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 is from an inferior race, a people God will never accept or approve.
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 in Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.
My thoughts: I have learned so much from the previous books in this series about the time period between the Old and New Testaments! The King's Shadow was no different. I didn't know a whole lot about Herod's reign, outside of what it mentioned in the scriptures. Reading this book made me realize that I am glad to not be a part of the royal court back then, since it was fraught with politics, jealousies, suspicion, and death. Trying to keep ahead of the rumors and ruler's ire would of been a full time job!
I like that the story is told from two point of views, that of the historical figure and sister to Herod, Salome, and the fictional one of her handmaiden, Zara. This is an interesting story that will keep you reading late at night to see what becomes of the two women and their loved ones!
Even though there is a cloud of distrust and sinking feeling of what will happen that hangs over the story, I do appreciate the message at the end of it.
I received this book from Bethany House. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.
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