Tessa Afshar writes intending to glorify God. A thread of grace and wisdom is woven throughout. This book focuses on Cyrus, the Persian King who allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem after he defeated the King of Babylon. Only Cyrus is shown as an eleven-year-old. It is an exciting story and is seen through the OT prism of Jeremiah 29:11 (For I know the plans...), instead of the NT prism of Romans 8:28 (...we know that in all things God works...). The protagonists felt God's calling on their lives and acted accordingly. I am terrible at writing reviews, but I hope my love for the book comes through. ( )

I had never heard of this author, but the cover of the book caught my attention. My favorite historical period is ancient Mesopotamia. I entered a contest for a giveaway of “The Hidden Prince” and was so thrilled to win a copy. I am happy to say that I LOVED the book. Beautiful writing, engaging characters, political intrigue, a bit of romance – I could not ask for more.

Set in Babylon and Persia, “The Hidden Prince” brought the historical Prophet Daniel, two Persian kings, and a Median king to life. Young Keren, a servant, serves as a trusted scribe in Daniel’s household in Babylon. She even takes lessons in swordsmanship alongside Daniel’s sons.

After an unfortunate accident, Keren must flee. She finds herself in a foreign country. She will be a servant in the household of a nobleman in King Astyages of Medes’ court. Keren is to teach a young shepherd boy named Artadates. However, unknown to all in the king’s court, Artadates is not really a shepherd boy. Overhearing a conversation one day, Keren realizes the fate of nations may rest in her hands. This young boy may one day be the liberator of her people, the Jews. Keren now understands that God’s plan for her is to protect this young boy from his bloodthirsty grandfather.

I loved the spunky Artadates. Even when he finds out he is a future king, he remains the same charming boy. I loved the friendly banter between Artadates and Keren.

I highly recommend this book. I am now eager to read more of Afshar’s books. ( )

Title: The Hidden Prince
Author: Tessa Afshar
Pages: 416
Year: 2022
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Keren is the youngest daughter of a family of Jewish exiles, living in Babylon under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. Her father works as an assistant scribe, a trade he learned from his father, Keren’s grandfather. Her grandfather teaches her to be a scribe. When the family can no longer afford to feed all the children, Keren is taken to the home of Daniel to become a servant. She doesn’t succeed at the usual tasks assigned to a girl. However, Daniel soon discovers her skill as a scribe and puts her to work for him.
Daniel’s son has a best friend, Jared. He spends a lot of time at Daniel’s home and with Keren, even though he is older than she. A friendship develops. As time progresses, Keren comes to love Daniel and his family. She is able to see her own family every Sabbath. However, things change quickly and dramatically when an accident happens with Keren as the cause. Her life is threatened, and she is forced to leave Babylon and everything she has ever known. She leaves her heart behind with Jared. She travels to a new country where her new master assigns her the role of scribe for himself and tutoring a young boy. Keren comes to love the little scamp, but all is not as it seems, and lives will hang in the balance with Keren in the midst of it.
Another wonderful story from Ms. Afshar! She is one of the author’s always on my TBR list. She writes so the characters come alive off the pages. The angst and grief felt by Keren are so profound. Jared’s ability to continue to rely on God through debilitating pain, even when he wanted to give up on God but didn’t, was inspiring. I also enjoyed the teasing dialogue between the three friends and between Keren and her student. I laughed out loud a few times! God had a purpose for everything Jared and Keren experienced. I’m already looking forward to the next book even though I know it will be another year!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

What a beautiful story of how even through our circumstances, our mistakes (intended or not), even our limitations, God can create something beautiful. In The Hidden Prince, Tessa Afshar introduces readers to a young woman who becomes a servant in order to help pay her family’s debt.

Keren’s start in Daniel’s household is almost humorous until she finds her fit. And once she settles in, Afshar paints a depiction of every-day life for Keren. Until an accident up ends everything she has come to love about her life. When she’s forced to flee Babylon, she embarks on a new adventure and purpose God planned for her.

The Hidden Prince is a story about friendship, grace, forgiveness, healing, and trusting God in your worst moments. We can become bitter, or we can accept our challenges and grow in the knowledge that God doesn’t abandon us in those moments that shift our paths. Afshar includes a romance in this book that is so well research and written you will feel like you are taking a journey right alongside Keren.

And if you’re wondering who the prince is, you’ll just have to discover the secret for yourself (and what a discovery it is!).

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own. ( )

"Endure in the fire, because God's love for you endures. Trust in his plans for you. let him give you the strength to bear the flames."

It's an unforgettable tale of grief, loss, forgiveness, redemption, purpose, and faith. It teaches us what it means to endure. Tessa Afshar brings us into the world of Babylon during Nebuchadnezzar's reign, full of incredible sights, sounds, tastes, smells. The author has chosen a surprising and unusual heroine for this time - a poor Jewish girl who is a gifted scribe. Keren becomes a quasi-servant in Daniel's household and it's delightful to see the author's fantastic imagination of what Daniel must have been like meld so beautifully with Biblical wisdom and prophecy, and history and culture of Babylon. Keren's strength of character, boldness, intelligence, and loyalty make her a lovable character. Jared's bitterness and struggle for purpose and forgiveness are so real and tangible. There are plenty of plot twists that propel the story forward; even though this is not a suspense, you'll be glued to your seat with your breath held as Keren's journey unfolds.

Tessa Afshar is truly a master of Biblical fiction. This is one of my favorite reads of 2022!
I received the book from the publisher via Edelweiss/Above the Tree Line and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. ( )