The Royal Artisan
Queen Esther's Court
Set in Queen Esther’s court, Tessa Afshar’s enthralling romance novel The Royal Artisan is about family secrets and second chances.
After losing her parents, Sazana rebuilds her life, finding quiet joy in her work as a potter, though she’s forced to hide her Jewish identity. When a terrible plot to wipe out the Jews is revealed, Sazana learns that her lineage guards a secret that may help Queen Esther save their people. But unraveling the mystery of her past means working with a royal guard, Jadon, who once broke her heart.
Jadon and Sazana’s romance overlays an intriguing, secret-laden world of Persian politics that threatens their reemerging feelings. The tantalizing tension between the two is heightened by adept imagery. After yet another tragedy, Sazana is described as “an experienced sojourner” through the “endless night sky” of loss. The motif of pottery adds additional sophistication to the poetic prose, both propelling the plot as enemies close in on Sazana’s workshop and resulting in various metaphors that frame the story’s faith-centered message.
Scriptural references arise throughout. Sometimes Esther narrates from decades in the future, looking back; other chapters focus on Jadon and Sazana’s present perspectives. The clever use of dual timelines grounds the story: when Sazana and Jadon’s situation is at its most desperate, Esther’s future reflections offer hope that her people will yet persevere. Indeed, quiet moments of reflection balance well with the fast-paced, high-stakes scenes of espionage and bloodshed. There is consistent hum of regret and danger as Jadon strives to protect Sazana, making the sweet ending all the more satisfying.
A talented potter and the man who broke her heart reunite to save their people in the lovely romance novel The Royal Artisan.
Reviewed by
Vivian Turnbull
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
