Barton also does an impressive job in presenting the steampunk genre. She takes a historical setting, that of WWII, and adds a unique history blended with both fantastical and mechanical creatures. The fantastical creatures are pulled form Jewish folklore, which only strengthens their presence in the book. This also strengthens the mythology she creates as a whole.
There were moments that the plot could have moved a little quicker, but once the story gets where it is going, it became evident why the plot needed to move at the speed it did. There was some expectation for a grand victory, as the Biblical Esther, has a grand victory of Haman. This never happens and leaves the reader wanting something more. Do the Khazars and their allies defeat the Germans and send them back across the boarder into Europe? Do they pursue the Germans into Europe and join in the on going battle to free humanity from the tyranny of the Nazi regime? This would be a fantastic story to read! There would also be a more satisfactory conclusion had the book resolved more firmly the relational issues between Esther and Shimon and Esther and Amit. Speaking of Amit, what an interesting literary approach to the transgender debate.
Overall, "The Book of Esther" provides a solid read with believable characters and a satisfactory plot. I received this book as a blogger for the blogging for books program through Penguin/Random House.
