Emily Whitaker studied Shakespeare at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and at Circle in the Square Theatre School under Edward Berkeley. She wrote Benvolio to introduce Shakespeare to young adult readers. Playing Benvolio, gave her pause to wonder what part Benvolio truly played in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. It was then that her mind began to plot this extraordinary backstory. Emily Whitaker sticks to the original plot as seen through Benvolio’s eyes while showing the horrors of their parents’ sins and the unfounded belief that love will conquer all.