"Iscariot, a novel" Book Review

Traitor by a kiss, thirty pieces of silver, and a noose. The story of Judas Iscariot seems well known to plenty yet we focus only on the last week of the man's life. Who was this man that was called by Jesus to be one of the twelve disciples? What drove Judas to turn on his master after three years of marvels, wandering, and teaching?

Tosca Lee's “Iscariot” brings to life the infamous disciple of Christ, the man who traded Jesus for the price of a slave: Judas. The tale begins with a Jewish boy who faced persecution, loss of loved ones, and a longing for the prophesied Messiah. Judas's past is not unlike that of many in his time as he clings to the faith of his forefathers and seeks refuge in the Law. We follow his life as he grows from the lost boy into a man grounded in his faith, an intellectual, and a growing family. Whispers begin to grow as a Galilean begins teaching in the temple. Is this man the long awaited Messiah; is he another heretic that will lead to the Jews being punished under the Roman thumb. Judas decides to follow this man called Jesus.

Lee, known for her eloquent spinning of words, has brought another historical character to life. As with her novel “Havah: the story of Eve”, we visit a character that is nearly forgotten except for his specific and obvious role within the life of Christ. This is a refreshing glimpse into the ministry of Christ that does not ignore the fact that Judas was one of the twelve that Jesus gave authority to perform works in His name according to the gospels (Matthew 10).

If you have caught yourself wondering if there is more to the life of Judas Iscariot, wondering what role he played during the three year ministry of Jesus Christ, then pick up a copy of Iscariot that releases February 2013. Tosca Lee brings forth a novel of speculative fiction like no other author I've come across. Do not miss the opportunity to experience the journey of a disciple like you've never read before. Be ready to go on a literary journey that will have you pondering what you truly know about these Biblical figures we so easily gloss over. Who was Judas? And more importantly who was Jesus in Judas's eyes?

Want a sneak peak before reading? Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oot5bI7lDYE