lot quicker, to work in foreign rights while also freelancing for writersservices.com and constantly revising what was slowly becoming The Stormcaller.
A three year litany of madcap adventures in the crazy world of agenting ensued, but it would be far too time-consuming to detail any of that so suffice to say that his hangover cleared sufficiently one morning in 2004 for him to realise that he wasn’t quite so bad at writing now. Maybe there was something to this osmosis thing after all - although if that’s true Katie Fforde and Dave Hill might get a surprise at the effect they’d had.
Securing the services of John Richard Parker at MBA Literary Agents proved a surprisingly painless experience – despite being previously rejected by one of John’s colleagues, which just goes to show how persistent one has to be – and soon he was sat in the office of Jo Fletcher at Gollancz trying to persuade her how much of a geek he was. After four years as contracts manager at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency he decided he didn't like other authors that much so he swapped his dark corner of Camden for one at Atlantic Books where it quickly became apparent that he prefers winning arguments to scruples.
Writing part-time, also known as watching loads more TV, he also manages to play a little sport in between trips to the pub and battering his next book - into a semblance of shape.
http://tomlloyd.livejournal.com/ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?...
Nevertheless he did eventually find himself with a long summer to spare before university, and decided to start a novel when it was suggested he get a job to pass the time. This tells you much of what there is to know about him. The rest can be derived from the fact that he first had the idea of writing a book to annoy a schoolfriend by getting published before him.
No, honestly; he's actually that shallow.
It was swiftly apparent that this was not the quick route to fame and fortune that he’d hoped for. The first sign of this was the realisation that being good at writing was required, but he managed to surprise everyone by not giving up on something he didn’t show immediate promise in.
Studying Politics and International Relations at Southampton University had very little appreciable effect on him, beyond giving him a couple of ideas for future novels, but that was largely due to spending most of those three years in London shacked up with the god-daughter of an Asian dictator. Upon leaving university he decided – along with what seemed like half of all other graduates, some of whom had had the temerity to study English – that doing “book stuff” sounded like a fun alternative to working out what sort of job he wanted to do. There was also the intriguing suggestion of literary talent being passed on by some osmosis-like process. As a result of a little work experience at Simon and Schuster - combined with some shameless flirting with the HR manager - he got a job as an editorial assistant on the Scribner list, which allowed him to mistype letters to a whole host of talented writers.
Certain luminary examples there made it clear that before he became a fantasy editor he was going to have to spend several years iron-cladding his liver. Towards this goal, he decamped to the A M Heath Literary Agency by way of Random House, which was silly because walking down Longacre would have been a lot quicker, to work in foreign rights while also freelancing for writersservices.com and constantly revising what was slowly becoming The Stormcaller.
A three year litany of madcap adventures in the crazy world of agenting ensued, but it would be far too time-consuming to detail any of that so suffice to say that his hangover cleared sufficiently one morning in 2004 for him to realise that he wasn’t quite so bad at writing now. Maybe there was something to this osmosis thing after all - although if that’s true Katie Fforde and Dave Hill might get a surprise at the effect they’d had.
Securing the services of John Richard Parker at MBA Literary Agents proved a surprisingly painless experience – despite being previously rejected by one of John’s colleagues, which just goes to show how persistent one has to be – and soon he was sat in the office of Jo Fletcher at Gollancz trying to persuade her how much of a geek he was. After four years as contracts manager at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency he decided he didn't like other authors that much so he swapped his dark corner of Camden for one at Atlantic Books where it quickly became apparent that he prefers winning arguments to scruples.
Writing part-time, also known as watching loads more TV, he also manages to play a little sport in between trips to the pub and battering his next book - into a semblance of shape.
http://tomlloyd.livejournal.com/ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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July 5, 2023Let's hear it for the artists!
Uh, well, no. That's a problem.
This book came up in my timeline (thanks, @Kit). Why did I click on it? Well, partly because @Kit was interested & partly because of the two lines of description that accompany the thumbnail.
But mainly because the cover image was attractive and intriguing.
I clicked through to the Amazon "Look Inside" link. No information about the cover artist. Which is shocking. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person to judge a book by its cover (I'm shallow—so, sue me). So why aren't artists fêted?
Personal vow - in my reviews, I will comment on book covers & acknowledge the artists involved. If no artist is credited, I will contact the publisher. If the publisher doesn't respond or uses AI, I will downgrade my review. This is a very small vow & won't change the world, but it matters to me.
Uh, well, no. That's a problem.
This book came up in my timeline (thanks, @Kit). Why did I click on it? Well, partly because @Kit was interested & partly because of the two lines of description that accompany the thumbnail.
But mainly because the cover image was attractive and intriguing.
I clicked through to the Amazon "Look Inside" link. No information about the cover artist. Which is shocking. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person to judge a book by its cover (I'm shallow—so, sue me). So why aren't artists fêted?
Personal vow - in my reviews, I will comment on book covers & acknowledge the artists involved. If no artist is credited, I will contact the publisher. If the publisher doesn't respond or uses AI, I will downgrade my review. This is a very small vow & won't change the world, but it matters to me.
April 17, 2023
A great story taking the ending of Romeo and Juliet and imagining neither died but they did elope. Now the interesting question if if they returned to Verona 20 years later what would happen. Intelligent, thoughtful character work and a fine plot of political intrigue made this a hugely enjoyable read
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
May 21, 2024
Probably really harsh to give 1* but I just did not enjoy this or care for it - there’s a reason Shakespeare was in charge of the ending
May 27, 2023
When Romeo Montague fails to end his life and discovers that Juliet Capulet is still alive, the pair decide to flee into exile, safe from the wrath of their families.
20 years later the star-crossed lovers return to Verona with their children, Estelle and Mercutio, but are disheartened to find that the Montague and Capulet feud remains as bitter and deadly as ever. Can they hope to put an end to the feud and repair a city that is shattering under the rivalry of the two houses?
Transporting the reader to medieval Verona, Tom Lloyd evokes the sentiments of the Shakespearean tragedy through poetic and lyrical prose in this beautifully imaginative novel.
With political and personal intrigue at every corner, this is a complex study of the characters with whom Lloyd pushes the boundaries in levels of depth and intricacies that allow for each interaction to be interesting and vital for the storyline.
I particularly found Verona to be so vivid and wonderfully constructed that it felt as though I were a bystander alongside the characters. The setting, for me, was completely believable in a historical context.
A unique "what-if" scenario to the popular Shakespeare play, this beautifully written novel is an outstanding addition to the growing number of talented authors who explore the original works and leave their own mark behind. Not one to be missed.
Thank you to @srlpublishing for so kindly sending me a copy to review!
20 years later the star-crossed lovers return to Verona with their children, Estelle and Mercutio, but are disheartened to find that the Montague and Capulet feud remains as bitter and deadly as ever. Can they hope to put an end to the feud and repair a city that is shattering under the rivalry of the two houses?
Transporting the reader to medieval Verona, Tom Lloyd evokes the sentiments of the Shakespearean tragedy through poetic and lyrical prose in this beautifully imaginative novel.
With political and personal intrigue at every corner, this is a complex study of the characters with whom Lloyd pushes the boundaries in levels of depth and intricacies that allow for each interaction to be interesting and vital for the storyline.
I particularly found Verona to be so vivid and wonderfully constructed that it felt as though I were a bystander alongside the characters. The setting, for me, was completely believable in a historical context.
A unique "what-if" scenario to the popular Shakespeare play, this beautifully written novel is an outstanding addition to the growing number of talented authors who explore the original works and leave their own mark behind. Not one to be missed.
Thank you to @srlpublishing for so kindly sending me a copy to review!
July 16, 2023
When I was at school I absolutely hated period fiction and literature was like an alien being to me. Middle-aged me on the other hand loves literature and plays. So when I saw the tour for Autumn in Verona I knew I had to read it, the whole concept of Romeo still being alive with his beloved Juliet just sounded too good to miss.
Having fled Verona twenty years ago the starstruck couple - still assumed to be not of this world - they decide to return with their children Mercutio and Estelle. Their Verona is long gone and standing in its place is a city in ruins.
I'll admit when I started the book I was dubious and had my doubts as to whether this would work or dishonor one of Shakespeare's greatest works. It worked wonderfully and I so need someone to take this book to the stage, soon - it would be fabulous and I'm sure the great man himself would think so too!
Having fled Verona twenty years ago the starstruck couple - still assumed to be not of this world - they decide to return with their children Mercutio and Estelle. Their Verona is long gone and standing in its place is a city in ruins.
I'll admit when I started the book I was dubious and had my doubts as to whether this would work or dishonor one of Shakespeare's greatest works. It worked wonderfully and I so need someone to take this book to the stage, soon - it would be fabulous and I'm sure the great man himself would think so too!
April 19, 2024
Okay, so—
First of all: I like that the author seems to know a fair bit about the era he’s writing in. Sadly, I also think the book suffers from being a spin on a Shakespeare story, because you can’t help but compare it & the writing style does not hold up. (Whose would?)
Over all an entertaining read nonetheless!
First of all: I like that the author seems to know a fair bit about the era he’s writing in. Sadly, I also think the book suffers from being a spin on a Shakespeare story, because you can’t help but compare it & the writing style does not hold up. (Whose would?)
Over all an entertaining read nonetheless!
January 6, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
March 4, 2023
What happens if Romeo and juliet didn't end in tragedy?
This book returns to the couple twenty years after they escape Verona together.
Bringing their children with them they re enter Verona to find the family fued has torn the city apart. Can they put together what they broke so many years ago.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but as I draw it to a close I would say a political literary fiction story is the closest thing!
The speech is written in a very Shakespeare style but the overall writing style is more modern and easier to digest.
There are some romance sub plots but these are scarce so don't go into this expecting/for a budding romance.
Instead you will find political intrigue, strategies, betrayal, spies and more!
An interesting continuation of the story that left me satisfied 😌
This book returns to the couple twenty years after they escape Verona together.
Bringing their children with them they re enter Verona to find the family fued has torn the city apart. Can they put together what they broke so many years ago.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but as I draw it to a close I would say a political literary fiction story is the closest thing!
The speech is written in a very Shakespeare style but the overall writing style is more modern and easier to digest.
There are some romance sub plots but these are scarce so don't go into this expecting/for a budding romance.
Instead you will find political intrigue, strategies, betrayal, spies and more!
An interesting continuation of the story that left me satisfied 😌
April 21, 2024
The language and prose are fine, but wow is the story dull.
July 11, 2023
There never was a tale of more woe than of that of Juliet and her Romeo. The most heartbreaking story about a young love that never got to blossom. Two great houses and their hatred killed the star-crossed lovers. We all know the story, the ending, but what if Juliet and Romeo had lived. What if Romeo was given a poison that was false and Juliet wakes up in time to save him from his death.
The narrative takes place twenty years after Romeo and Juliet fled Verona. Romeo is considered a murderer and Juliet is still believed to be dead, her body stolen by Romeo. Romeo and Juliet return home to Verona with their children, daughter Estelle and son Mercutio. Life has not been easy as they have not had the luxury they once knew in Verona. They made their own way and even in the darkest of times their love still burns wildly. They built their own life in Milan and were safe but the guilt of leaving their families and Verona behind weighed heavily on their shoulders. They feel it is their duty to return and bring order to Verona. They had sent letters to each of their families but had no reply. They return with hope that their children might unite Verona. But much has changed in the past few years.
Verona is not the home that Romeo and Juliet once knew. The shops are shuttered and piles of rubbish are scattered on the floor. The market stalls have little to offer, the vegetables are non-existent and the clothes are poor quality. The Verona Romeo and Juliet once knew used to offer more to its people. They notice how no one wears red and blue, the colours of Capulet and Montague, fear itself has drained the city of colour as it is trapped in an eternal slumber of autumn.
It was interesting to read about an older Romeo and Juliet. Romeo still bears his handsome appearance but he is much more sober and serious. Juliet is also still a beauty but knows her husband’s eyes will wander as it’s only natural. She is a devoted mother and misses her own. Yet even after all the hate, anger and violence, the lovers still hold out hope that their children will be the key that will cease the fighting.
I give Verona in Autumn By Tom Lloyd a Four out of Five paw rating
Breathtakingly beautiful, the sequel I didn’t know I needed to read. My curiosity about what could have happened had the two star-crossed lovers survived is beyond satisfied.
Llyod has paid a respectful homage to the classic we all know and love. His reimagined version of an ending where the star-crossed lovers survive is fascinating to read. Llyod has not swayed too far from Shakespeare’s way with words but has also not flooded the reader with the conundrum that comes with reading any work by Shakespeare. Llyod has adapted it for the modern tongue and allows the metaphors and exaggerated expression to waltz contently on the page.
The narrative takes place twenty years after Romeo and Juliet fled Verona. Romeo is considered a murderer and Juliet is still believed to be dead, her body stolen by Romeo. Romeo and Juliet return home to Verona with their children, daughter Estelle and son Mercutio. Life has not been easy as they have not had the luxury they once knew in Verona. They made their own way and even in the darkest of times their love still burns wildly. They built their own life in Milan and were safe but the guilt of leaving their families and Verona behind weighed heavily on their shoulders. They feel it is their duty to return and bring order to Verona. They had sent letters to each of their families but had no reply. They return with hope that their children might unite Verona. But much has changed in the past few years.
Verona is not the home that Romeo and Juliet once knew. The shops are shuttered and piles of rubbish are scattered on the floor. The market stalls have little to offer, the vegetables are non-existent and the clothes are poor quality. The Verona Romeo and Juliet once knew used to offer more to its people. They notice how no one wears red and blue, the colours of Capulet and Montague, fear itself has drained the city of colour as it is trapped in an eternal slumber of autumn.
It was interesting to read about an older Romeo and Juliet. Romeo still bears his handsome appearance but he is much more sober and serious. Juliet is also still a beauty but knows her husband’s eyes will wander as it’s only natural. She is a devoted mother and misses her own. Yet even after all the hate, anger and violence, the lovers still hold out hope that their children will be the key that will cease the fighting.
I give Verona in Autumn By Tom Lloyd a Four out of Five paw rating
Breathtakingly beautiful, the sequel I didn’t know I needed to read. My curiosity about what could have happened had the two star-crossed lovers survived is beyond satisfied.
Llyod has paid a respectful homage to the classic we all know and love. His reimagined version of an ending where the star-crossed lovers survive is fascinating to read. Llyod has not swayed too far from Shakespeare’s way with words but has also not flooded the reader with the conundrum that comes with reading any work by Shakespeare. Llyod has adapted it for the modern tongue and allows the metaphors and exaggerated expression to waltz contently on the page.
July 11, 2023
I am going to start off this review and say, I am so not the intended reader of this book. I am of simple folk. I love action, ghosts, and easy words, but on occasion, I will dip my toe into something new. Something out of my comfort zone. Not going to lie this book took me longer than normal to read, and at one point I did wonder if I would finish it. But not for the reasons you might think.
The language and the eloquence of this book are beautiful. But at times it was beyond me and I had to concentrate on this book. I couldn’t be distracted and do you know what I was rewarded with such a gorgeous tale. What would happen if Romeo and Juliet lived? Like most people, this is one of my favourite Shakespeare works. (Othello is my favourite) so I wanted to snap this up when I heard what it was about. Who hasn’t imagined what life would be for our favourite star-crossed lovers if they had survived?
I was rewarded with a story of love, bravery, loss and growth. There was of course some action, come it’s a fighting Verona, but these characters were given a new dimension. New support which enabled them to be something much more than two people in love. They were hope, hope for what there is to come
I adored this book. I have to say it was worth the nights off and settling down to devour, I had the rare luxury to ignore everyone and everything and be transported back. This would be an amazing film, I don’t think that about every book I read, but, this definitely would be one I would love to watch play out. Of course in my head, everyone was from Baz Luhrmann’s film 😂
I think this is such a special book, and it demands and gets all the respect I could muster and so much more. I love discovering new books and authors and this is a special one for me.
The language and the eloquence of this book are beautiful. But at times it was beyond me and I had to concentrate on this book. I couldn’t be distracted and do you know what I was rewarded with such a gorgeous tale. What would happen if Romeo and Juliet lived? Like most people, this is one of my favourite Shakespeare works. (Othello is my favourite) so I wanted to snap this up when I heard what it was about. Who hasn’t imagined what life would be for our favourite star-crossed lovers if they had survived?
I was rewarded with a story of love, bravery, loss and growth. There was of course some action, come it’s a fighting Verona, but these characters were given a new dimension. New support which enabled them to be something much more than two people in love. They were hope, hope for what there is to come
I adored this book. I have to say it was worth the nights off and settling down to devour, I had the rare luxury to ignore everyone and everything and be transported back. This would be an amazing film, I don’t think that about every book I read, but, this definitely would be one I would love to watch play out. Of course in my head, everyone was from Baz Luhrmann’s film 😂
I think this is such a special book, and it demands and gets all the respect I could muster and so much more. I love discovering new books and authors and this is a special one for me.
July 20, 2023
This book has such beautifully descriptive writing which really just evoked the setting of Verona for me. I went to Verona just before I started at drama school to see Juliet's balcony and fell in love with the city, it was o nice to see the beloved characters of Romeo and Juliet as both adults and parents. After all that happened in the play, there is still conflict in Verona between the Montagues and the Capulets and this book starts with Romeo and Juliet returning alive after 20 years of exile. I loved the initial reunion between Juliet and her nurse especially. This book feels like such a natural continuation of a familiar and tragic story, which must have been so hard to do.
A wonderful vivid historical fiction novel which I thoroughly enjoyed.
A wonderful vivid historical fiction novel which I thoroughly enjoyed.
March 22, 2023
Ooh yes, absolutely loved this!! This starts where Shakespeare ends only where I normally find myself screaming don't die, they didn't. Hurrah! The ending I've always dreamed of. Action packed and drama fuelled. The family tensions remain, betrayals, secrecy and so much more. A truly wonderful imagining of the most famous couple in history and one I am absolutely here for. Shakespeare fans unite! This will surprise, delight, entertain and enthrall. Superb.
May 26, 2023
As a historic sequel to the famous Romeo and Juliet, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, Lloyd expertly brought the essence of that time period to life in this unlikely novel, taking the reader back in time to follow events after the supposed death of that fabled couple. Beautifully written, I felt as if I'd been transported back in time. His grasp of the language was stunning and had me smiling throughout. So poetic. So flawless. Shakespeare himself would not have done better.
November 5, 2023
thank you so much to srl publishing for providing me with a copy of this great book!!
this was a really good read and an interesting take. i loved the political intrigue and the ongoing feud with their families. i just loved how tom lloyd portrayed such a tragedy and brought hope to life.
the writing was also very beautiful and poetic.
i would definitely recommend this!
this was a really good read and an interesting take. i loved the political intrigue and the ongoing feud with their families. i just loved how tom lloyd portrayed such a tragedy and brought hope to life.
the writing was also very beautiful and poetic.
i would definitely recommend this!
September 25, 2025
I liked this more than I was expecting! It was a bit heavy handed with the attempt at replicating Shakespearean language, and Romeo & Juliet's ages didn't seem to track with the original. But overall, there was solid suspense, believable interpersonal relationships, and a good balance of action with plot development.
December 27, 2025
Good premise, beautiful prose, really feels like you are immersed in the world of Shakespeare, but the story itself was a little dry hence why it's taken me nearly 3 months to finish! The ending speeds up dizzyingly in the last few chapters, but I still looked forward to finishing it so I could stop staring at it on my bedside table!
December 31, 2025
A fitting tribute to the great play and a wonderfully realised version of Shakespeare’s Verona. Captures the feel of Shakespeare’s dialogue without being too slavish to it. Packed full of high drama and political intrigue. Recommended.
February 9, 2024
3.75 Stars
October 26, 2024
I REALLY enjoyed this. Would love to have the author rewrite the original Romeo & Juliet in this style, because it’s so lovely and engaging
May 5, 2023
A well-crafted piece of historical fiction with the kind of action you'd expect from someone whose main gig is epic fantasy. Great development of the characters old, new, and drawn from history. I especially liked the way the mature Juliet came into her own. Highly recommended!
May 8, 2024
Interesting concept
September 27, 2025
I am a sucker for a Romeo and Juliet retelling, and seeing (and absolutely LOVING) & Juliet made me extra intrigued to read this. I enjoyed it a lot! It’s a bit slow going, before an explosive finale, and the writing style is different from what I’ve read before. But I felt like the author did the characters and nature of the politics of Verona justice. Some of the plot was shared in a sparse way that had me a little lost, but that could be a me thing.
Recommended by Leena Norms!
Recommended by Leena Norms!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews