Rating: 
Summary: A Christian Version of Hogan¿s Heroes
Review: This review covers books 1-10 in the Left Behind series . . .Since this is a fiction series I am leaving the argument over Scriptural consistency, interpretation, and/or literalism out of this, and focusing on actual content instead. The Global Community is generally characterized as a worldwide aggregate of bumbling fools (a la the Germans in Hogan's Heroes) who are always outwitted by the Tribulation Force (Hogan and the gang). I can't even count how many times a Trib Force member talked his/her way past a checkpoint, acquired this or that vehicle, landed or took off from a GC-controlled airstrip, escaped traps, or rescued a prisoner. Maybe the authors attribute this to the providential hand of God, but after a few times there was no suspense left as each new difficult situation came up and was overcome. Well, with the theme of "We win," it would be difficult for anyone to write much suspense into the plot. The truly interesting reading came with each new trumpet or plague sent upon the earth. But in-between each new catastrophe, time dragged. Few of the male characters, in my opinion, were interesting, with notable exceptions being David Hassid, Chaim, Chang, and Zeke. Rayford just never seems to get a personality after the first book. Tsion is predictable, pious, and boring. The figure of the antichrist is mostly that of a scheming CEO with occasional outbursts of a murdering villain. Most of the female characters seemed photocopied from the same template, and after a few books it was hard to distinguish the personalities of Chloe, Hannah, and Leah. Their characters seemed pushed to the back to the story line due to lack of interest. Too bad David's fiancée couldn't have been developed more. The continued use of the word "said" to describe individuals talking to one another was maddening, especially noting the impressive number of books that each co-author has published. He said, she said, they said, said, said, said, said! One 'said' for each of the 144,000 probably. We learned in English or Writing class that any substitution is usually more descriptive. How about a few more replied, remarked, grumbled, laughed, mumbled, cried, agreed, etc., etc., etc.? This alone would have added one notch to the rating. On a positive note, I thought the authors absolutely shined with Tsion's messages; the character showed genuine warmth and concern for this billion-member internet flock. It was also extremely gratifying to see the characters constantly pray for God's will and guidance in both good and bad times. Regardless of whether you believe the series is Biblically accurate or not, the Left Behind series is a mediocre read. I am a Christian and really wanted this series to be spectacular, but I must rate it honestly. If you want some light reading to temporarily escape into the opinions of two individuals on how the End Times might play out, then by all means consider these books. But if you are looking for brilliant writing, I suggest looking elsewhere. And if you are interested in more End-Times literature, the Bible itself wouldn't be a bad place to start.
Rating:
Summary: could'nt get past the narration!
Review: It seemed like an intruiging enough book, and I'm sure I would enjoy reading it myself, but the narrator on this audio version is awful! It says he is some award winning narrator, but I can't imagine! He dramtically 'whispers' the last word of almost EVERY sentence! He sounds like William Shatner or something. Waay too much 'drama' in his voice to allow the listener to be pulled into the story. I couldn't get past his silly voice! I gave up after the first chapter. (no offense to the guy, sorry)
Rating: 
Summary: getting tired
Review: I have read all 9 books thus far and I have enjoyed the ongoing story to a point. The biggest issue (other than some inaccuracies about the Catholic Church)is that this saga could be told in three or four books, not the nine published so far. The authors spend a lot of time going over the same things in each book. The stories tend to drag on. There is a lot of useless dialog that really doesn't lead the reader anywhere. I will read the next book, but it will be my last if the story doesn't advance more quickly.
Rating: 
Summary: Can't put it down
Review: My wife bought the first Left Behind just to see what all the hype was about. Now see can't put them down. When she is finished I pass them on the nurses at work and they too all say that this author knows how to write a "page burner". Before you buy it here though we have found them over 5 bucks cheaper at Wall-Mart at less then 10 buck per book paper back.
Rating: 
Summary: The judgment seals are being read!!
Review: Desecration, the 9th book in the 'Left Behind' saga is one of the better reads in this maxi-series. From the opening chapter until the cliffhanger it is more or less non-stop action. Well, that is to say there is much more action than some of the previous novels in this saga due to the fact the authors have only a few books left to cover some of the most explosive events of the 2nd half of the tribulation. For our main characters, picking sides has never been more important than right now. For Nicolae Carpathia, the Antichrist, has declared marshal law...and for those who do not brandish the mark of loyalty on either their hand or their forehead is put to death by guillotine. Worship me or perish he declares as he breaks his peace covenant with Israel and makes a mockery of the most holy of temples. Now believers of Christ and especially the foretold 144,000 make their way to safety in Petra with the Carpathia's forces in pursuit. I was also happy to see that the authors had progressed or matured as writers quite noticeably with this 9th effort. Though the camp dialogue still exists, it has improved and the atrocities and manipulations of the Antichrist are detailed. In addition when God allows the 1st of the seals to be opened and his judgment brought down upon the world, the descriptions of fleshly boils and oceans of blood are pretty dramatic and page turning. Even more so is Nicolae's response and handling of these global events, and now we see the world plunge further into chaos as even those with the mark of loyalty begin to question Carpathia's ways and their own decisions. There are some who have taken the mark of the beast, and only when it is too late do they start to come around. Woe to them. There are some introductions of a few new characters, but one death amongst the main characters will shock you.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful
Review: The talent of Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins abounds once again in "Desecration" the ninth book of the left behind series. The audacity of the antichrist as he takes up residence in the Jerusalem Temple, defiling it by his actions and defying Jewish believers has readers sharing their anger. Nicolea, claiming godship, demands to be worshiped and arranges for the crowds gathered to take the mark of the antichrist. DESECRATION ends in a cliffhanger so arresting you will rush to your favorite book store for THE REMNANT, book ten in this twelve book series.
Bevertly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge
Rating:
Summary: A fun series not to be taken too seriously
Review: Since the first book I have been hooked. Sure it has dragged on a little and the writing is simple...very simle...but I think everyone who gives these books bad reviews because they don't agree with it 100% and say it is written for fifth graders are taking it way too seriously. Not to condemn the message, the number one reason I read this series isn't because I'm Christian or because it is a classic piece of literature, I read this series because they are (for the most part) full of action and you can't seem to put them down. The at least somewhat good message (I think it is good, others don't agree) is just in addition. Please, please
DON'T go into this series expecting the answer to all your questions or the next bible or the next classic, go into this series looking for a good time. You could find either three mentioned above, but it's not required in this series. Just have a good time becuase that's where I think the series' focus is at. No, it's not perfect, but is any human perfect?
Rating:
Summary: Desecration
Review: I have read all the books in the "Left Behind" Series, and I find myself agreeing with the fact that this is probably the worst written of all the books so far. I found it difficult at times to follow who was who, as characters were killed, new ones introduced, and I didn't have a clue as to where they came from. I will read the rest of the series as it comes out, as I own all the rest, and would like to own the whole set. I just hope the rest of the books go back to the way the first few books were written. More concise, and logical.
Rating:
Summary: Reading "Out-Of-Habit" Now
Review: I have long since stopped having lofty expectations for the books in this series. They're kind of like a "date movie" type entertainment now. It's something to do that doesn't require anything of me but to sit down and relax. I'm certain the authors didn't intend on this becoming fluff reading at the beginning, but it sure is now. I wonder how they feel considering that it seems they've seriously reduced themselves and compromised their witness to this point of greed, laziness, and mediocrity. The book is fun -- no great literature, but it's the spirit behind the book that kinda disturbs me; yes, they're still a vehicle for Christ's message, however, it seems to be just an afterthought now. I hope I'm wrong about these guys and their motives, but it seems to me that they've lost their spiritual credibility. I'd like to see them take the advice of so many other reviewers and stop milking the story.
Rating:
Summary: Bubble gum writing
Review: You chew and chew. In the end, you are left with a bad taste in your mouth - so you spit it out and look for the next piece. And somehow each time you get a new piece, it satisfies less than the one before it. In a nutshell, my friends, that is what this series is all about.
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