ESTHER by Rebecca Kanner

From the award-winning author of Sinners and the Sea comes a breathtaking new look into the timeless tale of Queen Esther.

A glittering Persian king has a vast empire that reaches farther than where the sun meets the horizon. He is bathed in riches and commands a frightening military force. He possesses power beyond any other mortal man and rules his kingdom as a god. Anything he desires, he has. Any woman he wants, he possesses. Thousands of them. Young virgins from all across his many lands.

A Jewish girl is ripped from her hut by the king’s brutish warriors and forced to march across blistering, scorched earth to the capitol city. Trapped for months in the splendid cage of the king’s palace, she must avoid the ire of the king’s concubines and eunuchs all while preparing for her one night with the king. Soon the fated night arrives, and she does everything in her power to captivate the king and become his queen.

But wearing the crown brings with it a new set of dangers. When a ruthless man plies the king’s ear with whispers of genocide, it is up to the young queen to prevent the extermination of the Jews. She must find the strength within to violate the king’s law, risk her life, and save her people.

This is a story of finding hidden depths of courage within one’s self. Of risking it all to stand up for what is right.

This is the story of Queen Esther. 

my thoughts:

Rebecca Kanner has the unique ability of bringing her characters to life.  Esther is one of the most incredible women of Biblical literature. Kanner has taken what we know, done research and created an incredible woman of strength, cunning and determination.  A woman who can only be described as a Queen.   

I love Ms. Kanner's writing style.  She brings these characters to life for us.  We are willing participants of the stories of the Bible.   Esther has always been one of my favorite women from the Bible.  

This is a wonderfully written, well researched book.  Kanner's descriptions and writing style will leave the reader breathless and wanting more.  This is a work of fiction, but I feel as if I actually know Esther the person. 

I highly recommend ESTHER, This is a fabulous book, well worth the time it takes to read.
5/5 stars