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The Legend of Sheba #0.5
Ismeni: An eShort Prelude to The Legend of Sheba
A mysterious beauty, a destiny set in the stars. Born under an inauspicious sign, young Ismeni is feared by her own people. The single thing she prays for: to live an invisible life. But that is not to be for the young woman who has captured the attention of the king's youngest son. A story of love, passion, and twists of fate through the eyes of the woman who will one day give birth to the legendary Queen of Sheba.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2014
174 people are currently reading
1050 people want to read
About the author
Tosca Lee
24 books3,369 followers"Superior storytelling."
-Publishers Weekly starred review
Tosca Lee is the New York Times bestselling author of The Line Between, Havah: The Story of Eve, The Progeny, The Legend of Sheba, Iscariot, The Long March Home (with New York Times bestselling author Marcus Brotherton) and others. Her work has been translated into seventeen languages and been optioned for TV and film.
She is the recipient of three International Book Awards, Killer Nashville's Silver Falchion, ECPA Book of the Year, and the Nebraska Book Award, and has finaled for numerous others including the Library of Virginia People's Choice Award, the High Plains Book Award, a second Silver Falchion, a second ECPA Book of the Year, and the Christy. The Line Between was a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Mystery/Thriller of 2019.
You can find Tosca at ToscaLee.com, on social media, or hanging around the nearest snack table. To learn more, please visit ToscaLee.com
For book release news and giveaways, join Tosca Lee's Nocturnal Cafe.
-Publishers Weekly starred review
Tosca Lee is the New York Times bestselling author of The Line Between, Havah: The Story of Eve, The Progeny, The Legend of Sheba, Iscariot, The Long March Home (with New York Times bestselling author Marcus Brotherton) and others. Her work has been translated into seventeen languages and been optioned for TV and film.
She is the recipient of three International Book Awards, Killer Nashville's Silver Falchion, ECPA Book of the Year, and the Nebraska Book Award, and has finaled for numerous others including the Library of Virginia People's Choice Award, the High Plains Book Award, a second Silver Falchion, a second ECPA Book of the Year, and the Christy. The Line Between was a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Mystery/Thriller of 2019.
You can find Tosca at ToscaLee.com, on social media, or hanging around the nearest snack table. To learn more, please visit ToscaLee.com
For book release news and giveaways, join Tosca Lee's Nocturnal Cafe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
December 8, 2020
"The hour of my birth, my mother burned incense to Shams, goddess of the sun , thinking in her innocence she, of any god, might understand a girl born under the brilliance of the Dog Star- a light so powerful that its first appearance just before sunrise in Saba invokes the flood waters of the Nile in in faraway Egypt.
Ismeni (The Legend of Sheba #0.5)
by Tosca Lee
My Review:
As beautiful as the Night Stars.
Ismeni (The Legend of Sheba) is a short prequel about Ismeni, the mother of the future queen of Sheba, also known as Bilquis.
I read this because I'd finished The full length book about the Queen of Sheba, a few weeks ago. I adored that book and when I found there was a prequel written about Ismeni, the beautiful and ethereal mother of Bilquis, I knew I had to read it. This book is quite short but wonderful.
I adored it as I did with Sheba's story. Ismeni had been one of my favorite characters in Legend of Sheba. I'd wanted to know more about her. So I was very happy that Tosca Lee chose to tell her story here.
And what a sad story it is. First off, I knew what would happen to her because, as I said, she is in the story about Bilquis. And even though she was only in it for a short time, she was electrifying and sort of stole the beginning of that book. I adored her character. But it was tough with this one because I knew she did not have a happy ending.
I did like that she was prepared and tried to prepare her daughter. But oh how I wish she'd lived! She was a luminous presence and the book was a bit to quick..I wanted more! I did! She is a startlingly beautiful character and I just wish she had her own full length book.
Absolutely recommended for fans of Historical Fiction. It is a beautiful , moon lit story packed in vivid gorgeous prose about a woman as lovely as starlight. Highly highly recommended.
Ismeni (The Legend of Sheba #0.5)
by Tosca Lee
My Review:
As beautiful as the Night Stars.
Ismeni (The Legend of Sheba) is a short prequel about Ismeni, the mother of the future queen of Sheba, also known as Bilquis.
I read this because I'd finished The full length book about the Queen of Sheba, a few weeks ago. I adored that book and when I found there was a prequel written about Ismeni, the beautiful and ethereal mother of Bilquis, I knew I had to read it. This book is quite short but wonderful.
I adored it as I did with Sheba's story. Ismeni had been one of my favorite characters in Legend of Sheba. I'd wanted to know more about her. So I was very happy that Tosca Lee chose to tell her story here.
And what a sad story it is. First off, I knew what would happen to her because, as I said, she is in the story about Bilquis. And even though she was only in it for a short time, she was electrifying and sort of stole the beginning of that book. I adored her character. But it was tough with this one because I knew she did not have a happy ending.
I did like that she was prepared and tried to prepare her daughter. But oh how I wish she'd lived! She was a luminous presence and the book was a bit to quick..I wanted more! I did! She is a startlingly beautiful character and I just wish she had her own full length book.
Absolutely recommended for fans of Historical Fiction. It is a beautiful , moon lit story packed in vivid gorgeous prose about a woman as lovely as starlight. Highly highly recommended.
August 26, 2014
Entrevista con Tosca Lee en español
Let me tell you something:
I knew this free ebook will release today, so yesterday I preordered it and then I went to sleep... Well, almost. I couldn't wait anymore so today I woke up at 4 a.m. and started reading.
And...
If this is how
is gonna be, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it too.
Let me tell you something:
I knew this free ebook will release today, so yesterday I preordered it and then I went to sleep... Well, almost. I couldn't wait anymore so today I woke up at 4 a.m. and started reading.
And...
If this is how
is gonna be, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it too.
July 16, 2019
"It takes many sacrifices for the gods to hear prayers".
A story that is very much the mirror that it paints Ismeni herself to be. Looking into it, you see another time and place, so different from what you know that it's startling. But you can also see yourself, in the timeless nature of her struggles. Definitely reading the rest of this series!
A story that is very much the mirror that it paints Ismeni herself to be. Looking into it, you see another time and place, so different from what you know that it's startling. But you can also see yourself, in the timeless nature of her struggles. Definitely reading the rest of this series!
September 11, 2014
I haven't read anything by Tosca Lee before, so I figured I'd sample her writing with this novella.
My verdict? Absolutely beautiful.
I love her words. There's just no two ways about it. So intricately woven together were they, that an exquisite background for The Legend of Sheba was painted. I, for one, simply cannot wait to get my hands on a copy.
The story briefly highlights the defining moments in young Ismenis life and how she came to be the wife of the soon-to-be king. Her character was admirable in the sense that she did what was expected of her. This remarkable short story describes Ismeni as being uniquely beautiful, however, since being born under an inauspicious star, she is frowned upon by her tribes people. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into her life- her uncertainty and the friendship she formed. Great for a novella!
Definitely looking forward to The Legend of Sheba.
My verdict? Absolutely beautiful.
I love her words. There's just no two ways about it. So intricately woven together were they, that an exquisite background for The Legend of Sheba was painted. I, for one, simply cannot wait to get my hands on a copy.
The story briefly highlights the defining moments in young Ismenis life and how she came to be the wife of the soon-to-be king. Her character was admirable in the sense that she did what was expected of her. This remarkable short story describes Ismeni as being uniquely beautiful, however, since being born under an inauspicious star, she is frowned upon by her tribes people. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into her life- her uncertainty and the friendship she formed. Great for a novella!
Definitely looking forward to The Legend of Sheba.
September 3, 2014
Ismeni is a 52 page story which is a prequel to the full length story of The Legend of Sheba. Ismeni is the mother of the future Queen of Sheba (her given name is also known by other names: Makeda, Bilqis, Bilquis, Bilkis). The various spellings and names of the Queen of Sheba, depend upon which country or nationality of people are referring to her, as well as a familiar name such as a family member or lover called her.
Ismeni was born under an austere astrological sign. She is famous for her beauty. However, people fear her because of the "signs" associated with her birth. The youngest son of the king takes a romantic interest in her. The life she had hoped to live becomes complicated and out of her control. The great love of Ismeni's life is her daughter. Ismeni pours all of her focus, instruction, dreams, hopes, and love, into her daughter Bilqis.
One of my favorite features of an ebook is the ability to read a sample before purchasing. In the case of the story of Ismeni, the prequel to The Legend of Sheba, I was given the ability to read 52 pages.
Ismeni, gave the story of the early years of Bilqis, as well as the story of her mother's life which gave a stronger setting for the longer featured story in The Legend of Sheba.
For Bilqis, her mother was her entire world. They were incredibly close. I believe those formative years strengthened Bilqis in every way, giving her the stamina, endurance, wisdom, insight, and savvy strength she needed to rule in a man's world.
In all of the books I've read by Tosca Lee, she has the strong ability to set a dramatic scene. She tells a story utilizing all of the senses, I can picture in my mind what I'm reading, as well as be provoked emotionally by the story. At times I can even "smell" the scene, the exotic fragrance of spice, or "feel" the arid sandy desert.
Ismeni was born under an austere astrological sign. She is famous for her beauty. However, people fear her because of the "signs" associated with her birth. The youngest son of the king takes a romantic interest in her. The life she had hoped to live becomes complicated and out of her control. The great love of Ismeni's life is her daughter. Ismeni pours all of her focus, instruction, dreams, hopes, and love, into her daughter Bilqis.
One of my favorite features of an ebook is the ability to read a sample before purchasing. In the case of the story of Ismeni, the prequel to The Legend of Sheba, I was given the ability to read 52 pages.
Ismeni, gave the story of the early years of Bilqis, as well as the story of her mother's life which gave a stronger setting for the longer featured story in The Legend of Sheba.
For Bilqis, her mother was her entire world. They were incredibly close. I believe those formative years strengthened Bilqis in every way, giving her the stamina, endurance, wisdom, insight, and savvy strength she needed to rule in a man's world.
In all of the books I've read by Tosca Lee, she has the strong ability to set a dramatic scene. She tells a story utilizing all of the senses, I can picture in my mind what I'm reading, as well as be provoked emotionally by the story. At times I can even "smell" the scene, the exotic fragrance of spice, or "feel" the arid sandy desert.
June 11, 2020
Fabulous, riveting story that does the almost impossible - creating depth and emotion in a very short novella length!
August 5, 2020
I was really intrigued by Ismeni and how she came to be the wife of the king. The romance gutted me though! It was a fun, quick read.
August 5, 2020
I was really intrigued by Ismeni and how she came to be the wife of the king. The romance gutted me though! It was a fun, quick read.
June 24, 2017
Christian fiction or just fiction?
I felt this story was good with strong characters but with it being an e-short it was confusing and quick. I also am not sure if this is considered a Christian fiction book because it only talks about false gods. The first chapter sample to Sheba seems pretty good but I'm not sure if I will read it.
I felt this story was good with strong characters but with it being an e-short it was confusing and quick. I also am not sure if this is considered a Christian fiction book because it only talks about false gods. The first chapter sample to Sheba seems pretty good but I'm not sure if I will read it.
September 22, 2014
Despite her beauty, thanks to being born under the shadow of the feared Dog Star, Ismeni prays for a quiet, notoriety-free life. Instead, the girl who craves normalcy and loves a humble stable boy captures the eye of a prince, an honor not to be refused, and against all odds and expectation, despite her broken heart, is elevated beyond her wildest dreams. And when tragedy threatens her firstborn daughter, Ismeni fights with every scrap of strength within her for the child's future, with one prayer on her lips -- "'Seek wisdom...and rise.'"
Little is known of the legendary Queen of Sheba save her famous visit to Solomon, a legend birthed from thirteen brief verses in 1 Kings 10. That brief interlude between two ancient monarchs captivates the imagination to this day, with appearances in film, opera, and ballet. The story of a powerful queen capturing the attention David's famously wise son, particularly in a time and culture where patriarchy was most often the order of the day, has long captivated my imagination. But before Sheba could make her famous pilgrimage, the stage must be set for her rule -- and that is the story Tosca Lee delves into with this prequel...the story of Ismeni, Sheba's mother.
Lee has long been on my list of to-be-read authors, and thanks to this short story I now know why. If this sample of her writing is any indication, each and every accolade I've ever read for her past novels is richly deserved. Ismeni is absolutely exquisite, a richly imagined story gorgeously told. This is easily the best example of the best way in which to showcase a writer through e-book bonuses or short stories. This is a tale masterfully rendered on the page, beautifully plotted, fostering a level of suspense and emotional involvement in the outcome that, frankly, should be impossible in a mere fifty-two pages. But thanks to Lee's capable skill, Ismeni's story shines.
Ismeni is an exquisite story, tugging the heartstrings and setting the stage for one of history's most famous queens. This short tale possesses all the flavor of an epic spun in an unforgettable web by a master storyteller. Lee has rocketed to the top of my list of must-read authors. Beautifully done!
Little is known of the legendary Queen of Sheba save her famous visit to Solomon, a legend birthed from thirteen brief verses in 1 Kings 10. That brief interlude between two ancient monarchs captivates the imagination to this day, with appearances in film, opera, and ballet. The story of a powerful queen capturing the attention David's famously wise son, particularly in a time and culture where patriarchy was most often the order of the day, has long captivated my imagination. But before Sheba could make her famous pilgrimage, the stage must be set for her rule -- and that is the story Tosca Lee delves into with this prequel...the story of Ismeni, Sheba's mother.
Lee has long been on my list of to-be-read authors, and thanks to this short story I now know why. If this sample of her writing is any indication, each and every accolade I've ever read for her past novels is richly deserved. Ismeni is absolutely exquisite, a richly imagined story gorgeously told. This is easily the best example of the best way in which to showcase a writer through e-book bonuses or short stories. This is a tale masterfully rendered on the page, beautifully plotted, fostering a level of suspense and emotional involvement in the outcome that, frankly, should be impossible in a mere fifty-two pages. But thanks to Lee's capable skill, Ismeni's story shines.
Ismeni is an exquisite story, tugging the heartstrings and setting the stage for one of history's most famous queens. This short tale possesses all the flavor of an epic spun in an unforgettable web by a master storyteller. Lee has rocketed to the top of my list of must-read authors. Beautifully done!
October 1, 2015
As I awaited the official release of Tosca Lee's newest masterwork, "The Legend of Sheba", I was thrilled when she snuck in a surprise - a 52-page morsel of prose to appease my cravings and whet my appetite for what was to come.
Ismeni sets the scene for Sheba, but could also stand alone as a short story. Fans of historical fiction and Biblical fiction alike will appreciate this glimpse at the life of woman literally born under the wrong stars However, much like Esther, circumstances worked to place her in a position of influence to the kingdom.
Tosca Lee managed to tell a fascinating story chock full of details and description in a brevity of words, and that takes talent. Because of the lightening speed of the storyline and the proliferation of ancient (i.e. hard to pronounce) names I got confused as to who was where and who was who a few times.
Ismeni's romantic bend caught me by surprise, but then I guess you can never really know what to expect from Tosca Lee's imagination and pen. As Ismeni herself said, "I should have known by then that nothing ever happened as I anticipated."
Legend of Sheba releases September 9, 2014. You can pre-order your copy today, but if you'd like a small appetizer while you wait, download Ismeni today. You won't be sorry.
Ismeni sets the scene for Sheba, but could also stand alone as a short story. Fans of historical fiction and Biblical fiction alike will appreciate this glimpse at the life of woman literally born under the wrong stars However, much like Esther, circumstances worked to place her in a position of influence to the kingdom.
Tosca Lee managed to tell a fascinating story chock full of details and description in a brevity of words, and that takes talent. Because of the lightening speed of the storyline and the proliferation of ancient (i.e. hard to pronounce) names I got confused as to who was where and who was who a few times.
Ismeni's romantic bend caught me by surprise, but then I guess you can never really know what to expect from Tosca Lee's imagination and pen. As Ismeni herself said, "I should have known by then that nothing ever happened as I anticipated."
Legend of Sheba releases September 9, 2014. You can pre-order your copy today, but if you'd like a small appetizer while you wait, download Ismeni today. You won't be sorry.
September 17, 2014
I saw an ad here on Goodreads for the book that this is the "prelude" for, The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen. It looked interesting as I like both biblical and historical fiction, but when I checked out the book itself for purchase I saw that it was pretty expensive, and I wasn't sure about spending that much money on an author unknown to me. Then I noticed that Amazon was offering this short "prelude" book for free on Kindle, and a teaser to get you interested in the story. So I went for the free short story first.
I am glad I did. While this may be very enjoyable for many, the writing style just did not suck me in, and it didn't make me interested at all in continuing to read the full Sheba book.
I do appreciate the fact that the author made this free short prelude available. It let me know that her writing style was not what I prefer, and saved me from being very irritated if I had spend a big chunk of money for the other book and then felt this same way. So thank you Tosca Lee for that. For fans of this author's writing style, you might really enjoy this one.
I am glad I did. While this may be very enjoyable for many, the writing style just did not suck me in, and it didn't make me interested at all in continuing to read the full Sheba book.
I do appreciate the fact that the author made this free short prelude available. It let me know that her writing style was not what I prefer, and saved me from being very irritated if I had spend a big chunk of money for the other book and then felt this same way. So thank you Tosca Lee for that. For fans of this author's writing style, you might really enjoy this one.
December 17, 2018
989 BC, Saba, Arabia (the Biblical kingdom of Sheba, currently known as Yemen)
Being born under certain stars could make or break a person. Ismeni was born under the Dog Star, a very bad omen. Her life was spent virtually in hiding because it was feared she could cause ruin just by being in the vicinity.
Interesting historical fiction story (not Christian fiction). The timeframe is centuries before Christ. Idol worship was the norm in southern Arabia. Until Muhammad, much of Arabia was polytheistic, the idea of only one God unacceptable. This story is a prelude to The Legend of Sheba, the queen who visited Solomon in I Kings 10.
I enjoyed Tosca Lee's unique writing style in this book.
Being born under certain stars could make or break a person. Ismeni was born under the Dog Star, a very bad omen. Her life was spent virtually in hiding because it was feared she could cause ruin just by being in the vicinity.
Interesting historical fiction story (not Christian fiction). The timeframe is centuries before Christ. Idol worship was the norm in southern Arabia. Until Muhammad, much of Arabia was polytheistic, the idea of only one God unacceptable. This story is a prelude to The Legend of Sheba, the queen who visited Solomon in I Kings 10.
I enjoyed Tosca Lee's unique writing style in this book.
August 28, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Why am I only now discovering Tosca Lee? It's a short, but Ismeni: A Prelude to The Legend of Sheba is absolutely fabulous and I can't for the life of me understand how I've not encountered this author before.
The situational drama is believable despite the brevity of the piece and I couldn't help falling in love with Lee's heroine. I admit the plot leans toward the predictable, but the style and language in which it is written is flawlessly addictive.
I'm not usually one to promote promotional freebies, but in this case I'm willing to make an exception. Ismeni is a delightful diversionary read that left me dying to get my hands on The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen.
Why am I only now discovering Tosca Lee? It's a short, but Ismeni: A Prelude to The Legend of Sheba is absolutely fabulous and I can't for the life of me understand how I've not encountered this author before.
The situational drama is believable despite the brevity of the piece and I couldn't help falling in love with Lee's heroine. I admit the plot leans toward the predictable, but the style and language in which it is written is flawlessly addictive.
I'm not usually one to promote promotional freebies, but in this case I'm willing to make an exception. Ismeni is a delightful diversionary read that left me dying to get my hands on The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen.
August 12, 2015
Wonderfully written short story about the mother of the Queen of Sheba.
Ismeni was born under an unlucky star. As a result she is often under valued and left alone. Her life suddenly changes when a servant of the prince claims to see more in her than bad luck. But it seems that her unlucky stars continue to work against her when her beauty draws the eyes of the prince himself to her.
I really enjoyed this short ebook. And it best of all it was free. This ebook includes the first chapter from the upcoming novel The Legend of Sheba. I enjoyed the excerpt and can say that I will certainly be getting The Legend of Sheba when it releases.
I would recommend this Prelude to anyone who wants to read The Legend of Sheba as I felt that it added a lot of weight to the first chapter excerpt.
Ismeni was born under an unlucky star. As a result she is often under valued and left alone. Her life suddenly changes when a servant of the prince claims to see more in her than bad luck. But it seems that her unlucky stars continue to work against her when her beauty draws the eyes of the prince himself to her.
I really enjoyed this short ebook. And it best of all it was free. This ebook includes the first chapter from the upcoming novel The Legend of Sheba. I enjoyed the excerpt and can say that I will certainly be getting The Legend of Sheba when it releases.
I would recommend this Prelude to anyone who wants to read The Legend of Sheba as I felt that it added a lot of weight to the first chapter excerpt.
August 29, 2014
Tosca Lee chooses words as rich as desert spices, drawing you into her ancient land of swirling sands and shifting loyalties. In only a few pages, Lee will uproot you from your familiar home and send you tumbling into Saba among macabre sacrifices, strange gods, and warring tribes. Somehow, she manages to strap you on a camel and maintain a steady lope, constructing the scenery and characters as you ride. Her beautiful prose and the intrigue of a complex plot kept me flipping pages ravenously until I reached the end all too soon - a pit forming in my stomach. That's it? How can that be the end? Ismeni is a tantalizingly small mouthful of a full-length novel that releases next month: September cannot possibly come soon enough.
August 5, 2025
I first read this over 3 years ago but decided to read it again. I was not disappointed. Although it's only a short novella, it's a wonderful prequel to the full length book, "The Legend of Sheba". It's tells the story of the young Ismeni, who goes onto to become the mother of the Queen of Sheba. I enjoyed it so much that I'm going to read "The Queen of Sheba" again. Tosca Lee is a great author and over a number of years I've read most of her books (if not all).
December 31, 2014
A romantic prequel to Lee's telling of the Queen of Sheba, revealing her mother had a much more dramatic past than she knew - and quite a lot to do with the setting the stage for the events of the novel.
August 26, 2014
Rich, nuanced, enthralling. Gorgeous.
October 22, 2014
Stories told in first person are my least favourite, but THIS was exquisite. Simple and elegant. Thank you. Ms. Lee. I look forward to the book.
February 7, 2015
This is an intriguing short story that perfectly sets the stage for the Tosca's larger work, Sheba. Well worth the 20-30 minutes it will take to read it. Download it now!
May 27, 2015
Can't wait to read the Legend Of Sheba.
December 28, 2020
4.5 Stars! =D
Read
January 3, 2019I didn't know about this prequel novella when I started
The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen
but when I found out about it, I was excited to get more from this world of Saba. Bilqis's mother does not make much of an appearance in the book, most of what we get is from her memory. So having this small part from her point of view, how she became queen was nice and very interesting.
Since her inauspicious birth, Ismeni, although extremely beautiful, has been feared by everyone in her town. Except for one boy, Wahabil, companion to the king's youngest son, who could care less about what star she was born under.
I thought this was interesting, because through The Legend of Sheba, it is mentioned how the king and queen had a love marriage--nearly unheard of, for most kings back then had treaty marriages. But it was interesting to see it from Ismeni's point of view. How she felt for the king, or maybe that she had a first love before him...?
This was very short, so obviously not much could be said or happen. But I think it was still a fun read, and did explain some happenings in The Legend of Sheba. In itself, it was just interesting, and entertaining even for how short it was.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
Since her inauspicious birth, Ismeni, although extremely beautiful, has been feared by everyone in her town. Except for one boy, Wahabil, companion to the king's youngest son, who could care less about what star she was born under.
I thought this was interesting, because through The Legend of Sheba, it is mentioned how the king and queen had a love marriage--nearly unheard of, for most kings back then had treaty marriages. But it was interesting to see it from Ismeni's point of view. How she felt for the king, or maybe that she had a first love before him...?
This was very short, so obviously not much could be said or happen. But I think it was still a fun read, and did explain some happenings in The Legend of Sheba. In itself, it was just interesting, and entertaining even for how short it was.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
March 17, 2022
Ismeni by Tosca Lee is a prelude to The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen. It is a story about a mysterious beauty born under a bad omen, a destiny set by the stars of her birth. Set in Saba (present day Yemen), Ismeni grew up feared by her people. Her beauty was considered unnatural and many were weary of her as they expected misfortune when she was around. But Ismeni prays for one thing: to live an invisible life. To live her life in relative peace. But it was not meant to be as she caught the attention of Prince Agaziah, the king’s youngest son. Through war and twists of fate, she becomes queen.
I haven’t read anything by Tosca Lee and when Ismeni was offered to me, I was intrigued. I recently finished a bible study on the Queen of Sheba and her story was fresh in my mind. Ms. Lee writes a beautiful story that was so engaging I forget it was a short story and over before I was prepared. I am looking forward to reading The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen to see if Ismeni’s wishes and dreams see fulfillment when her daughter comes to the throne. Ismeni is torn between the love of her heart and her societal duty. It is a story of love, passion and fate. I recommend Ismeni.
Ismeni is available as an eBook
I haven’t read anything by Tosca Lee and when Ismeni was offered to me, I was intrigued. I recently finished a bible study on the Queen of Sheba and her story was fresh in my mind. Ms. Lee writes a beautiful story that was so engaging I forget it was a short story and over before I was prepared. I am looking forward to reading The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen to see if Ismeni’s wishes and dreams see fulfillment when her daughter comes to the throne. Ismeni is torn between the love of her heart and her societal duty. It is a story of love, passion and fate. I recommend Ismeni.
Ismeni is available as an eBook
October 20, 2017
This is a prequel to a book about the Queen of Sheba, who visited King Solomon in Israel. It is not very long at all, which is fine, since the eBook was offered free by Christian Book Distributors (CBD).
The story follows the tragic life of the beautiful young woman who purportedly gave birth to the Queen of Sheba. She was born under the "dog star," considered an evil omen by members of her pantheistic culture. Ismeni was beautiful, but avoided by most men for fear of the curse associated with her. She dared to love one young man among her tribe who almost had her as his own; yet she was chosen by another kinsman in the royal family.
The love of this woman for her firstborn, a daughter, was admirable. She fought for her little girl's safety in a society (not unlike modern Islam) which valued male children over females. Nevertheless, she could not protect the child when she grew weak during her pregnancy with a son.
The eBook ends with a teaser from The Legend of Sheba. This also appears to be a heart-rending story.
This novella is interesting, but not outstanding. I don't dislike it, but I didn't find it worthy of a strong recommendation, either.
The story follows the tragic life of the beautiful young woman who purportedly gave birth to the Queen of Sheba. She was born under the "dog star," considered an evil omen by members of her pantheistic culture. Ismeni was beautiful, but avoided by most men for fear of the curse associated with her. She dared to love one young man among her tribe who almost had her as his own; yet she was chosen by another kinsman in the royal family.
The love of this woman for her firstborn, a daughter, was admirable. She fought for her little girl's safety in a society (not unlike modern Islam) which valued male children over females. Nevertheless, she could not protect the child when she grew weak during her pregnancy with a son.
The eBook ends with a teaser from The Legend of Sheba. This also appears to be a heart-rending story.
This novella is interesting, but not outstanding. I don't dislike it, but I didn't find it worthy of a strong recommendation, either.
July 4, 2018
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Ismeni by Tosca Lee is one exquisite bite of a freshly ripened peach. Straight from the branch and warmed in the sun, that one bite of peach entices you to eat a whole bushel yourself. But can anything be better than that first bite?
Ismeni was born under an evil star. Despite the superstition, she is one of the most beautiful faces of her time. She spends her childhood hiding because she is blamed for the bad harvest, a dead horse, and so much more. But is she more than the girl born under an evil star?
A short story prequel to the The Legend of Sheba, Ismeni broke my heart and mended it together again within so few pages. Basically, Tosca Lee wrote a short story with multi-layered characters and interesting story line in such a short word count. I'll be thinking on this story for the rest of the day.
If you love strong female characters set in another time and place, Ismeni is definitely for you.
Ismeni was born under an evil star. Despite the superstition, she is one of the most beautiful faces of her time. She spends her childhood hiding because she is blamed for the bad harvest, a dead horse, and so much more. But is she more than the girl born under an evil star?
A short story prequel to the The Legend of Sheba, Ismeni broke my heart and mended it together again within so few pages. Basically, Tosca Lee wrote a short story with multi-layered characters and interesting story line in such a short word count. I'll be thinking on this story for the rest of the day.
If you love strong female characters set in another time and place, Ismeni is definitely for you.
April 14, 2022
This very short prequal to The Legend of Sheba gives a lot of context into some of the characters and backstory that we will meet in the following novel. It seems to act as almost a prologue of sorts. However, it is also its own story.
Ismeni follows the birth of The Queen of Sheba. Ismeni was born on a day considered to be a bad omen, at the mercy of the stars that neither her, nor anyone, could possibly control. As such, she was considered to be bad luck. She falls in love…and yet is fated to marry another. To deny the union would be to bring disgrace to her family, and disfavor from the king. She births a daughter…who we know will later become a queen.
Though short, this story really is a tale of its own. I am glad Tosca Lee wrote it separately. It felt like a good introduction to The Legend of Sheba that both put me in the right mindset to read it, and introduced me to the delicate political maneuvering and superstition of that time/location. Very beautifully done.
Ismeni follows the birth of The Queen of Sheba. Ismeni was born on a day considered to be a bad omen, at the mercy of the stars that neither her, nor anyone, could possibly control. As such, she was considered to be bad luck. She falls in love…and yet is fated to marry another. To deny the union would be to bring disgrace to her family, and disfavor from the king. She births a daughter…who we know will later become a queen.
Though short, this story really is a tale of its own. I am glad Tosca Lee wrote it separately. It felt like a good introduction to The Legend of Sheba that both put me in the right mindset to read it, and introduced me to the delicate political maneuvering and superstition of that time/location. Very beautifully done.
July 28, 2017
I love Biblical fiction! When there are writing based on the truth found on God's Word, how can you go wrong as long as the truth is not altered? I, like many others before me, overlooked the wisdom of the Queen of Sheba. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Ismeni" for it provides a back story into one of the greatest queen's life through knowledge about her mother.
"Ismeni" is about a beautiful, young woman that was born under a cursed star and thus was pushed aside by everyone and everything around her. Through no understanding of her own, God's plans lead her to marrying the youngest Prince who later become King. Very interesting and definitely worth the read.
"Ismeni" is about a beautiful, young woman that was born under a cursed star and thus was pushed aside by everyone and everything around her. Through no understanding of her own, God's plans lead her to marrying the youngest Prince who later become King. Very interesting and definitely worth the read.
January 8, 2019
Historical
I would love to read all the historical novels written by this author. I enjoyed this book so very much. The story was far to short. I enjoyed every word. I hope to read The Legend of Sheba i feel as though I wouldn't be able to put it down and would read it all the way through in one sitting as I did Ismeni. I will read this over again to be sure I got all of it. I grew up watching all the biblical stories and still rewatch them today if one is on. Samson and Delilah, Ben Hur, Spartacus. The Ten Commandments I love them all El Cid wish they had a channel that ran all the movies of that time. My thanks to the author for writing this.
I would love to read all the historical novels written by this author. I enjoyed this book so very much. The story was far to short. I enjoyed every word. I hope to read The Legend of Sheba i feel as though I wouldn't be able to put it down and would read it all the way through in one sitting as I did Ismeni. I will read this over again to be sure I got all of it. I grew up watching all the biblical stories and still rewatch them today if one is on. Samson and Delilah, Ben Hur, Spartacus. The Ten Commandments I love them all El Cid wish they had a channel that ran all the movies of that time. My thanks to the author for writing this.
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