An an engaged woman who will be married in a few months, I found this book quite insightful. It was informative in a Christian way that made me feel educated without feeling embarrassed. I wish it had discussed the new Sympto-Thermal method of Natural Family Planning -- this is not the old, outdated rhythm method that they describe. My fiance and I recently completed a very professionally done training seminar for the Sympt-Thermal Method of NFP (conducted by the volunteer organization called the Couple to Couple League). It's a shame that we were the only Protestants in the class. If the LaHayes and other Christians knew that this method of NFP is 99% effective and that there are very few abstinent days due to its accuracy, we would have more bible Christians practicing this method. I don't understand how the LaHayes, who are pro-life, can tell couples that the Pill is the best birth control. It is now a medically established fact that the Pill causes micro abortions when it fails to prevent ovulation. Also, I have friends who have suffered severe side effects from taking the Pill, such as blood pressure abnormalities. I feel that the LaHayes should recommend the new NFP over the unethical Pill. Otherwise, I felt the book was worth buying. Thank you.

An excellent informative book with very clear and concise information which also embraces humour and personal experiences. The LaHaye's are both extremely frank in their approach to writing and are not scared to discuss issues which most Christian literature skirts around. I really wish we had been given this book to read prior to marriage, it would have prevented the stumbling around in the dark that inevitably occurs when you get married. This book will definitely be required literature for my children prior to marriage. I would recommend it to all couples - prior to marriage, newly weds and "experienced" couples - there is a lot to be learnt in these pages at what ever stage you are at.

Everybody that has read this 9 book series are going to find this book fascinating because we still have the same characters and their strugle to survive the final tribulation.This book is full of adventures and the author finally reveals important things about what role each of the characters is going to play against Nicolas. Of course i cant wait to read book number 10 , and I bet neither can you guys , so please Mr. La Haye , hurry up...

ESTE, AL IGUAL QUE TODA LA SERIE, SON LIBROS PARA HACERTE REFLEXIONAR SOBRE EL FUTURO Y LA PROFESIA BIBLICA. LA FORMA DE NARRACION ES EXCELENTE. PERO POR SUPUESTO AL SER UN LIBRO PARTE DE UNA SERIE, NO SE PUEDE ENTENDER COMPLETAMENTE SI NO SE HA LEIDO LOS LIBROS ANTERIORES. RECOMIENDO FUERTEMENTE LEER LA SERIE COMPLETA,QUE A ESTA FECHA VA POR 10 LIBROS. ES DIFICIL "DEJARLOS ATRAS " SIN TERMINARLOS.
COMIENZE A LEER EL PRIMER LIBRO DE LA SERIE QUE ES: DEJADOS ATRAS Y VERA LO BUENOS Y INSTRUCCTIVOS QUE SON ESTOS LIBROS. SON EXCELENTES Y NADA ABURRIDOS

I was at the point of great destruction in my new marriage, when I came across this book. Although my husband and I had been going out for 7 years before we got married, I always thought things would change, for the better when we tied the knot, but it didn't.This book helped me to realise that love is a decision and as Christians we shouldn't give up and that through God anything could happen. Don't give up read this book!!!!

For a single young lady, this book was just what I needed to understand myself a little more and how to create a Godly home for my future family. It taught the precepts of love and care in a fantastic sort of way. It's a book to have before and after marraige. A book to keep for all time.

As a newlywed, my spouse and I really enjoyed this book. It truly makes sense! Another book that we have found to be helpful is "The Christian Financial Crisis" by James L. Paris. The 10-Day Financial Turnaround section has been very helpful as well.

This is a terrific book on how your temperament determines your strengths and weaknesses in dealing with your finances. It gives a greatly needed section on the differences between the temperaments and how to deal with your financial conflicts in marriage. Your spouse is a different temperament than you -- so you will each deal with your money differently.

I highly suggest this book, even if you don't really have money problems. It will still give you the ammo to identify your weaknesses and strengthen you money management.

I read left behind terror in the stadium.The protaginist is Vicki, Judd, Mrs. Stein, Melinda, Dr. Ben Judah. God has made some of the people that dont belive in him. The people that do belive hold a meeting and Dr Ben Judah teaches them about god. Then the non beilivers start shootind the belivers. Vick maker Melinda belive in god. That was the good part.

This book isn't one of the best of the Left Behind for Kids series, but it is still a pretty good book. Judd and Lionel convience Mr. Stien to take them to the meeting of the witnesses in Israel. While Judd, Lionel, and Mr.Stien fly to Israel, Vicki is trying to turn the old schoolhouse into a place where nonbelievers can learn about Jesus. When Judd, Lionel, and Mr. Stien finally reach Israel, they find it is hard to find a place to stay.They find a place and stay there till the meetings start. Carpathia says no one will be hurt during the meetings, but will he keep his promise? Like I said, this book is good, but it is not the best in the series of Left Behind for Kids books

This book isn't one of the best of the Left Behind for Kids, but it is still pretty good. Judd and Lionel convince Mr.Stien to take them to Israel for the meeting of the witnesses. While Judd,Lionel, and Mr.Stien fly to Israel, Vicki is trying to turn the old schoolhouse into a place where nonbelievers can learn about Jesus. When Judd,Loinel, and Mr.Stien finnaly reach Israel it is hard to find a place to stay. They find one and stay there till the witness meeting starts. Carpathia says no witness will be hurt, during the meetings, but will he keep his promise? like I said, this book is good, but it is not the best in the series.

Ok, I initially picked this book up because it sounded like an intriguing plotline (a little like Stephen King's The Stand mixed with his novella "The Langoliers"). What I didn't expect was a thinly disguised piece of propaganda aimed to make readers feel horrible about themselves and basically live in fear for the rest of their lives. But enough of how I disagree with the ideas behind the book. As for the book itself, I can find practically no reason to continue beyond the first chapter. The characters are completely undeveloped and any interesting facets of anyone's personality is lost whenever he or she becomes "saved." I found myself becoming upset whenever one of the characters became "saved" because that meant he or she would no longer be an interesting individual and now would basically be interchangeable with any other of the "saved" characters. Don't get me wrong, I have a few friends that are part of this lifestyle and they are wonderful people who are not preachy or obnoxious in the least, but I would not last a minute with any of these characters - they are too simplistic and annoying to be believed. There's no surprises, no reversals, and everything that happens is completely predictable. This book is so elitist as to be down right insulting to anyone who doesn't subscribe to this particular ethos. I honestly don't understand who is buying all these copies. As for continuing with the series, you've GOT to be kidding. I'm an openminded person and I have no problem exploring lifestyles different from my own, but this book exists solely to make people feel bad about their choices, and to bully them into changing their lives through fear. I cannot support or recommend that.

It is hard to know how to evaluate a book like Left Behind. Is it aiming to be a piece of light fiction - easy to read, yet lacking a factual foundation? No - the subject matter is a little too dire for that. Is it then a theological treatise, presenting a case for the Rapture? No - there is a definite 'novel' feel to it. And this, I feel, is where the primary problem lies with Christian novels such as this one - they try to integrate two styles of writing (fiction and theological) which quite frankly is difficult. No doubt there have been some successes in the past (such as Pilgrim's Progress), but Left Behind tends to focus on the 'fiction' (storyline) angle predominantly. From what I see the book appears to be written based on a premise of premillianism (probably dispensational) which shapes how the story develops - though admittedly I have some amillenial bias. Looking at the story itself though, I found the character development very thin, and the real purpose of the first book appears to be to whet the appetite for the second (and following) books - it lacks literary completeness in and of itself. For twelve dollars US I was expecting alot more...

This is the book that set off a world-wide obsession with the Left Behind series. This is the book that started the audio drama series, the kids' series, the movies, the board games, the website. This is the book whose following sequels hit and continue to hit the top of the New York fiction bestseller list.

So what's the big deal about Left Behind? While it differs from many denominational theologies and ideologies, even those who disagree on the Second Coming of Christ still enjoy reading these books. Why? Because it chronicles the fictional yet realistic events following the Rapture of Christ's people from the earth.

Here's the plot for this first book: Rayford Steele is an commercial airline pilot whose life is going okay. So okay, in fact, that he's pondering a potential deepening of his relationship with one of his online flight attendants, Hattie Durham. This, despite his happy marriage to his beautiful wife Irene, and their two kids, Chloe and Ray Jr. Meantime, famed journalist Cameron ("Buck") Williams is on Rayford's plane. Williams gained fame and renown by covering a massive air assault in Israel, one in which all of the enemy forces attacking were killed by a strange firestorm, and yet no casualties resulted on the Israeli's side -an event predicted by the Bible.

Both of their worlds - and the real world - are shaken as, in the blink of an eye, millions of people disappear, simply vanish out of their clothes, and out of this world. Rayford lands his plane safely, despite chaos on the ground, and rushes to his home. He finds that his suspicions are confirmed: his wife and younger child Ray Jr. have disappeared with the rest. Rayford searches for answers at the church that he had never before enjoyed attending with his wife. He finds the assistant pastor Bruce Barnes, who has been left behind, at the church, watching a video recorded by the church's pastor, describing THE VERY EVENTS THAT HAVE OCCURRED.

The video tells of the disappearances predicted in the Bible, the path to salvation, and foretells of the events to come, according to the Bible. Rayford, his daughter Chloe, Bruce, and a small congregation of others searching for answers find their salvation in Jesus Christ.

Meantime, Buck Williams searches for answers too, as he watches a charismatic Romanian leader rise quickly to the head of the United Nations. He learns from Bruce Barnes' teaching that this leader is predicted in the Bible, and in the video tape. Buck must discover the truth for himself, before it is too late.

BAD:

I enjoy this series a lot, but for those whose theology doesn't line up, it's not an extremely critical aspect of the Christian life as to what manner Christ will return in. The authors, Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye rely on the Bible for their opinions, and the Bible makes it clear that Christ's return is imminent, and that it will occur "in the twinkling of an eye". Even if you don't agree with the pre-tribulation Rapture of Christ's church, this series is still quite enjoyable. Compared to some books I've read, this particular one isn't very violent, but for picky readers, you should know that there are some violent things that take place in the book: a double-murder described in rather gory detail, as well as the chaos and violence that occurs following the disappearances. (Drivers who disappear cannot stop their cars from plowing into houses, people, cars; people cooking on a stove that disappear leave burnings stoves behind them; even other airline pilots who disappear leave their passengers pilotless, to crash and burn)

GOOD:

Jesus Christ is the Messiah, that's the main message of this book. Those who were raptured were taken by God to be spared his great wrath and judgment. Many come to repentance, and faith in Him after the disappearances, and follow His leading thereafter. This book is very enjoyable to read, and it's quite the craze nowadays too.

THOUGHTS:
Jenkins' writing style isn't the best you can find, to be honest. It's the plot that keeps you enthralled. In fact, some of his writing skills seem to deteriorate in later books of this series. Still, the book is a good read, and you should read it some time. But be prepared to buy a boxed set, or perhaps the rest of the series, because you'll want to know what happens next, and there's 12 books in the series! Also check out the Left Behind movies, and the dramatic audio editions.

The entire series, from "Left Behind" to Apollyon", has held my attention. The fact that I just found out about these books has allowed me to read them in quickly in succession. The only negative thing now is that I must wait until August for the next book. "Apollyon" was action-packed, the most gruesome thanks to the locusts and yet keeps the reader's full attention. Whether it was wondering when Buck would get home, if Hattie or Chloe would actually have a baby in that terrible world, what would the witnesses do next, Tsion's intrepretation of the next event or if Nicholae would destroy more of the Tribulation Force, my attention was keenly focused on this material. Another benefit is that I have found a deeper desire to try and read Revelations again. Thanks for an exciting series and I look for to reading "Assasins".

Other than the morning paper, I have never been one to read much. That all changed when my brother sent me the first five books of the "Left Behind" series. I have just received the sixth and look forward to reading it every day. The story is thrilling and action packed; the message from God extremely clear despite its interpretation of the Book of Revelations, a subject that is anything but clear to most people. I highly recommend these books to all, believer and non-believer. I sense God's presence as I read these books and a desire to get my life in order. I can only wish the same for everyone else. God Bless!

Like the four books before it Apollyon is like sitting watching a really supenseful movie: you are on the edge of your seat. Each page leaves you hanging for the next, because you now know these people and have to know how they end up.

I have read prophetic books before, but it has taken the fictional story of Rayford, Buck and Chloe to bring understanding of what Revelations is saying. These characters and their Tribulation Force give a clear picture of what it is going to be like for those left behind. Ben-Judah teaches the prophecy in way that even the bibical densed, which I consider myself, can begin to connect the verses in Revelations to how it can be played out in the 21st century.

In Apollyon when the Witnesses are challenged and no one can kill them , I feel a sense of pride in my God. When the demons come and torment the non-believers I have compassion on them. It is sometimes hard to understand why such a loving God will allow this to happen. Buck's explanation to Chaim in chapter sixteen about how God had blest Chaim with "wealth of friends, education,"etc. and couldn't get his attention, "what else can He do?", answers my question well.

I thourghly enjoyed Apollyon and am looking forward to next in the series. I hope Mr. Jenkins and Mr. LaHaye won't leave me hanging too long.

I've long been enamored with apocalyptic literature; something about a world slowly dying simply captivates my interest. So I was excited to hear of the Left Behind series.

The problem, however, is that the series gradually turns into more of an evangelizing text than a quality novel. Long, boring religious asides take up pages at a time while major apocalyptic events are expressed in merely a few paragraphs. Three trumpet judgements seemed to breeze through in mere pages.

While I enjoyed the first three books of the series, Soul Harvest seems to be sending it down a slippery slope, degenerating into a long religious tract. At the moment, I am reading Apollyon (book #5), and find it just as slow paced. However, I continue to read in hopes that it will pick up.

A Review by Jessica

As prophesized events continue to be hurtled toward the Tribulation Force and the rest of the world, Buck Williams and Rayford Steele are on a search for their lost wives. Just as they had expected, they are now becoming the main target of the Anti- Christ. The Tribulation Force will have to out smart the Anti- Christ's powerful guards, have secrecy among fellow believers, and go into hiding all in order to protect or even save their own lives.

I loved the amount of action in this book. The authors keep you on the edge of your seat the time. An example of this is of the first seven or eight chapters while Buck and Rayford are continually looking for wives, Chloe and Amanda. Only problem with this is that they are wanted be every Global Community guard and cannot get caught. I also enjoyed reading about each character. Even though they are the same characters as in the first three books, the authors continue to add attributes to each character that keep you hooked on them. The relevance of this book is another thing that influenced me to give this book five stars. Everything that happens in this book is an interpretation of anything that could happen during the actual Tribulation. Although only a fiction story, everything that happens in this book gives you a piece of mind of what Hell on earth might be like.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an action-packed book with non-stop suspense or to readers who are looking for a good Christian story.

Warning: This is not an easy book to read. Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins do not pull any punches.

"Soul Harvest" begins in the aftermath of the sixth seal judgment, the worldwide earthquake. With the exception of Israel, no place on earth is untouched. Death and destruction are everywhere. And many of those that are still living want nothing more than to die. New Hope Village Church is gone. Loretta's house is gone. Global Community Weekly is gone. Just about everyone the Tribulation Force has come to know and love is gone. And yet it gets worse.

Both Amanda Steele and Chloe Williams are missing. It is a race against time as Rayford Steele and Buck Williams each try to save their beloved wives. Both of their lives will forever be changed by what they find.

The worldwide earthquake is just the beginning. Tsion Ben-Judah, despite being a marked man by the Global Community, wants to return to Israel to rally together the 144,000 Jewish witnesses. The pressure is on around the world to force Nicolae Carpathia into providing protection for Tsion's return. Will Carpathia give in to the pressure and let Tsion return? Better yet, will the first, second, and third Trumpet Judgments prevent the gathering from taking place?

If you are able to tolerate the images that this book will bring up in your mind, you will no doubt find yourself very captivated and will quickly finish reading the book. So far, this is the best of the series.

I've read all but The Indwelling in this series and found this one to be entertaining but a little drawn out. Besides the continuing saga of good vs. evil as portrayed by Buck, Rayford and other believers against Carpathia and his henchmen, the book continues to move along in its narrative of the end days. The specualtive interpretation, based on Biblical Phrophecy is full of God's message all be it not so suttle at times. If you've read the others in this series you probably will read this book no matter what is said. If you're new I suggest you start with the original to get a complete feel for Jenkin's and LaHaye's apacopalyptic vision. If you just want to jump into the series, don't do it here as this book is a bit drawn out. I found myself saying "OK kill him already"! I thought there would be much more to this installment than there was but nonetheless found it rewarding. For believers and non-believers alike this is a fun book that will at least make you think and hopefully be a better person. There are tons of reviews for this book but I told myself I would review all in the series, so, peace be with you, share the spirit.

For so many years, a Christian's only real option to read quality Christian literature was to read the marevelous C.S. Lewis. I feel blessed in the the last couple of years with the outpouring of quality literature now available. What's more, the different books are all very different. Left Behind is a wonderful introduction to the theology behind the End Times and a great series for all ages. We All fall down is a great book for more mature, intellegent Christians who wsnt to explore the individual ramifications of the End Times and the one on one relationship of a man who has fallen away from God. The Christ Clone Trilogy is a thrilling, Tom Clancey like look at these events, full of unexpected twists and turns. I know some people like to argue the various merits of these books as compared to each other, but I think they are all worth reading and feel lucky to finally have such a wide variety of GREAT Christian literature available.

For all of you that keep talking about the authors of this series getting greedy-- Please rethink this. It really doesn't matter...What matters is the length of this series gives more people the chance to read it. They may hear good reviews or bad reviews about the writing style, the development of characters or the entertainment value. But face it, the important task here is to spread the word. Whether the authors intended or not, the long series does draw more attention than a one time writing. Look at some of the "bad" commercials on TV. People remember the "good" ones but also the "really bad" ones. So, again, does it really matter? I don't think information that may lead people to their bibles to study more needs to be riveting, entertaining or short. The important thing is that alot of people are hearing about this series and telling others. Some are giving the books to their non-beliving friends. How many of you read the Bible expecting to be entertain or to be a critic of the writing style. Don't lose site of the big picture...the acceptance of Christ and being saved. Please don't turn people away from any book that might make them think about God and their salvation. That is what would be a shame!

Good Story line - Poor literary work

This book is written at 5th grade vocabulary skill set. I have never been a speed reader but this book is written with such an elementary language that, I was browsing through pages. Most of the dialogue is very simple and redundant. The love story line between Buck and Chloe is very out of touch with reality (sex is taboo even in a dialogue). This is not to say that one would expect cheap love scenes from these authors but considering that this is a Christian book read by millions of readers, it would have been a good idea to approach the subject in a tasteful way for all the readers (why else do we turn to "other" sources?) The conversations between Buck and Chloe drove me nuts. For such an intelligent woman, she always manages to present herself less than smart. The book does not show any evidence of her intelligence.

I am not Christian but I still enjoyed the book and plan on reading at least #3. I have not given up yet.

After reading the first novel in the Left Behind series, Left Behind, I was compelled to read the second novel because of becoming closer to God through the book. Though the plot was thick, I was bound to the book the entire time I was reading because of unexpected twists and turns and the death of an important member of the Tribulation Force at the end. It was excellently written and kept me wanting to read until the end. After the pregnancy of Hattie Durham, I knew that the rest of the books would be interesting to read especially with the upcoming wedding of the Anti-Christ and Hattie. I cannot wait to read the third book!

For so many years, a Christian's only real option to read quality Christian literature was to read the marevelous C.S. Lewis. I feel blessed in the the last couple of years with the outpouring of quality literature now available. What's more, the different books are all very different. Left Behind is a wonderful introduction to the theology behind the End Times and a great series for all ages. We All fall down is a great book for more mature, intellegent Christians who wsnt to explore the individual ramifications of the End Times and the one on one relationship of a man who has fallen away from God. The Christ Clone Trilogy is a thrilling, Tom Clancey like look at these events, full of unexpected twists and turns. I know some people like to argue the various merits of these books as compared to each other, but I think they are all worth reading and feel lucky to finally have such a wide variety of GREAT Christian literature available.