The fact a book is a Biblical fiction would normally stop me from reading a book, but I had to read this one. You see of all of the stories in the Bible Esther is my second favorite old testament book, it's just so beautiful, Joseph is my favorite, Ruth is my third favorite.

Now if you've followed me long you may have noticed I rarely read Biblical fiction, because I want to make sure I know the true account of the story. Makes sense, right? But I have one weakness in Biblical fiction and that is Esther … I know the story well enough to keep facts straight from fiction, I read Esther several times a year.

Now, the second reason I had to read this book is the cover … It has purple, my favorite color. Just so pretty, and I love it.

For the "story" I was happy to find a story that was accurate, showed a side of Xerxes that made me see him as more of a human? I've enjoyed reading Esther and Xerxes' romance but at times it is hard to realize that Xerxes was only a man, a human like anyone else.

What I was not expecting was to read from Vashti's point of view, which was really interesting, and different and intriguing.

As far as Biblical fiction goes I must say this is a one of a kind, lovely, and informative, yet interesting story.

There is violence mentioned, backstabbing, and killing as well.


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

When the queen of Persia refuses an unreasonable demand of King Xerxes, she is banished. Jewish girl Esther, known as Hadassah for her first fifteen years, is one of many unmarried women who are brought to the palace to contend to be Xerxes's next wife. Made queen in place of Vashti, Esther and her adopted father Mordecai have to navigate palace politics and eventually, it's up to Esther to save all of her people from extermination.

Though the Biblical account of Esther is commonly known by most who would read this book, I liked the way the author brought it to life. The struggles that those would have faced due to the politics, culture, and religions of that day were not glossed over. It's common, and even somewhat necessary, for the author to take creative license in some areas, as not all details are ever known in a Biblical account, and while I didn't necessarily agree with everything the author chose to do, I don't think any of it detracted from the story.

I loved the way that Mordecai, who had chosen to stay in Susa when the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem, struggled with his decision to keep his heritage a secret. We all know that even the most prominent figures in the Bible (besides God himself) were flawed humans, some more than others, and that is clear with the two main Jews in this book as well. I also think that the way Xerxes was portrayed was realistic, considering that he does often consult others, even his servants, in the Biblical account, so his character in this book was fleshed out from that perspective, and I loved it.

As I mentioned above, I disagree with one main point the author decided on. It is not immediately evident who King Ahasuerus is in the Biblical account, due to language differences, I believe. He seems to be most commonly accepted to be Xerxes. However, Xerxes has only 1 verified wife--Amestris. I did not do nearly as much research as Smith must have for this book, but I see more evidence that Amestris is another name for Vashti, or even possibly for Esther herself. So having a rival wife that is actually directly or indirectly behind much of the shady things that happen in the account seemed unnecessary to me. However, it did provide more intrigue for the fictional version, and while I would have chosen a different route, I respect her decision and am not saying whatsoever that the book was any worse for it.

I would say the writing itself was what mainly detracted from the story for me. I personally think there was at least one POV too many. The story was told from the following perspectives: Esther, Mordecai, Xerxes, Vashti, Haman, and Amestris. If I'm missing one, I wouldn't be surprised. But I think we could have done without getting to know Vashti, considering what her parts set up aren't resolved. And she's just a shadow of the true heroine anyway. There are also a couple of things that happen with Haman that confused me, like him grumbling about his wife and her back-talk, when the entire rest of the book, she seemed nothing but supportive to me, giving him advice that he followed. He even called her wise at one point. Then suddenly, he's about ready to punish her if she opens her mouth again. I don't know what was going on there.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. I am one who tends to read romance (not just romance in the traditional sense) into certain accounts in the Bible as I'm reading, and it's nice to see it come alive in this way. I will likely re-read this someday, but first, I plan to check out Smith's take on Ruth, which is my favorite book in the Bible. As for Esther's story, though, I highly recommend it to fans of Biblical fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and Revell for providing me a copy of this book to review. ( )

While I enjoyed this fictionalised story of Queen Esther, I have read better. However, "Star of Persia: Esther's Story" was still an enjoyable read and I thought the author did a good job of bringing the woman and the period alive for her readers. ( )

A re-interpretation of Megilat Esther. Captures the intrigues of court life in Persia during Xerxes reign between 486 -465 BC. He is known to have lost a war with Greece (but was successful dealing with revolts in Egypt and Babylon).

Prior to attempting to conquer Greece, a very drunk Xerxes is angered at Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before him and his nobles. He sends her and their son away to another palace. Once sober, he realizes he made a serious mistake because he loves Vashti dearly and now misses her dreadfully. (In Megilat Esther, Vashti is actually killed.)

To help him, advisors suggest inviting 'virgins' to the palace out of which Xerxes could select his next queen. Esther and many other virgins from Xerxes domain are brought to the palace in Sosa to prepare to meet the king. Esther is Jewish and her adopted father Mordechai advises her not to reveal her faith at court lest it endanger her. Because she is warm, friendly, and kind, not to mention beautiful, many at court are impressed and come to care about her. Once she meets the king, he is smitten and decides to make her queen at the end of the week with a celebratory wedding feast. She in turns comes to love and care for him.

But as a Jewess she wonders for what purpose G-d has placed her in Xerxes court as his queen.

Read Star of Persia to find out, while learning about ancient history, court life, women's roles and more. A simple and interesting novel.

I enjoy Biblical fiction and this retelling of the story of Esther is very well done. It starts when she is just 6 and we get to know the little girl who will grow to become the woman who saves her people. I had some knowledge of the story before I started reading but that is not necessary to enjoy this well written book about a strong, intelligent woman navigating dangerous times. ( )