About the Book:

Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa’s finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman’s sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over as Haman’s sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen’s agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

My Thoughts:

Tessa Afshar writes novels that draw you into the story and setting. Based on the Biblical story Afshar uses her research and imagination to help you wonder about what it would be like to be living within the narrative. What would it have been like to be a Jew in that day and time? Especially a woman working for Haman’s family? I think we often take in what the Bible says without actually processing the greater context of the tale. Afshar helps us to dive a little deeper into a fictional account that helps you ask the “what if” questions that bring the story home and personalize it for us.

I enjoyed the novel, the characters and the exercise in imagination. Whether or not it actually reflects some aspects of the story of Esther as it actually happened, it drew me in to wonder more deeply about how God was working in the lives of His people and the book left me feeling encouraged.

I didn’t read book one in the series and I didn’t feel like I missed out on any of the plot, which I appreciated.

I’d recommend The Royal Artisan to you.

I received a free digital galley of this book to review and apologize to Bethany House for it taking me so long to post my thoughts.