The Royal Artisan: Queen Esther's Court [Large Print]

By Tessa Afshar

Book Overview

"Afshar's writing shines in this brilliant perspective shift on Queen Esther's story."--MESU ANDREWS, bestselling author on The Queen's Cook Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Library Binding
• Large Print: Yes
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FMYMMPJC
• ISBN13: 9798891647138
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Center Point
• Length: 500 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 3.8" x 10.1"

Customer Reviews

Compelling!

A sweeping tale of intrigue, mystery, and new beginnings in the courts of Queen Esther. Sazana labors under as a potter under Haman, harboring a secret that could cost her life. But when Hama loses his position, many find themselves living under a new tension as they await the decreed attack on their people. Meanwhile, Sazana's life is endangered by a secret that followed her from Babylon to Susa, can she trust the man who betrayed her in the past to help her find answers and keep her safe? Engaging from the very beginning, the characters pull you into their lives, bringing to life the tension filled time in history vividly, through the author's well-crated prose. Sazana is a gifted artist, with a mind that is always innovating and finding new ways to stretch and grow her craft. Jadon is a dedicated and devoted servant of the queen, I like how he quickly sees that Sazana needs his help to find answers and quell the threats against her, he doesn't hesitate to help keep her safe. Well-developed characters, evocative descriptions, and a well-paced plotline, as well as extensive knowledge of the cultural practices and time period. Compelling storytelling, that comes to life between the pages, imagining what life might have been for the Jewish people awaiting the fateful day that had been decreed. This story has it all, mystery, intrigue, second chances, romance, and strong cords of faith woven throughout. I didn't want to put it down. Highly enjoyable biblical fiction that can be read as a stand-alone, but there's no reason to not read the companion novel The Queen's Cook as well! Definitely recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Amazing Biblical fiction

“The fire ultimately determined the clay’s personality. The potter’s creation could only become its true self when exposed to the harsh lick of the flames.” I loved returning to Queen Esther and King Xerxes’ Persia and seeing the Biblical story unfold from a different perspective. Third person voices of Sazana and Jadon were captivating and delightful. First person voice of Esther some thirty-three years after the great rescue of the Jewish people was wise, charming, and thought-provoking. The juxtaposition of Sazana and Jadon’s perseverance during the time of the decree and Esther’s memories of that time period added layers and depth to the story of Esther as we know it. I loved learning about pottery making and the amazing creativity and endurance needed to create such vessels. Jadon’s work as the head of Esther’s security gave me a new understanding for the protection the queen needed during this tumultuous time. I enjoyed the intrigue and mystery involving the cylinder of Cyrus. Sazana’s rise above the grief and heart-breaking circumstances of her life made her a remarkable heroine. Jadon’s loyalty, fierce protectiveness, tenderness and intelligence made him a worthy hero. This book will transport you to the heart of Persia where love and beauty dwell alongside hatred and betrayal. The setting, the characters, and the plot will completely surround you and allow you to live with a master potter and the chief royal guard as history is written by the Hand of the Almighty. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via Interviews and Reviews and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.