The Queen’s Handmaid by Tracy Higley #review

Betrayal, power, politics and religion. Powerful topics that are examined in the backdrop of the historical time period that brings Cleopatra and Herod in to play in The Queen’s Handmaid by Tracy Higley.

The Queen’s Handmaid takes place in Alexandria, Egypt 39 B.C. and the story of Lydia. Lydia was orphaned at birth and raised as a servant in Cleopatra’s palace. She works hard to please those around her while keeping everyone at arm’s length. She has been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times.

When her mentor dies and entrusts her with the secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver the scrolls to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the only place she has called home and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed King, Herod, as a handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod’s political family – sister, wife and their mothers – and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warning against the truth destroys all hope of the coming Messiah.

This was an incredibly interesting novel in a very intriguing time period.We have all grown up learning of the powerful political figures during this time period, Cleopatra, Mark Antony, Herod and eventually Jesus Christ. It is with these great figures that this story unfolds and it is extremely interesting to see how each of these figures played a role in the lives of each other. With all the betrayal and mystery in this novel it keeps you turning the page wondering what will happen next! I still find it shocking all of the events in history and how people were treated and Tracy Higley gives an excellent portrayal into life during this time period especially through the role of Lydia. The idea of human life being disposable is still so shocking to me but that is life in those times.

Rating: 4/5

You can find more reviews on The Queen’s Handmaid here. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.