Thursday 19 September 2019

Book Review: King's Shadow

From The Back:

Their Lives Couldn't Be More Different,
but Their Goal Is the Same:
Survive King Herod's Rule. 
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's from an inferior race, a people whom God will never accept or approve of.

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 each day within Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.
My Reflections:
"king's Shadow" is Angela Hunt's fourth book in her "Silent Years" series, and while it is a series I feel this book can be read as a stand-alone. 
I found this novel's basis to be very interesting as it delves into the 400-year time span between the old testament and the new testament. It also features some lesser-known characters that are not often mentioned. 

The story is told through the eyes of the main characters, which made the story that much more multidimensional. I did find myself a little lost at times through this book, there are just so many facts to keep straight! (some of the characters had very similar names)That and following King Harod into near madness was at times a tad gruesome. Hence I would not recommend this one for the 16 and under crowd.

Salome is King Harold's sister but has taken on the weighty job of protecting Herold and his reign. She has her own issues and though she is stubborn and bitter she tries to rise above them in her own ways.

Salome's handmaid Zara sees the world through different eyes, having been born into a Jewish family her viewpoint comes from knowing the laws of the Tora, her heart is soft and feels the pain of those around her. 
It was interesting to get a glimpse into the King's court through the eyes of these two characters, it really was a thought-provoking aspect of this novel for me. 

I have read several of Hunt's novels, I can't say this was my absolute favourite, however, I did enjoy exploring this time period, it was a very unexpected journey! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Angela Hunt
The author of more than 100 published books and with more than 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic...
Continue reading about Angela Hunt

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