The Rapture and biblical prophecy are fascinating subjects that could be the basis for a roller coaster modern story. Unfortunately the authors dilute the potential with long, boring, inconsequential text. I trudged through the first 2 books, then finally threw in the towel on the 3rd after reading a *chapter* describing a traffic jam! The best of this series could be distilled to just a few books but, keeping with the theme, it's already too late...

To be honest, I don't quite understand the hype. There are many books better written than this series out there, yet people--even those who usually don't enjoy reading--flock to the series. It is understandable since it is a controversial topic, however it's troublesome that people actually take these books as a description of what's to come.
I'm no theologian, and I personally am a panmillenniest (it'll all pan-out in the end so to speak), but the interpretation promoted in the Left Behind Series is, in many ways, a Baptist phenomenon popular (generally) in the United States. While I'm not saying this is wrong--because, let's be honest, interpreting Revelation varies incredibly--it's important to note that this isn't the view subscribed to by most of the World. However, at least in Nicolae, the writers appear to assume (or want us to assume) that those who don't believe Revelation is to be taken 100% literally don't have ears to hear or eyes to see.
That being said, the composition isn't incredible. Sentence structure is, at times, very awkward and forced. The storyline isn't bad, though I didn't feel much attachment to characters (admittedly, it'd been awhile since I picked up either Left Behind or Tribulation Force) and, for a book as long as it was, didn't see a lot of character development.
Positives: some funny moments and a few interested steps forward in watching a man take over a willingly tyrannized world.

I read the whole series, I love it! I heard they came out with a 13th book, I'm not going to read it. Sometimes the show has to end.

From the moment I started reading this series, I was hooked. With each chapther I found myself more and more intriqued. Every book is an enthralling installment in the Left Behind series... and Nicolae was probably the best one Ive read yet. It's exploding with action and suspense, tying scripture with fiction. I highly recommend the series. Cant wait to read the 4th one, Soul Harvest.

Well I finally dragged thru the second book. #3 is a much more faster paced book, but I was expecting to learn more about Nicolae since this is the name of the book. It was more about the adventures of Buck, who seems to always get into stuff, but always makes it out. It is interesting to read how he does it. I am getting about sick of Chloe though, she's always nagging, whining, worrying and calling Buck at the most inappropriate times. Other than that a good read!

Some of the graphics in the book are a little much but the author's don't call any punches and don't want to sugar coat anything. The story moves fast and holds your attention along with being well written. I enjoyed it.

The third book in the series, Nicolae, continues the character driven second book, Trib Force, and brings back the action; and Nicolae really begins to make his waves in this book, hence the title.

The world is begining to fall apart and the Tribulation Force is beginning to make the connections between the turmoil, the actions of nicolae, and the prophecy in the Bible.

Again, the writing is passable; the plotting is good. Not as good as the first LB book, but one of the better ones in the series (fifteen books so far).

Enthusiastic thumbs up for Nicolae.

Nicolae is the third installment in the epic left behind series. In this story we find Buck, Chloe, the anti-christ, and Rayford up to their old antics with the addition of Rabbi Ben Judah, and Rayford's June-Cleaveresque wife Amanda.

While I enjoyed Nicolae, the authors take few risks with characterization this latest installment of "Left Behind." None of these characters behave in a realistic manner. Who wants to read about Ken and Barbie in end times? Not me. The characters are washed out stereotypes and the good guys are so incredibly shallow it was painful to listen to at times, and I *LIKE* these books.

The female characters seem to especially belong in Stepford. What happened to Chloe's spine? She must've left it at Target because it's nowhere to be found in Nicholae. Chloe spends half her time speed-dialing buck and the other half running his errands. No! She and Hattie were the only decent women in book 1. Now they are nothing but sidekicks.

Also there is certain simplicity to these characters, which I found annoying.

An example of the moral simplicity of these characters: Ray doesn't once consider plunging Mr. Preppie Anti-christ to the bottom of the pacific along with his cadre of cackling goon-like henchmen? *Please* Ray also never thinks for once considers that maybe just maybe, Hattie might have the right idea in "Terminating" the anti-christ's lovechild?

If the author could just inject an ounce of personality into the Buck, Rayford, Chloe, and Amanda clones, this series would be *So* much better. To be honest, I almost liked Rayford more pre-trib. Now that he is born again, he acts like a male mother Theresa. Just way too perfect.

3 Stars. Read it for the action and the interesting revelation stuff. Don't expect too much enjoyment from the drone-like quality of the characters.

LaHaye and Jenkins will never win a Nobel Prize for literature, but their storytelling is fast-paced and creative. Here they continue to attempt to do the impossible, that is, write a book chronically what they feel the Biblical book of Revelations articulates. This is the third book of the "Left Behind" series doing just that. One point everyone must remember when reading this book. This is a human interpretation of what they think God was revealing in Revelations. There have been other interpretations and until God reveals more truths, no one can be sure of the full meaning of the book. As such, this series must be viewed as fiction, and in my opinion average fiction, at best.

"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

When I read the New Testament, I find a God of love and compassion. In these books I find a message of hate and fear. Why are so many eager to condemn those around them who don't believe exactly as you do? The history of early Christianity isn't one of a uniform understanding of Christ's message. If even those right after Christ couldn't get is right, why, on earth, do you believe that you understand the exact message of God? I would suggest we all work on bringing ourselves closer to God's love and spend less time imagining the punishment of those who don't conform to our idea of how God wants us to live

I'm still in this series. I finished this book already and i'm almost finished with the fourth book. I was hooked on this book and i could not put it down when Buck was getting DR. Ben Judah out of Israel. If you are into the Left Behind series you will be very pleased with this book.

The reasoning for my "no pun intended" statement is because this addition to the Left Behind Series seemed more like a Rehashing of the previous two installments. As I read, I was waiting for more detail about the Tribulation to unfold, but the majority of the story seemed like a repeat of the personal lives of Rayford Steele, his daughter Chloe, and Buck. This may serve better to a reader that had not already have read the first two, but for readers that had previously just read the other two books, it deffinitly seemed to lag and was a disappointment.

The fact of the matter is, that there is better religous fiction available then this, though is worth a read anyway.

This is the third book in the Left Behind Series. And as I mentioned in the title, this is the best one yet. Though I should have rated it 3 stars, I couldn't. It deserves only three because the plot is not plausible and they do not explain the scriptures well. Just quote them. But then, I could not put the book down. That is why I gave it a four. I just had to read until I finished it.

Two other things bothered me about the book. First I found in the book was the repetition of material from the previous books. Where they trying to bring you up to date without having to read the first two books.... or just trying to fill up enough pages to have a book. Second, I felt as if I was watching a Land Rover commercial.

This book covers the time of the Seven Seals. We actually watch the characters live through six of the seals, and the book ends with the silence of the seventh. We once again focus on two of the tribulation characters again, Buck and Rayford.

Rayford mainly deals with his dilemma about actually working for the Anti-Christ as his pilot. After all, not only is he Born Again now, he is part of the Tribulation Force. But something happens that places him in the position to hear some of the inner planning's of the Anti-Christ, so he stays.

The action packed part of the book is with Buck. Though he works for the Anti-Christ as well. He still writes cover stories exposing the Anti-Christ to those who will pay attention, in an "objective" way. And is instrumental in helping a famous Jewish Scholar, who the Anti-Christ wants dead, out of Israel. And it is this exciting exodus that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

This is a very fast moving action packed book. It still has some of the problems of the earlier books. Namely it is light on character development and there are times when the plot is implausible. But, now that we've made it to the thrid book the reader deffinately identifies strongly with both Buck and Rayford. For me the addition of Tsion to the main cast of characters was excellent as he adds much needed additional dimension to the cadre of characters. As, for the implausibility of the plot this book is actually pretty good in that area. There were a few minor items that seemed forced but overall an improvement.

This book also saw a huge jump in the amount of action and the accompaning tension. Which makes since as the characters get further into the tribulation. One thing that did bother me about the book is that at times it seems that everything goes on as usual despite the massive destruction and suffering around them. The terror is mentioned but it often isn't felt in the book.

Over all though I enjoyed this one the best so far.

An edge of the seat novel fraught with suspense and terrifying apocalyptic imagery. As World War III continues Nicolae's power dramatically increases when the world willingly unites into one community under his stringent control. Afterwards he is entitled the supreme pontiff and is continually cheered by his new minions. Furthermore, the newspapers and other media are united as one under the new Global names. The "Enigma Babylon One World Faith" is instituted, and everyone is encouraged to participate. As the situation worsens Rayford, Chloe, and Buck, continue to privately fight Nicolae, the man scripture has determined to be the Anti-Christ. As Nicolae continues to gain world power the sixth seal judgment, a catastrophic earthquake entitled "the Wrath of the Lamb", looms like a grim thundercloud over the near future. A blood red moon, eclipsed sun, hurtling stars, and gruesome disasters occur throughout the world altering disaster placing Rayford, Chloe, Buck, and other members of the Tribulation Force in imminent peril. Also, Nicolae shows his "concern" for his people when he saves himself, leaving others in a situation of certain death. Who will survive, and who will not? Will those who survive be able to contact each other? The "Wrath of the Lamb" earthquake was truly terrifying, creating many scenes of chaos and death. From this point forward the Left Behind series becomes more exciting and fast paced as more earth shattering judgments ensue. The devastation and aftermath of the cataclysmic earthquake is continued in book four, Soul Harvest. The only major reservations that I have with this book was the overtly simplistic writing style and the lack of focus on baptism. Over all, this is a wonderful series with a dynamic plot, chilling villains, phantasmagoric judgments, and an important message.

I Also Recommend : Anything by C.S. Lewis and the NIV study Bible. For religious fiction I suggest reading The Taking by Dean Koontz. Also, I recommend the Ravenloft dark fantasy series.

"It was the worst of times; it was the worst of times." Thus begins the third volume of the hugely popular Left Behind series. Writing about the "worst of times" in a projected future of human history, the two authors behind the series have certainly had the "best of times" as far as success in the publishing industry is concerned. The books have flown off the shelves of bookstores as if they had been raptured.

THE AUTHORS
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins both come from a dispensationalistic background. The fact that Tim LaHaye has founded the so-called Pre-Trib Research Center is a good example of the kind of theology that marks Dispensationalism. Here is a quote from LaHaye's official Web site about the research center: "The Pre-Trib Research Center was established for the express purpose of exposing ministers to the teachings of good Bible prophecy. Currently they publish, The Pre Trib Perspectives, a monthly journal, keeping the reader on the cutting edge of unfolding prophetic events. It also keeps the reader from being deceived as we approach the end of the age. Exposing these false prophets and their harmful teaching is part of the work of the Pre-Trib Research Center."

THE BOOK
In essence, Nicolae is a fictional portrayal of a dispensationalistic interpretation of Revelation Chapter 6. The chapter talks about the opening of seven seals:

The First Seal.
A conqueror on a white horse rides forth. He is interpreted to be the Antichrist who gives the world a false peace. The previous book, Tribulation Force, was primarily about this first Seal.

The Second Seal.
This time it is a red horse that rides forth, "and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth." In other words, it symbolizes war. In the series, this war is the Third World War, the beginning of which is mentioned at the end of Tribulation Force. It is at this point that the story of Nicolae begins. The main characters, meaning the pilot Rayford and the journalist Buck and their respective wives , witness how Nicolae uses the eruption of the Third World War to gain increasingly more control over the lives and thoughts of people around the world.

The Third Seal.
A black horse, symbolizing famine. Famine is a natural consequence of war and destruction, since the resources that are meant to produce food are used for destructive means. The Antichrist Nicolae uses the famine to gain control over health care, food distribution, etc.

The Fourth Seal.
A pale horse. It stands for death, which is once again a natural outcome of the foregoing events of war and famine. A fourth of the earth's population dies, a number which the authors of the book take literally (of the four main characters in the previous book, one of them, Pastor Bruce, dies in the war).

The Fifth Seal.
At the breaking of the fifth seal, John is shown Christian martyrs who cry out for judgment. In Nicolae, these martyrs are embodied primarily in the family of a Jewish scholar who turns to Christ and causes a great revival, particularly among Jews (the 144,000 of the Apocalypse). His wife and children are dragged unto the street and decapitated.

The Sixth Seal. A great earthquake erupts upon the opening of the sixth seal. This earthquake is interpreted to be a literal, worldwide earthquake, and forms the end of Nicolae.

The Seventh Seal does not form a part in the book's narrative.

SUMMARY
Nicolae is the third volume of a series that paints a picture the seven-year Tribulation that Dispensationalists believe in. It interprets the Seven Seals of Revelation 6 to mean disasters that occur on earth as a consequence of the Antichrist's rise to power.

I think Nicolae is the best book because it tells you what might happen in the future. This book tells about a couple of friends who call themselfs the TRIBULATION FORCE. They call themselfs this becaouse they are trying to stop the antichrist, Nicolae. Nicolae is trying to take over the world. But the Tribulation Force is trying to stop him from doing it. Ray Steel is the caption of the Condor 216. The plane Nicolae had
Ray come and fly for him. Ray and his wife are part of the Tribulation, his part in the Tribulation is to fly the antichrist where ever he needs to go asround the world. After Ray flys into San Fransico, he trys to get his wife off the Condor 216 and back to Chicago. Because after the Condor 216 leaves San Fransico, Nicolae is going to bomb San Fransico. Later, Buck and his wife Chloe, are trying to find out what their paster Bruce wanted all his work copyed out of his laptop. Buck, Chloe, and Bruce are also part of the Tribulation Force. Bruce was the one who began the tribulation. But the sad thing is, that pastor Bruce was in the hospital when it was bomd. ray found that Bruce did in the bombing. If you want to find out more about the Tribulation Force, and Nicolae, read the Left Behind series.

Ever since we read this book about LEFT BEHIND, Billy Bob still does his chores AND reads, too. It is a very good book about Jesus and his left behind and what we must do to be saved. I'm waiting for one about JEsus's right behind, too, as they are symmetrical and needs must part to eat of the fruit. Life in our trailer camp will never be the same.

The pope knew this and I am sorry he is dead.

As I write this, the FDA has just dropped its previously strict packaging regulations in order to give pharmaceutical companies (like the one George Bush the First had a huge stake in) the opportunity to plant radio frequency identification (RFID) chips into packages of medicine. Last year the FDA authorized their use in human beings. Why, I wonder, haven't Tim LaHaye, Hal Lindsey, and the other right wing fear mongers who terrify people with stories of the imminent "end times" told their readers to do something PRACTICAL to stop the real-life, non-fiction, happening-as-you-read-this implementation of a system which would allow the denial of access to medicine and medical services to people based upon whether or not they have the "correct" microchip implanted in their bodies? Do the chips have to have "666" stamped on them before these guys start telling people that George Bush the Second has implemented more Antichrist-like policies than any fictional Romanian? By "something practical" I mean counseling their readers to maybe ... oh ... maybe ... NOT VOTE FOR THE POLITICAL PARTY WHICH IS DOING THIS? Until they do THAT, I'll continue to regard LaHaye, Lindsey, and others like them as fear-mongering hucksters making millions from rubes who are so busy reading this FICTION that they don't pause a moment to look at the real world around them. (As for the villain in this book: Oooh! A monster from Transylvania! How original.... Bah! I'm *through* with these lousy LaHaye books.)

The third book in the "Left Behind" series. Fast-paced novel which moves even quicker than the first two books. Some definite, well-written action - especially in the desert chase and evasion sections and the earthquake sections. The character development is slowed a bit with more emphasis placed on the action of the books - and on some rather preachy sections. Aside from those preachy sections (one disturbing section involves a rather slanted abortion view - but this is a book written by a pair of Right-Wing Christians, so what should one expect?), this particular book raises the bar from the first two. It will be quite interesting to see where the writing style will go, especially now that some action has been injected heavily into the storyline.

I've been doing some research on the name Nicholae Carpathia and I found out that it's a Romanian name! The Carpathians are some mountains between Romania and Russian and Poland. I think there are some forests there too, but what's really surprising is that The Romanians are all Gatholics and so it's only natural that the Antichrist should come from them. Because Judas, I think he was a Gatholic too. There's also a connection with Ghostbusters II, so maybe that's what the authors were getting at instead. I also heard somewheres that Dracula was called Nicky Crapathia or something and that on top of being a Vampire, he was a real count named Vlad Carpathian and that he was an Agnostic before the villagers put a stake in him. Which I heard was worse than Gothlic!

Anyway, great books, keep making them please.

The ongoing saga of Rayford Steele, Buck and Chloe Williams and the rest of the beleaguered Tribulation Force as they struggle to survive not only the wicked machinations of Anitchrist Nicolae Carpathia but World War III and the Tribulation itself. Having firmly established the current cast of characters in the previous two books, the authors turn the screws tight in ths one and the result is non-stop action from start to finish. Not necessarily a better all-round book than LEFT BEHIND or TRIBULATION FORCE, but definitely more exciting. Buck Williams's flight through the desert with renegade scholar Tsion Ben-Judah is an atompsheric heartstopper, but that's nothing compared to the awesome power of the Wrath of the Lamb. Great entry in the landmark series blends Christian theology and first-class thrills almost flawlessly. And you'll jump straight from this one's tumultuous cliffhanger ending to the next book, SOUL HARVEST. Obviously recommended!

The God Squad is back to (sort of) fight evil in NICOLAE. Someone else reviewed it better than I ever could when they said there was absolutely no excuse for stretching this story out over 12 novels. I could solve the problem of Nicolae Carpathia in one easy move. (See below for my brilliant spoiler.)

But first, lets review: Rayford Steele is Carpathia's pilot. Steele, his useless wife Amanda, his useless daughter Chloe, and his son in law, Buck Williams comprise the Tribulation Force (God Squad). They are convinced that Nicolae Carpathia is the Antichrist. That's pretty apparent. NC has pretty much taking control of the whole world, though the hate machine that is the Middle East is not factored in real well. I guess if you're Islamic, you don't believe that Jesus is the Messiah, so they were all left behind.

Anyway, there is a lot of hand-wringing and praying going on because except for Buck in Israel, rescuing Tsion Ben Judah (the man who broke the news to the world that as a Jew he was now convinced that Jesus was the Messiah); and Steele flying around with Nicolae eavesdropping on his conversations in the back of the plane, there is not a whole lot of action going on that the characters of this book are actually participating in.

Though the story is very interesting and I will continue to read the series, here's an idea: If Steele is Nicolae's pilot and Nicolae is the Antichrist, bent on raining death and destruction on everyone on Earth, why doesn't Steele just crash the plane into the ocean, kill Nicolae and save the day?

Probably because then LaHaye and Jenkins wouldn't be able to rake in more cash and have Jesus reappear in book 12 to defeat Nicolae.

The Tribulation Force now knows that Nicolae Carpathia is the Antichrist described in John's Book of Revelations, the final book in the New Testament. It is obvious to readers from the beginning that he is, but the scenes in which he takes control of worldwide leadership are shocking.

The Book of Revelations reveals seven seals that are the prelude to the last seven years of the End Times. Buck Williams, still able to maintain his lucrative position as headline writer, publishes a stunning article entitled "The Wrath of the Lamb" just before the worldwide earthquake (seal number six) flattens mountains, opens or closes streams, brooks, and lakes, and reduces the size of land mass by enveloping great sections in the churning chaos of the sea. This is prophesized by John the Revelator. These descriptions, I thought, were well written.

One of the main aspects of Nicolae's power is owning the media. Current laws do not allow one conglomerate to own controlling interests in radio, television, newspapers, magazines, or production companies. The Antichrist brings a large populace into his fold with promises and mind control. However, he owns it all. He combines all religions into one Global Religion under his appointed Supreme Pontiff, and takes on the tile of Grand Potentate of the Global Community.

While I was reading this book, there were recent political and communication changes in the United States that may allow a single entity to own more media control. These current changes made me wonder if a path is in the works for a single man to govern the world.

Again, the characters are underdeveloped. Rayford Steel marries a woman just introduced in this book while Chloe and Buck finally tie the knot. The Tribulation Force is still trying to draw Hattie Durham into their fold.

This is a fast action paced novel. Of course, I was committed to reading the series by this time, so I may not be the best judge. I enjoyed it, and immediately went to Book 4.

Victoria Tarrani

I started this series because of my friend's recommendation. The story is compelling at times but these books are very poorly written. It is sometimes tough to continue reading. The characters are not well developed or believable. The women...don't get me started...the women are so simplistic and unnecessary. It is shameful that the female characters are portrayed as such silly people. There is something about these books despite the many flaws that keep me reading. My wife and I enjoy talking about them and comparing the pre-tribulation theory to our own faith.

I like this book because it had to do with god and the devil. I love reading things about god. I love learning new thing about what mite go on or what has gone on in life. What I did not like about the book was that it did not explain that much about what happened. I think they could of explained it more than they did. I did not really understand it that well but it was pretty clear what was going on in the book. I watch the moves of the books. I will tells other people to read these books.

In this one, the Antichrist starts to take over. Immediately, you love to hate this guy. The authors build him up as an aristocratic, well-educated, dignatary, who is so controlling and manipulative, that you would think everyone hates him. On the contrary, however, he is quite the persuader and smooth-talker. A very realistic interpretation of Satan himself. This one leaves your mouth watering for more. I read this book and the next 2 after it all together....it makes for one BIG story.

Don't believe the negative reviews you see; most are just wanna-be-writers who are upset at the success of this series.

This novel is fantastic. It is the third book in the series and moves along quite well. Nicolae Carpathia is evil personified; the dialogue is all-that-and-a-bag-of-potato-chips; and if you've read this far - why stop now?

Click that buy button! You won't be sorry folks!

Peace-out

This third book in the Left Behind Series dragged a bit in places, but that's OK-you can't expect every book in a long series to be equally good ! Part of the reason it draggged is that there was some summarizing of previous books added in for readers who may have picked up this book without seeing the former books. Even so, don't skip this book, because some important things happen, and you need to know those things for the following books.

For me, the most interesting thing in this book was Nicolae's ongoing relationship with Hattie, and what happens with that.

Nicolae, The Rise of Antichrist is book #3 of Left Behind. World War III has just begun and the worst is just beginning. The seven-year Tribulation is near the first quarter of what darkness is to come over the earth. Nicolae Carpathia becomes focus in what has come about the Global Community to which he consolidates his power. It is the time that "the wrath of the Lamb" is poured out upon the earth with the great earthquake. Our heroes, Rayford Steele and journalist Buck Williams who struggle to survive the global war and destruction. They know Nicolae is the Antichrist prophesied in the Bible. Carpathia's regime becomes from a benevolent leader to a cruel, ruthless tyrant whose evil agenda is destroy humanity. Steele and Williams do all they can to do the impossible-stop the Antichrist! The chaos and turmoil is described in John's prophecy in Revelation of the seven seals [Revelation ch. 6 & 7]. In the meantime secret all-night rescue missions from Israel through Sinai will leave you on the edge.

(NOTE: Also take a look at my other previous reviews written on the 'Left Behind series' to follow this exciting most talked about series-just click on my name above.)

This one was more face-paced than the first two books, which made it hard to put down. There's more action, more events happening, not so much downtime and thinking and pondering of the characters. Many parts are edge-of-your-seat reading, so read and enjoy!

The third book in this series was just as great as the others.

As a gift last Christmas my friend gave me the entire Left Behind series and told me I should read it. I started out with the first and am slowly working my way into the series.

In this book Buck, Rayford and there wives are still trying to find the answers they need. This book has it all the action, the adventure, the plot twists.

Overall, this was a great book, and I can't wait to read the rest in the series.

This book begins with the Tribulation Force recovering from the death of its mentor, and one of the team will save Tsion Ben-Judah. In this part of the series, the population must survive the first part of the seal judgments.

The pace of the books in this series is fast. This book is no exception. I found myself caught up in the events and eagerly looking for the next book. I would recommend having the next book ready to read.

The strength of this series is that it will increase your interest in the Book of Revelation. I think this a valuable tool and recommend it.

I don't know what I can say about his book series that hasn't already been said. This book definitely has quite a bit more action than its two predecessors. However, some of their actions are a little too extreme to be believed. It is hard to imagine a world where people are NOT stirring up controversies and trying to expose our heroes for who they are. Also, the text is written on a level appropriate for a 12-year old. This is both good and bad. While it can feel at times that the authors are speaking down to the reader, most people do not have the knowledge of the End Times that would be required to understand all of the nuances of the plot twists. Also, having the book written on an easier does make for a fast read which is appreciated. I feel this a good Christian novel, but it is not the only one out there - and definitely not the best. I rated this book generously because it was an enjoyable read, but the series starting to get a little difficult to swallow. Still, I purchased book 4 in the series today.

Why 4 stars:?
While there are some flaws with the characters and the writing, this book is a good introduction into the world of Christian fiction and helps to bring the world of Christian media into the hands of believers and non-believers alike. Moreover, it is a quick read that will keep the reader turning the pages.

(...) I really enjoyed this book. It is the third book of a so far, nine book series. And the most action packed the series this far. This book is about a group of people, no younger than the age of twenty, living in hiding from the antichrist. One, a pilot for Nicolae {the antichrist} two, a former journalist for GNN {global news network}, and then some. The book gets more exciting as Buck {the journalist} goes to Israel to pick up an unsafe rabbi. The Arthur does a really good job to keep the reader reading, and not put the book down. I could not put the book down at some points! Really action packed, no swearing. And no bad junk parents wouldn’t want their kids, thirteen and up, to read. Overall it is a very good book for those who love the series!

The third installment of the Left Behind series is a very fast paced book. It jumps alot between Buck Williams and Rayford Steele a lot more than the first two books. The two of them are seldom together in the book and it focuses on both of their stories. There is a sequence of the book that follows Buck's heroic rescue of Rabbi Ben-Judah that is very well written. It gets extremely suspenceful and I was at the edge of my seat.

I've said this before and I'll say this again. This is Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins fictional interpretation of what would happen after the rapture. Although it does touch on some scripture, this is a fictional work and should be read with that in mind.

This books, while I am sure not intentional, seriously undermines christianity. Due to such books, where prophecy is taken literally, christianity is now mocked by thousands. Sadly enough, prophecy books based on accuracy and based on the Scriptures don't sell as well. It is now obvious that the vast majority of christians in America are more concerned with fiction than reality.

Where can I even start with pointing out the out-of-control interpretations in this series? To point our just a few:

- LaHaye's presentation of Antichrist as one individual or one person is simply NOT biblical. There are many antichrists, and they were already around when the New Testament was written: 1 John 2:18; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 7

- LaHaye's literal presentation of large locusts with human heads flying in the skies is also out of control. Very often, prophets in the Bible use the comparison of soldiers with locusts: Nahum 3:17; Judges 7:12; Judges 6:5

- why are the locusts literal, and why is the beast symbolic? Maybe a literal beast with literal 7 heads would have been too much for the reader to handle? LaHaye is everything but consistent when interpreting prophecy. If Revelation 20 talks about a literal thousand years, then why isn't everything else literal as well, like the lake of fire, the serpent, the chain? Of course, if that is the case, it would be quite an adventure to throw Satan, which is not a physical being, or death and Hades, which are not material things, into a physical lake of fire.

The author is so inconsistent with his understanding of Revelation, that he is caught in his own maze of interpretations in order to justify his beliefs about the "end of the world". Unfortunately many readers would much rather believe what LaHaye tells them, instead of reading the Bible for themselves and find out the truth.

It may come as a surprise to many christian readers that the first century christians, including the apostles, believed that the Second Coming of Christ would take place during their lifetimes, and in fact it happened, just as Christ said. LaHaye maybe is not aware of the following passages:

- Malachi 4:5 and Matthew 17:11. It is obvious that Malachi is not talking about the birth of Christ, because the birth of Jesus did not "burn like a furnace", and it was not a "dreadful" day. Jesus said that Elijah who was to come was John the Baptist. There was only ONE Elijah, and not more. John was that Elijah that was to come right before the Day of the Lord comes.

- Matthew 24 is about "the end of the age", no about the end of the world, like LaHaye takes it to mean. It is clear that Jesus indeed talks about the destruction of Jerusalem at which time, He will return with power and great glory to destroy the jewish system that proved to have no power against sin, and was a threat to christians

- If Mathew 24 indeed talks about "the end of the world", why would Jesus tell people to run to the mountains? That makes no sense whatsoever.

- Also Jesus repeatedly told his apostles that "the end of the age" which is the jewish age, will take place during their lifetimes: Matthew 23:36; Matthew 24:34; Matthew 16:28; Mark 13:23; Luke 21:32; Matthew 10:23

- Why is LaHaye ignoring all the New Testament references which clearly point to an imminent return of Christ? Could it be because if the Second Coming was a matter of the past, he would no longer be able to sell his books? Indeed, read Romans 16:20; Hebrews 8:13; Rev 1:1; Rev 3:11; Rev 22:6,7,12,20; 1 John 2:18; 1 Peter 4:7; 1 John 2:18

- Jesus does not return on a physical cloud in the skies. God used such imagery in the past in prophecy, like in Isaiah 19:1

Is it indeed clear, from the Bible, not from the Left Behind series, that our Lord returned when He said, soon, during that generation, when the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the romans, and the jewish system, which was a threat to christianity was wiped out. How can LaHaye, Jenkins, or the reader, when presented with such overwhelming biblical proof, can still promote this book series as fact when in fact it has no basis in the Bible? I will let the reader answer that question.

Yet again I have ventured intot the theologically flawed series of literary fluff called the "Left Behind" series. Once again, LaHaye hasthe one-dimensional characters moan on about how they wished they could have been saved earlier. His attempt to continue to strike fear into the reader who has not accepted Christ is becoming tiring.

Its not that *I* don't accept Christ- I jsut don't accept the horribly flawed reading of Revelation that they give in this series. Another repeated statement that is made is how amazing it can be that people did not take Revelation "literally"! Well, if you read these books and can stomach it (the series Imean, not the Bible) you find that LaHaye is only *selectively* lieteral. The horse of the apocalypse rides indeed, but there actually is no "literal" horse riding about - so in that case, LaHaye is willing to concede that is not literal. Couple that witht the fact that the whole Rapture theology is barely over 100 years old, and it is not hard to question their hermeneutic.

Yes, people say this is just "fiction" - but the authours don't, and so do many I have talked to who have read these books. Which is really why I read them. Before I can critique something, I need to give it a chance. So I did. And they are awful.

If you were like me, pretty disappointed with the weak second book and wondering whether to continue the series, then I would recommend picking up the third book. It is definitely better all the way around. The writing is still simplistic at times, but perhaps for the purpose of reaching a wider audience. There is solid character development and good suspense, and the escape from Israel creative and memorable. The pace is nice and quick, helping to add a sense of urgency the reader can feel throughout the whole story.

This book continues where Tribulation Force leaves off. While it is not quite as strong as the first book, it does have several great moments. I thoroughly recommend the reader read the series in order since otherwise one would become lost in the timeline.

Actually, I give this book, and the series, no stars. The best that can be said is that if you enjoy science fiction, you could read it in the same sense that you would read Buck Rodgers.

If you are looking for a Biblical view of Christian eschatology, this series is helpful in that it informs you of everything that the Bible doesn't say on the topic. If you are looking for something sensational to read without it being accurate, then here is your "Christian" Buck Rodgers.

This book is absolutly amazing. After reading the previous books in the series I am hooked. "Nicholae" is a part in the series when Nicholae Carpathia, the antichrist, starts gaining more and more power over the world. Rayford and the other members in the Tribulation Force tremble at the future that lies ahead of them. At the very last moments in the book, the Seventh Seal is broken. At the moment, I'm am reading the Fourth Left Behind book, "Soul Harvest", and I got it as soon as I could because the suspence was killing me. What will happen to the Tribulation Saints?

Beginning with a global thermonuclear war and ending with a massive earthquake, Jerry Jenkins third book in his Left Behind series continues a downward spiral of emphasizing action over character. Other quibbles are how unscathed just about everything seems to be after the war. I know that the Anti-Christ is supposed to appear as quite the miracle worker and all, but come on. A little greater attention to detail would be nice. The book is breathlessly paced and full of action and intrigue, but without a heavy dramatic anchor to hold the story for us it is hard to care too deeply about the characters and the upcoming perils they will face. As with Left Behind and Tribulation Force, Jenkins' ends this novel with a cliffhanger that will have hooked readers (of which I am one) anxiously awaiting the next volume, others may feel cheated.

This was the book where I finally stopped giving these books a chance based on their freakishness value and just put them away for good. Even though all the events of this book were supposed to be exciting and revelatory, they just seemed limp. The only time when the book picked up was when the King James Bible was being quoted and then it's just because the writing style suddenly improves.

Various points of this book rankle me that have nothing to do with the uberChristian, anti-Semitic bias. They include:

Writing the Marvel style: Every character has to repeat every plot point so far, ie. "Buck couldn't believe that that was the anti-Christ behind him in the plane but he knew it was and when the anti-Christ hired him in the last book, etc., etc." Apparently Jenkins believes that the reader is too stupid to remember a plot point that only took place 50 pages back.

World War III: It's supposed to be happening but it affects no one in the plot. If the entire world is going to war against Nicolae, wouldn't there be some fallout? Chicago is still standing at the end of the book which is kind of hard with all these missiles.

Bad characters: If we are going to be with these characters for hundreds of pages the authors could have made them interesting. Instead they are little more than talking heads for the fundamentalist Christian philosophy.

While the escape from Israel offers some tension (if you can ignore the characterization of Jews as rabid dogs out to kill converts to Christianity) it's too little too late. And the earthquake kills off a couple of characters who were even duller than the main ones.

So if you have a fundamentalist Christian friend, give this book to them. But don't read it if you aren't already fully believing in the whole Armegeddon deal. Actually if you are a fundamentalist Christian you might feel insulted by the simplicity of the book too.

LEFT BEHIND was a good book. It contains a lot of action and raises many questions, causing one to think about one's beliefs and perhaps discover the truth. I delayed reading LEFT BEHIND for several years because I didn't want to be caught up in the mass frenzy that followed its publication. However, my wait was worthwhile.

Not too long after reading LEFT BEHIND, I decided to read the next book in the series, TRIBULATION FORCE. I was severely disappointed by it. There isn't much action, there's way too much unnecessary filler, and there is a huge 18 month period of time that is virtually unaccounted for.

I wasn't sure what to expect with NICOLAE. I had heard that it was one of the better books (so far) in the series, but I had also heard people say that TRIBULATION FORCE was a great follow up to the awesome Christian pulp fiction of LEFT BEHIND. After reading NICOLAE, I'm please to say that the authors got back on track after their little detour into romantic fantasy. The pulp has striked back.

NICOLAE is full of action: from the danger filled rescue through bombed-out Chicago, to the action filled chase in Egypt that centers the book, to the beginning of the Wrath of the Lamb at the end of the novel. There aren't any dull spots (unlike TRIBULATION FORCE) and the authors have vividly brought this part of John's Revelation to life.

If you haven't read any of the LEFT BEHIND books, NICOLAE would be a good one to start with. It updates the story for new readers, without boring those who have already read the first two books.

There has been and will continue to be disagreement concerning the author's interpretaion of Revelation. Nevertheless, whether you agree in full, in part, or disagree with their position, you should not let that prevent you from enjoying some exciting Christian pulp fiction.

After having read all 8 of the left behind series books over the last 3 weeks I can only say with a short word, WOW!

I have read some people reviews criticizing the books for being to bland and written for a young audience. Most of what is written in these books comes from a book that is often referred to as bland and not very exciting, this book is affectionately known as the Bible. Do I have problems with these books I would have to say yes, consider if you would the cost of jet aircraft and jet fuel for said aircraft would be astronomical. Planes somehow being able to fly great distances (Israel to Illinois is over 5000 nm) without refueling stops add to the disillusion of the story. But this is why this work is referred to as fiction and not non-fiction, if it were based on more factual data the story would have more realism yes but it would be no less entertaining. There are portions of the books that do seem to drag along but for the most part books keep a good pacing and a wanting from the reader.

I read from other readers that there is no cussing and other sins committed by these new believers, for this I can only state that sometimes people can radically change with God in their lives and perhaps that is something that these writers are attempting to convey with their writings. One thing that does bother me is the fact that the writers have now decided that 1 book a year will be all the put out for the series, is there a guarantee that there will only be another 4 books in this series? After all the first 42 months of the tribulation consumed 7 books and anyone who has read revelations will tell you that the next 42 months of what will be known as the Great Tribulation will be twice as intense as could every be imagined in the first 42 months. So is it possible that without an increase in the size and material explored in these next books that the series could become 15 or more books? If that is the case the rapture may occur before this series is every completed.

I personally think some people are taking these books to replace the bible, instead of what these books are intended to be.

And for those who still consider these books so poorly written let me point to you two of the most poorly penned books I have ever had the misfortune of reading. The author of these two books is Dr. Robert Davis, they are titled; The Plutonium Murders and the Doomsday Kiss... I think the likes of Stephen King, Tom Clancy, John Grisham or others I will not list here have something to be frightened of by these authors the answer I am ashamed to say would be no. The vast majority of people in the world will never know these books as great writing or entertainment. I give the books a 5 star rating although in actuality I would say for character and plot development it would receive a 1 Star, for writing quality a 2 Star, for a reasonable plot and research a 2 Star (this being generous) but for overall being something I would recommend to others for the pure entertainment of everything I give the books my full recommendations.

This is the best of the series so far. The first two were really slow, but this one jump starts the excitement. Nicolae gains power as the leader of "Global Community." The Tribulation Force continues their struggle as they know destruction is on its way. As the tribulant seven years continues on, the only thing the force can do is stick together and pray for their lives.

I have been a little skeptical about the excitement in the series, but this one has broke my thinking. This has to be the best and most exciting one so far.

Nicolae is the third book of the Left Behind series. Thoughts of the Antichrist have always sent a shiver through Christians and non-Christians like. Reading about Nicolae Carpathia, presented as the Antichrist by Jerry Jenkins, will bring tremors!

In the continuing saga, Nicolae garners his power, unifying political states to form "Global Community" with himself as grand potentate. The media are consolidated into "Global Community Network," "Global Weekly" and religions are united as "Enigma Babylon One World Faith." As the Tribulation moves toward the midpoint of the seven years, the Tribulation Force continues their struggle to survive and protect their families in the midst of global war and destruction. Knowing Nicolae to be the Antichrist prophesied in the Bible, it comes as no great revelation that this man, who presented himself as a charming and benevolent leader is instead a ruthless and cruel tyrant, manipulating people and events to serve his own evil ends.

The fulfillment of John's prophecy of the seven seals as recorded in the book of Revelation is realistically described. The "left behind" group recognizes that they are now facing the sixth seal, the great earthquake known as "the wrath of the lamb." Who survives? How? What does Nicolae have in mind for the world? The cliffhanger ending makes you anxious to read the next episode to see how the Tribulation Force fares although you may know how the story will end!

The action and suspense of this third book are mesmerizing as well as entertaining. The "evil one" is portrayed magnificently. The members of the Tribulation Force become truly identifiable as real people.

Great Potentate Nicolae Carpathia is consolidating his power with a one-world economy, plus the ownership of the world media and an ecumenical church, led by a hand-picked pontiff. Rayford Steele and Buck Williams, along with the rest of the Tribulation Force, continue their struggle to survive and protect their families in the midst of global war and destruction. Nicolae is shown to be a cruel tyrant, rather than the kind and gentle leader that most people take him for. The Tribulation Force realizes that Nicolae is the antichrist predicted in the Bible. And yet, both Rayford and Buck are still working for the man. In the meantime, the Tribulation Force try to figure out what evil will be next generated by this man or his minions. And in the midst of all this, the Wrath of the Lamb occurs, throwing everyone into chaos as they try to find each other in the tragedy

Keep reading! These books are easy to read and very entertaining - if a little thought-provoking and/or scary at times.

The writing is simple and easy to read (much like the New York Times). An easy weekend read, and it is fun. The interpretations of the scripture are probably wrong, but they are well done, and carefully thought out. This is not a theological exposition on the endtimes by Calvin, it is an action adventure series by Jenkins. It is not a replacement for the Joy of reading your bible, but it is not meant to be. Highly recommended.