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Kumaz
Set in an alternative reality during the reign of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Their granddaughter, Nezem, inherits the Kumaz, which interacts with and amplifies a woman’s inner and outer beauty. A strong-minded rival stands in the way of Nezem’s pursuit of the Queen’s dream of an equal and free society. Her twin sister, Setannah, wants the Kumaz for herself, to achieve her own missions. The twins’ contrasting characters challenge morality itself, encompassing womanhood, family, love, and war. The tension leads to an astounding climax, entangling the Kumaz, the Ark of the Covenant, the men dearest to them, and ultimately, the future of their dream society.
- GenresFantasy
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2022
5 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 19, 2022
a tender yet extraordinary dive into the intricacies of sisterhood, kumaz is a gripping fantasy novel set in the era of king solomon and ancient jerusalem. the book spans over a huge amount of time and can be also called a multi-generational tale of anger, passion, jealousy, and above all, love.
yaccoby has a knack for writing so beautiful and vivid that it demands to be read, with enchanting descriptions of the beautiful kingdom of sheba to emotion filled monologues of his extremely well developed characters.
i absolutely adored the book and i would suggest everyone who enjoys fantasy with great exploration of souls within to pick this up!
yaccoby has a knack for writing so beautiful and vivid that it demands to be read, with enchanting descriptions of the beautiful kingdom of sheba to emotion filled monologues of his extremely well developed characters.
i absolutely adored the book and i would suggest everyone who enjoys fantasy with great exploration of souls within to pick this up!
July 9, 2023
Kumaz is a captivating and thought provoking novel that takes readers on a profound journey through the intricate depths of human emotions and the complexities of personal identity.
The story revolves around the life of the protagonist, delving into his struggle for self-discovery and the pursuit of meaning in a world that often feels confusing and fragmented. Yaccoby's narrative style is beautifully lyrical, immersing the reader in the vivid imagery and evocative language that brings the story to life.
One of the most striking aspects of "Kumaz" is the exploration of existential themes. Yaccoby skillfully weaves together philosophical reflections and introspective moments, inviting readers to ponder on the nature of existence, the search for purpose, and the intricate web of human connections. The novel encourages introspection and invites readers to question their own perceptions and beliefs.
The character development in "Kumaz" is exceptional. The protagonist's emotional journey is deeply relatable, as he grapples with his past, confronts his fears, and undergoes a transformative process of self-realization. Yaccoby portrays his characters with depth and authenticity, making their experiences and struggles resonate with the readers on an emotional level.
The prose in "Kumaz" is rich and poetic, displaying Yaccoby's mastery of language. His descriptive prowess creates vivid and atmospheric settings, allowing readers to vividly imagine the scenes and feel immersed in the story. The writing style is both introspective and introspective, adding another layer of depth to the overall narrative.
While "Kumaz" is a novel that delves into profound philosophical and existential questions, it is also a story of human connection and the power of relationships. Yaccoby explores the dynamics of love, friendship, and family, showcasing their ability to shape and transform lives. Through the interactions between the characters, the author emphasizes the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in navigating the complexities of human existence.
In conclusion, "Kumaz" is a beautifully written and introspective novel that captivates readers with its poetic language, profound themes, and deeply human characters. Shmuel Yaccoby's ability to delve into the depths of the human psyche and explore existential questions with sensitivity and insight is truly remarkable. "Kumaz" is a literary work that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of life and the search for meaning.
The story revolves around the life of the protagonist, delving into his struggle for self-discovery and the pursuit of meaning in a world that often feels confusing and fragmented. Yaccoby's narrative style is beautifully lyrical, immersing the reader in the vivid imagery and evocative language that brings the story to life.
One of the most striking aspects of "Kumaz" is the exploration of existential themes. Yaccoby skillfully weaves together philosophical reflections and introspective moments, inviting readers to ponder on the nature of existence, the search for purpose, and the intricate web of human connections. The novel encourages introspection and invites readers to question their own perceptions and beliefs.
The character development in "Kumaz" is exceptional. The protagonist's emotional journey is deeply relatable, as he grapples with his past, confronts his fears, and undergoes a transformative process of self-realization. Yaccoby portrays his characters with depth and authenticity, making their experiences and struggles resonate with the readers on an emotional level.
The prose in "Kumaz" is rich and poetic, displaying Yaccoby's mastery of language. His descriptive prowess creates vivid and atmospheric settings, allowing readers to vividly imagine the scenes and feel immersed in the story. The writing style is both introspective and introspective, adding another layer of depth to the overall narrative.
While "Kumaz" is a novel that delves into profound philosophical and existential questions, it is also a story of human connection and the power of relationships. Yaccoby explores the dynamics of love, friendship, and family, showcasing their ability to shape and transform lives. Through the interactions between the characters, the author emphasizes the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in navigating the complexities of human existence.
In conclusion, "Kumaz" is a beautifully written and introspective novel that captivates readers with its poetic language, profound themes, and deeply human characters. Shmuel Yaccoby's ability to delve into the depths of the human psyche and explore existential questions with sensitivity and insight is truly remarkable. "Kumaz" is a literary work that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of life and the search for meaning.
April 12, 2022
If you are a fan of fantasy novels that are a bit different from your typical medieval-style epics, then you really need look no further than Kumaz. Based in ancient Isreal and Sheba, this is a novel rich in historical detail that will instantly transport you to another time and place, so brilliantly described that you’ll almost be able to feel the sun on your skin as you read. I’ve never read a fantasy novel with such a unique and different setting, effortlessly blending historical fiction with the more fantastical elements in a way that will keep you turning the pages, hooked from the very first chapter.
One of the things I loved most about the novel was the absolutely wonderful writing; the book read like a movie to me in places, I could picture each and every scene so vividly in my mind as I read. Incredibly readable while still remaining rich in setting and detail, Shmuel Yaccoby has a way of blending fantastical elements and historical events somehow making them feel completely real and believable. I often find with fantasy novels, and particularly those that have a historical element, can sometimes feel a bit heavy or bogged down with detail, but that certainly wasn’t the case here – we were given enough information to set the scene and paint the picture in our mind’s eye, without the descriptions overshadowing or taking away from the plot.
Overall, this was such a fun and enjoyable read, and one that felt quite different and unique within the genre. Compelling, action-packed and utterly gripping throughout, I’m already looking forward to more from this author, as their wonderful writing and vivid storytelling will stay with me for a good while. I highly recommend!
One of the things I loved most about the novel was the absolutely wonderful writing; the book read like a movie to me in places, I could picture each and every scene so vividly in my mind as I read. Incredibly readable while still remaining rich in setting and detail, Shmuel Yaccoby has a way of blending fantastical elements and historical events somehow making them feel completely real and believable. I often find with fantasy novels, and particularly those that have a historical element, can sometimes feel a bit heavy or bogged down with detail, but that certainly wasn’t the case here – we were given enough information to set the scene and paint the picture in our mind’s eye, without the descriptions overshadowing or taking away from the plot.
Overall, this was such a fun and enjoyable read, and one that felt quite different and unique within the genre. Compelling, action-packed and utterly gripping throughout, I’m already looking forward to more from this author, as their wonderful writing and vivid storytelling will stay with me for a good while. I highly recommend!
September 12, 2022
This is a fantasy book with historical elements. Kumaz discusses King Solomon and it’s a very interesting read. It has a slow start, but it picks up. This is the kind of book perfect for anyone who likes fantasy books and historical fiction. Thank you to BookTasters for a copy of this book!
April 11, 2022
Let’s talk about the cover, this makes me want the paper back- just beautiful! The book is set in the Sheba Kingdom. It follows the story of two sisters that have and hold different values. This is the type of fantasy that is not only cinematic but also thought-provoking. The characters were well introduced, connected, and developed. The relationships between them were clearly well-thought-out. I believe this book will be a fascination for all the fantasy fans out there. The world and time in which the book is set is different from ours. Therefore, it builds an imagination, which gets you thinking. The book can also be a bit slow in the middle, but picks up almost immediately. The writing is immaculate, the words flow well, and there is structure. It is fast-paced and will definitely keep interested. Would definitely recommend it, and I think I would reread it before the year ends.
August 4, 2022
☆|| BOOK REVIEW ||☆ contains spoilers
⭐️⭐️⭐️
QUICK OVERVIEW
Kumaz is a story which looks into the family of the Queen of Sheba. A place where men and women both have a sort of equity. A place where women empowerment is the backbone to each and every aspect of life (at least I think that).
A beautiful story about the kingdom of Sheba and ancient Jerusalem in the time frame which thing Solomon reigns.
Queen of Sheba let's her heir to the throne her son know that his father is King Solomon. The Queen gets her granddaughters to try on the Kumaz to see how thr grament interacts with the girls. She then entrusts and gifts the Kumaz which is meant to magnify a woman's inner beauty in order to maintain peace to one of the twin granddaughters, Nezem. This little gifting does not settle well with the other twin Setannah. Where Nezem depicts inner beauty and peace as a character. Setannah on the other hand depicts the outer beauty and chaos. This gifting is done in private.
After the death of the Queen, Setannah claims that the Kumaz is her's but Nezem for the first time in her life let's her sister know that the matter is different. The Kumaz was a gift to Nezem. This causes a rift between the sisters and has Ben-Chakam (I hope I spelt the name right) visits the King of Jerusalem to get verdict from the man who gave his mother the Kumaz in the first place.
They visit the King and to their surprise his verdict is to keep the ornament from both granddaughters and help them heal the rift between them. During this trip Nezem finally understands why the Queen entrusted the Kumaz to her. Setannah on the other hand changes for the better.
After returning to their kingdom with gifts the King gave them and the Kumaz they build their kingdom even stronger. But some habits are hard to kill, Setannah proves this theory and without meaning to causes a major loss to her kingdom.
Ridden with grief and pain Setannah reveals she has been envious of her sister from early on in life. (This was hinted alot) In a state of outrage and depression Setannah gives up her life just to prove that she did something worth while. (Understatement of the century)
Theme
Family matters, even if it looks like they are a pain in the neck they matter their opinions and suggestions are not a waste. We get to see this time and again that Setannah and Nezem have had a strained relationship. One constantly tries to see the best in the other while the other continues to see the worst in everyone.
Pace
For pace I think it was Slow and Scattered in the beginning, the book picks up speed around 40% into it. But I was hooked. The pace keeps changing. It was a bit strange when at one moment I was reading like an addict and the next moment finding it hard to keep the read going.
Characters Development:
We see a beautiful concept pf Nezem changing from a delicate woman to a woman who knows what she wants and how she will get it.
Setannah, Now this girl, she is the fierce character who one will hate, love, loathe and love again. From being a brat she turns into a wonderful soul. The character had so much power that everyone else kind of faded.
BenLee, the brother of the Twins, He starts of weak but eventually very slowly if I may add turns to a stronger character.
BenChakam the father of the girls has a weird I don't think development is the correct word but he surely turns into a weaker character. I didn't like that fact.
There are other secondary characters but I think I will leave them out as this is technically from my pov a dysfunctional family story.
My views:
As a reader, I enjoyed it. I had me in tears by the end but I think it's worth it I will give it 3 stars because it kept me gripped, storyline was good, and above all the book had something worth reading. Something a reader can enjoy and resonate with.
As someone who is rather slowly writing her own little story, I would also give it 3 stars. There was a bit of an issue with the grammar and spelling errors. Minor but there were some. The author has done an incredible job in the writing Kumaz. The historical element to the novel was great it's not my cup of tea but it is enjoyable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
QUICK OVERVIEW
Kumaz is a story which looks into the family of the Queen of Sheba. A place where men and women both have a sort of equity. A place where women empowerment is the backbone to each and every aspect of life (at least I think that).
A beautiful story about the kingdom of Sheba and ancient Jerusalem in the time frame which thing Solomon reigns.
Queen of Sheba let's her heir to the throne her son know that his father is King Solomon. The Queen gets her granddaughters to try on the Kumaz to see how thr grament interacts with the girls. She then entrusts and gifts the Kumaz which is meant to magnify a woman's inner beauty in order to maintain peace to one of the twin granddaughters, Nezem. This little gifting does not settle well with the other twin Setannah. Where Nezem depicts inner beauty and peace as a character. Setannah on the other hand depicts the outer beauty and chaos. This gifting is done in private.
After the death of the Queen, Setannah claims that the Kumaz is her's but Nezem for the first time in her life let's her sister know that the matter is different. The Kumaz was a gift to Nezem. This causes a rift between the sisters and has Ben-Chakam (I hope I spelt the name right) visits the King of Jerusalem to get verdict from the man who gave his mother the Kumaz in the first place.
They visit the King and to their surprise his verdict is to keep the ornament from both granddaughters and help them heal the rift between them. During this trip Nezem finally understands why the Queen entrusted the Kumaz to her. Setannah on the other hand changes for the better.
After returning to their kingdom with gifts the King gave them and the Kumaz they build their kingdom even stronger. But some habits are hard to kill, Setannah proves this theory and without meaning to causes a major loss to her kingdom.
Ridden with grief and pain Setannah reveals she has been envious of her sister from early on in life. (This was hinted alot) In a state of outrage and depression Setannah gives up her life just to prove that she did something worth while. (Understatement of the century)
Theme
Family matters, even if it looks like they are a pain in the neck they matter their opinions and suggestions are not a waste. We get to see this time and again that Setannah and Nezem have had a strained relationship. One constantly tries to see the best in the other while the other continues to see the worst in everyone.
Pace
For pace I think it was Slow and Scattered in the beginning, the book picks up speed around 40% into it. But I was hooked. The pace keeps changing. It was a bit strange when at one moment I was reading like an addict and the next moment finding it hard to keep the read going.
Characters Development:
We see a beautiful concept pf Nezem changing from a delicate woman to a woman who knows what she wants and how she will get it.
Setannah, Now this girl, she is the fierce character who one will hate, love, loathe and love again. From being a brat she turns into a wonderful soul. The character had so much power that everyone else kind of faded.
BenLee, the brother of the Twins, He starts of weak but eventually very slowly if I may add turns to a stronger character.
BenChakam the father of the girls has a weird I don't think development is the correct word but he surely turns into a weaker character. I didn't like that fact.
There are other secondary characters but I think I will leave them out as this is technically from my pov a dysfunctional family story.
My views:
As a reader, I enjoyed it. I had me in tears by the end but I think it's worth it I will give it 3 stars because it kept me gripped, storyline was good, and above all the book had something worth reading. Something a reader can enjoy and resonate with.
As someone who is rather slowly writing her own little story, I would also give it 3 stars. There was a bit of an issue with the grammar and spelling errors. Minor but there were some. The author has done an incredible job in the writing Kumaz. The historical element to the novel was great it's not my cup of tea but it is enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2022
This story is set in Jerusalem during the king Solomon's reign. The story artfully navigates the complicated familial dynamics within the royals while exploring the sibling rivalry between the sisters for kumaz.
The plot of the book is riveting (fortunately there were no page fillers which tends to happen in most fantasy books !!). I wish I could talk about the plot without being so spoilerish 😔 so let's talk about the characters!!
Our MCs, the two princesses of the kingdom of Sheba , Nezem and Setannah have vastly differing personalities. Nezem is kind , loving, gentle, magnanimous while Setannah is her complete opposite. She is a bit brash , ambitious and really fiesty.
( I loved her stubborn personality tho lol girl never backed out of a fight )
The author definitely has a talent for world building !! Every aspect of the world was described so beautifully (this is one of the factors I look for while reading fantasy novels. A fantasy novel can't survive without a good world building)
While I loved everything else about this book , i still feel that the writing could've been better. I'm specifically talking about the interactions between the MCs. Sometimes the dialogues felt a bit childish especially when the scenario was intense and emotional or maybe that's just me expecting too much lol
Apart from this though, I loved the book overall . Definitely worth a read !!
The plot of the book is riveting (fortunately there were no page fillers which tends to happen in most fantasy books !!). I wish I could talk about the plot without being so spoilerish 😔 so let's talk about the characters!!
Our MCs, the two princesses of the kingdom of Sheba , Nezem and Setannah have vastly differing personalities. Nezem is kind , loving, gentle, magnanimous while Setannah is her complete opposite. She is a bit brash , ambitious and really fiesty.
( I loved her stubborn personality tho lol girl never backed out of a fight )
The author definitely has a talent for world building !! Every aspect of the world was described so beautifully (this is one of the factors I look for while reading fantasy novels. A fantasy novel can't survive without a good world building)
While I loved everything else about this book , i still feel that the writing could've been better. I'm specifically talking about the interactions between the MCs. Sometimes the dialogues felt a bit childish especially when the scenario was intense and emotional or maybe that's just me expecting too much lol
Apart from this though, I loved the book overall . Definitely worth a read !!
August 13, 2022
Let me start by saying that this is not a typical fantasy book. While it contains the elements of fantasy that are steering the action and the conflict, to me, it read like a historical fiction driven by family drama with elements of fantasy.
With all that said, I found “Kumaz” being a fantastic read. Unique and refreshing narration style, rich and colorful world-building and intriguing characters dynamic made the story a real page-turner. These elements, combined with an overarching theme of finding a true beauty and happiness in life, set this story aside from other books out there.
Sisters, Nazem and Setannah are fantastically developed to represent two sides of the moral problem of power: using it for own benefits vs. using it for greater good. The last chapters particularly focused on the final consequences of making wrong choices. Choices fueled by jealousy, revenge and narcissism. Between the pages, the story doesn’t lack action, skillful manipulation and original ideas.
I absolutely recommend this book to readers looking for something else. Based on biblical themes, this ‘historical fantasy’ will take you to the unique world of ancient Sheba that, with no doubt, is worth visiting!
With all that said, I found “Kumaz” being a fantastic read. Unique and refreshing narration style, rich and colorful world-building and intriguing characters dynamic made the story a real page-turner. These elements, combined with an overarching theme of finding a true beauty and happiness in life, set this story aside from other books out there.
Sisters, Nazem and Setannah are fantastically developed to represent two sides of the moral problem of power: using it for own benefits vs. using it for greater good. The last chapters particularly focused on the final consequences of making wrong choices. Choices fueled by jealousy, revenge and narcissism. Between the pages, the story doesn’t lack action, skillful manipulation and original ideas.
I absolutely recommend this book to readers looking for something else. Based on biblical themes, this ‘historical fantasy’ will take you to the unique world of ancient Sheba that, with no doubt, is worth visiting!
August 2, 2022
Love to read this beautiful piece of work!
This story is not a regular kin tale but it has much more than that about amazing themes of sibling rivalry, relationships, realizations, etc. I love how the author develops the characters throughout the story. This can be used as a guide for self-development in terms of what to do in such situations and what can make things worse. It shows a smooth transition and connection between the socio- emotional and physical aspects. The relationship between Nezem and Setanna was intriguing from the start. The contrasting inner and outer beauty, ideals, and ensuing paths felt like destiny, yet so real and raw that I still outwardly applaud and protest their choices. It is wonderful to see the way author draws fine details of what life was like in ancient Israel and Sheba, drawing the reader immediately into his story. In this self evolving guide one get to see the characters and what the world was like when love, jealousy and battles ensued. Overall, Kumaz is a very engaging and thought-provoking experience, and I would definitely recommend everyone to taste the delicacy by the author; Shmuel Yaccoby!
This story is not a regular kin tale but it has much more than that about amazing themes of sibling rivalry, relationships, realizations, etc. I love how the author develops the characters throughout the story. This can be used as a guide for self-development in terms of what to do in such situations and what can make things worse. It shows a smooth transition and connection between the socio- emotional and physical aspects. The relationship between Nezem and Setanna was intriguing from the start. The contrasting inner and outer beauty, ideals, and ensuing paths felt like destiny, yet so real and raw that I still outwardly applaud and protest their choices. It is wonderful to see the way author draws fine details of what life was like in ancient Israel and Sheba, drawing the reader immediately into his story. In this self evolving guide one get to see the characters and what the world was like when love, jealousy and battles ensued. Overall, Kumaz is a very engaging and thought-provoking experience, and I would definitely recommend everyone to taste the delicacy by the author; Shmuel Yaccoby!
April 11, 2022
An intricate and beguiling telling of two sisters at odds on their own personal journeys and how their choices reflect on each other.
I really liked the way the story was told. The timeframe carries over a vast period, so I really felt satisfied that I was seeing just how events played out and wasn’t left wondering what happens in the future.
The setting feels authentic, I really did feel like I was carried into the pages with the characters and was able to picture and get a real feel for the characters and each location.
What I really enjoyed was although the language felt authentic, you really were whisked to a different era, it didn’t stilt the telling of the story, it wasn’t confusing and didn’t take you out of the story by being too much.
I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend to other readers, especially those with an interest in fantasy. I liked how the fantasy elements were woven through the family drama so with lots of different threads coming together, reading it felt entirely believable and I was able to be completely absorbed by the story.
I really liked the way the story was told. The timeframe carries over a vast period, so I really felt satisfied that I was seeing just how events played out and wasn’t left wondering what happens in the future.
The setting feels authentic, I really did feel like I was carried into the pages with the characters and was able to picture and get a real feel for the characters and each location.
What I really enjoyed was although the language felt authentic, you really were whisked to a different era, it didn’t stilt the telling of the story, it wasn’t confusing and didn’t take you out of the story by being too much.
I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend to other readers, especially those with an interest in fantasy. I liked how the fantasy elements were woven through the family drama so with lots of different threads coming together, reading it felt entirely believable and I was able to be completely absorbed by the story.
September 4, 2022
A magnificent Story about two sisters with polar opposite personalities one like water calm and nurturing, the other like fire chaotic and fierce rivaling over kumaz .
The mirror mirror reference was truly great as it felt like Nezem was like snow white and Satannah was kinda like the Evil Queen .
Nezem was truly the beautiful one , however I believe Setannah did deserve another chance .
Many moral lessons to be learned one of which was " not to be deceived by appearances for beauty is found within" no matter how beautiful your face is if deep inside you're rotten then you aren't worth it . It was Nezem's beautiful heart and personality that saved her from having the same fate as her sister.
If you are looking for a fantasy historical story about queen of sheba's dynasty with amazing female characters this is the one .
The mirror mirror reference was truly great as it felt like Nezem was like snow white and Satannah was kinda like the Evil Queen .
Nezem was truly the beautiful one , however I believe Setannah did deserve another chance .
Many moral lessons to be learned one of which was " not to be deceived by appearances for beauty is found within" no matter how beautiful your face is if deep inside you're rotten then you aren't worth it . It was Nezem's beautiful heart and personality that saved her from having the same fate as her sister.
If you are looking for a fantasy historical story about queen of sheba's dynasty with amazing female characters this is the one .
July 31, 2022
It’s been a long time since I read a fantasy book and reading Kumaz has been the best way to become reacquainted with this genre. I really like reading novels that mix real facts with fiction, so I have really enjoyed this book. The plot is truly interesting and although it may seem in some parts that the story and the details are a bit complex, the book catches your attention from the very start, the style of the author is fluid. I’ve also enjoyed the way it presents the relationship-rivalry between Nezem and Setannah, the two sisters, and the importance of women. The idea of the Kumaz is truly brilliant! I will definitely recommend it to anyone interested in this genre because they will love it for sure!!
August 1, 2022
First and foremost, I thought this was a very beautifully written book. The style of writing was rich and elegant, and descriptions of the characters and setting were enough to stimulate my imagination as a reader without being too descriptive or overly complicated.
The book had a romantic feel to it, and there were moments that seemed whimsical or magical. One of its main elements is the rivalry between the two sisters, and I found the contrast in their personalities interesting, even if I found one more likeable than the other.
I found the book in general to be a good escape, as the setting was very different from the here and now, and I was quickly drawn into an atmosphere that made me feel inclined to read until the end.
The book had a romantic feel to it, and there were moments that seemed whimsical or magical. One of its main elements is the rivalry between the two sisters, and I found the contrast in their personalities interesting, even if I found one more likeable than the other.
I found the book in general to be a good escape, as the setting was very different from the here and now, and I was quickly drawn into an atmosphere that made me feel inclined to read until the end.
July 18, 2022
I had the pleasure of assisting the author with some copy editing for this book. I’m glad he trusted me with that job, because I got to read his fantastic story.
While I’m not normally a fan of biblical stories or anything religion related, Kumaz was written in such a way that you forget it’s biblical and instead it brings your focus to the new characters and story he has created. The detail and storyline of this book kept my attention the whole read. Once I began reading, I couldn’t stop myself. This was a very easy and interesting read and I highly suggest this book for any fantasy lovers, religious or otherwise.
While I’m not normally a fan of biblical stories or anything religion related, Kumaz was written in such a way that you forget it’s biblical and instead it brings your focus to the new characters and story he has created. The detail and storyline of this book kept my attention the whole read. Once I began reading, I couldn’t stop myself. This was a very easy and interesting read and I highly suggest this book for any fantasy lovers, religious or otherwise.
July 22, 2022
Narration that intertwines in an interesting way the life and legacy of illustrious biblical people, along with that of imaginary characters and situations, with whom readers can identify and learn valuable life lessons about family, ambition and authentic personal value.
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Narración que entrelaza de forma interesante la vida y legado de personas bíblicas ilustres, junto a la de personajes y situaciones imaginarias, con quienes los lectores se podrán identificar y aprender valiosas lecciones de vida, acerca de la familia, la ambición y el auténtico valor personal.
_________
Narración que entrelaza de forma interesante la vida y legado de personas bíblicas ilustres, junto a la de personajes y situaciones imaginarias, con quienes los lectores se podrán identificar y aprender valiosas lecciones de vida, acerca de la familia, la ambición y el auténtico valor personal.
April 11, 2022
I am excited to say that I purchased this book, and I am stoked to start reading it.
August 22, 2022
Where History and Fantasy Combine...
Kumaz is a beautifully written story, combining elements of religious history with fantasy.
The author does a brilliant job of bringing familiar characters and themes to life. I love the use of twins as two halves of one whole. I was often reminded of the Yin Yang while reading.
These characters are so well written they are realistic. Setannah and I would never have been friends. Nezem is a wonder, yet still believable. I felt for Ben-Chalkam and Ben-Lee while angering over what was done to Gayver.
Though there was a driving theme of good vs evil, it felt appropriate. The most important lesson is that inner beauty is more important than outer beauty, however balance is the ideal.
I highly recommend this beautiful, poetic tale.
Kumaz is a beautifully written story, combining elements of religious history with fantasy.
The author does a brilliant job of bringing familiar characters and themes to life. I love the use of twins as two halves of one whole. I was often reminded of the Yin Yang while reading.
These characters are so well written they are realistic. Setannah and I would never have been friends. Nezem is a wonder, yet still believable. I felt for Ben-Chalkam and Ben-Lee while angering over what was done to Gayver.
Though there was a driving theme of good vs evil, it felt appropriate. The most important lesson is that inner beauty is more important than outer beauty, however balance is the ideal.
I highly recommend this beautiful, poetic tale.
October 17, 2022
The book is a combination of historical and fiction. The most important thing I love about the book is how it conveys the social message of gender equality. I liked how it took us back to an era where people were more sympathetic to each other. It gives us the ride of the ancient era. And how easily a person you know from birth becomes your enemy.
September 12, 2022
This book is very exceptional. explains the influence of Queen Sheba and King Solomon in his era. The love story between them, as well as the lives of their kids and grandkids, is also detailed in this book. This book describes the bonds of sisterhood and family affection as well as the wisdom of King Solomon in solving issues that were ultimately passed down to his progeny. The author fully develops what life might have been like in ancient Israel and Sheba, pulling the reader into his narrative. As his characters materialize and conflicts over love, jealousy, and other emotions arise, one can almost smell the fragrances and spices of the era and imagine what the world might have looked like.
A brilliantly crafted tale that incorporates parts of religious history and imagination is called Kumaz. An excellent job is done by the author in bringing well-known personalities and ideas to life. I adore how twins are used as the two parts of a single whole. While reading, I was frequently reminded of the Yin Yang. Even though I'm not usually a fan of religious or biblical themes, Kumaz was written in a way that makes you forget that it's a biblical narrative and instead draws your attention to the new characters and plot that the author has invented. This book's plot and details kept me interested the entire time I read it.
An engaging narrative that skillfully blends the lives and legacies of famous biblical figures with those of fictitious characters and events, allowing readers to recognize and gain important life lessons about family, ambition, and true personal value. The book had a romantic tone, and there were times when it appeared fanciful or mystical. The competition between the two sisters is one of its key components, and although I felt one sister be more endearing than the other, I found the disparity in their personalities to be interesting. I'm already looking forward to more from this author because their amazing writing and vivid storyline will stick with me for a while. It was compelling, action-packed, and completely engrossing throughout.
A brilliantly crafted tale that incorporates parts of religious history and imagination is called Kumaz. An excellent job is done by the author in bringing well-known personalities and ideas to life. I adore how twins are used as the two parts of a single whole. While reading, I was frequently reminded of the Yin Yang. Even though I'm not usually a fan of religious or biblical themes, Kumaz was written in a way that makes you forget that it's a biblical narrative and instead draws your attention to the new characters and plot that the author has invented. This book's plot and details kept me interested the entire time I read it.
An engaging narrative that skillfully blends the lives and legacies of famous biblical figures with those of fictitious characters and events, allowing readers to recognize and gain important life lessons about family, ambition, and true personal value. The book had a romantic tone, and there were times when it appeared fanciful or mystical. The competition between the two sisters is one of its key components, and although I felt one sister be more endearing than the other, I found the disparity in their personalities to be interesting. I'm already looking forward to more from this author because their amazing writing and vivid storyline will stick with me for a while. It was compelling, action-packed, and completely engrossing throughout.
September 12, 2022
The Kumaz, an ornate item of jewelry that reciprocally interacts with the magnitude of a woman's inner and outer beauty and considerably amplifies her qualities, is left to Nezem, the Queen of Sheba's granddaughter, just before the Queen of Sheba passes away. Nezem will be allowed to follow the Queen's vision of an egalitarian society, but she comes up against an unforeseen obstacle. Setannah, her non-identical twin sister, wants exclusive use of the Kumaz so she may carry out her tasks. The opposing personalities of the twins—reflected in the Kumaz's dealings with their beauty—soon challenge morality itself, touching on womanhood, family, love, and war. Their most prized soldiers, the Ark of the Covenant, the Kumaz, and eventually the future of their ideal society are all entwined in the tension's amazing conclusion.
This book is set during the reign of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba in the fascinating Sheba Kingdom and ancient Jerusalem. A crucial story for all sisters, Kumaz depicts the difficult relationship between fraternal twin sisters as each one tries to live up to her ideas of what it means to be a woman. This story is not your typical family tale; instead, it explores fascinating subjects like sibling rivalry, relationships, realizations, etc. I adore how the author grows the characters as the narrative progresses. This can serve as a manual for personal growth in terms of what to do in certain circumstances and what might make matters worse. It demonstrates how the socio-emotional and physical aspects are connected and transition smoothly.
The characters and their motivations were enjoyable. dominated by strong, memorable women like the twin princess, the legendary Queen of Sheba, the stunning Avishag, the sister of Moses, Miriam, and the princess Batya of Egypt. King Solomon, his shadow writer, and Nezem's husband Yasharlev are all fascinating male characters. Any reader will be won over by the story to this progressive book's unique plot, diverse cast of characters, and values.
This book is set during the reign of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba in the fascinating Sheba Kingdom and ancient Jerusalem. A crucial story for all sisters, Kumaz depicts the difficult relationship between fraternal twin sisters as each one tries to live up to her ideas of what it means to be a woman. This story is not your typical family tale; instead, it explores fascinating subjects like sibling rivalry, relationships, realizations, etc. I adore how the author grows the characters as the narrative progresses. This can serve as a manual for personal growth in terms of what to do in certain circumstances and what might make matters worse. It demonstrates how the socio-emotional and physical aspects are connected and transition smoothly.
The characters and their motivations were enjoyable. dominated by strong, memorable women like the twin princess, the legendary Queen of Sheba, the stunning Avishag, the sister of Moses, Miriam, and the princess Batya of Egypt. King Solomon, his shadow writer, and Nezem's husband Yasharlev are all fascinating male characters. Any reader will be won over by the story to this progressive book's unique plot, diverse cast of characters, and values.
April 17, 2022
Seemingly the book is about the conflict between inner beauty and outer beauty as the twin princesses represent each side and their struggle reflected in the way Kumaz reacts to their contrasting beauties. In the end, when we see Setannah succumb and Nezem survive, the message is that focusing on inner beauty will uplift a woman but focusing on the outer beauty will be her downfall. Much more than inner vs outer beauty, the book is all about womanhood and faith.
I enjoyed the characters and their motives. Dominated by impressive, memorable women including the twin princess, the bigger than life Queen of Sheba, the beautiful Avishag, Moses sister, Miriam and Pharaoh’s daughter, Batya. Interesting male characters include King Solomon, his shadow writer and Nezem’s husband, Yasharlev.
The Kumaz, too, felt like an avidly part of the story and magic aspect in relation the biblical themes did feel well incorporated and not over done to any capacity. The story will capitulate any reader into loving the singular plot and diverse characters and ideal of this progressive book.
The book was book was not a hard read or hard to follow in any sense, it was rather an easy going read that one could enjoy without tiring or getting bored. Overall, great fantasy novel with many memorable quotes within the dynamic dialogues. I definitely recommend it and wait for the next book.
I enjoyed the characters and their motives. Dominated by impressive, memorable women including the twin princess, the bigger than life Queen of Sheba, the beautiful Avishag, Moses sister, Miriam and Pharaoh’s daughter, Batya. Interesting male characters include King Solomon, his shadow writer and Nezem’s husband, Yasharlev.
The Kumaz, too, felt like an avidly part of the story and magic aspect in relation the biblical themes did feel well incorporated and not over done to any capacity. The story will capitulate any reader into loving the singular plot and diverse characters and ideal of this progressive book.
The book was book was not a hard read or hard to follow in any sense, it was rather an easy going read that one could enjoy without tiring or getting bored. Overall, great fantasy novel with many memorable quotes within the dynamic dialogues. I definitely recommend it and wait for the next book.
June 14, 2024
Kumaz is an excellent novel that blends religious mysticism with bright, vivid storytelling. The book takes place in the Sheba Kingdom of ancient Jerusalem, and follows the journey of non-identical twin princesses as they learn how to use their inner beauty (or lack thereof) to challenge gender equity in their society. With the help of a magical talisman—a piece of jewelry called the Kumaz—the princesses tap into the jewel’s power, only to realize their sense of self-worth dictates the boundaries of the talisman’s magic. Shmuel Yaccoby uses minimalistic language to tell his story, so he represents his complex characters, embeds historical subtext, and includes sensory-rich descriptions with sleek simplicity. If you like epic dramas with steamy, poignant stakes, Kumaz delivers high-calibre fantasy with every word.
April 13, 2022
Shmuel Yaccoby, in Kumaz, fleshes out in fine detail what life in ancient Israel and Sheba would have been like, drawing the reader immediately into his story. One can almost smell the scents and the spices of the time as well as see what the world would have looked like as his characters appear and love, jealousy, and battles ensue.
Yaccoby is also a wonderful storyteller. He deftly intersperses past events among the actions of his historical present in just the right amounts while maintaining the forward action of the story. His feminist-leaning historical novel with his strong female characters, Nezem and Setannah, leave their mark on this intriguing and highly imaginative story.
Yaccoby is also a wonderful storyteller. He deftly intersperses past events among the actions of his historical present in just the right amounts while maintaining the forward action of the story. His feminist-leaning historical novel with his strong female characters, Nezem and Setannah, leave their mark on this intriguing and highly imaginative story.
May 12, 2022
I've read this book. This book is extraordinary. Tells the power of King Solomon and Queen Sheba in his time.This book also tells the love story between them and about their children and grandchildren.This book tells about the love between family, sisterhood and how wise King Solomon was in overcoming problems that eventually passed down to his descendants.Although this story ends tragically, there are many lessons to be learned from this story. The author wraps this story beautifully. I like studying history while reading Kumaz and the author poured it into Kumaz amazingly. The author really gave me a lot of new knowledge about King Solomon. I can't wait to read another book by author
August 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, particularly the richness of the characters. Settanah was an especially complex person, and I found her both infuriating at times and deeply sympathetic. Her tale is one that warns of the pitfalls of emphasizing outer beauty at the expense of inner beauty, and her struggle with insecurity, jealousy, and an almost desperate desire for love and approval is a very relatable one. The relationships between all of the family members are rich and layered, and one of my favorite moments was the final conversation between Setannah and King Solomon. All in all, definitely a great read! I look forward to was Yaccoby writes next!
July 30, 2022
It's quite interesting to read this depiction of something so sacred to millions of individuals around the world. My first take of the first pages was not of excitement but shock.Nevertheless I dug in.
It's based on the lives of the Queen of Sheba,King Solomon and the whole family drama. The monarchy of Sheba and the patriarchy of Israel. With royalty,rulership there's bound to be rivalry,backstabbing and some sort of divided loyalties, you find it in this book. The characters are bold and unashamed, but there's always going to be someone who loses.
It's based on the lives of the Queen of Sheba,King Solomon and the whole family drama. The monarchy of Sheba and the patriarchy of Israel. With royalty,rulership there's bound to be rivalry,backstabbing and some sort of divided loyalties, you find it in this book. The characters are bold and unashamed, but there's always going to be someone who loses.
June 1, 2022
Biblical melodrama
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. The story revolves around the Queen of Sheba, King Solomon and their sin and grandchildren. It is not my cup of tea but will find an audience in those interested in the era as well as the dynamics of family, which have not changed through the ages.
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. The story revolves around the Queen of Sheba, King Solomon and their sin and grandchildren. It is not my cup of tea but will find an audience in those interested in the era as well as the dynamics of family, which have not changed through the ages.
August 18, 2022
I liked the book, at least some elements of the book, took me a while to really get interested in it which was so surprising because I wanted to read because I love anything Sheba related. All in all it was a different story and an enjoyable read.
December 5, 2025
In Kumaz, Shmuel Yacoby creates a fantasy world that is a perfect blend of biblical history and historical fiction. Many men and women from the Old Testament are characters in this novel, including the Queen of Sheba, King Solomon, and Avishag. Even the Ark of the Covenant makes an appearance!
Although the main plot deals with the conflict of inner versus outer beauty, there is a subplot that I found just as intriguing. Sheba is a kingdom founded on the principles of love and equality. Men and women have equal rights, and the rich willingly take care of the poor. It’s a beautiful concept that is certainly ahead of the time period of this novel, and it’s also one we could all learn to follow a little more closely in today’s society.
Yacoby did a great job of pulling me into the story. His worldbuilding was outstanding, creating a vivid world that I could easily transport myself into. His characters are deep, complex, and fully fleshed out.
What I appreciated most about this novel is the thought-provoking nature of the overall theme. I found myself contemplating how the Kumaz would react to me. How deep is my beauty? Are there areas of myself that are shallower than I imagine? It’s an interesting concept to ponder.
The only part of the story that left me wanting more was the origins of the Kumaz. Without giving too much away in this review, the history of the Kumaz is never really explained. I feel like there is so much left unsaid about where it came from and where its powers originated. I would have loved to dive deeper into that story.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable and entertaining read. It's a wonderful story of the battle between inner and outer beauty. Easily a five-star rating for me, and I hope to see more works from Shmuel Yacoby in the future.
Although the main plot deals with the conflict of inner versus outer beauty, there is a subplot that I found just as intriguing. Sheba is a kingdom founded on the principles of love and equality. Men and women have equal rights, and the rich willingly take care of the poor. It’s a beautiful concept that is certainly ahead of the time period of this novel, and it’s also one we could all learn to follow a little more closely in today’s society.
Yacoby did a great job of pulling me into the story. His worldbuilding was outstanding, creating a vivid world that I could easily transport myself into. His characters are deep, complex, and fully fleshed out.
What I appreciated most about this novel is the thought-provoking nature of the overall theme. I found myself contemplating how the Kumaz would react to me. How deep is my beauty? Are there areas of myself that are shallower than I imagine? It’s an interesting concept to ponder.
The only part of the story that left me wanting more was the origins of the Kumaz. Without giving too much away in this review, the history of the Kumaz is never really explained. I feel like there is so much left unsaid about where it came from and where its powers originated. I would have loved to dive deeper into that story.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable and entertaining read. It's a wonderful story of the battle between inner and outer beauty. Easily a five-star rating for me, and I hope to see more works from Shmuel Yacoby in the future.
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