A Crown of Chains - Erin Phillips
★★★★★
This intense, dark fantasy retelling about Queen Esther is a page turner for sure!
Narrative Voice: 1st person
Cussing/profanity: 1/5
Drug/alcohol use: 2/5
Kissing: 2/5
Sex/nudity: 2/5
Violence/gore: 3/5
Okay, wow, when I heard “Esther Retelling” I was intrigued but had no idea it would be this gripping! And normally I dislike 1 person narrative, but Erin Phillips did such a good job, and I really enjoyed it! I binged it in less than a week. That’s rare for me.
I loved the care that went into researching historical context and the grace done in telling it in a non-gratuitous way. That being said, this book has definitely some mature themes I would caution anyone younger than 16 to read, but it was a nice change of pace for me.
Roxana’s bravery, perseverance, and magic, the fantasy elements woven in with biblical allegories, and the DRAMA made me not want to put this book down. King Frederick? Despicable man; I hate you. (Chapter 51 anyone? Thanks for the tears, Erin)
This DID prompt me to immediately read the actual Book of Esther to see the differences, and I have not much to dislike as the Bible is already very bare when it comes to internal monologue or storytelling as we enjoy today; it’s mostly a blanket statement of events, so I think Erin is justified in taking the creative liberties she has as there’s very little in the Bible story to claim for or against certain elements. (wasn’t sure how to feel about Roxana “technically” having an affair (kisses only) but oh well)
The message of the biblical story still stands: God writes straight with crooked lines and will always look out for His people. He is with us and can use anyone as His instrument for His plans if they are courageous enough to submit to His Will.
5/5 would recommend to older teens
*contains concubines/sex slaves; nothing sexual on page happens, but it is a prominent plot point and one antagonistic character revels in the promiscuity. Readers see characters before and after the “night to please the king” but is handled with taste and care while still highlighting the abhorrent injustice. Sexual abuse is implied off-page, and sexual ptsd and non-consensual kisses are portrayed. [Fantasy] racism is also a driving characteristic among certain characters. A character is called a whore.
