Rating: Summary: disappointing Review: I've been listening to these books on CD at work and I've been waiting for the real action. And so far this is the biggest disappointment. This book is read on 10 CD's. I am almost throught the 8th CD and I still haven't reached the cosmic battle. How can you call the book Armegeddon and spend more then 80% on stupid Chloe and filling up space? And I can tell that they wanted to make sure the book didn't seem sexist or racist. Bubut why do the some of women in the story seem annoying like Chloe and Leah? I've read other books with strong women heroines and they just seem strong and able to take care of theirselves. Not annoying and snappy. The writing is just terrible. Does there have to be a history given for every character introduced into the story? And it's a shame that I've read other reviews that say this is the best, most exciting book in the series. If this represents the best of the series the whole series barely deserves 1 star.
Rating: Summary: A Book Recommendation for "Left Behind" Readers Review: As a minister, I am always enthusiastic when I recommend (from the pulpit or anywhere else) the wonderful series of "Left Behind" books, which of course focus on the last book of the Bible, Revelation as its text. For all of us who appreciate these books, I recommend an excellent book about the first book of the Old Testament. Dennis Shulman's "Genius of Genesis" is a reverent and beautifully-written description of the glory of the Book of Genesis; and was an excellent text for our church's spring book discussion circle. If you want to truly understand the Bible, from its last words to its first, read the "Left Behind" books and "The Genius of Genesis."
Rating: Summary: OK, Listen, I won't steer you wrong Review: Most who like the Left Behind series will like this. That's not a good gauge of this book. I like the Left Behind series too, but let's face it... it's not the VERY BEST WRITING YOU'VE EVER READ. It's ok. It pleases us Christians. We love seeing sales of Christian fiction hit the New York Times lists where it must really steam those editors there. But I would tell you straight if I didn't like it. Here's an example... Books 2 through 10 were s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g this series FAR too much. Admit it! This would be better as 3 or 4 books! And some books really felt like filler books. We have to admit that if we are going to be listened to as reviewers of books within this series. Having said that... This was BY FAR the best book. Best written and most compelling. Many folks will downgrade these books because they are post-trib, post-mill non-rapture theology people. Yet, even if they read this book (they probably won't), they would say the story is the best-written to date and it is gripping... and let me tell you. So far, books 1 through 10 had cliffhanging endings that were not REALLY all that grabbing.... but this one... OH WOW I was stunned in the last few pages. Listen, THIS BOOK'S ENDING (and an incredible scene in the middle with a guillotine) WILL KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF!!! (Even Dr. Sock's sock for you Supergeddon fans! (Of which I'm also one.))
Rating: Summary: incredibly compelling despite flaws Review: Book 11 in the Left Behind series. When I began reading this book, I was a little hazy on what had happened in the previous books. I still remembered the major events, but some minor events of importance I was lost on. I didn't remember a couple of the characters (ones that had been recently introduced). After 50 pages I remembered what I needed to and the context filled me in on the rest and the story started to really get going. I've noticed complaints about the actions of some characters. The only one who I think acted out of character was Chloe. Her actions at the beginning of the book were both stupid, and I think a little out of character. It served the plot, though, so we can gloss over it. There were some surprises in character action near the end, but these were explained well enough that I don't feel as if they were misplaced. The usual complaints about the series apply to this book. The quality of writing is not that great, I still have problems with naming one of the primary characters "Buck", and much of the books seem to be heavy handed. However, when I'm reading the book I forget all about that and I can't put it down. There is something incredibly compelling about the Left Behind series. Maybe it is seeing God take such a prominent role in a popular novel. Maybe it is just how quickly and easily the series reads, but there is something about it that makes me want to keep reading and gets me involved in the story. Maybe it is God working through these books, if such a thing is possible. The story begins late in the Tribulation. A plague of darkness and pain is on the city of New Babylon, the capitol of the Anti-Christ, Nicolae Carpathia. There are questions of whether or not the Safe House is still safe and Chloe Steele-Williams gets captured by the GC (Global Community) troops. Believers must get out of New Babylon as God's further judgment is coming. As the book progresses, the story jumps several months and the final judgments from Revelation are unleashed. More than one major character is killed in this book, so there is some shakeup going on in the cast of characters. Which ones and in what way I will leave for the reader to find out. I am not blind to the flaws and faults of this series, but as I read the books, the flaws and faults simply do not matter. I won't pretend that these should win awards for the craft of writing, though. I think that one reason why the Left Behind books are so compelling (this one included) is that we get to see one possible interpretation of how the Book of Revelation may play out. I am a Christian, so I do believe that Revelation is true, but I don't claim to have any interpretation of it myself nor do I believe that this is necessarily the correct interpretation. It does help in imagining the End Times, though. The next book is to be the last book, and I am curious as to how Jenkins will write the second coming of Christ (LaHaye is the theologian, Jenkins the author).
Rating: Summary: Alternatives Review: The authors have 'dragged' out the last couple of books and it's very discouraging. They should stick to their earlier trend. However, in spite of this, I am anticipating this new book and will have it in my hands the day it hits the stand. Also, for anybody iterested, The Christ Clone Trilogy series is fantastic and readers of the Left Behind series will love these three books. I had to order them special after I tripped over a old review . They were written over 10 years ago. However, I noticed in BN a few weeks ago, they have been re-released in hard back. I can't recommend them enough. Everybody I have lent them to loved them. Talk about the edge of your seat!!!!!!!
Rating: Summary: Left Behind Review: Blake is a teenager whose parents are christian and he won't commit to it. One day Blake's dad is at the O'Hare airport and his mom went to pick him up. Blake wakes up and see's that his mom has left him a note saying she will be back soon. It has been five hours since she left. Blake turns on the TV and the news is on every channel, saying that "People have been dispearing out of nowhere, planes have been crashing, fires, and many accidents because God is coming back". The things happening to Blake is suspensful.
Rating: Summary: Armageddon Review: "Armageddon" picks up the pace in the "Left Behind" series. The middle books tended to be slow, and this one is full of action. My reaction? To be honest, several parts of the book I had to just put down. As a loyal fan, it made me mad! How could they kill of people now, almost at the end? Then I realized that I was on the edge of my seat. Then, there was the cliffhanger ending. Now we have to wait until Glorious Appearing!
Rating: Summary: Most action yet!! Some good surprises for long time fans. Review: As both authors have taken us on a fictional/non-fictional journey for the past few years that has now spanned 11 books, there was sure to be some slow moments and some harrowing moments that would keep the reader turning pages. Often I though a few of the books were a bit too long, and maybe a couple in the series could have been consolidated to make for a more flowing and cohesive arc. I happy to report that 'Armageddon' delivers very strong story content, much more action and pacing, and quite a few character surprises that leads to the final chapter: Glorious Appearing. It seems that the 7 year tribulation is almost over. With less than a year left to the prophesized return of Jesus, the world has pretty much chosen sides, albeit there are some dissidents that have that one last chance who have yet to take the mark of Carpathia (the antichrist), or accepts the messiah. Leading up to the battle of all battles, Carpathia's iron fist begins to be more prominent....accept his mark, or die. As the beheadings pick up pace, the Lord also quickens his judgments and the world is faced with a few more 'natural' dilemma's. Armageddon picks up pace, and soon the reader is moved ahead 3 months where some of the characters we have come to enjoy meet their fate, often with dire consequences. Some of the majors will not make it all the way to the end. In a chilling moment within the book, Carpathia summons his 10 regional leaders to discuss upcoming battle plans against the rebels. Carpathia finally reveals to them his true nature and his true intent in a very descriptive manner on how he wasn't the 'only' angel around when he became conscious and describes his interactions with the one who calls himself God and his son Jesus, and how they had met once before and have been locked in a struggle for millennia. Carpathia finishes his 'pep-talk' with some supernatural acts, and its surprising how his followers react and respond. The book closes as a cliffhanger as the reader once again is moved forward in time: Carpathia and his forces, an army unlike the world has ever seen before, are at the doors of the Holy City and that of the rebellion stronghold of Petra. Here the remaining undecided world dissidents must make their final choice, as it is only hours away from when Jesus is prophesized to return and deal with Carpathia in the ultimate battle.
Rating: Summary: suspense at times was almost unbearable Review: I am finally coming to the end of this book that was to me one of the most difficult, yet suspenseful books of the whole series so far. I had to keep reminding myself that this was Christian fiction, as it was extremly violent and graphic. I was totally "stunned" to find towards the end of this book that one of the main, original characters of the beginning was killed in the manner that they were. I had cried during these difficult pages, and I am still saddened by the way it was handled. I didn't even see it coming until it was too late. Even then, I kept hoping that this person would be found and rescued by some of the other members of the Trib force, and not until an angel appeared, did I then realize that this person would indeed die. Whew! That over, I am now anxiously waiting to finish the last several pages so that I can begin the final book of the "Glorious Appearing". Gosh, if this book doesn't get you by the throat, then you need to check your pulse to see if you are still among the living.
Rating: Summary: A Little Preachy Review: I have enjoyed the Left Behind series, but I've felt that as the books have progressed the story has turned to more preaching and less story-telling. It is still an easy read, though, and I would recommend the series to anyone.
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