Hisdadukh is a Jewish sorceress who is continuing to expand her knowledge of the magical world. She is newly widowed but wants to attract the attention of Rava, a former suitor who is also a learned scholar and a master of the secret Torah. Will Hisdadukh and Rava learn to work together in order to defeat an evil sorceress?
ENCHANTRESS is the second book in the Rav Hisda's Daughter's series but can easily be read as a standalone. Events from the first book are referenced but Maggie Anton does a great job at giving the reader enough information to jump straight into ENCHANTRESS. A timeline of historical events, a list of characters, and a glossary of Jewish words are also included to help the readers fully immerse themselvs into Maggie Anton's world.
ENCHANTRESS delves into Jewish lore as we learn of the Evil Eye, demons, and the undercurrents of magic that permeate the culture. Maggie Anton meticulously documents the daily living such a woman as Hisdadukh would experience as we learn about a side of Jewish history not often depicted. However, the minutiae can be a bit overwhelming at the time for someone not as knowledgeable about this time period. Some of the detailed conversations about how to rule in a court based on the Talmud are informative but somewhat detract from the overall storyline. Readers interested in learning more about the history of magic in the Jewish world will appreciate ENCHANTRESS, however, as Maggie Anton's depictions of the daily life and customs of the time are outstanding.
Fantastic tales of demons and the Evil Eye, magical
incantations, and powerful attractions abound in
Enchantress, a novel that weaves together Talmudic lore,
ancient Jewish magic, and a timeless love story set in
fourth-century Babylonia.
One of the most powerful practitioner of these mysterious
arts is Rav Hisdaβs daughter, whose innate awareness allows
her to possess the skills men lack. With her husband,
Rava--whose arcane knowledge of the secret Torah enables him
to create a βmanβ out of earth and to resurrect another
rabbi from death--the two brave an evil sorceress, Ashmedai
the Demon King, and even the Angel of Death in their quest
to safeguard their people, even while putting their romance
at risk.
The author of the acclaimed Rashiβs Daughters series and the
award-winning Rav Hisdaβs Daughter: Apprentice has conjured
literary magic in the land where βabracadabraβ originated.
Based on five years of research and populated with
characters from the Talmud, Enchantress brings a pivotal era
of Jewish and Christian history to life from the perspective
of a courageous and passionate woman.
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