Status Updates From Star of Persia: Esther's Story

This could use more showing than telling. It's interesting to get Vashti's perspective in the first few chapters. So far Xerxes is portrayed with far too much sympathy. The dude, from historical accounts, was a bit unhinged, not a nice guy underneath it all. I think the author has chosen the camp of the latter because she wants it to be a sweet love story. I've cringed a bit at the modern dialogue.