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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I really liked this book! This was my first time reading biblical fiction and I do feel like it helped me to understand the value in Esther’s story. It was also nice to understand the biblical figures as real people.
this author could teach a class in how to make a character as least sympathetic as possible
I'm very unimpressed with the way the author chose to characterize all of the characters, but especially Vashti and Esther. ugh
I'm very unimpressed with the way the author chose to characterize all of the characters, but especially Vashti and Esther. ugh
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Slavery, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder
An amazing read. This book is a very good telling of the story. The characters are relatable and fun.
challenging
dark
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was truly captivated by the story. However, I would recommended that you would read the biblical story first so that you would know which parts are real and those that aren't. It was very interesting learning about the Persian culture as well. Truly a page turner.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Murder
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good read once I got into it. The first chapter where she talks overly much about physical beauty was off putting for me, but later developed well with the story. And the last half was so good I couldn’t put it down. Definitely worth the read!
In recent years, Queen Esther has been a popular subject for books and films. Some have been great ([b:Esther Queen of Persia|20930544|Esther Queen of Persia|Jim Baumgardner|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393514646s/20930544.jpg|40300081]), others not so much (the film One Night with the King). Angela Hunt's Esther stands out from the other things I've read an seen about Esther because it focuses not only on Esther's journey to becoming queen and her time in the palace but also on the events preceding the king's search for a new queen.
Esther is told from two points of view: Hadassah's and Harbonah's. Harbonah is the king's most trusted eunuch, and the insight into the king and the Persian government that his chapters give richly enhances the story.
Angela Hunt clearly did her research (there's a list of sources at the back of the novel, as well as a note from Hunt that explains her process), and the result is an incredibly compelling account of this biblical heroine.
The beginning of the book didn't grab my attention in the way I'd hoped, and I found myself not liking young Hadassah at all. However, the Harbonah chapters kept me engaged, and by the time Hadassah found herself being prepared for a night with the king, I was completely hooked. I also appreciated how Hadassah grew throughout the novel—from a young, selfish teen to a queen who realized she was a part of something greater than herself.
I expected Esther to be mainly about Haman's plot to kill the Jews and God's rescue of His people. While that part is there (of course), this novel covers so much more than that, and I think it's so much richer and more realistic because of all the details.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Esther is told from two points of view: Hadassah's and Harbonah's. Harbonah is the king's most trusted eunuch, and the insight into the king and the Persian government that his chapters give richly enhances the story.
Angela Hunt clearly did her research (there's a list of sources at the back of the novel, as well as a note from Hunt that explains her process), and the result is an incredibly compelling account of this biblical heroine.
The beginning of the book didn't grab my attention in the way I'd hoped, and I found myself not liking young Hadassah at all. However, the Harbonah chapters kept me engaged, and by the time Hadassah found herself being prepared for a night with the king, I was completely hooked. I also appreciated how Hadassah grew throughout the novel—from a young, selfish teen to a queen who realized she was a part of something greater than herself.
I expected Esther to be mainly about Haman's plot to kill the Jews and God's rescue of His people. While that part is there (of course), this novel covers so much more than that, and I think it's so much richer and more realistic because of all the details.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I always find books by Angela Elwell Hunt impossible to put down, so it was no surprise that I went through this book in only one day. Esther: Royal Beauty follows the well-known Bible heroine through her own eyes and through the eyes of one of the palace eunuchs. While Esther irritates at first, she comes into her own as time passes on, and Hunt paints an effective picture of what kind of woman and girl Esther might have been. The characters are rich and the plot is involving, and though I didn't enjoy how it began, I couldn't put it down 'til I ended. This book just shows exactly why Hunt is still one of my favorite authors after years and years of reading her works.
I felt the same way about this book as I did about [b:The Elevator|718910|The Elevator|Angela Elwell Hunt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348400804s/718910.jpg|705160] - I don't think Angela Hunt's adult fiction is for me.
I grew up on her picture books, and loved her Nikki Holand series. I just can't get into her adult books the same way. It might have something to do with writing style.
back to Esther
My biggest complaint about his book is the duel perspective. I do understand why it was used. And it was nice to see inside the royal court before Esther got there. That is, of course, if it was done well.
Harbonah is the king's eunuch, and the person who takes us inside the court. The problem? That is the only reason he existed. He was not a character I could connect with on any level. Sometimes I felt like his view could basically be a third person perspective on the king!!
Harbonah takes on the emotions the reader is suppose to feel. The reader should be disgusted by the king's affair with his son's wife, so too is Harbonah disgusted. He serves more as a lens to get the reader to see the royal affairs, but not a character with depth.
I don't really read too much Biblical fiction, so I should have known this was not going to work for me. But the beautiful cover and author I likeor at least use to called to me. Plus it is a new book at the library, so how could I refuse to pick it up?
I need to work on my attraction to new books....
The problem with Biblical fiction is that I already know the story. If I'm going to spend my time on a story I already know, it better be really really well done.
Verdict?
DNF pg 140
I grew up on her picture books, and loved her Nikki Holand series. I just can't get into her adult books the same way. It might have something to do with writing style.
back to Esther
My biggest complaint about his book is the duel perspective. I do understand why it was used. And it was nice to see inside the royal court before Esther got there. That is, of course, if it was done well.
Harbonah is the king's eunuch, and the person who takes us inside the court. The problem? That is the only reason he existed. He was not a character I could connect with on any level. Sometimes I felt like his view could basically be a third person perspective on the king!!
Harbonah takes on the emotions the reader is suppose to feel. The reader should be disgusted by the king's affair with his son's wife, so too is Harbonah disgusted. He serves more as a lens to get the reader to see the royal affairs, but not a character with depth.
I don't really read too much Biblical fiction, so I should have known this was not going to work for me. But the beautiful cover and author I like
I need to work on my attraction to new books....
The problem with Biblical fiction is that I already know the story. If I'm going to spend my time on a story I already know, it better be really really well done.
Verdict?
DNF pg 140