When an ambitious tyrant threatens genocide against the Jews, an inexperienced young queen must take a stand for her people.
When Xerxes, king of Persia, issues a call for beautiful young women, Hadassah, a Jewish orphan living in Susa, is forcibly taken to the palace of the pagan ruler. After months of preparation, the girl known to the Persians as Esther wins the king’s heart and a queen’s … king’s heart and a queen’s crown. But because her situation is uncertain, she keeps her ethnic identity a secret until she learns that an evil and ambitious man has won the king’s permission to exterminate all Jews — young and old, powerful and helpless. Purposely violating an ancient Persian law, she risks her life in order to save her people… and bind her husband’s heart.
“The biblical tale of Esther is a story often told, but here it is enhanced and elaborated with scholarly insight… Esther is a good read for those who love Bible accounts come to life.” –RT Book Reviews
“Biblical fiction seems to be on the rise and readers will find nothing better in the genre than bestselling Hunt’s interpretation of the biblical book of Esther… Hunt handles the tale’s nuances with care and openness, presenting readers a beautiful, honest, captivating retelling of a familiar story.” –Publishers Weekly
“With carefully researched, richly rendered historical details, Hunt breathes new life into the biblical blueprint. The result is a chilling tribute to Esther’s bravery that is sure to grip and surprise readers.” –Booklist
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I love fiction based on the Old Testament and found this an enjoyable read. It moved a bit slowly in some spots, but overall the story kept me riveted and flipping pages.
King Xerxes of Persia orders all young women who are comely in appearance to be brought to his court to serve as concubines. One will be chosen as his new queen. Esther, a …
I haven’t read Biblical fiction for quite some time now, but the cover of Angela Hunt’s Esther caught my eye, and since I love the story, I jumped right in–and then couldn’t stop until I was finished. Angela’s world-building is exquisite. I felt like I was experiencing Esther’s life right with her. Ms. Hunt filled in the gaps and made this a …
very enjoyable.
I really liked the telling of this biblical story.
I thought I knew the story from the Bible, turns out this was better!
Not totally scriptural but a positive read
Biblical characters brought to life. Really appreciate the research the author did and shared with her readers.
Just couldn’t get into it. Sorry, folks….not a keeper here.
I couldn’t put it down.
relatable. Awe inspiring story.
I love historical fiction, and this one did not disappoint. It gives a new perspective of Esther that I had never thought of. Great read!
With the skill of an expert storyteller, Angela Hunt weaves a familiar tale faithful to the biblical record while adding in details from history and making logical assumptions based on the time period and culture. The first-person accounts from both Esther and the king’s eunuch provide a broad scope of palace life and intrigue, and the eunuch’s …
I really did not enjoy this book. Did not stick to the bible or seem realistic.
It felt like I was reading historical fiction. I enjoyed reading about that time period and imagining all the different emotions of the day.
this was a story that made me not read the book of Esther the same way again. thank you for expanding the could have happened this way possibilities.
Very good read! I couldn’t put it down! I will definitely be following this author
Any time a book gives me an up close glimpse of a culture and time that I only knew from afar I like it. The family cultures, the beliefs and world of biblical times has never been clear to me, this book really enhanced my perspective.
This account of Esther includes the story from the Bible plus much more all set in the culture of the time. It also places the story in the big history timeline. I plan to read it again!
Captivating realistic well written
‘Esther’ was very good read! Some of the twists were surprising, but interesting to read about customs of those times!