Iscariot by Tosca Lee

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Pages: Soft Cover

Publisher: Howard Books

Jags: 8

Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve of Jesus’s disciples and the most infamous traitors of all time, was never the person we thought we knew. Tosca Lee takes us on a journey from the perspective of the only man Jesus called friend.

Judas was a scholar of the law, a learned man among the people of Israel. From the very beginning of Judas life, biblical law and prophecy surrounded him. His father and older brother were strong opponents to Roman occupation of the holy land, which influenced Judas greatly, and in doing so, paved the way for him to meet his future Teacher, Messiah, and Lord.

Tosca Lee has woven a beautifully written story about one of the most famous religious icons in history-a mesmerizing tale that gives a brief glimpse into the world of Jesus Christ and the man who would betray him. This book will make you rethink the story of Christ and how innocence and the need to do what’s right can sometimes be confused.

The Jag Review has received a free copy of this book from Howard Books for our honest review. The opinions expressed are our own.

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: Paper Back 

Publisher:  Simon and Schuster

Reviewer:   Virginia Armstrong

6 Jags

Mouse is the best thief in all of Jerusalem.  It is with his help that Nissa, a young Jewish woman, is able to keep a roof over her family’s heads and food on the table.  Shouldering the responsibility for her blind brother and negligible parent’s, Nissa has gained a sharp tongue and fighting spirit.

Longinus is a Roman Centurion in the Judean Providence, haunted by the death of his best friend and desperate to avenge him.  Staking the precious sword that once belonged to his father, he must find the thieves that are causing havoc in the marketplace.

As Longinus seeks Mouse, and Nissa tries to conceal him, a mysterious stranger comes to town with the ability to miraculously heal the people.  It is during this time that Nissa and Longinus are pulled together unexpectedly, and thrown into the spiral of events that lead to the mysterious stranger’s arrest, trial and crucifixion.  

The Thief started out very well.  Mouse and Nissa were especially lively and engaging characters, keeping the reader wanting more of them.  Once Jesus made an appearance, the story veered too far for this reader.  Perhaps being all too familiar with the stories of the bible, I already had a mental picture of certain characters imagined and revisiting it through the eyes of another did not sit well for me.  For this reader, the merging of biblical and fictional characters did not merge as well as I would anticipate.  As for style, the author definitely has a flair for writing.  Her characters are lively and engaging, keeping the reader wanting more.

The Jag Review has received this copy of this book from Howard Books for our honest review. The opinions expressed are our own. 

Vampire Vow by Michael Schiefelbein

Excellent writing and fresh approach to the vampire myth, Vampire Vow has a poor story line. This dark tale is about Victor Decimus, a former Roman official turned vampire, who stalks the followers of the Christian faith because he was rejected by Jesus Christ. Forever to quench his blood lust, he allies himself the perfect cover by pretending to be a monk of the Catholic Church spanning 2 millennium.


Reads like soft porn and a B-rated movie. Horrible book, don’t waste your time purchasing, new or used. I suggest if you are a fan of occult fiction, steal it from a friend, or wait till someone throws it out with the trash.

Won’t even dignify a JAG rating.