Written by Jerry B. Jenkins, conceived by Tim LaHaye, the books called the "Left Behind" series are a monumental collection of Christian futuristic fiction, based mainly on the Biblical Book of Revelations.
The fictional characters and plot revolve around real quotes from the Old and New Testament of the Bible. Reading the 13 books, numbers 1 to 12 plus the sequel, can be confusing to the reader trying to separate fact from fiction. The facts being the Bible verses, the fiction being the characters that weave the author's tale of what might happen from the time of the Rapture and afterward on earth and in heaven.
The main characters are with us throughout the series in their life-changing roles and for some, their change of bodily composition after the Rapture. But I don't want to give away too much about that as I found this part of the fictional portrayal very creative. I've always been curious about how a natural earthly body could be different from a Glorified Body.
My own background is Catholic and in my middle years I stretched to embrace the interfaith movement in the Catholic Church. So, I think the series could hurt the feelings of those of other world faiths as it has no ecumenical spirit; no acceptance of other belief systems. Suffice to say again, that I feel only born-again Christians, or those curious about those beliefs, would be comfortable reading the books.
But, all the subjective points are my own, and you may really enjoy the plot and fast moving action. There is hardly a slow-down from beginning to end; the series might be just the titillation you're looking for. In my opinion the books are adult reading, because of the amount and methods of gore.
The book titles are -
One : Left Behind
Two : Tribulation Force
Three : Nicolae
Four : Soul Harvest
Five : Appollyon
Six : Assassins
Seven : The Indwelling
Eight : The Mark
Nine : Desecration
Ten : The Remnant
Eleven : Armageddon
Twelve : Glorious Appearing
The Sequel : Kingdom Come
The "Left Behind" books are from Tyndale House Publishers, Incorporated.
My books arrived in a big box from Amazon.com, so that is one place that has them all in stock.
Review by Susan Helene Kramer
