THE JUDGMENT by D.J. Niko

Publisher:     Medallion

Published:     May 10, 2016

ISBN:        978-1942546221

Genre:      Historical Fiction

Format:     Print  

Obtained via:  Publisher

Reviewed by name and email address:  Gina  Ginalrmreviews@gmail.com

THREE -1/2 HEARTS

 

Solomon’s daughter, Basemath, finds herself in the middle of a battle unlike any other on the heels of her father’s death.  Adored by her father, as much as she adored him political intrigues swirl around her—intrigues she has no idea about.  At the root of these machinations is her mother, Nicaule, a minor daughter of Pharaoh Psauennes II.  Some 40 years ago as a young king Solomon journeyed to Egypt to negotiate for both Israel and Egypt’s mutual futures.  In the midst of the negotiations Solomon first lays eyes on Nicaule and in an instant he knows he must have her. Nicaule, however, is not flattered by the Israeli King’s attraction—she is in love with another.  One she has promised herself to.  And so begins forty years of subversion to the goals set by Solomon, subversion that will ultimately pull apart his family and perhaps destroy the future of his beloved country.

I’m such a huge fan of D.J. Niko that the moment I saw her newest book, THE JUDGMENT, I requested it for review.  I was anticipating another addition to her fantastic Sarah Weston Chronicles which, if you haven’t’ read them, you really need to check them out.  THE JUDGMENT is a new venture for Niko and she does not disappoint.  Admittedly I’m a fan of well written and particularly well researched historical fiction.  Niko relates her historical facts with an intriguing story, one that draws you in and keeps you turning the pages. 

Once I realized this was not a Sarah Weston book it was easy to fall into Basemath and Nicaule’s story.   There were points when I had a little problem following and some of the religious-based dialogue did not appeal to me.  I felt at times it was almost like reading a religious tract or the Bible which is no problem if that’s what you are looking for. The well-known wisdom of Solomon isn’t seen the pages of the story but because of his place in history it isn’t necessary.  What Niko does really well is showing how love or infatuation can color our ability to see reality or follow what is really the best path.  Given what we mostly hear about Solomon his weakness when it came to his first wife was an eye opener.

Parts seemed to drag a points but always picked up.  THE JUDGMENT isn’t a bible story per se but it does factor in, but the story wouldn’t be the story it is without that aspect.  It is historical fiction and while the elements of betrayal in love and intrigue in relationships is part of the story it could not really be told in any other time period.

What would be very cool is for Niko to tie this story into one of her Sarah Weston books….now THAT would be a story to tell and read!

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.