Tosca Lee
Encyclopedia
Tosca Lee is a critically acclaimed American novelist of speculative fiction
. Her sometimes controversial books are best known for their lyrical prose, extensive research, and vivid imagery.
Lee was born on December 1, 1969 in Roanoke
, Virginia
to Sang Moon Lee and Laura Moncrief. Her father, a first-generation Korean who initially entertained dreams of becoming an opera tenor before he went on to establish himself as a leading academic in the area of business management, named her after his favorite Puccini opera, “Tosca
.”
Lee received her B.A. from Smith College
in Northampton
, Massachusetts in English Language and Literature. She also studied International Economics
at Oxford University. While at Smith, Lee wrote her first novel—a story of the Stonehenge
people of Salisbury
plain (unpublished).
Lee’s Havah: The Story of Eve garnered a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, 4.5 stars from Romantic Times and solidified Lee’s reputation for prodigious research and scriptoral interpretation. But Havah brought its own controversy—this time for its sensuality in the portrayal of Eve
’s relationship with Adam
.
In 2010, Lee signed to write a new post-apocalyptic series with New York Times bestseller Ted Dekker
. Forbidden, the first book in the series, debuted September 2011 at #17 on the NY Times Bestseller list.
She has recently finished work on Iscariot, about the infamous betrayer of Christ
.
Speculative fiction
Speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature as well as...
. Her sometimes controversial books are best known for their lyrical prose, extensive research, and vivid imagery.
Lee was born on December 1, 1969 in Roanoke
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is an independent city in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. state of Virginia and is the tenth-largest city in the Commonwealth. It is located in the Roanoke Valley of the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The population within the city limits was 97,032 as of 2010...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
to Sang Moon Lee and Laura Moncrief. Her father, a first-generation Korean who initially entertained dreams of becoming an opera tenor before he went on to establish himself as a leading academic in the area of business management, named her after his favorite Puccini opera, “Tosca
Tosca
Tosca is an opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. It premiered at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome on 14 January 1900...
.”
Lee received her B.A. from Smith College
Smith College
Smith College is a private, independent women's liberal arts college located in Northampton, Massachusetts. It is the largest member of the Seven Sisters...
in Northampton
Northampton
Northampton is a large market town and local government district in the East Midlands region of England. Situated about north-west of London and around south-east of Birmingham, Northampton lies on the River Nene and is the county town of Northamptonshire. The demonym of Northampton is...
, Massachusetts in English Language and Literature. She also studied International Economics
International economics
International economics is concerned with the effects upon economic activity of international differences in productive resources and consumer preferences and the institutions that affect them...
at Oxford University. While at Smith, Lee wrote her first novel—a story of the Stonehenge
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about west of Amesbury and north of Salisbury. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones set within earthworks...
people of Salisbury
Salisbury
Salisbury is a cathedral city in Wiltshire, England and the only city in the county. It is the second largest settlement in the county...
plain (unpublished).
Writing
Lee wrote the book that would become Demon: A Memoir around 2000. It sold in a 2006 multi-book deal after nearly six years of rejection. Despite its nomination for a Christy Award, the release was not without some controversy within the religious market due to the book’s title and fiery cover.Lee’s Havah: The Story of Eve garnered a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, 4.5 stars from Romantic Times and solidified Lee’s reputation for prodigious research and scriptoral interpretation. But Havah brought its own controversy—this time for its sensuality in the portrayal of Eve
Eve
Eve is the first woman created by God in the Book of Genesis.Eve may also refer to:-People:*Eve , a common given name and surname*Eve , American recording artist and actress-Places:...
’s relationship with Adam
Adam
Adam is a figure in the Book of Genesis. According to the creation myth of Abrahamic religions, he is the first human. In the Genesis creation narratives, he was created by Yahweh-Elohim , and the first woman, Eve was formed from his rib...
.
In 2010, Lee signed to write a new post-apocalyptic series with New York Times bestseller Ted Dekker
Ted Dekker
Ted Dekker is a New York Times best-selling Christian author best known for mystery and thriller novels, though he has also made a name for himself among fantasy fans. Early in his career he wrote a number of books that would best be categorized as Religious thrillers...
. Forbidden, the first book in the series, debuted September 2011 at #17 on the NY Times Bestseller list.
She has recently finished work on Iscariot, about the infamous betrayer of Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
.
Recurring themes
Lee is particularly known for creating three-dimensional characters from traditional Biblical archetypes, with themes involving redemption, and the ultimate battle between good and evil.Awards
- 2011 NY Times Bestseller List, Hardcover Fiction, #17 (Forbidden)
- 2009 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Bronze Award Winner (Havah: The Story of Eve)
- 2008 Christy Award Finalist (Demon: A Memoir)
- 2008 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Silver Award Winner (Demon: A Memoir)
Books
- Sovereign (with Ted Dekker), October 2012 from Hachette Book Group
- Mortal (with Ted Dekker), June 2012 from Hachette Book Group
- ForbiddenForbidden (2011 novel)Forbidden is a science fiction fantasy novel by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee, published in September 2011. It is the first book in a trilogy, and will be followed by the novels Mortal and Sovereign in 2013.-Plot:...
(with Ted DekkerTed DekkerTed Dekker is a New York Times best-selling Christian author best known for mystery and thriller novels, though he has also made a name for himself among fantasy fans. Early in his career he wrote a number of books that would best be categorized as Religious thrillers...
), September 2011 from Hachette Book Group - Iscariot (Pending)
- Havah: The Story of Eve NavPress, 2008; Re-released by B&H Publishing 2010
- Demon: A Memoir, 2007 NavPress, 2007; Re-released by B&H Publishing 2010