
![]()
The Books of Mortals.
Three novels. Two authors.
One last chance for humanity.
Many years have passed since civilization’s brush with apocalypse. The world’s greatest threats have all been silenced. There is no anger, no hatred, no war. There is only perfect peace… and fear.
But a terrible secret has been closely guarded for centuries: every single soul walking the earth, though in appearance totally normal, is actually dead, long ago genetically stripped of true humanity.
Fleeing pursuit, with only moments to live, a young man named Rom stumbles into possession of a vial of blood and a cryptic vellum. When consumed, the blood will bring him back to life; when decoded, the message will lead him on a perilous journey that will require him to abandon everything he has ever known and awaken humanity to the transforming power of true life and love.
But the blood will also resurrect hatred, ambition and greed at terrible risk.
Set in a terrifying, medieval future, where grim pageantry masks death, this tale of passionate love and dark desires from master storytellers Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee peels back the layers of the heart for all who dare take the journey.
![]()
“True-blue Dekker, with mammoth twists and head-pounding turns that will have readers debating the roles of emotion and logic that drive human existence.
- Publisher’s Weekly
“As a longtime Dekker reader, can I just say one thing: IT’S ABOUT TIME! Fans of The Circle will squeal in delight as they see Dekker return to his earlier roots of fantasy and the darkly spectacular in Forbidden, but Lee’s fans will glory in the beautiful prose and innate elegance that is completely Tosca. Combined, they have crafted plainly a powerful story with compelling characters. Absolutely stunning! The characters are so well developed, the pacing breathtaking, and the storyline so utterly satisfying that I am in tears that its sequel, Mortal, is not yet available. I just have one thing to say after reading Forbidden—it’s good to be ALIVE!”
- Ronie Kendig, bestselling author
“The combined writing styles of Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee equal one thing: Epic Perfection. Thrilling, heart-wrenching, and emotionally-packed, Forbidden is a rollercoaster of dark alleys, secret passages, and the exposure of the dark side of humanity. Definitely a must-read!”
-Robin Caroll, bestselling author
“Wow! What a story!! If you enjoyed The Circle series you will LOVE this! A rich story full of unexpected twists, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat!”
– Ginger G.
“Circle fans, get ready, the wait is over. No, this isn’t a continuation. But Forbidden: The Books of Mortals rocks with same level of intensity and brilliance as the Circle Series. Riveting, resounding, and a magnificent blend of Dekker’s and Lee’s styles. I devoured Forbidden.” – James L. Rubart, bestselling author
“Forbidden far exceeded my expectations, and, having read all of Ted’s books, as well as Tosca’s, those expectations were pretty high. As far as I’m concerned, Forbidden rivals The Circle Series in quality. And, for me, that’s about as high praise as I can give.”
– Jennifer G.
“Forbidden tugs at the heart and rends the soul and takes the reader to the brink of the greatest emotion of all—Love. With rich layers of meaning wrapped around the core of an explosive plot FORBIDDEN is how Story is meant to be written.”
- Josh O.
“Like The Circle Series, The Books of Mortals leaves you hungry for truth, beauty and love. Forbidden ignites the heart with a burning desire to live, fully alive.”
– Ariel M.
“Never did I imagine that I could ever love a book as I did Ted Dekker’s Books of History Chronicles. I have now experienced it. Ted and Tosca are a force to behold. Thank you, Ted and Tosca, I am forever indebted to you both, yet again.
– Sara Jane R.
“What happens when you combine the mind-blowing twists and turns of a Dekker novel with the beautiful prose of Tosca Lee? A heart-rending and personal view into the captivating wonder and terrifying consequences of mortality. A wild ride unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Forbidden is Ted and Tosca on the top of their game, redefining the novel one page at a time.”
- Marti F.
“One of the most amazing, beautiful, heartbreaking novels I have ever read! I am in deep awe of this story. Ted and Tosca have brought this world What an amazing story we knew about being mortal.” - Evan M.
“This book it grips your soul and sends you reeling! It captured my soul the way so many of Ted’s books do but this one felt like none other.”
- Erynn V.
“Forbidden is a breath-taking and heart-wrenching masterpiece that is sure to become a favorite among readers” – Amber M.
“You won’t be sorry you picked up this book! It is a truly amazing tale of love and life as only Ted and Tosca can tell!”
- Erica H.
“The Books of Mortals now holds a special place in my heart next to The Circle Series. Ted and Tosca have brought this world a story that will rock everything we knew about being mortal.”
-Joey K.
“My mind and heart are still reeling. What an amazing story!”
– Amy Z.
“Forbidden exceeded all my expectations. Wow, the new world that Ted and Tosca created is truly amazing. Yep, the Circle will become Mortals.”
– Brandon M.
“Ted and Tosca have delivered a truly unique thriller. This is a different breed of co-authorship, seamless in its storytelling. Thank you, Ted and Tosca, for delivering such a powerful story!”
– Lindsay B.
“Where is the next book? What do you mean I have to wait a year to read it??”
-Chris J.
“Subtle, beautiful, and many times ingenious. Reminiscent of the Circle, with a writing style that reminded me a bit of Obsessed.”
– Luke L.
“Full of twists, turns and surprises. Circle fans will love this book, this trilogy. I was disappointed only because I have to wait for a year to read the second book. I want it now!”
- Robert S.
“WOW!!! This was by far the best book I have read to date. Ted and Tosca are both great authors in their own right, but when you put these two minds together, it makes for an awesome experience. I cannot wait for the remainder of this series to release.”
- Nathan R.
“Forbidden is one of the best books I’ve read. I don’t think it could’ve been written any better. All ten thumbs up!”
- Matthew L.
“Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee come together and bring you a series that is sure to be a masterpiece. If you’ve allowed your senses to grow dull with time then drink deep and taste the flavor of life in what promises to be an epic series.”
- Cody H.
“A masterpiece. This book is the best I have ever found myself reading! It pulls you in and captures your heart. You won’t be the same.”
- Taylor t.
“Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee have created an incredible new world. The breadth and depth of this story will make you weep, cheer, and jump for joy at the characters’ transformations. Be bold. Take the journey.”
- Hope B.
“Astonishing symbolism…breathtaking realism…much like The Circle Series, Forbidden tells the redemption story with the startling reality that we are not far from a fear based society such as this.”
— Dineen Miller, bestselling author