Genre

Historical Fiction / Biblical fiction / Romance / Young Adult

Audience

Ages 16 & Up

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2021

Themes

corruption, power, sacrifice, political intrigue, comparative religion, revenge, faith, multiculturalism, Purim, persecution, family bonds, marriage, Judaism, Persia

 

Reviewed by

Dr. Lisa Theus

Xerxes. King of Persia. The Greeks referred to him just as “the King.” If you’re familiar with the stories of the Persian Wars, the name conjures images of a man larger than life, arrayed in gold and literally whipping the seas. And the modern depiction of him in Frank Miller’s 300 adds even more electric guitar. What sort of woman would this man choose for his wife, from all the maidens under Persian rule?

That’s a question that inspired Lin Wilder to write The Reluctant Queen. Weaving together what few sources we have, including The Book of Esther and Herodotus’ Histories, Wilder creates an insightful look into who this Queen could have been. A precocious and emotionally mature Jewish orphan, Esther lives a relatively normal life until her adopted father has a dream that she will be chosen by Xerxes as his next wife – and from there, she’s chosen by God to save the Jewish people in an event that is still commemorated in the feast of Purim.

The journey of Esther is fascinating, as is the Persian world. Wilder does an excellent job of fleshing out the society and finding a way to tie the famous story of the Persian Wars into the less well-known history of Purim as found in the Biblical Book of Esther. The highlight of the novel is Xerxes and his catastrophic descent into self-delusional madness thanks to his near limitless power.

Esther herself is competent and resourceful, but she isn’t going to be an engaging protagonist for all readers. Either you will love her – wise beyond her years and savvy – or hate her – too enigmatic and popular. She’s well written, but not always relatable. Wilder tries to help by including a few chapters in the first person POV, instead of the usual third, but in my opinion, Xerxes steals the show.

One major theme of the book is Esther trying to understand her husband’s culture – and religion – through the lens of her own religion. I wouldn’t consider this a religious book, though. It explores antiquity, Judaism, and the corruption of power, and the perspectives feel appropriate to the period. If the hand of God seems strong in the book, it’s because the hand of God is believed to be strong in antiquity. There is nothing preachy and certainly nothing foreshadowing Christianity/Catholicism. Anyone, religious or secular, interested in reading about this period can enjoy this book. People who want a different sort of romance with countless lives on the line and don’t mind historical and religious settings will also have a good time. There are marital scenes, but the writing is not explicit and would be appropriate for teenagers who are prepared. It is also not overly violent considering its setting in antiquity – far more people could have been killed in much more brutal ways. 

I certainly hope that Wilder continues writing historical fiction, and you might be inspired to go try her earlier two novels. You’ll certainly be inspired to read The Book of Esther. The Reluctant Queen succeeds in building a plausible setting and establishing a cast of interesting characters that brings the world to life.

Unlikely Witnesses by Leslea Wahl

When four boys glimpse a crime in their Colorado town they end up in an interrogation cell of the FBI.

Finnian and the Seven Mountains (Vol. 1) by Philip Koslowski, Michael Lavoy, and Jim Fern

Join Finnian as his quest for a legendary sword takes him to the monks of Skellig Michael, a real life inspiration for the Jedi temple.

Best of 2020

Yes some good things DID happen this year- Catholic creators have not let turmoil stop their mission.

Saint Magnus: The Last Viking by Susan Peek

A young Viking Prince evades a warlord while finding his own harrowing path to sainthood.

Freeing Tanner Rose by T.M. Gaouette

Hollywood Starlet meets Kung Fu Country boy with a God obsession.

McCracken and the Lost Lady by Mark Adderley

McCracken gives us the grounded swashbuckling Catholic hero that our inner child has always wanted.

Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang

This two part graphic novel tells its story from 2 sides China’s bloody civil war: A Boxer Rebel & a “traitor” Christian-Convert.

My Brother’s Keeper by Bill Kassel

What if you were Jesus’ protective older brother? Could you navigate the courts of Rome & Jerusalem to save him?

The Silence of Bones by June Hur

A young slave girl in ancient Korea investigates a murder & meets real life Korean Catholic saints

The Tale of Patrick Peyton

How a humble, Irish immigrant brought Mary to Hollywood and then the World.

From the Shadows by Jacqueline Brown

In a broken world, Bria tries to unite a family even as she struggles to keep hope alive.

To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo

What must you do when nothing you can do will save those you love?

The Singer not the Song by Audrey Erskine Lindop (AKA The Bandit and the Priest)

A priest and a bandit king face off for the fate of a small Mexican town in this thrilling western adventure.

The Boy Who Knew (Friends in High Places: Carlo Acutis) by Corinna Turner

Faced with his death, a fifteen-year-old learns how to live through the wisdom of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

The Letters of Magdelen Montague by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson

An epistolary novel full of ironic British wit.

Through the Ashes by Jacqueline Brown

Fans of The 100 and Runaway’s and The Gifted will find this YA story riveting.

Best Books of 2022

Our favorite book finds of the year!

Messina: Book 1, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano

Romance blossoms in the midst of chaos. A historical romance set in 1901 Italy as a young American doctor proves herself to the haughty Italian lord who has forgotten his faith.

McCracken and the Lost Oasis by Mark Adderley

A swashbuckling adventure into Catholic history and archeology.

Unclaimed, Nameless, & Vanished by Erin McCole Cupp

Jane Eyre re-imaginged in a world where cloning, and genetic manipulation have returned us to a class system.