The Hidden Prince

Biblical Fiction, Books Review, Christian Fiction, First Line Friday, Historical Fiction, Novels, Tyndale House Publishers, Writing Spot

Welcome to First Line Friday!
Today I’m featuring

The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar.

From the bestselling author of Jewel of the Nile comes the thrilling tale of a woman who feels she has no future but soon discovers the fate of nations may rest in her hands.

The beloved daughter of Jewish captives in Babylon, Keren is sold into Daniel’s household to help her family survive. She becomes Daniel’s most trusted scribe, while taking lessons and swordsmanship training alongside Daniel’s sons and their best friend, Jared.

But after a tragic accident changes the course of her life, Keren finds herself in a foreign country, charged with a mysterious task: teaching a shepherd boy how to become a lord. When she overhears whispers that hint at his true identity, she realizes she must protect him from the schemes of a bloodthirsty king.

Jared cannot forgive Keren. Still, he finds himself traveling over mountains to fetch her back to the safety of home. When he discovers the secret identity of Keren’s pupil, Jared knows he must help protect him. Love battles bitterness as they flee from the king’s agents, trying to save the boy who could one day deliver their people from captivity.

From Goodreads

Author Information

Discover more information about Tessa Afshar at: tessaafshar.com.

First Line

[Graphic Text]: The Twenty-Ninth Year of King Nebuchadnezzar’s Reign ~ My father tightened his grip on my hand as we hurried past the ziggurat, the golden shrine of Marduk at its top gleaming in the morning sun.

My Review

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.


The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar is Biblical Fiction that reads like a historical novel set during the time of Israel’s captivity in Babylon.

I loved this book. The author’s writing pulled me into the story with its elegant description and emotional depth. I felt transported to ancient Babylonia and fell in love with the characters.

Speaking of characters, my name is Danielle and Daniel has long been one of my favorite people in the Bible. I knew the story took place when he lived, but I didn’t anticipate just how much he appeared on the page. It was wonderful and brought him to life. For that reason alone, I enjoyed this story.

But the two main characters. My heart was wrapped up with them, rooting for them, hurting with them. And Jared. Wow. I could relate with him so much. Keren, the primary character, was amazing as well. I could picture her spunk and loved that she was a scribe in a time when it wasn’t as common a position for a woman to hold. The beginning, when she first arrived at Daniel’s house was perfection. Not only did it draw me into the story and make me love Keren, I could totally relate to her in that moment and knew I wouldn’t be able to put the story down.

If you love historical romance with a thread of intrigue, then definitely pick up a copy of The Hidden Prince. The author doesn’t shy away from the hardships of that time in history. Wrapped around the hardships are spiritual truths and the emotional depth so that history comes to life in that way unique to this author. And this is why I love her books.

Retail Links

*as an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases

*Amazon | BN.com | Indiebound
Goodreads | BookBub

Now it’s your turn.
Pull out the book beside you and leave a comment with the first line.

First Line Friday is hosted by Reading is my Super Power.


6 thoughts on “The Hidden Prince

  1. My book this week is Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham:
    Prologue
    Dear readers,
    This is a cautionary tale.
    A tale of family, literary classics, podiatry, matchmaking, Shakespeare, and distance.

  2. Happy Friday!
    I’m just starting Tomorrow’s Steadfast Prayer by Naomi Rawlings.
    “What do you mean you couldn’t get inside the camp?”
    I hope you have an excellent weekend. Happy reading! 😀❤️📚

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