The Queen Of Persia

Intrigue, humor, twisty plot turns--all descriptions of a new best-selling novel? No, rather of a drama over 2,000 years old; The Queen of Persia, an animated epic, based on the fascinating biblical Purim story. Step back 2,000 years and discover an inspiring tale of Queen Esther, Haman, and a nation of Israelites under the rule of the Great Persian Empire. In cartoon style, where characters seem to jump off the page, this animation is historical yet fun-filled; teaching timeless values of tolerance and courage, sticking to one's beliefs, and trusting G-d to win victory for the oppressed. Shazak's goal is to offer a series of Torah-learning videos and books that will inspire, educate, and entertain. The Queen of Persia nails it with comic book splendor.

In an effort to complete a war his father had planned to win, King Xerxes calls every governor, satrap, and official in his vast kingdom to his palace in Susa to strategize and feast. When they finally leave, he decides on one more week of frivolity, which ends in the banishment of his favorite wife, something he never intended to do. But when he discovers Esther, Xerxes is sure he has a second chance at happiness. In her wildest dreams, Esther could never have imagined that she would end up as queen of Persia. Yet she knows better than to become complacent. Another of Xerxes's wives is vying for position, and his closest advisor has a deep and dangerous grudge against Esther's adoptive father. Caught in the middle of palace politics, Esther will find herself in an impossible position: risk her life or consign her people to annihilation. With her impeccable research and her imaginative flair, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the romantic, suspenseful, and beloved story of Esther, queen of Persia.

"Work of historical fiction based on biblical book of Esther, the story of an orphaned Jewish girl who marries the king of Persia and saves her people" --

As Queen of Persia, Esther saves her people from annihilation.

How can she love the king of kings without forsaking her Lord of lords? Kasia grew up in a poor Jewish home with more siblings than luxuries. But when a chance encounter forces her to the palace of Xerxes, she becomes a concubine to the richest man in the world. She alone, of all Xerxes' wives, loves the man beneath the crown. She alone, of all his wives, holds the heart of the king of kings. Traveling with Xerxes through Europe as he mounts a war against Greece, Kasia knows enemies surround her, but they re not the Spartans or Athenians. The threat lies with those close to the king who hate her people. She determines to put her trust in Jehovah even if it costs her her marriage. Years of prayers are answered when Kasia's childhood friend arrives at the palace after the war, but even as she determines to see Esther crowned in place of the bloodthirsty former queen, she knows the true battle is far from over. How far will her enemies go to see her undone? Combining the biblical account of Esther with Herodotus's Histories, Jewel of Persia is the story of a love that nearly destroys an empire . . . and the friendship that saves a nation.

The Purim holiday celebrates the miraculous story of the Jews of Persia during the reign of Achashverosh (Xerxes I), over 2400 years ago. The Book of Esther, which is read on Purim, commemorates the events of the days during which Haman's plot to eliminate the Jews of Persia was met by the heroic deeds of Queen Esther.