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The Left Behind books are not a series I would normally be tempted to read or review.
Yet, somehow I was drawn in after reading some background information on them. To my way
of thinking, a reviewer can look at these works from either a literary or religious
perspective. I chose the literary perspective, as you will see in the reviews that follow.
Although there is ample gospel teaching, there are also many important points made about
humanity and the willingness of mankind to look beyond the accepted norm. That was the
perspective I sought as I began my adventure through these works.
The first five books in the series are reviewed at this time. Midway through the reviews I
became aware that there were three audio formats from which I could choose. The first is
normally my preferred venue, the unabridged version. The second was the abridged version,
which I did not hear. The third, the dramatic audio theater version, I discovered after
the first three books were reviewed in the unabridged format.
Having switched from unabridged to the Audio Theater dramatic version, I elected to stay
with that format, as the material (hellfire, brimstone, plagues, locusts, etc.) adapts to
a more dramatic reading quite well. The next three in the series, ASSASSINS, INDWELLING,
and THE MARK, are available in written and unabridged formats but are not yet available in
my now preferred version. They are scheduled for release in two month intervals by Tyndale
Press. Two additional titles in the series will be published in book form and released
simultaneously in the Audio Theater dramatic format.
As always, enjoy!
--- Marge Fletcher
LEFT BEHIND #1
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
read by Richard Ferrone
Recorded Books
Science Fiction
ISBN: 0788749730
Jehovah's Witnesses will love this book in that it is primarily focused on Born Again
Christians and their aptitude for spreading the word of God. Some readers might see that
this goal is the only focus of LEFT BEHIND, but it clearly is not. Within this book there
are many layers of plot, subplot, and storyline.
Defining the cause of the sudden and (for most) unexpected disappearance of millions of
people from the Earth draws opinions from all sides. Defined by some as Mystic, by others
as Alien Abduction, yet others as Christian Rapture, and finally, as Scientific, the
disappearance yields a rich and substantial tale of survival, acceptance, and
understanding. Richard Ferrone reads LEFT BEHIND in a comforting manner, supplying just
enough emotion and vocal intonation to keep us listening.
Political power broker Nicolae Carpathia, airline captain Rayford Steele and his daughter,
Chloe, along with Buck Williams, a news magazine reporter, are the central characters.
They have all faced the horrifying event of losing friends, family, or loved ones to this
mystical disappearance and are searching for answers --- a journey that takes them from
their own personae to something much larger. The Bible says that there will be a time of
terrible events following the Rapture for all who are left behind. Is this what lies in
store for these characters?
As I review all the books in the LEFT BEHIND series within the coming months, anticipate a
very interesting journey through the events following LEFT BEHIND, as Tim LaHaye and Jerry
B. Jenkins weave their beliefs and insights into each book.
TRIBULATION FORCE: The Continuing Drama of Those Left Behind (Left Behind #2)
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
read by Richard Ferrone
Recorded Books
Christian Fiction
ISBN: 0788752847
Religion and romance, Rapture and righteousness are the primary themes in the second
book in the Left Behind series. One quarter of the world's population has mysteriously
disappeared, leaving those "Left Behind" in a challenging and rapidly changing
world. Nicolae Carpathia has become the Secretary General (preferring the title Potentate)
of the United Nations, and Rayford Steel and his friend, reporter Cameron "Buck"
Williams have been hand picked by Carpathia to be part of his team.
Politics plays a big part in TRIBULATION FORCE, as Nicolae Carpathia, leader of the free
world, attempts to disarm all nations of their nuclear weapons --- destroying 90% and
donating the remaining 10% to the UN --- thus rendering them powerless against his agency.
Buck, Chloe (Rayford's daughter), and Rayford meet almost nightly with pastor Bruce Barnes
in a suburban Chicago community church, where they learn Biblical lessons that strengthen
them through this Tribulation. They become the Tribulation Force --- a band of Christians
destined to teach the word of Christ to all they encounter. Will they, as good Christians,
work for the "Antichrist" in order to keep their fingers on the pulse of his
power?
The world is facing seven years of Tribulation following the "Rapture." As our
Tribulation Force faces off against the enemies of God, they must live as one through war,
famine, plagues, and natural disasters.
NICOLAE: The Rise of Antichrist (Left Behind #3)
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
read by Richard Ferrone
Recorded Books
Christian Fiction
ISBN: 0788751344
NICOLAE, the third book in the Left Behind series, is a blockbuster of action and
drama, full of multi-dimentional characters. The Tribulation Force, minus their spiritual
leader and founder, Bruce Barnes, finds themselves struggling to survive and protect their
families in the midst of global war and destruction.
Potentate Carpathia (the Antichrist, in the eyes of the T. Force), has created a new
"Global" economy and is fast presenting himself as a charming and benevolent
leader; while, in reality, he is a ruthless and malevolent tyrant. Manipulation is his
game, as his hypnotic powers continue to charm his followers, allowing him to reign
supreme over the Global Community.
It is time for World War III, the Wrath of the Lamb, and our heroes are attempting to
bring as many followers to Christ as they can in the few years remaining before the next
Rapture.
This is a fun series, whether you're reading for the religious content, as a psychological
study, or just as good fiction and entertainment. As always, enjoy!
SOUL HARVEST: An Experience in Sound and Drama (Left Behind #4)
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
read by Richard Ferrone
Tyndale House
Christian Fiction
ISBN: 0842339868
This adaptation of the novels of Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins is a new experience
for me in that it is a dramatized version, excerpted in 1/2 hour episodes for the radio.
Very well staged, this captivating approach to sharing the message and continuous action
in SOUL HARVEST is very enjoyable. Although this version lacks the detail of the full
book, the special effects are excellent and add a science fiction feel to the story.
As the Earth faces increased despair and destruction due to Nicolae Carpathia's global
domination, our heroes, Rayford Steele and Buck Williams, continue to campaign for the
Tribulation Force and the Biblical promises of the Soul Harvest in the last days of Earth.
Both men work for Nicolae, but have such a close allegiance with Christ that their true
objective is to spread the word of God and convert as many people to Christ's teachings as
possible before the end of time as we know it.
We are at the midpoint in the Tribulation, and The Earthquake has occurred. Survival is
the main concern of all members of the Global Community. There are some surprises in SOUL
HARVEST, which make it even more riveting! Stay tuned for the next four books in the Left
Behind series, as the world sees even more destruction, and our heroes tackle even greater
challenges. As always, enjoy!
APOLLYON: An Experience in Sound and Drama (Left Behind #5)
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
read by Richard Ferrone
Tyndale House
Christian Fiction
ISBN: 0842343369
Prophecy says that 144,000 will survive the end of the world as we know it. Our
friends, Rayford and Chloe Steele, Buck Williams, and Tsion Ben-Judah, from the
Tribulation Force have gathered in Jerusalem for the long-awaited Meeting of the
Witnesses. Dr. Ben-Judah presents his message that Apollyon, chief demon of the abyss, is
about to unleash a plague of locusts that will diminish the sun by two-thirds and cause
general havoc.
Meanwhile, Potentate Carpathia spins his version of the terrible trials yet to come, with
some interesting interpretations of the cause of these events. Hattie Durham has her own
vengeful agenda --- to kill Nicolae Carpathia. Will she be able to get close enough to
Nicolae to be a threat to him and a savior to the world?
The best dramatic reading in the series, book 5, APOLLYON, has reached yet a higher level
of emotion, drama, and audio clarity. Produced as half-hour episodes aired originally on
nationwide radio, this Audio Theater series is adapted from the best-selling Left Behind
series. These productions capture the feeling, message, and power of these vivid dramas
about the Soul Harvest and eventual apocalypse following the Rapture in book one (LEFT
BEHIND).
--- Reviewed by Marge Fletcher (AudioMarge)
(c)
Copyright 2001, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
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