As one of my favorite Bible stories, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Esther the Queen. Award-winning author H.B. Moore takes readers through Esther’s eventful rise and rule as Queen of Persia. This fictional retelling is impeccably researched and I enjoyed being immersed in both the Jewish and Persian cultures.
While Moore brings beauty and dimension to all the story’s characters, her portrayal of King Xeres was most impressive. I’ve always gathered that the King was a man to be feared, but Moore casts him as thoughtful and kind, in addition to being a stalwart and powerful ruler. The romance between the King and new Queen is remarkably tender and sweet. Esther’s strong character and faith, mixed with Moore’s comprehensive research and rich detail, make this novel a must-read!
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Covenant Communications
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: A character plots to kill the Jews and a plot is discovered against the king. There are reports of violence against Jews who try to flee Persia and reports of the guilty being hung for their crimes. A character is hit and a character is poisoned but survives.
Sex/Nudity: Numerous incidents of kissing; numerous sexual references regarding concubines, harem and a character’s wedding night; several implied or reported accounts of sexual activity, including talk of a rape.
Mature Subject Matter:
Religious persecution, death
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Wine is consumed.
