Monday, February 8, 2021

Review: Star of Persia: Esther's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

About the Book
In an effort to complete a war his father had planned to win, King Xerxes calls every governor, satrap, and official in his vast kingdom to his palace in Susa to strategize and feast. When they finally leave, he decides on one more week of frivolity, which ends in the banishment of his favorite wife, something he never intended to do. But when he discovers Esther, Xerxes is sure he has a second chance at happiness.

In her wildest dreams, Esther could never have imagined that she would end up as queen of Persia. Yet she knows better than to become complacent. Another of Xerxes's wives is vying for position, and his closest advisor has a deep and dangerous grudge against Esther's adoptive father. Caught in the middle of palace politics, Esther will find herself in an impossible position: risk her life or consign her people to annihilation.

With her impeccable research and her imaginative flair, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the romantic, suspenseful, and beloved story of Esther, queen of Persia.


My Thoughts

I don't really read much Biblical fiction but I couldn't pass this one up. Esther's story is one of my favorites from the Bible and this novel was a stellar retelling of it. It really expanded the story and got me to see things in a new light. It really came to life for me.

I enjoyed the fact that we not only got Esther's perspective but many of the other prominent characters as well. It really added a whole new and interesting dimension to the story.

This was my first time reading anything by Jill Eileen Smith and I'm definitely interested in checking out more from her.

Five Stars

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