Introducing Solomon and his world

The events in the novel take place a very long time ago - 978 BCE or thereabouts. A world in which donkeys and camels were the main means of transport. Journeys could take weeks if not months, and kings became the stuff of legends. A world where boys and girls didn’t mix socially - but somehow Solomon didn’t quite conform to that rule.

Here are some of the main characters in Solomon’s life.

King David - Solomon’s father

King David rules over the ancient lands of Judah and Israel. He’s built a grand palace in his capital Jerusalem and lives there with his many wives and children. He’s well known for fighting and defeating the great giant - Goliath.

Bathsheba - Solomon’s mother

Solomon lives with his mother in a white-washed, mud brick house in the palace compound. She knows how hard it is to get the king’s attention when there are so many princes and princesses around. Solomon needs to blow his own trumpet - and get noticed.

Zadok - Solomon’s friend

Zadok is an apprentice priest who has also taken a sacred vow. He does not cut his hair, does not drink wine and never touches the dead. To be honest, he doesn’t think much of Solomon at first, but there’s nothing like demons to bring a prince and a priest together.

Zipporah - Solomon’s friend

Zipporah is the only swordsgirl in Judah and Israel and takes her military training with Solomon very seriously. She knows she’s a soldier deep down and will do whatever it takes to protect her friend.

Avital - Solomon’s friend

Avital works in the palace kitchens and loves maths almost as much as she loves Solomon. When it comes to calculating the risks he faces, the odds don’t look good. He really will need her help.

Mrs Rimonim

Mrs Rimonim is Avital’s mother and also works in the palace kitchens. She can produce pilafs and ma’amoul fit for kings, soldiers and camels. If any demon dares to take her on - they’ll face her rolling pin.

Asmodeus - the demon king

You really don’t want to meet Asmodeus - he’s serious trouble. Look out Solomon and Zadok!

Ezra - the hoopoe

It’s not every day that a bird talks, but when he does he’s got a lot to say. Indeed, he might just provide Solomon with the best advice he can get.