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The Silent Years #4
King's Shadow: A Novel of King Herod's Court
Two women occupy a place in Herod's court. The first, Salome, is the king's only sister, a resentful woman who has been told she is from an inferior race, a people God will never accept or approve.
The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion.
Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless--both women struggle to reach their goals and survive in Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.
The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion.
Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless--both women struggle to reach their goals and survive in Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
163 people are currently reading
2353 people want to read
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
271 books1,972 followersChristy-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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
June 26, 2019
King' s Shadow tells a bit of history I knew nothing about. It was obviously well researched and is well written. I did get confused at times with the characters and situations, but I think it's because I have no reference point. I enjoyed this story and learned a lot about Herod's Court and the people who occupied it. Really fascinating historical fiction. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2019
4.5 stars for this biblical historical fiction novel. This is the last book in the "silent years" series, which details the 400 years between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. While this one can be read as a stand-alone and the story enjoyed, I think it's best to read the other books first as some of the events referred to in this novel are fleshed out in the previous novels. If I opt to re-read this one, I will read the others in advance in close succession. As I've read this series as it's come out, I was struggling to remember details of the events and people in the prior books and so some of the scenes felt a bit more tedious to me. If you do opt to read the prior books first, I would recommend them read in chronological order rather than series order - starting with Judah's Wife (book 2), then Jerusalem's Queen (book 3) and finally Egypt's Sister (book 1). Cleopatra plays a role in this book, so reading her story right before would be most helpful.
This book is in first person perspective, switching points of view between Salome (Herod's sister) and Zara, a young Jewish girl who becomes Salome's handmaid. The changes in perspective are not at all confusing as both characters have a very different voice. Also, they are named at the beginning of each chapter (and never change within the chapter), so as long as you pay attention to the chapter headers, that helps as well. This book details the story of Herod's reign and the time leading up to the birth of Christ. Since the Bible doesn't speak to that time period, I've not really read anything about this period or about Herod in general, so it was fascinating to see what made him tick and why he responded to the wise men's tale of a baby king so harshly.
All in all, this was a fantastic historical fiction piece. I would strongly recommend to lovers of Biblical Historical as well as anyone who wanted to know more about that time in Judean history. Special thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
This book is in first person perspective, switching points of view between Salome (Herod's sister) and Zara, a young Jewish girl who becomes Salome's handmaid. The changes in perspective are not at all confusing as both characters have a very different voice. Also, they are named at the beginning of each chapter (and never change within the chapter), so as long as you pay attention to the chapter headers, that helps as well. This book details the story of Herod's reign and the time leading up to the birth of Christ. Since the Bible doesn't speak to that time period, I've not really read anything about this period or about Herod in general, so it was fascinating to see what made him tick and why he responded to the wise men's tale of a baby king so harshly.
All in all, this was a fantastic historical fiction piece. I would strongly recommend to lovers of Biblical Historical as well as anyone who wanted to know more about that time in Judean history. Special thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
August 24, 2019
“King's Shadow" by Angela Hunt is the fourth book in the “Silent Years” series, but can certainly be read as a standalone. I was intrigued by the concept of this novel. It deals with a time period in history that is not often written about and focuses primarily on lesser known characters (especially in the arena of Christian and Biblical fiction).
This novel takes place during King Herod’s reign (the king who ordered the murder of all of the male babies in Bethlehem in the Christmas story). It is told through the eyes of Herod’s sister Salome and her maidservant Zara.
"King's Shadow" is not so much an inspirational novel, but more of a great story that takes place in the Biblical time period. It has some inspirational content, but not as much as I expected. Ms. Hunt is an amazing writer and I love this story about the political intrigue surrounding Herod and his family. I learned so much about this period in history and the characters that are a part of the drama of the time (Cleopatra and Marc Antony, to name a few). It is a tumultuous time. It is fascinating to see what the political climate was like leading up to the birth of Christ and what happened in Herod’s life to make him the man he was (one who would order the mass murder of infants). I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of history and Biblical fiction.
Content: I rate this book PG-13. Being in Herod’s court means there is a lot of corruption. Some examples of the content are: a man attempts to rape a woman; sexual innuendos; references to bedding women and going to their chambers; mistresses; sexual references.
Rating: I give this book 4 stars.
I want to thank Angela Hunt and Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
This novel takes place during King Herod’s reign (the king who ordered the murder of all of the male babies in Bethlehem in the Christmas story). It is told through the eyes of Herod’s sister Salome and her maidservant Zara.
"King's Shadow" is not so much an inspirational novel, but more of a great story that takes place in the Biblical time period. It has some inspirational content, but not as much as I expected. Ms. Hunt is an amazing writer and I love this story about the political intrigue surrounding Herod and his family. I learned so much about this period in history and the characters that are a part of the drama of the time (Cleopatra and Marc Antony, to name a few). It is a tumultuous time. It is fascinating to see what the political climate was like leading up to the birth of Christ and what happened in Herod’s life to make him the man he was (one who would order the mass murder of infants). I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of history and Biblical fiction.
Content: I rate this book PG-13. Being in Herod’s court means there is a lot of corruption. Some examples of the content are: a man attempts to rape a woman; sexual innuendos; references to bedding women and going to their chambers; mistresses; sexual references.
Rating: I give this book 4 stars.
I want to thank Angela Hunt and Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
July 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book about Herod the Great and his sister Salome, although Angela Hunt's books will never be able to top Tessa Afshar's or Mesu Andrews'. I was a little frustrated by how much telling there was in the story--I had trouble feeling immersed in the story world. But I do realize the author had a lot of history to cover in one book.
Otherwise though, I really enjoyed this glimpse into Herod's family, however tragic it was. And the ending was beautifully done!
Content:
Otherwise though, I really enjoyed this glimpse into Herod's family, however tragic it was. And the ending was beautifully done!
Content:
Read
November 21, 2019Quite interesting. But Herod the Great and his whole life were very sickening. Although this book followed some good characters, I probably won't read more of this series because it's not my favorite thing to read novels centered on depraved historical characters. The history was intriguing, even so.
August 28, 2019
Angela Hunt's Biblical Fiction stories never cease to fascinate me, and King's Shadow is no different! What a spellbinding fictionalization of King Herod's court! Political drama and historical fact are coupled with fictional characters and realistic perceptions of historical figures in King's Shadow. The result is a story that feels fresh while also staying true to history!
In an author interview that is included in the book, the author explains that she has learned no one is completely good or evil and that perspective changes everything! This shaped the characters -- both fictional and historical -- into some of the most realistic characters that I have ever encountered! Salome felt bound by family duty to protect her brother and his kingdom, so her scheming was born out of love for Herod. But as she encountered God's heart in Zara and other people in her life, Salome had to confront her misconceptions. We meet Zara when she's a little girl and follow her well into adulthood. I really liked seeing how she transformed from someone who followed the rules of the law because that's what was taught to her to someone who loved God with a personal faith! And the end of Zara's story made my soul leap for joy! Even Herod was fascinating and layered! His progression from ambitious man to bloodthirsty killer was intense! There were times my heart broke for Herod because the author aptly showed how his fear and desire to be loved drove his actions. Unfortunately, instead of looking for security and love in God, Herod looked for man's approval. Truly, all the spiritual lesson packed into King's Shadow are too great for one review!
Four Stars ~ King's Shadow by Angela Hunt is full of intrigue, suspense, betrayal, and triumph! King's Shadow is the fourth and final book in The Silent Years Series from Angela Hunt. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading Egypt's Sister before reading King's Shadow for greater enjoyment and understanding.
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 10, 2019
After spending 15 years in his palace, I had concluded his determination was fueled not by love but by fear. Yet, I could also understand fear. I had known loss and terror.
I love this series of books by Angela Hunt as she introduced the quiet years in Jewish history. 400 years had passed between the Old Testament and the New. However, God was working in these years before Jesus was born. His people were anticipating the Messiah and they were waiting. I am always intrigued on Hunt's research for each book and how she brings historical facts and fiction to a worshipful finish. The King's Shadow is the time of Jesus' birth and the rule of Herod. A king that was fearful and violent. He had no boundaries and he could and would protect his throne and his rule. He killed his own children, wife, mother in law, and babies under 2 years old at a time in Bethlehem.
Two women come together, Salome the King Herod's trusted sister and Zara the young Jewish servant to Salome. The introduction to these women is deep and contrast gives you a deeper perspective of living as a Jewish woman and that of Royalty where family must stick together at all cost. Even though Salome and Zara came from different backgrounds, they had a mutual respect for each other. Their attitudes and loyalty propelled me to know each character more. What drove each woman to do what she felt was right and to the Lord. How Zara trusted in the Lord and how Salome trusted in brother and protected him. It was a different perspective as it made Herod more "human" but because he could, he was able to destroy anyone whom he feared. It made me think that we could be more like Herod then we would like to think. The only difference between him and me are laws. He was the law. It was a deep perspective on what happens when fear rules your heart. Insecurities and fear are very much linked together and can cause havoc on relationships and you find yourself living a life of turmoil. As always, I appreciate what Hunt teaches me about myself and our God.
A Special Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I love this series of books by Angela Hunt as she introduced the quiet years in Jewish history. 400 years had passed between the Old Testament and the New. However, God was working in these years before Jesus was born. His people were anticipating the Messiah and they were waiting. I am always intrigued on Hunt's research for each book and how she brings historical facts and fiction to a worshipful finish. The King's Shadow is the time of Jesus' birth and the rule of Herod. A king that was fearful and violent. He had no boundaries and he could and would protect his throne and his rule. He killed his own children, wife, mother in law, and babies under 2 years old at a time in Bethlehem.
Two women come together, Salome the King Herod's trusted sister and Zara the young Jewish servant to Salome. The introduction to these women is deep and contrast gives you a deeper perspective of living as a Jewish woman and that of Royalty where family must stick together at all cost. Even though Salome and Zara came from different backgrounds, they had a mutual respect for each other. Their attitudes and loyalty propelled me to know each character more. What drove each woman to do what she felt was right and to the Lord. How Zara trusted in the Lord and how Salome trusted in brother and protected him. It was a different perspective as it made Herod more "human" but because he could, he was able to destroy anyone whom he feared. It made me think that we could be more like Herod then we would like to think. The only difference between him and me are laws. He was the law. It was a deep perspective on what happens when fear rules your heart. Insecurities and fear are very much linked together and can cause havoc on relationships and you find yourself living a life of turmoil. As always, I appreciate what Hunt teaches me about myself and our God.
A Special Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Want to read
October 5, 2019I have never written a review with an undecided rating, but now I have. To be completely fair, I never actually finished this book, but I do intend to at some point. However, this review must be written now, so I’ll let you know if my thoughts change when I finish the book.
My very first impression was that it was slow and had a lot of political talk, which is one reason I’ve not yet finished it. I understand that author must set up the scene, especially when it involves politically inclined characters, but I found it to be a bit of an information dump right at the beginning. And, to make it even worse, how am I expected to remember all the key political figures names plus all the other characters??
This being said, I did enjoy what I read of the rest of it. Even just a few chapters in, Salome had captured my attention and I wanted to know more about her life and what made her such a bitter woman. Adding to that, I couldn’t wait to find out more about Zara as well and how she came to be a palace handmaid.
All in all, from what I read, I thought this book was okay. I absolutely adore Biblical fiction, so I will most likely be reading the rest of this one sometime this year and will let you know if I have any additional thoughts!
**I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher but was in no way required to give a positive review. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my own**
My very first impression was that it was slow and had a lot of political talk, which is one reason I’ve not yet finished it. I understand that author must set up the scene, especially when it involves politically inclined characters, but I found it to be a bit of an information dump right at the beginning. And, to make it even worse, how am I expected to remember all the key political figures names plus all the other characters??
This being said, I did enjoy what I read of the rest of it. Even just a few chapters in, Salome had captured my attention and I wanted to know more about her life and what made her such a bitter woman. Adding to that, I couldn’t wait to find out more about Zara as well and how she came to be a palace handmaid.
All in all, from what I read, I thought this book was okay. I absolutely adore Biblical fiction, so I will most likely be reading the rest of this one sometime this year and will let you know if I have any additional thoughts!
**I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher but was in no way required to give a positive review. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my own**
August 16, 2019
3.5 stars
"Moses called him friend. David called him Lord. What do you call Him?"
Two of the women living in Herod's palace are subject to his every whim ; his sister Salome and by association her Jewish handmaiden, Zara; who entered into her palatial employ at the tender age of nine years old. While Herod's reign is fraught with paranoia and family betrayals, Salome is intensely loyal to her brother; going to great lengths to ensure that those around him remain devoted to his sovereignty.
Quietly serving her mistress, Zara is fully committed to Salome's well-being, even when she is called upon to testify before the king's court. As she grows and matures, Zara's head knowledge of her faith takes root in her heart under the tutelage of a young, dynamic Essene teacher named Ravid. What worries her is this, " Herod did not seem to mind HaShem sitting on the throne of heaven, but if for one moment he thought Adonai wanted to sit on the throne of Jerusalem, Herod would mount a war against heaven itself".
In spite of the fascinating historical value of this story, it felt weighted with details that at times usurped the power of its words and clouded the intrigue underneath its perspective. What is abundantly clear however, is that God's timing was perfect; birthing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords into a tremulous period of human history.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
"Moses called him friend. David called him Lord. What do you call Him?"
Two of the women living in Herod's palace are subject to his every whim ; his sister Salome and by association her Jewish handmaiden, Zara; who entered into her palatial employ at the tender age of nine years old. While Herod's reign is fraught with paranoia and family betrayals, Salome is intensely loyal to her brother; going to great lengths to ensure that those around him remain devoted to his sovereignty.
Quietly serving her mistress, Zara is fully committed to Salome's well-being, even when she is called upon to testify before the king's court. As she grows and matures, Zara's head knowledge of her faith takes root in her heart under the tutelage of a young, dynamic Essene teacher named Ravid. What worries her is this, " Herod did not seem to mind HaShem sitting on the throne of heaven, but if for one moment he thought Adonai wanted to sit on the throne of Jerusalem, Herod would mount a war against heaven itself".
In spite of the fascinating historical value of this story, it felt weighted with details that at times usurped the power of its words and clouded the intrigue underneath its perspective. What is abundantly clear however, is that God's timing was perfect; birthing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords into a tremulous period of human history.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
May 19, 2022
*audiobooked*
LOVED:
- As with all the other books in this series, Angela Hunt is a MASTER RESEARCHER!!! The historical accounts are just immaculate!!
- The last hour/1.5hr felt so exciting because it paralleled the biblical gospel account of the birth of Jesus!
- The brother-sister relationship between Herod and Salome. Though they went through a multitude of spouses and children, they were very loyal to each other and Salome respected her brother.
LIKED:
- The 2 POVs. Zara’s story, while not as engaging as Salome’s, was still interesting.
- The characters are known WELL by the end.
- The narrators were great!
MEH:
- A lot of information thrown at the reader.
LOVED:
- As with all the other books in this series, Angela Hunt is a MASTER RESEARCHER!!! The historical accounts are just immaculate!!
- The last hour/1.5hr felt so exciting because it paralleled the biblical gospel account of the birth of Jesus!
- The brother-sister relationship between Herod and Salome. Though they went through a multitude of spouses and children, they were very loyal to each other and Salome respected her brother.
LIKED:
- The 2 POVs. Zara’s story, while not as engaging as Salome’s, was still interesting.
- The characters are known WELL by the end.
- The narrators were great!
MEH:
- A lot of information thrown at the reader.
June 1, 2022
Fascinating! This was a behind-the-scenes view of King Herod’s court (and his tragic and complex family dynamics) through the eyes of his sister and a handmaiden. The author made a very interesting story set in this time period!
February 2, 2021
The story of the Herod that reined when Jesus was born. It is told from his sister's point of view, and that of her little Jewish handmaiden. It is NOT a happy story. In all my reading of different Kings and their courts, I have learned that they were very unhappy and tortured by the thought of losing their power, which led to all kinds of spying, intrigue and murders. Therefore, I am always left feeling sad at the abuses of power and very glad I live in a country that thus far, has no King.
June 28, 2023
This was my least favorite not because it wasn’t well written but because I had gotten tired of reading about the thirst for power, greed and murder that drove the kings.
It was scary to read the depths a man will sink to stay in power.
However, it was satisfying to see the hand of God in not so small ways.
It was scary to read the depths a man will sink to stay in power.
However, it was satisfying to see the hand of God in not so small ways.
February 16, 2022
King's Shadow is a fitting end to the Silent Years series, bringing readers to the time of the Messiah's birth and flight to Egypt. As always with Angela Hunt, the story is well-researched, and seeing Herod through the eyes of a loyal sister gave it a unique perspective.
July 30, 2019
This author has a unique way of taking historical facts that I might have overlooked and turning them into the intriguing backgrounds of her novels.. As I began reading the first chapter, I was not quite sure I was interested enough to finish the book. But I kept reading, and I’m glad I did. Angela Hunt brought that time period of Biblical history alive for me. I was caught up in the palace intrigue, but also understood much more clearly the plight of the Jews under Herod’s reign.
Viewing this story through two completely different viewpoints was absorbing. Salome, the sister of King Herod, lives her life to protect Herod and his reign. Zara is a Jewish girl, who, at the young age of nine years old, becomes Salome’s personal attendant. Zara views everything that happens in the palace through the eyes of her faithful Jewish upbringing and the Torah. She quickly learns how to survive in a household that political enemies are literally around every corner and it’s difficult to know who to trust.
As this story follows the years of Herod’s descent into near madness and much tragedy occurs, things become much more dangerous for both Salome and Zara. When the magi come to Herod about the birth of “the new King”, Zara, her husband, and their new baby boy are in harm’s way. The ending to this story was surprising and very special.
The gritty realities of Herod’s reign might make this book a little edgy for some readers. The author handles everything in an appropriate way, but it’s still grisly at times, especially the death of Herod’s wife. This book needs to be read by no younger than the “young adult” category.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Viewing this story through two completely different viewpoints was absorbing. Salome, the sister of King Herod, lives her life to protect Herod and his reign. Zara is a Jewish girl, who, at the young age of nine years old, becomes Salome’s personal attendant. Zara views everything that happens in the palace through the eyes of her faithful Jewish upbringing and the Torah. She quickly learns how to survive in a household that political enemies are literally around every corner and it’s difficult to know who to trust.
As this story follows the years of Herod’s descent into near madness and much tragedy occurs, things become much more dangerous for both Salome and Zara. When the magi come to Herod about the birth of “the new King”, Zara, her husband, and their new baby boy are in harm’s way. The ending to this story was surprising and very special.
The gritty realities of Herod’s reign might make this book a little edgy for some readers. The author handles everything in an appropriate way, but it’s still grisly at times, especially the death of Herod’s wife. This book needs to be read by no younger than the “young adult” category.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 13, 2019
This author has pulled off another great read!!
A must for Biblical fiction readers!! I'm sad that it ended.
This book will leave readers thinking about it and what it entailes long after you've finished it.
I love Angleas style of writing. I love how she puts a lot of thought and research into her novels to make them what they are!!
I enjoyed that it was told in 1st person by Salome and Zara by flipping back and forth between the two women.
I learned a lot in this novel about how Herod came to power. How terrible it must be to want love and never received it. Poor Herod. A sad and jealous man if there ever was one and so very empty.
I enjoyed that it was told in 1st person by Salome and Zara by flipping back and forth between the two women.
I don't think I would want to be the court of anybody. It's too dangerous!! My one true king is Jesus Christ! How blessed it is to be a child of God.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of this book. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!
A must for Biblical fiction readers!! I'm sad that it ended.
This book will leave readers thinking about it and what it entailes long after you've finished it.
I love Angleas style of writing. I love how she puts a lot of thought and research into her novels to make them what they are!!
I enjoyed that it was told in 1st person by Salome and Zara by flipping back and forth between the two women.
I learned a lot in this novel about how Herod came to power. How terrible it must be to want love and never received it. Poor Herod. A sad and jealous man if there ever was one and so very empty.
I enjoyed that it was told in 1st person by Salome and Zara by flipping back and forth between the two women.
I don't think I would want to be the court of anybody. It's too dangerous!! My one true king is Jesus Christ! How blessed it is to be a child of God.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of this book. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!
August 11, 2019
3.5 Stars
It’s difficult to put into perspective the 400-year time span between the old and new testaments, but in King’s Shadow, Angela Hunt brings some of that time to life. Readers are given a glimpse into King Herod’s reign (leading up Jesus’s birth and his demand that every boy under the age of two be eliminated in order to eradicate the threat to his throne).
Hunt’s research is impeccable and evident throughout the book as historical and Biblical characters cross the pages. Through the eyes of Salome (Herod’s sister) and her handmaid (Zara), readers get a view of the King’s Court through two different perspectives.
While that got confusing at times (even more so because many of the characters had the same or similar names), the scheming, backstabbing, and paranoia are plenty obvious.
I’ve read several of Hunt’s other Biblical fiction novels and enjoyed them a little more. But if you’re interested in this history or what led up to Herod’s demand of killing of an entire generation of boys, this may be the book for you.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
It’s difficult to put into perspective the 400-year time span between the old and new testaments, but in King’s Shadow, Angela Hunt brings some of that time to life. Readers are given a glimpse into King Herod’s reign (leading up Jesus’s birth and his demand that every boy under the age of two be eliminated in order to eradicate the threat to his throne).
Hunt’s research is impeccable and evident throughout the book as historical and Biblical characters cross the pages. Through the eyes of Salome (Herod’s sister) and her handmaid (Zara), readers get a view of the King’s Court through two different perspectives.
While that got confusing at times (even more so because many of the characters had the same or similar names), the scheming, backstabbing, and paranoia are plenty obvious.
I’ve read several of Hunt’s other Biblical fiction novels and enjoyed them a little more. But if you’re interested in this history or what led up to Herod’s demand of killing of an entire generation of boys, this may be the book for you.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
April 24, 2022
When doing the CAWPILE this came out to a 3.5 star rating. This book did not grip me like the other three books. Writing was just as great, but I just didn't care for Salome or Zara in this story. Nor did I care for any of the male characters. This book did an excellent job at showing how Herod's court could have been for some Jews. It shared some information on Idumeans that I personally never knew. I enjoyed that.
I just didn't find a connection with either character and found myself zoning out. It could have been because I didn't care for Herod in general as well. I think the plot was okay. I did love that Angela showed the selfish, prideful and greedy side of humanity in this book and how much blood was shed due to those emotions. I did adore getting a glimpse of Mary and Jospeh toward the end though. That was an awesome way to transition into the Messiah's coming.
Overall, I personally didn't enjoy it BUT I appreciated it. It may be dark for some people as betrayal, death and blood shed are a constant factor, but that didn't bother me. I just didn't care or connect with any characters.
I just didn't find a connection with either character and found myself zoning out. It could have been because I didn't care for Herod in general as well. I think the plot was okay. I did love that Angela showed the selfish, prideful and greedy side of humanity in this book and how much blood was shed due to those emotions. I did adore getting a glimpse of Mary and Jospeh toward the end though. That was an awesome way to transition into the Messiah's coming.
Overall, I personally didn't enjoy it BUT I appreciated it. It may be dark for some people as betrayal, death and blood shed are a constant factor, but that didn't bother me. I just didn't care or connect with any characters.
March 24, 2020
I have to say, the first two thirds of the book was a very nice story. The last third, it took off and became exciting.
Two women: One, Salome, sister of King Herod. Two, Zara, a young maiden who was chosen to be Salome's handmaiden because of her ability to braid hair! King's Shadow is set during the "silent years," the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments. This is the last of four novels in a set. I haven't read the others, but this one can easily stand alone.
Read it, if you enjoy historical and biblical fiction.
Two women: One, Salome, sister of King Herod. Two, Zara, a young maiden who was chosen to be Salome's handmaiden because of her ability to braid hair! King's Shadow is set during the "silent years," the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments. This is the last of four novels in a set. I haven't read the others, but this one can easily stand alone.
Read it, if you enjoy historical and biblical fiction.
September 4, 2019
Liked
I really enjoyed the feeling of realism I got from this book. Hunt didn't sugarcoat the horrors or the good that Herod committed, and I enjoyed that (more on this part later). You could also tell that she researched a good deal for this book, and it really came off. You could vividly imagine the court intrigue and the simple life outside the palace. Something that I really admire is authenticity in books because it is something I really strive to insert to my own books.
Something that I mentioned in the previous section that I really liked was Hunt's perspective. It really made me think about the way I've always percieved Herod, and I liked that. Obviously, he was a bad person, but Hunt really showed all those things that lead up to that final decision that lead to the murdering of the innocents in Bethlehem. It actually made me feel bad for Herod, and that's when you know that the author really did her job well.
Disliked
I didn't really dislike anything, but this isn't going to be a new favorite :)
Content
There are quite a few mentions of lust, affairs, and married couples. But nothing too detailed or graphic.
Rating
I've decided to start being a bit harsher in my ratings. Here is my new system:
5 Stars: Amazing, new favorite
4 Stars: Really good!
3 Stars: Liked it
2 Stars: Meh, 'twas okay
1 Star: Did not like it
Anyways, this is a solid 4 stars!
I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion
I really enjoyed the feeling of realism I got from this book. Hunt didn't sugarcoat the horrors or the good that Herod committed, and I enjoyed that (more on this part later). You could also tell that she researched a good deal for this book, and it really came off. You could vividly imagine the court intrigue and the simple life outside the palace. Something that I really admire is authenticity in books because it is something I really strive to insert to my own books.
Something that I mentioned in the previous section that I really liked was Hunt's perspective. It really made me think about the way I've always percieved Herod, and I liked that. Obviously, he was a bad person, but Hunt really showed all those things that lead up to that final decision that lead to the murdering of the innocents in Bethlehem. It actually made me feel bad for Herod, and that's when you know that the author really did her job well.
Disliked
I didn't really dislike anything, but this isn't going to be a new favorite :)
Content
There are quite a few mentions of lust, affairs, and married couples. But nothing too detailed or graphic.
Rating
I've decided to start being a bit harsher in my ratings. Here is my new system:
5 Stars: Amazing, new favorite
4 Stars: Really good!
3 Stars: Liked it
2 Stars: Meh, 'twas okay
1 Star: Did not like it
Anyways, this is a solid 4 stars!
I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion
July 17, 2019
It took me a little bit to really get into the story, but once I did, I was hooked. King’s Shadow follows the of Salome, King Herod’s sister, and Zara, a fictional handmaid. In other stories about Salome, she is usually portrayed as the villian, while Mariamne, King Herod’s wife, is portrayed as the heroine. But in this book, the roles were switched. And it’s a great reminder that perspective is everything.
Hunt breathes life into Salome and Herod, and many other historical figures, while staying true to the cultures and customs of the time. This made me love the story even more. It really opened my eyes to what life was like in ancient Israel. Filled with devious plots, court politics, and sibling loyalty, this book will grip you with the need to know more. King’s shadow is the perfect book for those who enjoy biblical fiction and court intruige.
NOTE: I received a copy of King’s Shadow from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley.
Hunt breathes life into Salome and Herod, and many other historical figures, while staying true to the cultures and customs of the time. This made me love the story even more. It really opened my eyes to what life was like in ancient Israel. Filled with devious plots, court politics, and sibling loyalty, this book will grip you with the need to know more. King’s shadow is the perfect book for those who enjoy biblical fiction and court intruige.
NOTE: I received a copy of King’s Shadow from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley.
September 18, 2019
Angela Hunt's latest Biblical tale is a stunning portrayal of King Herod's court and the madness that prevailed. Her research shines through every scene, transporting readers back in time with her vivid rendering of Herod and his sister Salome and the land of Israel just before the time of when Jesus was born. The story is very well written, and is certain to entertain those readers who typically gravitate towards tales of Biblical fiction while appealing to those who may normally not pick up a novel like this.
It is one thing to read the Bible and to get a sense of who Herod was, who seems plenty mad just by the account written there. But when you add in the bizarre details that Hunt has unearthed about who married who and who King Herod had killed and why, it makes for some fascinating and sobering reading indeed! Hunt has done a wonderful job at contrasting the character of Salome (a complex character in her own right) and that of her handmaid Zara, and their intertwined and alternating viewpoints keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Zara, with her purity of heart, is a beacon of light in what is a spiritually dark place, and I loved the way that she is gently drawn towards God and the promise of the Messiah. Hunt has thrown in a unique twist at the end of the story that has since left me long in thought about Jesus and his early years - but I dare not say more so you can discover it for yourself.
The author notes from Angela Hunt indicate that this is the final installment in the "Silent Years" series, and what a series it has been! "King's Shadow" is another absolute must read, and I award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
It is one thing to read the Bible and to get a sense of who Herod was, who seems plenty mad just by the account written there. But when you add in the bizarre details that Hunt has unearthed about who married who and who King Herod had killed and why, it makes for some fascinating and sobering reading indeed! Hunt has done a wonderful job at contrasting the character of Salome (a complex character in her own right) and that of her handmaid Zara, and their intertwined and alternating viewpoints keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Zara, with her purity of heart, is a beacon of light in what is a spiritually dark place, and I loved the way that she is gently drawn towards God and the promise of the Messiah. Hunt has thrown in a unique twist at the end of the story that has since left me long in thought about Jesus and his early years - but I dare not say more so you can discover it for yourself.
The author notes from Angela Hunt indicate that this is the final installment in the "Silent Years" series, and what a series it has been! "King's Shadow" is another absolute must read, and I award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
September 4, 2019
As the silent years come to a close, the story of Herod the Great is put on display.
Salome is sister to Herod the Great. Her family is from Idumean descent, who the Jews believe are inferior. Herod was placed in power by the Roman Republic as a puppet king to rule over the lands. Salome is determined to protect and defend her brother with her life as he once came to her rescue. Unfortunately, sometimes his choices make that difficult to do. His decision to marry Mariamne, daughter of Alexandra whose father was Hyrcanus the previous Jewish leader who was a Hasmonean. They always speak ill of Herod and his family and plot ways to get the kingdom back. Their offspring prove to be no better. Herod begins to rule emotionally, his decisions often swift and sometimes unjust. What will become of the Jewish nation?
Zara is a young Jewish girl who is selected to be handmaid to Salome. She learns to trust her mistress and do her bidding indiscreetly. However, as she ages, she sees the bitterness and lack of trust begin to tear the Herodians apart. She continues to live selflessly, hoping to one day have a family of her own.
I have read a little into King Herod’s time, but have never delved as deep as what Hunt has just given me. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the historical timeline played out between Herod and Marc Antony of Rome with Cleopatra which lead to the battle with Octavian and eventually to Augusts Caesar. I’ve dived much deeper into Roman history and was happy to see how well this all accurately connected. As always, Hunt is a master historian that can easily weave the knowledge into her novels. I haven’t found any book by her that I haven’t loved. I also enjoy that she uses more minor characters from history to be her main characters so that readers get to witness the events in a first person setting. I’ve heard of Salome, but more from the reference of Herodias’s daughter that ask for John the Baptist head on a platter. So it was very interesting to see the story of her ancestor played out up through the birth of Jesus.
I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers, biblical fiction lovers, and people who enjoy Hunt’s work!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Salome is sister to Herod the Great. Her family is from Idumean descent, who the Jews believe are inferior. Herod was placed in power by the Roman Republic as a puppet king to rule over the lands. Salome is determined to protect and defend her brother with her life as he once came to her rescue. Unfortunately, sometimes his choices make that difficult to do. His decision to marry Mariamne, daughter of Alexandra whose father was Hyrcanus the previous Jewish leader who was a Hasmonean. They always speak ill of Herod and his family and plot ways to get the kingdom back. Their offspring prove to be no better. Herod begins to rule emotionally, his decisions often swift and sometimes unjust. What will become of the Jewish nation?
Zara is a young Jewish girl who is selected to be handmaid to Salome. She learns to trust her mistress and do her bidding indiscreetly. However, as she ages, she sees the bitterness and lack of trust begin to tear the Herodians apart. She continues to live selflessly, hoping to one day have a family of her own.
I have read a little into King Herod’s time, but have never delved as deep as what Hunt has just given me. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the historical timeline played out between Herod and Marc Antony of Rome with Cleopatra which lead to the battle with Octavian and eventually to Augusts Caesar. I’ve dived much deeper into Roman history and was happy to see how well this all accurately connected. As always, Hunt is a master historian that can easily weave the knowledge into her novels. I haven’t found any book by her that I haven’t loved. I also enjoy that she uses more minor characters from history to be her main characters so that readers get to witness the events in a first person setting. I’ve heard of Salome, but more from the reference of Herodias’s daughter that ask for John the Baptist head on a platter. So it was very interesting to see the story of her ancestor played out up through the birth of Jesus.
I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers, biblical fiction lovers, and people who enjoy Hunt’s work!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
July 8, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the final book in The Silent Years series. I have read a two of the previous books. You do not need to read them, but some characters do appear and/or are mentioned in this book.
There are two main characters in this book Salome, the younger sister of King Herod and Zara, a young Jewish handmaiden to Salome.
Salome cares deeply for her brother and she would do anything for him. When Herod marries Mariamne, Salome tries to be happy for her brother. But Mariamne's mother (Alexandra) hates Herod and wants her son to sit on throne. Conspiracies abound in Herod's court and Salome counsels Herod on the steps he should take.
Zara is very young when Jerusalem is attacked. In the attack her father is killed and her mother left paralyzed and unable to walk. Life is difficult, so when the opportunity to serve as Salome handmaiden arises, Zara leaves her ailing mother and aunt behind. Zara cares for Salome. As she gets older, Zara begins to attend Torah teachings and meets Ravid, a passionate teacher.
There is a lot of palace intrigue and plots abound. We soon learn that Herod will do anything to keep his crown secure. Herod worked hard to keep the support of the Roman empire and took on many building projects including expansion of the temple.
I found this story very engaging. The characters are interesting, the setting - especially the time period - was fascinating. Salome as a character brought humanity to the character of Herod. She also showed how much influence women had in their households. The character of Salome experienced a lot of growth as the story progressed. At first she would do anything for Herod, and by the end she desired to be honest most of all.
Zara added a lot of colour to the story. Through her character we could see different aspects of Herod's court. How life was like for a Jewish woman. When Zara married, we got to witness her desire for a baby .
I really enjoyed this book and loved the ending. I hope you take the time to read this book as well.
This is the final book in The Silent Years series. I have read a two of the previous books. You do not need to read them, but some characters do appear and/or are mentioned in this book.
There are two main characters in this book Salome, the younger sister of King Herod and Zara, a young Jewish handmaiden to Salome.
Salome cares deeply for her brother and she would do anything for him. When Herod marries Mariamne, Salome tries to be happy for her brother. But Mariamne's mother (Alexandra) hates Herod and wants her son to sit on throne. Conspiracies abound in Herod's court and Salome counsels Herod on the steps he should take.
Zara is very young when Jerusalem is attacked. In the attack her father is killed and her mother left paralyzed and unable to walk. Life is difficult, so when the opportunity to serve as Salome handmaiden arises, Zara leaves her ailing mother and aunt behind. Zara cares for Salome. As she gets older, Zara begins to attend Torah teachings and meets Ravid, a passionate teacher.
There is a lot of palace intrigue and plots abound. We soon learn that Herod will do anything to keep his crown secure. Herod worked hard to keep the support of the Roman empire and took on many building projects including expansion of the temple.
I found this story very engaging. The characters are interesting, the setting - especially the time period - was fascinating. Salome as a character brought humanity to the character of Herod. She also showed how much influence women had in their households. The character of Salome experienced a lot of growth as the story progressed. At first she would do anything for Herod, and by the end she desired to be honest most of all.
Zara added a lot of colour to the story. Through her character we could see different aspects of Herod's court. How life was like for a Jewish woman. When Zara married, we got to witness her desire for a baby .
I really enjoyed this book and loved the ending. I hope you take the time to read this book as well.
August 26, 2019
What if Salome wasn’t the complete villain she’s usually portrayed as? Angela Hunt creates a sweeping, nuanced story following well known historical events, giving us a new yet credible version of the famous ancient Roman royal.
Reminiscent of Downton Abbey, the story alternates between Salome, the notorious King Herod’s only sister, and her handmaiden, Zara, a poor Jewish girl living with her disabled mother and aunt. Their varying viewpoints and drastically different upbringings allowed the story to provide a full circle picture of the events described without ever feeling overbearing or biased. The reader spends a span of roughly thirty years learning about and connecting to the two women, both inspiring sympathy and a sense of true connection to these fleshed out historical characters.
Corruption, palace intrigue, murderous plotting, and personal drama abound in this novel. Unlike some biblical fiction writers, Hunt doesn’t shy away from harder topics or the often brutal realities of history. However, she writes in a way that makes this lesser known period of history approachable and just as compulsively readable as any other historical drama. While I realize much of this story was necessarily pulled from the author’s imagination, I came away with a better understanding of the events directly prior to Jesus’ birth than I’ve ever had, or even imagined would ever be possible. After King’s Shadow, I am eager to read Hunt’s other books that expand upon the silent years in Biblical history.
King’s Shadow is beautifully written, full of rich details, and provides readers with an enriched knowledge of exactly why and how King Herod ended his reign as he did. My only desire when reading this was for a genealogical guide in the front or something similar, as many characters (mostly those within the royal family) went through multiple pairings and there were numerous offspring with the same name (a commonality, apparently, with any book dealing with a royal family). The religious aspect of the book was a natural extension of the character’s beliefs, thus making this fit for anyone, regardless of their religious leanings, with an interest in historical events.
Thank you to Bethany House for the complimentary advanced copy. This did not impact my review.
Reminiscent of Downton Abbey, the story alternates between Salome, the notorious King Herod’s only sister, and her handmaiden, Zara, a poor Jewish girl living with her disabled mother and aunt. Their varying viewpoints and drastically different upbringings allowed the story to provide a full circle picture of the events described without ever feeling overbearing or biased. The reader spends a span of roughly thirty years learning about and connecting to the two women, both inspiring sympathy and a sense of true connection to these fleshed out historical characters.
Corruption, palace intrigue, murderous plotting, and personal drama abound in this novel. Unlike some biblical fiction writers, Hunt doesn’t shy away from harder topics or the often brutal realities of history. However, she writes in a way that makes this lesser known period of history approachable and just as compulsively readable as any other historical drama. While I realize much of this story was necessarily pulled from the author’s imagination, I came away with a better understanding of the events directly prior to Jesus’ birth than I’ve ever had, or even imagined would ever be possible. After King’s Shadow, I am eager to read Hunt’s other books that expand upon the silent years in Biblical history.
King’s Shadow is beautifully written, full of rich details, and provides readers with an enriched knowledge of exactly why and how King Herod ended his reign as he did. My only desire when reading this was for a genealogical guide in the front or something similar, as many characters (mostly those within the royal family) went through multiple pairings and there were numerous offspring with the same name (a commonality, apparently, with any book dealing with a royal family). The religious aspect of the book was a natural extension of the character’s beliefs, thus making this fit for anyone, regardless of their religious leanings, with an interest in historical events.
Thank you to Bethany House for the complimentary advanced copy. This did not impact my review.
September 2, 2019
I am new to Angela Hunt’s books, and even though I was starting with the final book in her “Silent Years” series, I did not find it necessary to have read the others first. That being said, I certainly look forward to reading the first three books in this series soon!
King’s Shadow is set in the time period between the Old and New Testaments when King Herod was on the throne. The story alternates between the perspectives of King Herod’s younger and only sister, Salome, and her handmaiden, a young Jewish girl named Zara who had previously lived with her aunt and handicapped mother.
Salome is extremely loyal to her brother, the king, and would do anything to help him stay on the throne. She and their mother vigilantly watch for treachery against Herod, using spies and any means necessary. In contrast, Zara, who came to the royal household as a servant at just 9 years of age, having lost her father in the war, sees the world very differently. Deeply compassionate, she considers the hurt and struggles people may be facing and tries to understand them in that light. Zara is drawn to study the Torah as she continually grows in her relationship with God.
In a world where family member can turn on family member in a heartbeat, Salome and Zara forge a solid relationship of trust and respect that lasts through the years even though their positions and backgrounds are extremely different.
King’s Shadow follows the known historical facts of this time of great corruption and political intrigue while fleshing out what isn’t certain with a plausible, relatable storyline. It is well-written with fascinating, multi-dimensional characters and vivid detail, making it a book that is hard to put down.
I heartily recommend King’s Shadow: A Novel of King Herod’s Court to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction. Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
King’s Shadow is set in the time period between the Old and New Testaments when King Herod was on the throne. The story alternates between the perspectives of King Herod’s younger and only sister, Salome, and her handmaiden, a young Jewish girl named Zara who had previously lived with her aunt and handicapped mother.
Salome is extremely loyal to her brother, the king, and would do anything to help him stay on the throne. She and their mother vigilantly watch for treachery against Herod, using spies and any means necessary. In contrast, Zara, who came to the royal household as a servant at just 9 years of age, having lost her father in the war, sees the world very differently. Deeply compassionate, she considers the hurt and struggles people may be facing and tries to understand them in that light. Zara is drawn to study the Torah as she continually grows in her relationship with God.
In a world where family member can turn on family member in a heartbeat, Salome and Zara forge a solid relationship of trust and respect that lasts through the years even though their positions and backgrounds are extremely different.
King’s Shadow follows the known historical facts of this time of great corruption and political intrigue while fleshing out what isn’t certain with a plausible, relatable storyline. It is well-written with fascinating, multi-dimensional characters and vivid detail, making it a book that is hard to put down.
I heartily recommend King’s Shadow: A Novel of King Herod’s Court to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction. Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
August 14, 2019
This is an account of two women in Herod's court and even though their stories are written in first-person, it was easy for me to follow because the author has labeled each chapter with the name of the person speaking. Salome is the sister of King Herod and she is very loyal to her brother; Zara is a young Jewish girl who is chosen to be Salome's handmaid at age nine and she remains in this position for many years. It is during these years that we see the intrigue that occurred during this king's reign, when deceit and murder were commonplace and political unrest was prevalent. Salome was a complicated person who greatly changed during this story but it was Zara that I loved best. Her dedication to Salome remained steadfast and her compassion and loyalty earned her Salome's respect. It is only when she is offered a chance for love and happiness in her own life that Zara considers leaving Salome. "Years ago I promised to serve you, but the time has come---I am now asking you to free me from that promise." (p. 266)
It is evident that Angela Hunt devoted a lot of research into these 400 years between the Old Testament prophets and the beginning of the New Testament and she has weaved true facts and fictional details into an enjoyable biblical fiction novel. Hunt does an excellent job with her mentions of Herod's harem, his willingness to kill even his family, and I was especially intrigued by the detailed descriptions of Zara's attention to Salome's hair! In the author notes Hunt reveals that hairbrushes and hairpins had not invented in the first century before Christ so she had to make adjustments in this story. All of these things will make fans of historical fiction appreciate this last book in the The Silent Years series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts in this review.
It is evident that Angela Hunt devoted a lot of research into these 400 years between the Old Testament prophets and the beginning of the New Testament and she has weaved true facts and fictional details into an enjoyable biblical fiction novel. Hunt does an excellent job with her mentions of Herod's harem, his willingness to kill even his family, and I was especially intrigued by the detailed descriptions of Zara's attention to Salome's hair! In the author notes Hunt reveals that hairbrushes and hairpins had not invented in the first century before Christ so she had to make adjustments in this story. All of these things will make fans of historical fiction appreciate this last book in the The Silent Years series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts in this review.
August 18, 2019
Watch your Back!
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2019/08/17/... THANK YOU!
Salome was the only sister of King Herod, and lived with him in his Jerusalem palace. Despite Herod ruling with an iron fist, Salome was his biggest fan. She constantly rationalized his bad behavior saying it was the result of his people not appreciating, and loving their king. Zara, who lost both parents because of their part in an uprising against Herod, becomes Salome’s handmaid—at the tender age of nine!
Although Herod is remembered as a brute, the author humanizes him, and shows him as a misunderstood ruler, at least in Salome’s eyes. But his story cannot be told without the inclusion the many murders he was responsible for, including a number of his family members.
Zara was the one bright light in this tale. She serves Salome well, without blaming her for the loss of her family. Eventually, she meets Ravid whose teachings bring her closer to God, HaShem. Other than the time she spent supporting Herod, Salome was a very self-centered individual.
Herod was a troubled person who lived a disturbing life, which was the over-riding theme of this story. That shines through no matter how human the book tries to present him, even if that was his sister’s opinion. Biblical history fans will enjoy the thorny story in this 4-star book.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of King’s Shadow for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2019/08/17/... THANK YOU!
Salome was the only sister of King Herod, and lived with him in his Jerusalem palace. Despite Herod ruling with an iron fist, Salome was his biggest fan. She constantly rationalized his bad behavior saying it was the result of his people not appreciating, and loving their king. Zara, who lost both parents because of their part in an uprising against Herod, becomes Salome’s handmaid—at the tender age of nine!
Although Herod is remembered as a brute, the author humanizes him, and shows him as a misunderstood ruler, at least in Salome’s eyes. But his story cannot be told without the inclusion the many murders he was responsible for, including a number of his family members.
Zara was the one bright light in this tale. She serves Salome well, without blaming her for the loss of her family. Eventually, she meets Ravid whose teachings bring her closer to God, HaShem. Other than the time she spent supporting Herod, Salome was a very self-centered individual.
Herod was a troubled person who lived a disturbing life, which was the over-riding theme of this story. That shines through no matter how human the book tries to present him, even if that was his sister’s opinion. Biblical history fans will enjoy the thorny story in this 4-star book.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of King’s Shadow for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 20, 2019
There were many things I liked and a couple things I didn’t like about this book. This is not my favorite genre so I’m sure that plays into my thoughts as well.
What I liked: Especially at the beginning of the story, the author paints Herod as a normal man who cares for his family. He usually comes off as a buffoon or an evil monster in books or movies. Of course, he changed a lot during the course of his life but I felt it gave a more balanced picture of him as a person, especially in his early years.
There are many lessons that can be learned. If we pursue sin, it gets easier and easier to compromise our beliefs. If we keep going against our conscience, or the Holy Spirit’s urging, that voice gets quieter. This book also showed the power of a quiet, godly life lived out before others. It matters.
What I didn’t like: It was too long. The book is 384 pages long and covers all of Herod’s adult life. I’ve read very few books that cover a long time period and kept me wanting more. In fact, I can’t think of any. I understand why it was done since this series is covering the 400 silent years between the Old and New Testaments but it dragged a bit for me.
Of necessity, because of the subject matter, it was full of politics. I really don’t like politics. Again, this is probably more of a statement about me than about the book. The story is full of drama, intrigues, betrayal, alliances, etc. While Hunt handled it all well, it was just too much for me.
If you like historical fiction and politics, I think you’d like this book. It was well written and thoroughly researched. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Silent Years series:
Book 1: Egypt’s Sister
Book 2: Judah’s Wife
Book 3: Jerusalem’s Queen
Book 4: King’s Shadow
What I liked: Especially at the beginning of the story, the author paints Herod as a normal man who cares for his family. He usually comes off as a buffoon or an evil monster in books or movies. Of course, he changed a lot during the course of his life but I felt it gave a more balanced picture of him as a person, especially in his early years.
There are many lessons that can be learned. If we pursue sin, it gets easier and easier to compromise our beliefs. If we keep going against our conscience, or the Holy Spirit’s urging, that voice gets quieter. This book also showed the power of a quiet, godly life lived out before others. It matters.
What I didn’t like: It was too long. The book is 384 pages long and covers all of Herod’s adult life. I’ve read very few books that cover a long time period and kept me wanting more. In fact, I can’t think of any. I understand why it was done since this series is covering the 400 silent years between the Old and New Testaments but it dragged a bit for me.
Of necessity, because of the subject matter, it was full of politics. I really don’t like politics. Again, this is probably more of a statement about me than about the book. The story is full of drama, intrigues, betrayal, alliances, etc. While Hunt handled it all well, it was just too much for me.
If you like historical fiction and politics, I think you’d like this book. It was well written and thoroughly researched. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Silent Years series:
Book 1: Egypt’s Sister
Book 2: Judah’s Wife
Book 3: Jerusalem’s Queen
Book 4: King’s Shadow
September 4, 2019
Angela Hunt's latest novel, King's Shadow, is based on the years of King Herod's reign before the calendar turns to the Common Era. It follows two women, one fictional, one historical, as they seek to survive amid treachery, rumors, and conspiracy.
King Herod's sister Salome loves her brother and lives to protect him from every danger. She may be a schemer, but her plans seek to help Herod maintain his throne against those who would undo him.
Zara is Salome's handmaiden. A fictional creation, she is a Jew who seeks to follow God while living in Herod's palace. She cares about the woman she serves and the children often caught in the middle of their parents' wars.
I am not usually a fan of Biblical Fiction, however Angela Hunt is a master, so I was curious to read her latest work. Unfortunately, the story did not hook me like I hoped. It read more like a novelized history than a story and had too many names to keep straight. If you are a fan of that type of novel, you will likely enjoy Angela Hunt's fluid writing and attention to detail.
My favorite part of the book actually came at the end with a list of the historical versus fictionalized aspects of the story. I'm a fan of history, so I loved seeing unique moments recorded by ancient historians.
I struggle to give a negative opinion of this story simply because it was not a genre I enjoy. The writing was fantastic and the premise fascinating. So, if this type of story is one you would love, then I highly recommend picking up a copy.
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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
King Herod's sister Salome loves her brother and lives to protect him from every danger. She may be a schemer, but her plans seek to help Herod maintain his throne against those who would undo him.
Zara is Salome's handmaiden. A fictional creation, she is a Jew who seeks to follow God while living in Herod's palace. She cares about the woman she serves and the children often caught in the middle of their parents' wars.
I am not usually a fan of Biblical Fiction, however Angela Hunt is a master, so I was curious to read her latest work. Unfortunately, the story did not hook me like I hoped. It read more like a novelized history than a story and had too many names to keep straight. If you are a fan of that type of novel, you will likely enjoy Angela Hunt's fluid writing and attention to detail.
My favorite part of the book actually came at the end with a list of the historical versus fictionalized aspects of the story. I'm a fan of history, so I loved seeing unique moments recorded by ancient historians.
I struggle to give a negative opinion of this story simply because it was not a genre I enjoy. The writing was fantastic and the premise fascinating. So, if this type of story is one you would love, then I highly recommend picking up a copy.
---
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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