Tosca Lee's fixtionalized version of the life of Jidas Iscariot is fascinating! Truly one of my most favorite reads by her. It's a gripping tale that I continue to think about to this day.

Very well written and researched fictional posit on the life of Judas and his reason for betraying Jesus, I was really excited when I found out she was working on this. Without a spoiler on Judas' reason here, I will say I thought it fit perfectly well, and actually heard this possible reason put forth about 20-25 years ago by a professor. It fits so well because it allows that Judas was not the one-dimensional villain he's always been portrayed as. He's fully fleshed out and human in this story, and his mounting fear that things are getting out of control and his palpable love for Jesus feel real, and make the reason for his betrayal so believable - and not entirely bad once you understand his reasoning, that he thought he was saving him, and not just evil after all.

I didn't love this book as much as I loved Lee's Havah, the longing and loss in that one broke my heart - I ugly cried at the end of that book, I'm not even going to lie, but it's very good and I recommend it for anyone who loves fictional delving into the lives of people who may have actually existed (faith and proof are two different things), or anyone just looking for a good story. She's also the author of Sheba (yes, the queen of) which is also very good, and she also does an interesting take on Lucifer's perspective in Demon.

I'd like to note that the author writes well about religious themes without ever preaching theology or making obvious conjecture, something which turns me off no matter the subject. We don't know these people, but she brings them so realistically alive (foibles and all), you feel like you do. So if you're turned off by most 'religious' or 'Christian' literature that preaches to the choir and falls flat, this isn't that at all. Lee's fiction moves well between the secular and sacred without turning off either side, it just engrosses you in a really good read.

There has never been a story from Tosca Lee that I have not loved and this one is just as amazing! She takes characters from stories I've known about my whole life and gives me a different view point. Each time I've read one of her biblical books I'm left re-evaluating my own opinions and thoughts. I will always recommend Tosca Lee to all of my friends.

Tosca Lee books always leave me with a feeling I cannot describe. Her books always stick with me for a long while after I'm finished. I get this sensation as though my chest may explode at any moment-- whether it be from tears or happiness. She certainly knows how to tap into the human emotion. Highly recommend.