Iscariot: A Novel of Judas

(Paperback)

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Based on extensive research into the life and times of Judas Iscariot, this triumph of fiction storytelling by the author of Havah: The Story of Eve revisits one of biblical historys most maligned figures and brings the world he inhabited vividly to life.

In Jesus, Judas believes he has found the Onethe promised Messiah and future king of the Jews, destined to overthrow Roman rule. Galvanized, he joins Nazarenes followers, ready to enact the change he has waited for all his life. But soon Judass vision of a nation free from Rome is crushed by the inexplicable actions of Nazarene himself, who will not bow to social or religious conventionand seems, in the end, to even turn against his own people. At last, Judas confronts the fact that the master he loves is not the liberator he hoped for, but a man bent on a drastically different agenda.

Praised as an absolute must-read (New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker), Iscariot is the story of Judas, from his tumultuous childhood to his emergence as the man who betrayed Jesus. But even more, it is a singular and surprising view into the life of Jesus that forces us to reexamine everything we thought we knew about the most famousand infamousreligious icons in history.

Reviews

Iscariot is one of those rare novels that makes you go deep and come out both crying and cheering at once. If you think you know Jesus or Judas, think again. Through meticulous detail and powerful prose, Tosca Lee brings the world a story that will reshape the hearts and minds of many. An absolute must-read. -- Ted Dekker, New York Times bestselling author
Tosca Lee refuses to let biblical stories turn into stale tales without any current meaning. As she did so brilliantly with Demon and Havah, she brings familiar characters to life in wholly new ways. In Iscariot, we identify all too easily with Judas struggles, hopes, and frustrations. Rich in research and powerful in the telling, I couldnt read this book and simply point the finger without first coming to grips with the human frailties in my own heart and mind. -- Eric Wilson, New York Times bestselling author
A work that devours you with its first words. Lees skills as a researcher and wordsmith have illuminated Judas in a light never seen before. Gone is the simple one-dimensional character who acts as a foil in the crucifixion narrative. In Iscariot we have an extraordinary man whose dreams, hopes, and fears drive him to the precipice of his life. Brilliant writing. -- Dr. Joe Cathey, professor of Old Testament at Dallas Baptist University
Few writers are able to fully engage the imagination on such a visceral level. Fewer still can take on a character laden with heavy preconceived notions and fully change the reader's mind. Tosca Lee stands head and shoulders above crowds of writers and, with a deft hand and a passionate spirit, grants us a beautiful glimpse into an age old story in a completely new way. Dont miss this book. This journey will peel away the layers of all you know and leave you open, longing, and overwhelmed with Gods incredible love for us. -- Lori Twitchell, FictionAddict
Tosca Lee is a magnificent storyteller. She has the heart of a poet, the mind of the scholar, and the imagination of a novelist. The three have melded here in harmony to produce a thought-provoking, comfort-disrupting, and heart-rattling tale of historys most famous betrayer. But beyond that, Iscariot also forces readers to look at Jesus in a new light and consider whether or not they have truly understood the message of the kingdom. Iscariot is one of those books that will not soon, if ever, leave your mind. -- Josh Olds, Life is Story
A startlingly dark and breathtaking novel. Iscariot is both visionary in scope and historically accurate down to the most minute detailwhich is an astonishing feat. This is epic, masterful storytelling from one of the most gifted novelists writing today. -- Steven James, bestselling author of Placebo
Have you ever been lucky enough to snag a backstage pass, that special ticket that grants you an exclusive peek into the life of a famous person. This book is your backstage pass to one of the most reviled figures in the history of Christianity. Most Christians have been taught that Judas = evil. Weve branded his name. In her compelling page-turner Iscariot, Tosca Lee asks what if What if Judas was actually a little more like you and me What if his story was not as black and white as weve been told What if, like us, family history, youthful idealism and unintended consequences conspired to make him appear to be something he wasnt What if you could see yourself in Judas -- Jim Henderson, author Jim and Casper Go to Church and The Resignation of Eve
In Iscariot, New York Times bestselling novelist, Tosca Lee, takes readers into the heart and mind of Judas, the man whose very name is synonymous with traitor. What led this man to betray Jesus Seen in the light of his expectations and the culture of his day, Judass motives take on new clarity. What did Jesus look like to a man who desperately sought a messiah The answer might surprise you. Edgy, inspirational, this story is stark in its honesty. One cannot look into the heart of a traitor without coming away praying that we will learn from his choices. -- Jill Eileen Smith, bestselling author the Wives of King David series
What kind of man would do what Judas Iscariot did Tosca Lee takes us straight into the scarred heart and haunted soul of the infamous betrayer, giving him a literary voice that echoes with the horrible weight of his solitary decision. Utterly compelling. -- Susan Meissner, award-winning author of The Shape of Mercy
This book is intended for anyone who has asked themselves the question, Why did Judas do it How could he have been so close to the Savior for so long, and then turn against him Tosca Lees novel is both insightful and extremely well crafted. The historical details bring the time of Jesus to life in a remarkable fashion. -- Davis Bunn, bestselling author of Hidden in Dreams
Tosca Lees Iscariot is a beautiful example of what literary excellence should be. With perfect prose, the story sweeps us back into the days of walking with Jesus, and changes the reader by the end of the book. This is one book that shouldnt be missed! -- Robin Caroll, author of the Justice Seekers series
Its a rare author that I will read everything they write. Tosca Lee is one of them. With Iscariot she has cemented my view that there are few better novelists currently among us. Iscariot will rocket you into the vastness of who Jesus us. His compassion, his fierceness, his loveall through the eyes of a man few have seen through before. Brilliant. Poignant. Heart-wrenching. Read it now. -- James L. Rubart, bestselling author of Souls Gate
Written in a voice that is original, animated, and refreshing, Tosca Lee has forged a poignant tale of Judas, a character we only thought we knew. History and emotion entangle into an entertaining nugget, each page like a tasty treat. -- Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Kings Deception
No one gets inside the heads and minds of historical figures as intimately and convincingly as Tosca Lee does. In Iscariot, she tackles her most challenging enigma: Judas Iscariot, betrayer of Jesus. Through brilliant writing, deep research, and sincere compassion, she spins a tale of twisting emotions, conflicting loyalties, and heart aching humanity. This mesmerizing story will have you rethinking the Biblical account you thought you knewand your own attitudes about what it means to love, truly love. In a word, Iscariot is unforgettable! -- Robert Liparulo, author of The 13th Tribe, The Judgment Stone, and Comes a Horseman
Tosca Lees brilliant storytelling is addictive. Iscariot brings a thrilling new perspective to Judas and the most infamous act of betrayal in history. The question, What would you have done haunts, convicts and challenges us throughout this masterful tale. -- Ken Coleman, talk radio host of The Ken Coleman Show and author of One Question
Tosca Lees take on the most notorious figure in history is at once highly imaginative and deeply moving. Weaving historical detail, human drama and spiritual insight, Iscariot will hold you all the way to its shattering conclusion. -- James Scott Bell, bestselling author of One More Lie
Tosca Lee continues to mature and deepen as a master story-teller. Iscariot is the best example of this to date. I can hardly wait for what is coming! -- William P. Young, New York Times bestselling author of The Shack
Iscariot is at turns heart wrenching and triumphant. Weaving painstaking research and beautiful prose, Tosca Lee tells a story that will make you question everything you thought you knew about the man who betrayed Jesus with a kissand about yourself. -- Nicole Baart, author of Far From Here and Sleeping in Eden
"The research and writing is impeccable and masterful." * Publisher's Weekly *
"Intelligently imagined." * Kirkus Reviews *
To call the writing excellent is a severe understatementphenomenal might come close, but even that is not quite strong enough. . . . Its complex, inventive, beautiful, heart-wrenching, and a multitude of other positive adjectives all which speak of a well-written, inspiring novel. * The Christian Manifesto *
"This brilliant, sympathetic reinterpretation of Judas will force readers to reexamine the man they thought they knew." * Library Journal *

Author Bio

Tosca Lee is the award-winningNew York Timesbestselling author ofThe Progeny,Firstborn,Iscariot,The Legend of Sheba,Demon: A Memoir,Havah: The Story of Eve, and the Books of Mortals series withNew York Timesbestseller Ted Dekker. Shereceived her BA in English and International Relations from Smith College. A lifelong adventure traveler, Tosca makes her home in the Midwest with her husband and children.