This is the third time I've sat down to read the Left Behind series (but I'm yet to complete it!). I remember the first time, our church received a whole batch of book one for free - a very clever marketing strategy from the publishers - I was so psyched!!
These books are incredibly well written with excellent character development and edge-of-the-seat story lines, however I can't help but feel a little frustrated with the authors.
When the series came to completion there were a total of 12 books....oh wait, then there was the 3 prequels, oh and the sequel, and the kids series (40 books!), oh and a few movies....AND a flippin video game - are you kidding me?!
There's writing an awesome Christian fiction series...and there's selling out. I'll let you figure out which way I'm leaning!
Anyway, I decided to write a review now because I've made it further in the series than ever before - just completed Desecration (book 9).
Literally could not put this book down! The story continues following the Tribulation Force, a core group of post-rapture believers.
We meet a few new characters in this installment, and have some heartache as we inevitably lose some.
I really felt for Chloe, being stuck behind while the others go off on their various missions, but we see the extent of the efforts she is putting in to commodity co-op, allowing people to trade without the mark of the beast.
David's technical genius continues to play a vital part in the Trib Force being one up on Nicolae and co.
However, the extents to which Nicolae, the Antichrist, goes to enforce worship of himself as the risen lord and saviour of the world are sickening.
Disregarding my frustrations about the authors / publishers (for dragging it out and totally selling out)...I seriously love these books and the cliff hanger at the end of this one makes me incredibly glad the next installment is sat on my shelf!
If you're a fan of the series - you'll LOVE this book, if you've not enjoyed the earlier ones...chances are you won't!
As an aside, but related, it seems pretty likely there'll be another attempt at turning this series into movie, however this time with actors you may have heard of...!
Nicholas Cage as Rayford Steele
Chad Michael Murray (off of One Tree Hill) as Buck Williams
Ashley Tisdale (off of High School Musical) as Chloe Steele
I'd defo be interested in watching that!
