The Rapture - Countdown to the Earth's Last Days

It seems doubtful that Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins had any idea what they were starting when the published the first book in the Left Behind Series 20 years ago. Since both were extremely successful prior to this series, I'm sure they believed the books would do well. But, THIS Well? I would love to know if the original series was supposed to be 5 books or 7. Did they stretch it out to get to 12. Pretty sure the prequels were an afterthough (so to speak.) Whatever the case may be, I've just completed book 15, THE RAPTURE, and it is a fine ending indeed.

As even LaHaye and Jenkins will probably admit, this will not be taught as great literature in English classes of the future. Nor will anyone confuse the plot lines with 24 Hours. However, the plots are fine (say 7.5 on a scale of 1-10), the characters are memorable and full blooded. (Give it an 8.) Suspense maybe only a 6. Overall, if it weren't for the subject matter, folks would have still read these books, but not nerely so many.

What they so badly need was MORE. Many of the plot lines were good, but needed to be stretched out, given more tension, left the door closed a bit longer.

This final book, which takes us back to the actual rapture and slightly overlaps Book 1, which was called LEFT BEHIND. In the first two books of the prequel, THE RISING and THE REGIME, we watch the beginning of the life and career of antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia. Both of these books spend most of their time on his maneuvering for power. While The Rapture still advances this part of the story, it spends much more time on the lives of several family groups that will be prominant throughout the future books.

As a Christian you are drawn to the imperfect, but saved, family members. You feel bad for those who haven't yet accepted Christ, and are struggling on many levels. There was room for more subtlety in these distinctions, but it works just fine.

What intrigued my business partner, Terry Brown, about this book, was the descriptions of heaven, and how things will actually look and work at the time of the rapture. Obviously, these are the impressions of Tim LaHaye based on Scripture. And they do bring to mind Randy Alcorn's recent book, Heaven.

If you haven't read any of the books in the Left Behind Series, you could start here. You wouldn't miss much. Or you could start with THE RISING, first of the prequels, and just keep going. Total reading time for all 15 books for a average speed reader, 45 hours.