Book excerpt: "Born into ancient nobility and son of the most powerful statesman in the land, Ferdinand is willing to forsake his fortune for the love of Luise, daughter of a humble musician. But in a world governed by deception and greed where power is everything, their future happiness and liberty are beyond their control. Adapted from Friedrich Schiller's 1784 play Kabale und Liebe, a masterpiece of power and politics that explores the battle between honor and corruption, between truth and betrayal."-- Publisher description.