Introduction

Her name is legend. Her story, the epic of nations. The Queen of Sheba. A powerful new novel of love, power, and the questions at the heart of existence by the author of the award-winning “brilliant” (Library Journal) and “masterful” (Publishers Weekly) Iscariot.

There is the story you know: A foreign queen, journeying north with a caravan of riches to pay tribute to a king favored by the One God. The tale of a queen conquered by a king and god both before returning to her own land laden with gifts.

That is the tale you were meant to believe.

Which means most of it is a lie.

The truth is far more than even the storytellers could conjure. The riches more priceless. The secrets more corrosive. The love and betrayal more passionate and devastating.

Across the Red Sea, the pillars of the great oval temple once bore my name: Bilqis, Daughter of the Moon. Here, to the west, the porticoes knew another: Makeda, Woman of Fire. To the Israelites, I was queen of the spice lands, which they called Sheba.

In the tenth century BC, the new Queen of Sheba has inherited her father’s throne and all its riches at great personal cost. Her realm stretches west across the Red Sea into land wealthy in gold, frankincense, and spices. But now new alliances to the North threaten the trade routes that are the lifeblood of her nation. Solomon, the brash new king of Israel famous for his wealth and wisdom, will not be denied the tribute of the world—or of Sheba’s queen. With tensions ready to erupt within her own borders and the future of her nation at stake, the one woman who can match wits with Solomon undertakes the journey of a lifetime in a daring bid to test and win the king. But neither ruler has anticipated the clash of agendas, gods, and passion that threatens to ignite—and ruin—them both. An explosive retelling of the legendary king and queen and the nations that shaped history.

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Excerpt

ONE

My mother, Ismeni, was born under the glimmer of the Dog Star, when men become disoriented by its light. They said she enchanted my father, that he made her his consort with a clouded mind. No king would choose a wife from his own tribe when he could strengthen alliance with another. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

What was your perception of the Queen of Sheba before starting this book, and has it changed since finishing it?

What was your perception of King Solomon before starting this book, and how has it changed?

An over-arching theme of The Legend of Sheba is the question of identity--of who we are when names and labels are stripped away. Do you believe it is possible to discover ourselves independently of them?

Another theme of The Legend of Sheba is the idea of rising up--from personal tragedy, abuse, or other challenges. What is your rising up story?

What was Bilqis' greatest personal trait? Solomon's most tragic flaw?

Did you read the Author's Note? How did it shed light on some of the decisions made by the author in telling this story for you, and what new questions does this information pose in your mind?

Did you read the free eBook, Ismeni: A Prelude to The Legend of Sheba? How did this short story prequel inform aspects of this novel?

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