Rating: 
Summary: exciting and fascinating thriller
Review: A biblical archeologist searches for artifacts that are found in the bible to prove that the events written about actually took place. He is no Indiana Jones but Professor Michael Murphy has had enough hair-raising adventures to rival that of the movie icon. Right now he is searching for the Brazen Serpent ordered destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar because people worshipped the false idol and not the true God.Also interested in retrieving the Brazian Serpent is a mysterious, powerful and wealthy cabal known as the Seven. They control a multi-billionaire, who specializes in communications and electronics. They have entrusted their henchman Talon to retrieve the artifact once Murphy finds the three pieces but the Seven's lackey discovers that his opponent is formidable and the unspoken war they are engaged in will become very personal on both sides quite soon. Readers will find BABYLON RISING an exciting and fascinating thriller based on events and objects mentioned in the Bible. Tim LaHaye tantalizes his audience with The Seven, an evil group who wants to convert the planet into a one world religion that they can control. To do so, the Seven are trying to turn mankind against evangelical Christians who they paint as dangerous fanatics. The protagonist of this story is a loveable, sincere and honest person who will hopefully star in future adventures as this novel is a winner that deserves sequels. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: A Completely Engrossing Supernatural Adventure
Review: After working on eleven books in the phenomenal Left Behind series, you might think that Tim LaHaye would relax a bit. Instead he has found another writing partner, Greg Dinallo, and has begun a new series of thrillers starting with BABYLON RISING. Dr. LaHaye says that he is more excited about this than any of the other books he has ever written. That's quite a comment from the author of more than forty books, including the Left Behind series that has sold over 60 million copies! But within the first few pages of BABYLON RISING, the reader will begin to share his enthusiasm and become totally engrossed in this supernatural adventure. Michael Murphy teaches Biblical Archaeology and Prophecy at Preston College --- not exactly an "A" list course. To enhance his classroom lectures and satisfy his desire to authenticate the Bible, he seeks and uncovers ancient artifacts that are directly tied to Biblical events. This scholar/adventurer image makes him somewhat of a campus hero and students flock to hear him bring the Bible to life. For the reader's enlightenment, chapters are interspersed with the story of King Nebuchadnezzer, the world's most powerful ruler, and Daniel, the young Israeli slave who fearlessly interprets the King's dreams. This writing technique serves to underscore the role that faith plays in the lives of people throughout history. Faith that allows a young slave to stand fearlessly before the most powerful man on earth and tell him the hard truth, knowing that his God will protect him regardless of the King's reaction. Faith that allows a small-town college professor to stand up to evil forces in order to unearth ancient Biblical artifacts that glorify God, the enemy of evil. While Michael Murphy is busy with his latest find, there are those who want to discredit him, his faith and his God. The evil ones are powerful and have the ability to captivate, intimidate and seduce the weak and the greedy into service for the Enemy. With the help of a reporter and a ruthless mogul they begin a campaign to destroy the credibility of Christians everywhere. These supernatural beings take on different forms, moving swiftly to accomplish their evil deeds, and soon the headlines are full of stories about Christians threatening to blow up the United Nations, building bomb factories in church basements, and killing those who get in their way. The story moves at a rapid clip, with short chapters that carry the reader from one set of protagonists to another and back in time to the court of Nebuchadnezzer. There is enough action to satisfy the most avid adventure fans, humor and romance, likable characters to cheer for and evil villains to hate. But even more exciting, we have a new series to look forward to that unapologetically offers moral and philosophical anchors --- a series that elevates both man and God and is not afraid to depict the chilling aspects of evil. --- Reviewed by Maggie Harding
Rating: 
Summary: Babylon Stumbling (out of the gate)?
Review: An OK read overall, but not up to par with Mr. LaHaye's other works. This series has potential, but it needs to fine tune some aspects of the writing. For example: 1) Michael Murphy, our hero, is a real Renaissance man. He's really, really, really smart; he relates well to the kids (in his Biblical archeology class); he's a wonderful husband; buff and tough enough to whup up on a big, nasty, slobbering lion; a dead-eye shot with a compound bow; and blessed with the talent of solving multiple inpenetrable mysteries buried in desert sands for 2,500 years in a single minute. Yes, this Action Hero does everything but sing like his musical namesake (we think). Any weaknesses? Oh yeah, he's got a thing for risking his life, career and pride at the whim of the mysterious "Methuselah" to gather archeological treasures which could prove events in the Bible really happened. Fortunately, our hero's biggest challenge in the first half of the book is withstanding his Just As Smart And Independent wife's withering anti-machismo comments and first-aid treatment after besting Methuselah's challenges. Oh yes, he doesn't shave for a few days after his wife's tragic death, and is a little ticked at God. But a quick confessional to his congregation, and he gets over it.
I like to engage my suspension of belief when I read fiction, but this was too much. Come on, the woman he intended to invest the next 50-60 years (and maybe planned a family with) is gone. It's not something you just get over -- you learn to live with it. The elements are there -- just don't make him a superhero. Rayford Steele of the Left Behind books is a great example of a more balanced (and human) protagonist. 2) Methuselah. Mysterious dude (always in the shadows) gets his jollies by getting Murphy to fall into one of his elaborate traps. Soooo, what will he do for fun if Murphy bites the big one? Get a relative of Louis Leakey? Well, Methuselah's Lion King bit (ha ha!) does establish Murphy as a Man Of Action, unlike that wimpy college dean. But please don't bring this character back. 3) Dean Fallworth, Unbelieving Head Weenie. I kept visualizing the college dean of the Nutty Professor movies when I read the book. Do college deans drop dimes on their professors like that on national TV? 4) Stacy, the Up And Coming News Reporter. Sells her soul (literally) to get her Big Break. Never read that cliche before... 5) Steve Barrington, the Soulless TV Mogul. Hey, just go ahead and name this guy Ted Turner already! OK, guess you can't since Jane Fonda isn't in the novel. Oh, wait, there is Stacy... 6) The lesson that teaches that Archeological Digs Really Don't Require Mountains Of Paperwork And Red Tape -- just call that pal from grad school, and you'll dig up that artifact and be on to the next pyramid in time for corn flakes! And don't forget the unlikely -- but stunning -- bookworm who speaks long-dead languages. Never know when you'll need her to rescue you from sinister zombie sacrificers. OK, there are some very promising aspects to this book (and series). Talon is a very scary adversary, unlike the straw man Global Community people in the Left Behind books. The falcons are an interesting touch (ouch!). A little more character development in the next book. "Christian Terrorists" theme -- One reviewer didn't think it's plausible that the media would portray Christians in that manner. I don't believe all media would do that, but many would. I've lost count of people who claim religion -- and Christianity -- is the reason we have so much strife in the world. I could go on about how our media demonstrate how tolerant we should be of other religions but will interview anyone who tries to debunk Biblical "myths", such as the divinity of Jesus, the Flood, etc. Archeological/historical aspects -- Very interesting and innovative premise. I remember reading about the Brazen Serpent and the Golden Head, but never thought of a possible connection between the two. Great lesson. Other positive aspects included the pacing (a LaHaye and Dinallo trademark -- I also read Dinallo's "Final Answers"), unexpected twists and loose ends. I look forward to the second book, but please give the central characters more dimension.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting, couldn't put it down!
Review: As a fan of Biblical prophecy and of Indiana Jones, I found the plot to be intense and the characters engaging. I generally read Clancy or LaHaye/Jenkins for my fiction. This is a must-read. It's not about futuristic events, but about things that could actually happen today. What is truly amazing about this book (and other LaHaye fiction) is that LaHaye and DiNallo base their fiction on the fact that many of prophecies of the Old Testament have come to fruition, so then will the rest of them regarding the Last Days. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for some great action-packed fiction. It's a great tale of adventure and suspense!
Rating:
Summary: Tim Lahaye has done it agian !
Review: Babylon Rising is packed full of adventure and suspence.
Once you start reading it's imposible to stop. As Michael
Murphy goes in search of the Golden Serpant made by Moses.
He is stalked by many who want to ruin his good name. It's
a battle of good vs evil in this Christian Indian Jones.
He is shot at in a cave in Samaria and even fights a lion.
If you love action and trills Babylon Rising is for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Babylon Rising
Review: Babylon Rising: ...
This book was alright. This wasn't fast paced or thrilling. It is a wannabe copy of the da vinci code, with lame codes. There were some good parts. But the major setback was the preaching of God in every line, which makes me so angry and bored. IF YOU WANNA GOOD BOOK ReAD THE DA VINCI CODE!!! But, if your looking for books like the Da Vinci Code, read it.
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: For me, I always try to find the villain of a story, and see how he or she stacks up as a villain. I do like the hero/heroine of as story, too, but I'm more drawn to the villain, and in this book, the villains are wonderful, as is the hero and the whole story!!! Michael Murphy is an adventurous and active Archaeology and Bible Prophecy Professor at a small, North Carolina University, who is besieged by a sniveling-yet-influencial Department Chair, a methodical mystery-man named Methuselah (who goads and pricks Murphy's desire to find and retrieve Biblical Artifacts in challenging ways), a media that is out to discredit Evangelical Christianity and a strong desire to search for Archaeological Proof for the Bible. Add to that one devious and vicious villain named Talon, and this book becomes the setting for a great adventure story which is tied to Biblical Prophecy in a strange, new way! I thought this novel was AWESOME!!! Being a Christian, a student of the Bible, and a lover of all things historical and archaeological, this was one great adventure novel for me! Someone else said it that Murphy isn't Indy Jones. My counter would be that he is the Christian Version of Indy Jones, using well-disciplined work-outs and the bow and arrow to his advantege. Anyone who is a fan of History, Biblical Studies, a follower of Jesus Christ, and loves Adventure WILL enjoy this new series from Tim LaHaye and Greg Dinallo! I can't wait for Book 2, scheduled for release in the Autumn!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Watered-Down Indiana Jones
Review: Having read the first three books of the Left Behind series, I was thrilled when I saw Babylon Rising sitting on the shelf. I was hooked by the first chapter. The character of Michael Murphy had such promise in the beginning. But he became more stereotypical as the story progressed to the point where I almost lost interest in reading the rest of the book. For instance, I felt that he bounced back way too quickly from a devastating personal loss. Then there was Isis, who jumped from wimp to heroine in the space of a chapter. She didn't impress me at all. As for the plot, I'm curious to see where LaHaye takes it. So, I will wait for the sequel (due next Fall). You can check out the book's website at www.babylonrisingbook.com and to learn how LaHaye got his idea for the series and to post feedback.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointment at it's Highest
Review: Having read the Left Behind series, and having huge respect for Tim Lehaye, this book was just awful. I am halfway finished and can't motivate to even read any more. First 10-12 Chapters are confusing, too many characters, places, events, all appearing unrelated, (maybe a 1,000 more pages will pull it together). I feel as if I should take notes so I can try to figure out, now who is he? why did they say that? etc... Worst book I have ever read and hardest to comprehend. I like to read at night. 1-2 Chapters daily. With this book, you can't keep anything straight. It just sucked.
Rating:
Summary: A DEFT PROFESSIONAL READING
Review: He comes from an acting family (Robert Culp is his father and actor Joseph Culp is his younger brother), yet voice performer Jason Culp has proved his mettle on his own with a continuing series of superior readings. He hits a homer again with this thriller based on biblical prophecies. The collaboration of Mr. LaHaye and veteran suspense writer Greg Dinallo is a fortuitous one as each brings unique gifts to the telling of this story. Fans of Mr. LaHaye's Left Behind Series will stand in line for "Babylon Rising" and recent admirers will be won over by a new hero, Michael Murphy, a Biblical prophecy scholar of a different sort. No poring through musty manuscripts for him in the comfort of office or home but he's out in the field on archaeological digs searching for and testing ancient artifacts. Of, course, knowing Mr. LaHaye that's not all his protagonist does - he also discovers what may well signal the end of the human race as we know it. Listen and begin an unforgettable journey. - Gail Cooke
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