Esther: Royal Beauty

Dangerous Beauty #1

by Angela Elwell Hunt

A Bible story brought to life! After she is forcibly taken to the palace of the king, a beautiful young Jewish woman, known to the Persians as Esther, wins a queen's crown and then must risk everything in order to save her people . . . and bind her husband's heart...

An ambitious tyrant threatens genocide against the Jews in ancient Persia, so an inexperienced beautiful 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 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.

Esther marks bestselling author Angela Hunt's return to biblical fiction. In each novel she explores an example of a Hebrew Old Testament tob woman: a woman whose physical beauty influences those around her--and can change the course of history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Romance

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 30, 2014

About the author

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.

Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.

In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Angela Hunt's books for most of my adult life. I first discovered her in my church library, and I immediately fell in love with her writing. She really raised my expectations of Christian fiction. The first books I read by her were historical. Her newer books tend to be contemporary and women's fiction. She is one of the few author's who are able to cross genres seamlessly. However, when I saw she was moving back into historical fiction, I was giddy. Esther: Royal Beauty is book one in a new series focusing on the beautiful women of the Bible that changed history. And this first book does not disappoint.

This take on Esther is very true to the Biblical account. It is obvious Ms. Hunt did her research. This story is rich in period details, and I learned a lot about the Persian culture by reading it. There was also lots of intrigue and suspense. Esther was a strong character, but she was flawed. I enjoyed watcher her grow from a vain, shallow child to a mature, godly woman. This story is told in first person from two different points of view, Esther's and Harbonah's, a palace eunuch. This made it possible to really see what was going on not just with Esther, but also in the rest of the palace.

This was a really great book, I would highly recommend it to fans of historical and Biblical fiction. I can't wait to read the next book in the series which, I think, is about Bathsheba. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy for review.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a rather infamous Star Wars fanfic floating around the internet about Darth Maul (yes, Darth too-much-fun-with-face-paint Maul) going to a Harem School and picking out a Purple Eyed, Raven Haired, Mary Sue to be his Lover.

He sets her up in a nice space condo and visits to have AMAZING sex whenever he isn’t off busy killing the only Jedi in the universe who knows how to act.

Nothing can come between Mauly and Mary’s Twu Lurv! (Except, of course, a light saber to the heart.)

My point being that there is no character too heinous that some fangirl hasn’t set out to fix him up with a nice Mary Sue because he just needs the right woman to heal him.

This version of Esther goes with the theory that the King Ahasuerus in the biblical account was another name for Xerxes I. So, a lot of the story ends up being the same scenes from the 300 movies… except from Xerxes POV, trying its absolute hardest to make him not look like a dangerous psychotic… and kinda failing.

Are we seriously supposed to be rooting for the guy determined to burn down a solid third of Human Civilization?

Apparently we are, as Esther does her best to convince herself she is NOT married to a dangerous psychopath, but her One True Love, and more than that, her Destiny.

Oddly, Haman doesn’t show up until almost the end of the book, as if the author said, oh, wait, Haman! Right, almost forgot him! And jams him in, a convenient scapegoat for Esther, Mordechai and Xerxes to heap blame on and come off with clean hands.

Overall it was just OK, but at the end of the day, I prefer Norah Lofts bookworm version of Esther.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book for many reasons. I loved imagining with the author all of those parts of Esther's story that are not detailed in the biblical recounting. I loved the bits of real history (the war with Greece, etc.) that were included, painting an even fuller picture of the times and the king. I loved getting the story from Esther's point of view, but I thought getting another part from Harbonah the eunuch's point of view added depth that the story wouldn't have had otherwise. Long ago I learned that I can count on Angela Hunt to do her research, and it shows in her books. I thoroughly enjoyed Esther: Royal Beauty.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUMMARY: 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 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.

REVIEW: This book is rich with historical detail and shows the depth of the author's research. The dual point of view makes this particular fictional account of Esther quite different as it gave the story from both a male and female perspective. The story is normally told from Esther's perspective but it enriched the story by presenting the king from an outsider's (Harbonah the King's "valet") perspective. At points the story seemed to lag a bit and bog down in historical detail, but reading the story from Esther's early life through her reign as active queen was very different from most presentations which focus predominantly on her reign and assistance to Mordecai. The historical detail also does a great job of displaying the fact that life in the palace was far from a joy-filled experience. Overall an excellent read.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "...I had to face a hard truth: over the years, I had insulated myself from reality. I had come to care for my sheltered self more than I care for my own people."

"I had grown up knowing about HaShem (God) and His requirements of a holy people, but I had kept His precepts at arm's length, observing them in my head while my heart exulted in the world around me."

"I am confident...that no mater how dark our present despair, Israel is the hope of the world. Adonai has promised that all nations will be blessed through the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"

[MK ( MaKayla) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a really great read , I didn't feel like I was reading fiction , even the parts that were part speculation ,felt so realistic . The author did a lot of research on ancient Persia , and it really shows .

I appreciate how realistic and gritty it was . We have a kind of fairy tale picture of Esther going to the palace and then the king falls in love with her , they defeat Haman and live happily ever after.
It's almost like we forget that this isn't a fairy tale , these are real ,sinful, flawed ,human beings . The book leaves me with no such fairy tale feelings , which was good . Before I'd had a glowing picture of Esther , and people elevated her and made her seem like a saint . I think we truly forget that the people in the Bible are fully HUMAN , they weren't special in any way except for the fact that God has chosen them .

Content : leaning to pg-13
-Talk of human sacrifice
-Impaling on poles
-A lot of mentions of "bedding the king" ,and that sort of thing which is because of the harem in the palace and that was mostly the only time Esther saw him was in his bedroom .

I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a refreshingly real ,and honest picture of Esther .

[Lou Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the biblical story of Esther. It felt very true to the culture. It points out the difficulties of being a beautiful woman in the Persian empire.

I really enjoyed the book. I love the style of Angela’s writing. I like that a lot of the chapters are shorter.

I liked the characters. The king is erratic and has a lot of power and the ability to kill people at will. That brought home to me the dangers that Esther faced. It showed how she had to take her courage into her own hands and pray and ask God for help to go and speak to the king when the Jewish nation was in danger of being eradicated.

The story felt very realistic and not a romanticised version. I had the idea that the book of Esther was like a reality TV competition to be the queen. Instead, living in the royal court was a dangerous place. Esther had to deal with the power struggles that were going on there.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther, Royal Beauty is the quintessential example of biblical fiction. Angela Hunt has painstakingly merged historical records with fictional plot, all while upholding the inerrancy of scripture. She further added to my enjoyment of the biblical account by layering in little known details of Persian conquests and conspiracies. I remained completely absorbed in the plot even while knowing what the general outcome would be.

I could not be more pleased with the way the author has chosen to represent Esther - neither as a beauty queen nor a martyr. When the King’s ardor wanes, Esther begins to feel isolated and lonely. During this time she resolves to convey God’s love and majesty (demonstrated to her as a child while living with Mordecai) unto the children of the harem. I especially like the unspoken message of blooming where God plants us and not remaining idle while we wait for Him to reveal His purpose in our lives.

The story is told simultaneously through the eyes of Esther and Harbonah (the King’s eunuch). The inclusion of Harbonah’s viewpoint provides a small window into the mind of the king and the complexity of palace etiquette. He is an insightful man and I admired his loyalty and devotion to those he served. Persia had taken so much from him and yet his heart remained soft. I viewed his love for the King to be like a mother’s love for a wayward child.

This book is one of my Top Picks for Christian book clubs heading into the New Year. Grab your copy of Esther, Royal Beauty, releasing January 6th, and I’m sure you will agree that Angela Hunt delivers 5 Star biblical fiction!!

It is no secret that I am an avid fan of biblical fiction! So when I caught a glimpse of Angela Hunt’s new book cover on Pinterest I began to cyber stalk the book release. Thank you, thank you Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to have a sneak peek at this title (in exchange for my unbiased review) through the NetGalley blogger program. You have fed my voracious appetite for great Christian fiction!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fresh take on the Biblical story of Esther. I have read a couple other books based on the story of Esther namely Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Estherand I have read the Biblical account.

The challenge in Biblical fiction is remaining true to the Biblical account while creating a story and story-world. Hunt does a marvelous job with that. Throughout the book I never thought it veered from Scripture or contradicted Scripture. Obviously Hunt expanded the story and added characters but it all remained true to the historical text.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the pre-Xerxes era in the life of Esther. We are introduced to a child and watch her grow into a queen. I loved that Esther was impetuous and a dreamer and slightly self-centered. I also enjoyed seeing more dimensions into the character of Xerxes. Through the narrative of his eunuch we find out some of his motives and shortcomings.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes Biblical fiction and to those who are interested in the story of Esther. It is the same story but retold in a fresh and exciting way.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading MOST Biblical Fiction. This was no exception. It brought things to mind I never thought about while reading Esther's story in the Bible. It was good.

[Rissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like i was reading a memior of her life. It was dense but educational.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must confess right off that Queen Esther stories are mostly shoo-ins for me, as I've enjoyed three different film adaptations (so far) and, now including Esther: Royal Beauty by author Angela Hunt, I've read three different novels based on the biblical account of this secretly Jewish monarch.

As with any story that's been told and retold, adapted and readapted numerous times already, a reader or viewer would wish to find something that makes a new telling of that same story truly fresh. Aside from the significant fact that this novel is co-narrated throughout by Hadassah, who would become known as Esther, and Harbonah, a chamberlain of King Xerxes, I think this novel takes a while before it really begins to make its case for standing out, starting about halfway through with the unique opening of Hadassah's first night with the king of Persia.

It's interesting to see that this Hadassah isn't exactly wild about Jewish traditions or the thought of the holy city of Jerusalem, and her character really starts to round out after she steps into queenhood. The novel has its gruesome moments and characters who show their unsavory sides, including the king. While the illustrations of the deposed queen Vashti and the villain Haman are likely what the reader would expect, the author's handling and timing for including them has an uncommon touch.

Overall, a well-expressed, engaging take on the Esther story that I would recommend to lovers of biblical fiction.
_________________
Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome fictional telling of the biblical story of Queen Esther. Hadassah is a young Jewish orphan girl when King Xerxes calls for beautiful women to be brought to the palace to choose a replacement for Queen Vashti. After being captured and forcibly brought to the palace, Hadassah presents herself as Esther to conceal her Jewish heritage. Once she is chosen to be queen, Esther finds her life has changed once more. Loved by a king, Esther finds her position can be lonely and challenging. And when the time comes for her to stand with her people, does she have the courage to go before the King?

I loved this account of Queen Esther's story. There was such a depth to the story and I liked the way Esther grows and matures throughout the book. I also liked the way the story was told from two perspectives - Hadassah and Harbonah (the King's eunuch). It gave the story the uniqueness of seeing things from a male perspective and occasionally from the King's side also.

Angela Hunt is a great writer and you will have no problem being pulled into this story. You'll feel Esther's fear, excitement, sadness, boldness, and the growth of her faith. You won't be disappointed with this one!

[Shantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esther: Royal Beauty was, I think, a very well-done novel based on the life of Hadassah/Esther from the book of Esther from the Bible. Usually I don't really prefer books based on people from the Bible, because of the authors tendency to run away with things a bit. But I felt that Angela Elwell Hunt did a pretty good job staying accurate. In fact, after reading this book, I went to read the original account, and found that Angela Hunt had incorporated nearly everything! She says in a note at the end of the book that she also used scenarios from other historical accounts on King Xerxes, so almost all the things that happened in Esther: Royal Beauty are historically-accurate!

I have to say... I was shocked at some of the scenarios. Such violence! *Shudders*! I was getting kind of annoyed and wondering if that really happened, or if it was just the author's attempt the embellish the Biblical story. But then I read the end notes, and yep, Angela Hunt explained those happenings were from some other historical accounts. So I was really impressed how closely she followed the true storyline.

It took me a little while to get into the story. It was more told by "Hadassah" and "Harbonah" than actually lived out through characters' diologue, actions, and such. There was some of that. But basically a lot of narrating/telling a story kind of style. So that's not my preferred writing style to read, but it really worked with Esther: Royal Beauty. Helped keep it more accurate I think. Once I got farther into the book, I became more captivated by it, and it urged me to read Esther of the Bible! :)

Once again, I appreciated the realness of it, the attempt to follow accurately. Some retellings of Esther are all romantic and lovely, telling this wild story of the king and Esther's wondrous love story. Well... come on... he was a pagan king, ruthless conqueror, with hundreds of concubines. Not to mention, he'd just put aside his first queen and was holding this elaborate "beauty contest" of sorts to find another woman that would please him. I'm not sure how beautiful their love story could have been; unless he turned to God. So anyway, I think Angela Hunt did a really good job portraying their relationship how it probably truly could have been.

Vivid descriptions. Human nature displayed. Then God's Hand in the midst of frightening, uncertain times. I have a few complaints here and there, but overall it was a really in-depth, and poignant retelling of Esther.

I received a free copy of Esther: Royal Beauty by Angela Elwell Hunt from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50%

I have so many problems with this book. I hate to DNF a book I own, but here we are.

It’s been a while since I’ve read the book of Ester. I’ve also read a non fiction book about her. Here are my issues with this fictionalized account.

Instalove: the king and Ester spend one night together. He names her Queen. She’s in love with him.

I know nothing about the king, only what is told to us by the author. He barely speaks and his actions are only told to us through other characters’ eyes. He may as well have been a shadow.

I thought Ester would be a women who exhibited more faith in God. She didn’t even talk about her relationship with God, obedience, or devotion to him. That’s why I picked this up, to read about strong women of faith. This story was just an account of a Jewish girl who ends up becoming a Queen. While I appreciate the historical aspect of this story, that wasn’t what I was looking for.

As a Western, born again Christian reader, I really had to approach this book with my ancient Jewish spectacles on. It’s really hard to stomach a 40 year old man specifically seeking out virgins to sleep with, and once they sleep with him, they can’t ever been with anyone else. No husband or children that don’t have 30 other siblings from other moms. And Ester was 16. It really bothered me how Hunt glamorized their relationship, especially the sexual part. Girl, you don’t love him. You just had sex for the first time and you have a guy paying attention to you. She kept talking about how happy she was. How could you be when your husband has 400 concubines he’s already slept with and will continue to do so, and 30 plus children? Like I said, I know I’m looking at this from the 2020 American viewpoint, and I know these sorts of practices were common during biblical times, but it just seemed like Hunt made it out like sharing your husband with hundreds of other women was no problem at all. Ester could’ve cared less.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is hardly the best retelling of the Esther story that I can imagine possible. As the secretly Jewish Queen of Persia under King Xerxes, her gradual coming-of-age as she becomes the woman destined to protect the exiled Jews from the anti-Semite Haman is one of the more striking stories of the Old Testament. You would think a bloody good novel - not to mention a film, starring, like, Gal Godot or some other hot Israeli actress - could quite easily be gotten out of his. But Hunt’s attempt unfortunately does not rise to the occasion in triumph.

It’s perfectly adequate, and there is nothing really to fault about the writing. But for me it personally didn’t really strike the chord I wanted it to. It really feels very much like the impression given by the hokey front cover: a romantic fan-fiction about the blood-thirsty Xerxes and his sexy concubine-turned-wife. A bit like a more polished version of the crap you will find ad-infinitum on Wattpad’s promoted story list. The whole “bad boy and the girl who fixes him” thing - Thrones of Passion, The King’s Mistress, The Virgin and the Harem Master … I don’t know, I don’t read that shit.

The best part of the story - the point when the villainous Haman manipulates the king into allowing mass genocide to be declared against the Jews, and Esther’s plot to reverse the decree - is brought in really as an afterthought during the last hundred pages or so. Until then, it’s just a mediocre, if still passable and wholly inoffensive, historical romance.

[Shali · Rating 1 out of 5]

Esther has always been one of my favorite Bible stories, ever since I was a kid. Because of this, I tried very, very hard to like this book.
As you can probably already tell, I was unsuccessful.

The story begins with Hadassah, at around 10 years old, and we see just how worldly she will grow to be.
Putting wealth and beauty above all else, she is enamored with the Persian lifestyle, and wishes for nothing more than to be beautiful and to live in the palace.
As she grows, we watch her become obsessed with palace life and with the King, Xerxes.
In her mind, a king can do no wrong, so when her long-time crush (her best friend's brother) deserts from the Persian army, Hadassah despises him for the disrespect he showed the king.
When he tells her of how Xerxes has gone mad, and started killing his own men for no reason, she refuses to believe it.
(Bro was full-on having grown men use whips and hot pokers to punish the river-- THE. RIVER. -- for ruining his plans. Sweetie, his royal highness is not all there.)

Eventually, Hadassah is engaged to a young family friend, Binyamin, who is just kind of there.
Of course, the marriage is put off for actual years, to conveniently leave Hadassah an unmarried virgin at the time when King Xerxes starts looking for a new queen.
But I'm getting ahead of myself; between the time when Xerxes demotes his then-Queen, Vashti, and when he actually starts looking for a replacement, he goes off to be an immoral and over-all just horrible human being.

He first tries to convince his sister-in-law to sleep with him, but she be faithful and refused. Then he marries his 10 year old son to her teenage daughter, and proceeds to have an affair with his niece/daughter-in-law.


What a catch.

And when Vashti retaliates by mutilating and murdering the teen's innocent mother, Xerxes just turns a blind eye (supposedly because the law forces him to, but bro makes no effort- just tells his brother to drop his wife, and take one of the king's daughters to replace her).

We, as the readers, are supposed to want the two main characters together, because this is primarily a romance, but we're really given no reason to. His actions aren't even like, forgiven or anything, they're just ignored.
Hadassah, herself, basically just writes the entire thing off, while acknowledging that it happened by thinking to herself that Xerxes must not ever want to see the daughter-in-law/niece/lover after what happened with Vashti.
She seems to think, and I'm paraphrasing, "How could someone so beautiful, do something so cruel?"
Just because someone is outwardly attractive, does not mean that they're a good person. But Lord forbid anyone judge the King for his actions.

Xerxes:


Esther:


Anyway~
Now that the king is looking for virgins, Binyamin appears once more, out of the ether, to run away with Hadassah to Jerusalem, to escape the king.
I'm sure you can guess the outcome.

Kidnapped by slavers, Hadassah is carted off to the king's harem. There, she changes her name to Esther, and somehow becomes the head eunuchs favorite, by doing absolutely nothing.
She then spends a year learning how to beautify herself, and upon the king's return from some winter palace (?) is the first, and supposedly only virgin, the king sleeps with. After two nights with Esther, the king is ready to declare his new Queen.

Now, as a fifteen year old Jew who was raised to be modest, pious, and virtuous, you'd think she'd be rather horrified at the thought of becoming an older man's sex-slave for the rest of her life. (He's like, almost forty when they meet. Pretty sure. Like, 38.) But instead, she accepts it almost immediately, and la-de-da's her way into the king's bed, with hopes of gaining his favor.

Anyway, because the king is emotionally constipated, he cannot be bothered to care when Esther has a miscarriage, thus ruining their relationship within like the first two months.

In any case, they grow apart, Xerxes turns to his 700+ concubines, and then it's suddenly 5 years later, and Haman has replaced Esther in having Xerxes' favor. As such, Haman plots against Mordecai, Esther's cousin and father-figure, because he refused to bow his head to Haman.
After convincing the king to eradicate the Jews, the plot is finally introduced to the book, and lasts for- at most- 50 pages.

This is where the book finally sticks to scripture, and it plays out pretty much exactly as in the Book of Esther.
Esther refuses to petition the king for her people's lives, because she's afraid she'll be killed, since there's a law that states that anyone who approaches the king without his explicit permission will be killed on sight (as we saw earlier in the story, when Xerxes' favorite nephew approaches the throne without permission, and is instantly beheaded).

Mordecai guilts her into action by calling her out for how worldly and selfish she is. Esther then has the epiphany that she hasn't been faithful to God (she has basically never shown any love or acknowledgement towards her Creator, except when she mentions Mordecai's faith). She then fasts for 3 days, and goes to the king- the rest is history.

The only character I even liked never had more than, like, two sentences written about him (Xerxes' 3rd son, Artaxerxes).

In any case, I wouldn't recommend this retelling. I tried to talk myself into liking it, but how can I when none of the characters are even likable?

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this Biblical fictional story of Esther, the author did not shy away from delivering the ugly hard facts of that time while also showing the readers the spiritual growth of Hadassah, a naïve innocent Jewish girl, to Esther, strong, bold, and courageous Queen.

I enjoyed this version of Esther, a well-loved Bible book. The author made these historical figures come alive and shown readers the possible life Esther had in the palace which is not emphasised in the a Bible.

This is the first Biblical fiction I have read by the author, and it won’t be my last.

*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*

[Joy Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical fiction is not my genre of choice, but I am working on a TBR that includes authors I will get to meet at a reader event later this year. I chose to listen to Esther because her story is one I am familiar with. And wow, Angela Hunt did an amazing job with this story (and the audiobook was excellent). She had me worrying for Esther's safety more than once, even though I knew from the Bible that she would survive. haha So I believe that tells of the power of her writing. I'm actually going to add the next two in this series to my TBR as well.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many authors have retold the Biblical story of Esther, seeking to bring her story to life for a new generation of readers, but few have given it a fresh voice the way Angela Hunt has done. Alternating between the perspectives of Hadassah (Esther) and one of the king's eunuchs, Harbonah, Hunt has woven a tale that is absolutely true to the Biblical account while adding some new twists. For example, this is the first time I've read a fiction account where Esther's cousin Mordecai is married - and yet it makes such perfect sense for a Jewish man raising a young female cousin to be married! I also liked the way that Esther is somewhat torn in her desires, wanting to be faithful to the traditions her Jewish community has instilled within her, while also being drawn to life in the royal palace as well. I've always assumed that every part of Esther's heart rebelled against her calling - but who is to say that God hadn't prepared her for her future by placing certain desires within her being? I greatly enjoyed getting to know the different characters in the novel, all of whom are finely crafted, including the character of King Xerxes, and I felt that the different perspectives the story is told from added a certain richness to the tale. The historical settings and traditions included in the story also add an air of authenticity, and readers will be able to imagine the ancient world of Esther in vivid detail.

"Esther: Royal Beauty" contains all the drama and suspense you could hope for, and is a fine additional to the arena of Biblical fiction. You will leave the story feeling wonderfully entertained, and stirred to open up your Bible and read more about how God used Esther to change history. And you may just ponder how God wants to use you to change lives as well! I award this book a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different retelling of the Biblical Esther (Hadassah). The narration is shared between Hadassah and a high-ranking palace eunuch, giving insight into the palace from the view of a naive newcomer and an experienced political worker.

My thoughts from the first quarter (below) still stand, but now I can also see Hadassah in a different light. Before, I saw her as a relatively meek Jewish girl caught up in something without her full understanding. Now I can see the potential for conflicting loyalties: a girl raised in Persia who has never seen Jerusalem, a girl with Persian friends and surrounded by Persian customs. It would indeed be hard for her to stand apart, to not desire pretty gowns and the luxurious life of the palace. I have more respect for the woman who spent three days fasting and praying, examining herself and confessing her sins to God, before going to almost-certain death to speak for her people.

Angela Elwell Hunt has also given insight into the cultural conflicts of the time, those unstated facts which everyone knew but which are now easily missed by non-historians. Even just understanding the full ramifications of the search for Vashti's successor changes how I read the Book of Esther.

Well worth a read.


...
[Original partial review]
Still in the first quarter of the book, but it's really bringing to life the practicalities of the royal household. I'd never before thought about how the banquets were arranged, the problems they might cause, or how such a large army would be fed and watered.

[Yo Leo Ficción Cristiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL COMPLETA

Esther (aka Hadassah) is one of my favorite female characters of the Bible. Her story has some resemblance to Cinderella, although it's clear that the diference is that Esther really existed; and what we can deduce is that she was a woman of character, strength and courage.

Angela Hunt has done a wonderful job with the research for this book. The descriptions are so detailed, you can relive the atmosphere in which this story unfolds. In addition, it explains the historical and cultural context in which Hadassah grew, which gives us a complete picture of the time.

The customs and traditions explained in the book help us understand the significance of many acts of the characters, providing greater understanding of their reactions.

The novel is told from the point of view of Hadassah and Harbonah, a eunuch who was under the command of King Xerxes. Both have their adventures and experiences from two opposite sides of life in Susa; and together create a story that perfectly complements.

As in the Bible, this book has drama, romance, intrigue and suspense, so no need to recommend it, because this is a materpiece.

I know the author will write more books about women in the Bible, so I look forward to reading her others work.

I recieved a free eBook from Netgalley but this fact didn't influence the review

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read biblical retellings -- partly because I already know the story -- but Esther is one of my favourite bible heroines so I couldn't resist. Not to mention that striking cover is enticing. So, what did I find when I started reading? A sumptuous tale that made Esther's story richer, deeper and more meaningful to me. Wow. Yes, this may be fiction, but Hunt brought this time period to life in an astonishing way. It made me want to savor every word and forget that I already knew the ending. I was carried away by the author's imagination and I'm glad I took the risk and started the journey. Esther : Royal Beauty has definitely brought a new dimension to my appreciation of her story.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I didn't know what to think with Hunt's version of the Biblical Esther. This does not start off as the fairy tale Cinderella other fiction and movies have adapted. This was an interesting interpreation of Persian culture and the difference between the people and the royal intrigue.

I enjoyed watching Esther grow from a vain, naive girl into a strong, intelligent woman.

I look forward to others in the series of Dangerous Beauty from Hunt.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Hunt does a nice job of telling the story of Esther. She included a number of historical details from the Bible and other sources to help the reader understand what it was like to live during Esther's time in Persia. She didn't romanticize Esther and make her without fault, but rather penned her as a fallible and likable heroine. The story is told from two points of view: Esther's and the king's eunuch. I recommend this novel for those who enjoy Biblical Fiction.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Book of Esther and Purim, so when I saw it at the library I figured I might like this book. I was wrong. How does somebody write a 337 page book about Esther and only mention Haman on page 255? Really, you're going to wait to introduce the main conflict until the last third of the book?

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one of only two books in the Bible named for women, Esther’s tale of bravery in the face of certain death has long fascinated with its Cinderella-esque storyline. Having studied this book fairly extensively, it is easy to fall into the trap of assuming one has read or seen all possible iterations of Esther’s story. Reading Angela Hunt’s take on this tale has been a humbling reminder of how easy it is to fall into the trap of viewing the book of Esther through a modern, romanticized, and perhaps most critically sanitized lens. It is tempting to imaginatively posit Esther as a biblical Cinderella, a romance between a commoner and the most powerful ruler in the world. This romanticized view heavily informs film adaptations of the tale, which ultimately does a grave disservice to the scriptural account of Esther’s life. The contemporary view of romance would grant the woman agency, and filtering Esther’s story through such a lens diminishes the scope and potential impact of the account. This is Esther’s story, yes, but it isn’t her love story, and Xerxes was no godly, romantic hero. This is the extraordinary story of God moving on behalf of His people through the unlikeliest of vessels – a woman wholly subject to every whim of a capricious king, who chose to live by faith, though it threatened to cost her very life.

Hunt retells the book of Esther by alternating points-of-view between Hadassah, later Esther, and Harbonah, a eunuch serving as the king’s chamberlain. By alternating between a member of the harem and a eunuch, Hunt is able to provide an intimate glimpse of the inner workings of the Persian court, thus illuminating the true nature of court life along with its attendant rules and risks. Harbonah is based on a single reference in Esther 7:9, wherein he is named as the eunuch who brings the gallows Haman built for Mordecai to the king’s attention, thus sealing Haman��s fate after his ill-fated assault on Esther. Through Harbonah, Hunt strips away the glossy veneer of court life, revealing the seedy underbelly of forced castration and slavery that made the king’s rule possible. Harbonah also serves as the lens through which an unbeliever processes the events that raise Esther from obscurity to a position of power and influence, all while serving as a witness to the integrity of Esther and Mordecai’s faith.

The bulk of the story is told from Esther’s point-of-view, following her from her status as Mordecai’s ward with stars in her eyes and dreams of royalty to one of many wives and concubines fighting for the king’s attention and favor. By reminding readers of Hadassah’s youth (and corresponding levels of immaturity), Hunt strips the gloss of romance from Esther’s entry into the harem and the beginning of her relationship with the king. When one remembers that this isn’t the story of a savvy, mature adult woman navigating the dangers of court intrigue, but first the tale of a girl, thrust into a situation beyond her control, stripped of her ability to choose her fate, Esther’s success and steadfast faith in the face of life-threatening persecution are all the more remarkable.

It is all too easy to idealize Esther, to view her as a perfect specimen of womanhood who accepted her fate without question or doubt, fully surrendered to God’s will, ready to be used by Him to save her people. And while she is certainly a role model, failing to recognize the harsh reality of her situation does her a grave disservice – for recognizing the moments of horror and fear that surely accompanied her entry into the king’s harem makes her transformation into an influential queen all the more remarkable and inspiring. As the novel begins, Hunt positions Esther as a wholly relatable, beauty-obsessed teenager, dreaming of a king with no concept of life as a queen. Contemporary culture makes Esther’s story more relevant than ever, as differentiating between fleeting, transient glamour and a beauty of spirit that transforms from within is increasingly challenging in a culture of disposability.

Hunt’s unvarnished take on the realities Esther would have faced in the Persian court is an eye-opening glimpse into a culture wherein a woman’s value lay in her beauty, a commodity to be used and discarded at will. Women during this period had little personal agency, wholly subject to the dictates and provision of the men in their lives. That said, Hunt makes an important distinction between the comparative freedom Esther enjoyed as Mordecai’s ward, where her intellect was valued and her person treasured, compared to the harem where her every move is watched and every decision dictated by those serving at the king’s pleasure. As Esther learns all that glitters is not gold, but what makes her story resonate through the centuries since it was first recorded lies in how she faces her heartache and challenges, choosing to place her trust in a God bigger than her circumstances.

As a student of history, the story of Haman’s attempt to exterminate the Jews has always been of particular interest as a precursor to later persecutions faced by the Jewish people, from the pogroms to the horrors of the Holocaust. Haman’s narrative is a case study in how the repercussions of a decision can echo throughout history. There is no better example of this than the enmity between Mordecai, a descendant of King Saul (Esther 2:5), and Haman, descendant of Agag (Esther 3:1), the Amalekite king defeated by Saul in 1 Samuel 15. Saul’s decision to defy God’s instruction and spare Agag, thus enriching himself by claiming the spoils of the conflict, would bear near-disastrous consequences generations later in Esther’s day.

The more I encounter Esther through the pages of scripture, the more I am convinced that hers is a tale for this present age. For much like the girl who, torn from her home, hid her identity and became a queen, called to stand firm in faith that the God who placed her in the harem for such a time as this would not abandon her at the moment of crisis (Esther 4:14), so are believers called to live their faith boldly in an increasingly hostile world (John 15:19). With Esther, Hunt not only delivers an absorbing, thought-provoking read, but a clarion call challenging believers to live out their faith whole-heartedly. Hunt is one of the rare writers who, over two decades into reading her work, never fails to challenge, convict, and inspire. The Dangerous Beauty series is proving to be a crowning achievement in her oeuvre, a master class in the potential and power of biblical fiction written with integrity and heart.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several fictional accounts based on Esther's story, but this one added a lot of historical detail that really helps the reader understand what ancient Persia was like. Also, as a friend said in her review, "[t]he dual point of view makes this particular fictional account of Esther quite different as it gave the story from both a male and female perspective. The story is normally told from Esther's perspective but it enriched the story by presenting the king from an outsider's (Harbonah the King's "valet") perspective." Another thing that I liked about this novel was that the author told the story from quite a while before Esther entered the palace and continued it after she helped save the Jews from Haman's evil plan. The characters were developed so well, and the author didn't make Esther seem perfect but instead presented her as an honest but fallible woman. Anyhow, I really enjoyed this novel and will be reading more of this author's novels.

[Eva-Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooooo good.

[Amy the book-bat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting look at the story of Esther. Lots of intrigue, some suspense, fair amount of romance.