Rating:  Summary: An entertaining & illuminating read, even for non-Christians Review: My sister, whose taste in modern literature I respect immensely, recommended this series to me, which came as something of a surprise since I am a non-Christian and she is at best only marginally so. The basis of her recommendation was actually our mutual attraction to the horror genre; it may be interesting to non-Christians wondering about this series that she regarded it in this light.Unfortunately, the weakness of the series is the rather sophomoric writing style - choppy sentences, lack of metaphor or evocation, flat dialogue, simplistic characterization, little unexpected intrigue. However, what it lacks in style it makes up for in plot; spanning the scope of years and over a large geography, its palette comprises (at least to this untrained-in-Biblical-prophecy reader) the creepy, dramatic, and global manifestations of the end days (albeit fictionalized) as apocalyptic Christians believe it to be specified in the book of Revelation. This makes it a fun read and a wild ride. However, what most attracts me to this series is that it actually represents the beliefs of millions of Christians in North America, and this makes it something of a work of anthropological note instead of just purely fiction. The authors are clearly evangelizing to their audience, and familiarize the reader with the tenets of faith of those who believe in this end-of-days scenario in an easy to digest format. Did reading these books convert me? Well no; not even close. But it did engender some critical thinking on my part as to why exactly I do not believe these things, while simultaneously providing me a deeper understanding and respect for those who do.
Rating:  Summary: left behind after the rapture Review: i think this book is awesome and i have read only the ones from the series from books left behind,tribulation force,nicolae.the indwelling, soul harvest and some of the others that are missing so it got me so interested i loved it and it kept me so busy with it that i wouldn't be bothered for 5 minutes and i rate these books 5 star rating the best well lets keep reading see what happens to the people who survives
Rating:  Summary: Entertaining but a bit over the top.... Review: First let me say that I do enjoy this series so far. It is very entertaining and provides a good "modern" interpretation of The Holy Bible and the Book of Revelation in particular. These books are quick reads and the story flows very well. My only problem with the series is that the authors cleary use these books to preach their beliefs. While I probably should have expected it, it was never the less dissapointing. That in it self would not be that bad, except for the fact that they write situations and events into the story (that, in some cases, provide nothing and take a way from the story as a whole) that simply do not reflect real life(like one of the main couples that get together in the story, one is a 20 year old college student, the other a 30 year old international writer, both virgins....I'm sure it happens every day). The authors make their views clear on things like pre-marital sex, abortion, and others and also appear very condescending toward other religious faiths and belief systems. I consider myself a very spiritual Christian who shares many of their beliefs but finds myself disturbed by what I perceive as their attitude toward other ways of thinking. I KNOW THAT THAT IS THE POINT BEHIND THESE BOOKS. My point is that the story suffers because of the authors attempt at preaching to the reader. I've met, know, and am friends with many people who share the same beliefs as those "True Christians" in these books, are very active in their respective churches, and take their Bible study very seriously, and truthfully, a small portion of them are some of the worst people I know. My point to the authors is that if God would accept into Heavan, those who trully accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and believe in his forgiveness, but abandon say, a Zulu cheiftan who had never heard the name Jesus before but is an unbelievable human being who helps his fellow man and leads a blessed life.......I don't know if I want to be in that Heavan.
Rating:  Summary: OK Review: We feel the Left Behind was good, but each book after were less and less. We were very disappointed. Then we found Cary Bybee collection of books The Last Gentile, Deacons Horn and The Final Witness they are excellent the best trilogy I have ever read. #5 all the way.
Rating:  Summary: If you enjoyed Left Behind . . . Review: If you enjoy Left Behind, I would strongly second what so many other reveiwers have already said and suggest The Christ Clone novels and We All Fall Down by Brian Caldwell. Both are similar to Left Behind but vastly different in aproach. I read them while waiting for the eleventh Left Behind and, while I love that series, found them to be just as good, and possibly better.
Rating:  Summary: Not a perfect series but better than some give it credit for Review: So far, I've read all eleven Left Behind novels, and while they are not perfect, I think that some people don't give it enough credit because of unfair comparisons. People often point to We All Fall Down and The Christ Clone trilogy as better novels, and in a way, they are, but they are also very different. Left Behind seems to be more of an introduction to the subject of the End Times, a series that is reaching out to all people of different ages. It's not particularly well written, but it is clear and straightforward. The characters are not particularly realistic or interesting, but these are not character studies, these are novels that are trying to give people an overview of this concept, and they do that quite well. To compare these to other novels with similar themes is a little bit unfair. We All Fall Down is much better written and more intelligent, but the focus of that novel is much more intensley spiritual and more of a character study that uses the End Times as a backdrop to explore complex issues of evil and salvation. It is for more mature, serious readers and it's aim is very different from Left Behind. Likewise, The Christ Clone is more of a techno-thriller, interested in exploring how, realistically the End Times could arive. I will admit that I enjoyed these other books more than Left Behind, but that does not take away from the fact that Left Behind still does a decent job with the subject. They are not great novels, but they are nowhere near as bad as some people are saying.
Rating:  Summary: There's better out there. Review: I decided to read the Left Behind series concurrently with the Harry Potter series. "In all that is fair, balance that which is opposite and settle on a theory." Interestingly, I felt more joy and warmth after each of the Harry books. The authors of Left Behind seemed to direct the reader along a "fear" course. I read for enjoyment, mostly, and while both series are clearly targeting the 8 to 16 year-old audience, it quickly became apparent to me that a journey with a budding wizard is infinitely more satisfying to an adult than a flawed downward spiral of a "trip" with the chosen few.
Rating:  Summary: Reading for pleasure, that's all. Review: LaHaye and Jenkins have chosen a divine source for their series. With the choice came a HUGE responsibility with regard to how public perception of this interpretation could shape readers' views on Christianity. While religion is generally an important factor in most people's lives, it's not the only one that deserves attention. Getting involved with this series not only challenges the reader to consider their religious beliefs on a more comprehensive level, but it also demands that consideration be allowed for how differently the same text can be relayed via the mind of an author. If you choose to follow these books, please remember that they are BOOKS, not the Bible, or for that matter, anything remotely deserving of absolute faith. Read for pleasure, and think for yourself.
Rating:  Summary: The Tribulation of The Beginning of The End Review: In the first volume of the book series "Left Behind," integrates the beginning of the end of the world. Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins take us through an adventure through the earth's last days and an almighty Tribulation set up by a character named Buck Williams, and the main character Rayford Steele. Rayford Steele is an autopilot who in the story is on a 747 autopilot cruising above the Atlantic en route to a 6 A.M. landing at Heathrow. Buck Williams on the other hand is a spontanious writer and journalist, a newshound for news. It all started with Buck's interview with a character named Rosenzweig and his attempt and determination to make Israel the richest nation on Earth, and to ultimately transfer the entire world's currencey to one type. Chaim Rosenzweig was honored throughout the world, global leaders sought him out, and he was protected by security systems. This is what evidently began the beginning of the end. Very slowly things began to change, and the Tribulation began. Over all I thought this particular book was my kind of reading material. I have always been interested in this sort of stuff. I thought the way the two authors dictated Rayford and his decisions were very direct and to the point of how things end up in the end with him and his daughter being left alone in a world of shame and doubt, living in fear and neglect. Somehow, Buck Williams and Rayford Steele start up a Tribulation against Chaim Rosenzweig, the directed antichrist. In conclusion, I absolutely loved this book, it was a great, quick read.
Rating:  Summary: The Tirbulation of The Earths Last Days Review: In the first volume of the book Left Behind,the main character is Rayford Steele whom is a flight pilot, begins a 747 enroute on night on it's way to Europe. Devastating to know that randomly people start to disappear without a trace and leaving behind nothing but their clothing and jewlery possessions. Not to mention all of the inocent children were gone as well without a trace. Nobody knew what to make of the incident. Worldwide on the radio stations were missing people. People driving cars disappeared and nationwide was chaos and misunderstanding. Loved ones wept in fear and doubt. Soon they came to the realization of the fact that the Earth was comming to an end. The Tribulation was near. The chaos behind
|