The Indwelling: The Beast Takes Possession (Left Behind #7) Reviews

• The Indwelling: The most spiritually-involved one yet!

  
  By A2GJSBYIEHJ7Z3 on 2000-06-02
  The Indwelling is the 7th book to be released in the Left Behind series, written by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. The Inwelling picks up immediatly where Assassins, book #6, left off and reveals who killed the Antichrist. The assassin was somewhat predictable, but many other suspects clouded the actual identity of the assasin. The Indwelling gets very spiritually in depth, especially when Rayford Steele flys back home all by himself, and when Tsion Ben-Judah begins "dreaming dreams." When the safety of the safe house is questioned, David Hassid locates the STRONG Building, which will hopefully house all of the Trib Force and then some. As the funeral nears, the pace picks up somewhat, and a few mysteries surface. When Nicolae Carpathia (the Antichrist) is indwelt by Satan, he begins quoting Jesus and claiming his "divine power." The Indwelling is probably one of the best books so far, but the story moves slowly. The entire book only goes over a period of about 3 days, and that's not very much when it's a book that long. The book leaves us with only a few small cliffhangers, unlike the previous book, Assassins. The upcoming 8th book, The Mark, should answer the question of who might betray the Trib Force, what the numbers of the ten kingdoms mean, and the rise of a new technology, a mark that everyone will have to have to be able to buy or sell. I give The Indwelling 4 out of 5 stars, even though it hosts a slow plot, it takes you for a wild ride.
  
  

• Indwelling: Starring the phone and the airplane!

  
  By A25HYPL2XKQPZB on 2001-01-18
  After reading my review, you may think I am evil, stupid, satanic or cynical, and I want you to know I am none of that. I am a Christian who loves to read. Because I have read so many novels, I feel that I am a good judge of what is good and what isn't. I have read this far and will continue to read to the end because I love the subject matter. I think more movies and novels should be written about Revelations because I don't think the subject will ever grow old, until it actually occurs. But, these authors, apparently blinded by the blind faith of the public, who buy these novels sight unseen, have decided they don't need to do quality work. Just filling up the pages will do. Here are some of my complaints. Just remember that despite all I say, I am still going to read. Maybe by the end, the authors will have changed my mind.

  The first problem I have is with the plot. The "authors" have decided that they want a member of their juvenile Tribulation Force to be present at every major event of the Tribulation. That explains why Ray, Buck and T feel like they have to fly every where. How can they afford this? Where is the realism? Also, the authors made Ray land in Greece while on the way home just so they could introduce a character who has the gift of discernment. Earlier, they talked about Tsion discovering the finer points of intercession. Again, these theological details take away from the story and do nothing to persuade non-Christians. I have a feeling that those that are left behind, won't be spending there time studying deep theological issues. They will be trying to stay alive. John 3:16 is about as deep as they will get.

  This brings me to a big complaint, and this is about the part when Tsion has an outer body experience and goes to heaven and sees Lucifer, Michael, and various other things. I realize the events described are probably scriptural, but it is bordering on blasphemy for them to be covered in this book.. First of all, I know it is not scriptural for a person like Tsion to get a glimpse of heaven like he did. I just get a creepy feeling all over while reading a fiction novel and then hearing the author try to describe events and scenery that NO ONE on earth knows about. Again, this adds nothing to the story except to point out that the authors know a lot about theology. I wish they would realize that the readers aren't biblical scholars, so they should quit trying to show off. They should leave the out of body experiences to Shirley McClain and leave the descriptions of heaven to the Bible. The conversation Tsion had with the angel Michael was the worst because it felt like they were adding words to the Bible.

  Now, onto other problems. Also, Ben Judah is not the only person in the world who is smart enough to read the Bible and figure out what is going to happen to them. Why won't those millions of "Ben-Judahites" open their own Bible and figure out some of this stuff on their own. My wife and I had a good laugh pondering the fact that the fate of the International Co-op rested in the hands of a 23 year old suicidal college drop out who wants to kill her baby. This stuff is getting worse each book.

  It is too bad we can't go back in time and give the responsibility of writing this conceptually ground breaking series to a good author who wasn't only focused on the large-print, wide margined, childish, overpriced paperback money making side of things. I feel a great opportunity was wasted because the rapture and the tribulation is a great story and a great evangelical tool, but these authors have reduced it to just a trivial matter to be solved by a bunch of super humans who fly around the globe on a whim.

  Another minor complaint I have is that half of the suspense in the book revolves around cell phones. It seems like so many sections end with some one making a phone call to tell some one something, or trying to make a phone call to tell someone important information but they can't get through, or being on the phone with someone and not being able to tell them something, so they have to fly half way around the world to tell them in person. These kind of plot devices are not the work of professionals. Also, I wish Tim Lehaye would take his name off these books. It was a good concept, but since he isn't doing the actual writing, why does he want to take the blame?

  One last things. Those plugs for other books are stupid. Keep those out of here.

  You may ask why I keep reading if I don't like this series. Maybe it is because the story. I know a lot about the prophecy of the end times in the bible so I am not relying on this series for all of the information. I guess I am just curious. But my curiosity is about to be overcome by my disappoint in the failure of the authors to come close to writing a good story. I guess I will let my wife read the Mark first, and if she likes it, then I might read it. It is obvious these stories are geared for only the Christian market, and that is very unfortunate, because the non-Christian market is who needs a book like this.
  
  

• There is a message

  
  By A35BYV7HR8BASM on 2000-06-17
  If you have been reading all 7 books then you are probably aware that there is a message behind these books. They're not for entertainment purposes only. Lahaye and Jenkins are trying eveyway they know how to reach those in the world today who are going to be left behind. Biblically speaking they stay very close to the prophecies of Revelation and Daniel. Of course they have had to take some literary lisence to flesh out people and events into a work of fiction. However, the bible truths are in there plain as day and the answer is the same in our life as it is in the lives of those in the book. The question is do you want to hear them. I've anxoiusly awaited each and every book, and I usually can't put it down till I finish it. I've cried along with the Tribulation force as they've lost friends and family. I've rejoiced with each convertion and I know I will miss these characters when this series ends. For those who would like to know more on the actual biblical prophecies I'd highly recommend the book "Revelation: God's word for the biblicaly inept."
  
  

• Already finished it and eager for more!

  
  By A19ITG2MWMP2JX on 2000-05-24
  I bought The Indwelling at lunch yesterday and could not put it down until I finished it last night! For all of the readers who rated the series negative for lack of action, this book has lots of it. The AntiChrist is dead, Rayford is on the run as the prime suspect, and you don't find out who did kill Carpathia until over halfway through the book. If readers would remember that this is fiction based on the Bible, I believe they would be more satisfied with the series. I am eagerly awaiting The Mark!
  
  

• still quite good...

  
  By on 2000-07-17
  Although at times the action can waiver and get bogged down "catching up" readers, "The Indwelling" is still quite an interesting book. I read other reviews prior to reading this continuation in the series and presupposed that this book would be a disappointment. They proved incorrect. There are many new situations and continuations of plot to be found in "The Indwelling." Although the actual indwelling is a last page event, getting there is just as riveting. Unfortunately, some readers tend to think the authors are dragging out the story simply to "line their pockets." These books are serving a higher purpose. They are mission tools being used by two very efficient evangelists. They are meant to be entertaining as well as thought provoking in a way that makes the reader think about the subject at hand long after the book is closed and set on the nightstand. "What if..?" seems to be the question the writers want implanted in the minds of their audience and I believe they are accomplishing their mission. My review is to state my affection for this series as wonderful reading for Christians like me but also so for those with questions still...they are simplistic in word and character thought process but still very complicated in faith and prophesy
  
  
• I don't want to be "LEFT BEHIND"
  By ADWH9GB4N24FG on 2000-06-09
  Two Thumbs up to these authors for their heavenly inspiration of what life may be like if you are not ready the first time around. It is so refressing to see Christian authors in the spot light. I completed all seven of the books and wanted more, so I have started reading the "Left Behind series for Kids". They are just as good. They even include the main characters from the adult series. In less than a week I completed 4 out of the 8 books, which are less than 150 pages each. I have gotten my kids interested in them, and they love them. I tell my kids I HAVE to read the books before they do(smile). I truly believe we are in the end-times and that these books will be a tool to cause many people to really think about where their lives are going.

  If you want to get a person started reading this series, just give them the first book and they are hooked. I have not read books so intensely since "Piercing the Darkness" and "This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti.

  Any book that makes people think about being left behind after Christ returns is a must read. Also the Left Behind series is written by experts. It is a fictious story written around true facts. ENJOY, but be ready to examine yourself...
  
  

• WOW!
  By A159ZC53MJAE51 on 2000-05-23
  The Indwelling is the seventh book for the Left Behind series and it is absolutely overwhelming in the excellence of the writing of this book. The authors keep you turning pages throughout the entire book. There isn't one single boring part in this book. You will not be disapointed with the continuation of Assassins. You finally find out who killed Carpathia, and what is happening with the dangerous situations the characters that watched the assassination. I eagerly wait for the next book, The Mark, coming out on Nov. 14 this year.
  
  
• FAST PACED AND AWSOME
  By A2KV4LG2GNM6CP on 2000-06-14
  I have a hard time understanding those who berate this or any of the books in the series. Except the fact that their blind to the truths revealed. You have to remember that this is Biblically based fiction. And the authors are trying to get a message out. Will you hear it?

  I for one couldn't put the book down. Yes, it was somewhat predictable, but Jenkins keeps you turning the page. Each scene leaves you hanging on until he brings you back to that character or characters. These novels were inspired by God--to give a realistic look at the horrible ordeal that those who've been left behind will endure during the tribulation.

  The point is... you don't have to be. Left behind that is. This series has given enough truth that those who haven't yet made a decision to follow Jesus Christ, have been given a chance to see what they'll endure if they refuse to acknowledge him as Lord. That's the whole point of these novels. I'm thankful that I won't have to endure it, but I am concerned for those who will.

  This perticular novel shows the types of struggles the characters go through. From David and Annie being in the midst of the most chilling time in history, being in the very midst of satan, to Chloe's desire to kill Kenny and herself should the GC overtake them at the safe house. And Tsion's dreams, wanting to know how to interpret them, to finding the new safe house without being detected and Chaim's struggle over whether or not to make a decision to follow Christ, when he knows may be on the very brink of dying. And worst, when the Tribulation Force members suffer the loss of other believers, friends.

  I had chills when I read parts of this novel. Not the fun kind! This book is a must read for anyone who wants to know what the future holds. Better yet... read the Bible.
  
  

• Very riveting
  By on 2000-05-25
  A very riveting volume in the Left Behind series. Read it in 3 days and cannot wait for the next book to be scheduled for fall 2000 release. Reading about Tsion's heavenly experience was wonderful.
  
  
• Disturbing
  By on 2000-05-25
  As a literature lover, I find it troubling that this book, with its large print, TV-byte writing, and shallow characters, is so popular. As a Christian, I'm disturbed by its fortress mentality and the reduction of Christianity to an insurance policy. I think Jenkins means well, but I hope readers who are dissatisfied with the Christianity presented in this series will look further and not judge it based solely on these books.
  
  
• Thank God There's an Alternative
  By A1A8NS3L5MXEG0 on 2002-01-14
  I don't hate Left Behind. In fact, to begin with it looked like it might be a pretty good series. Now it just drags on and on with subplots and characters I find it hard to care about. There's HARDLY ANYTHING about the Tribulation. Thank God I heard about the end times series THE CHRIST CLONE TRILOGY by James BeauSeigneur. First of all, it sticks to the story. Even better, BeauSeigneur explains WHY and HOW the events of the Tribulation happen instead of just having them occur with no logical explanation.
  
  
• Tim and Jerry do it again!
  By A1CDK5ODPS039E on 2000-05-23
  These authors have done it again! They've written an absolutely incredible book that does an excellent job of picking up where Assassins left off. It also leaves you anticipating the next book in the series. The continuing character development is great as you see Rayford, Chloe, Buck, Chaim and others deal with the events around them. I whole-heartedly recommend these books for anyone!
  
  
• One Problem? It leaves you wanting more!
  By A3UKNTOFJ7J8HU on 2000-06-07
  For those who have experienced the rollercoaster ride that are the first 6 books of the Left Behind series, number 7 has us on the edge of our seat with it's innumerable twists and turns. The constant feeling of impending disaster for the main characters we have followed since the beginning never leaves us alone. In fact, the greatest problem of this book, along with the whole series is that we are left wanting more, to have the next book in our posession as soon as we put down the previous one. My wife knocked off the book in one sitting where I had to take it a chapter at a time, needing to come up for air regularly from the excitement. The race to the obvious conclusion is not very fast, but infused with incitefulness, fear, danger, intrigue and ultimately frustration, for we want the next book now!
  
  
• It's fun and a good way to spend some time, but...
  By A1SCRWJJV1Z5TB on 2001-01-15
  First, let me say that I enjoy the series, enjoying the novelty of the apocalypse, suspense and God-based themes. I will definitely read all the rest and I will/do recommend the series.

  ...but

  I find the plot to be basic and character development to be random and rarely deep.

  I mean, first of all, do the authors really need a 12 book series? A teacher once told me that an essay should be as long as a young lady's skirt: Long enough to cover the details, but short enough to keep your attention. As I read through #7, I really got the feeling that the authors could have added a few pages to #6 and said, "...and Carpathia came back to life." I tend to think that the authors spend too much time on unneccessary details. Who didn't know what Albie's plan was as soon as he said he had one? Were the pages of suspense really necessary? or could the authors have just streamlined the next few pages? 5 more books to read over the next 4 years? oy vey.

  For character development, I suspect that the authors keep coming up with new characters in order to just be able to kill them off, thereby making the "tribulation so emotionally challenging." For example, the character who dies in #7: What do we know about him? What happened in his life that was important to the readers and/or important to the plot except that he performed a very necessary act? (I hope I'm not being too cryptic, but I don't want to spoil the book for someone who hasn't read it.) Another example: Chloe's fears/plans for her son. Out of the blue, she comes up w/ some non-Christian attitudes, then all of a sudden at the end of the book, the way she resolves them is...well.. shallow. I don't know what else to say.

  I have a really hard time understanding the authors' motivations for non-believers. I find the rationale which the authors use to describe the non-believers' explanations for the end-time events and their all-to-easy adoration of Carpathia to be much too convenient and not well supported at all. Example: the lands around Israel have been hotly contested for years with religious differences being an incredible stumbling block for peace. ...and all of a sudden a One World faith emerges? well, that's a good way to shape a plot to suit one's needs, but not a very interesting one. ..and all of a sudden the US is going to concede control to Carpathia after a couple of bombs in the 3rd book? Have the authors ever watched Red Dawn or the old TV series, V? I simply feel that the authors' lack of focus on non-believers makes the plot less realistic.

  Last but not least, I have to say that the plot is not as deep as I would have liked. The bad guys are protrayed as bumbling fools, but come on, if the AntiChrist was around, don't you think he'd be *really* smart and not be easily outwitted by the tribulation force? Simple things like his reaction to the 2 witnesses: lame-o His administration's approach to using computers: bo-ring. I mean, with all the talk of *Global Community*, you would think there would be at least a few chapters on how Carpathia was doing something increadibly sinister with the Internet. Granted, the authors probably know very little about the Internet and the series was started in 1995 when the Internet was just starting to gain in prominence in our lives, but I just have to think that there would be an evil twin of David Hassid who does really bad things with our networked world.

  Summary? well, like I said, I enjoyed reading the books and will continue to read them, but while I spent $13 each for the first 6, there was no way I was going to spend $25 for #7 or 8. At first, I was going to wait until #7 went into softcopy, but instead I borrowed it from the local library.
  
  

• Outreach Tool
  By A2BE3B9HSHUBT2 on 2000-05-25
  I carry a book wherever I go. It is a great conversation opener. Airplanes, buses, etc. I have had many opportunites to mention the Left Behind series. More and more people today are interested in "Armagedon" and the end of the world. When I mention the Left Behind series deals with Revelations and talks about what is going to happen, people express greater interest. What a way to get the message out to unbelievers and believers, reminding all of us we need to be "found ready". A believer from the Northwest.
  
  
• Absolutely Magnificent!
  By A17ZCIFS2Q8W92 on 2000-05-27
  I pre-ordered this book in March. When it finally came, the power in my city was out due to a bad storm. Propped up against a window for light, I devoured this book as if it was my last meal. LaHaye and Jenkins are truly gifted. If you like the other 6 books, then you will definitely love this one.
  
  
• DISAPPOINTED
  By on 2000-06-30
  AFTER WAITING SO LONG FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THIS BOOK, I WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE AUTHORS WERE TRYING TO TAKE WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN WRITTEN IN 50 PAGES AND STRETCH IT TO BE ABOUT THE LENGTH OF THE REST OF THE NOVELS IN THE SERIES.
  
  
• Reading a "Left Behind" book is a frustrating experience.
  By A2T64T451G7D1Y on 2000-05-25
  For the most turbulent period in human history, it's amazing how little actually happens in these books. Many events in the end times are so mind boggling that I do not envy the author that attempts to express it as fiction. But it has become increasingly apparent that Jerry Jenkins' approach is to simply not try. Jenkins is not a bad writer, by any means. He has established a solid career as a biographer and non-fiction author. But I feel that may be the problem here. The horrific events portended in Revelation are dealt with in an oddly detached way, and usually very briefly. These books are filled with (solidly constructed) characters that are constantly escaping from something, adopting fake identities, driving on bad roads, and constantly describing the horrible, awful events to come. Yet those same events seem to just slip by from within the narrative with minimal time spent. Example: millions of demon-locusts are unleashed in "Apollyon" to torture the unsaved for six months. Sound horrible? Yeah, it does to me too. I cannot imagine the philosophical and social ramifications of an entire population being menaced and terribly tortured by monstrous, heretofore unseen, hideous insects. But apparently Jenkins didn't find it as interesting. Several pages were devoted to the arrival of the beasts, and there was lots of running and screaming. Then, just when things were getting interesting, we cut to months later, when everybody is coming out of their sting-induced torture. Plotline over. We move on. Similar disappointment follows the arrival of 200 hundred million demonic horsemen. There are a few sightings, they are described as heading into battle, and then...nothing. The story shifts its focus to another death defying escape from something or another. More time is devoted to meaningless subplots like a character getting locked in a closet or the logistics of creating a statue than the actual period of history these books are based on. This series needs to stop sugar coating horrific events and evading challenging subject matter, in a nutshell. For the end-times, I just expect more hassle than bumpy roads. I have to admit I'm hooked on the series. Despite my disappointments, I love a good page-turner as much as the next guy. But would I recommend these to my friends? Sadly, no. I cannot with a clear conscience recommend 300 pages of lost opportunity. Although, when you take those 1-1/2 inch margins into consideration, the books are for all intents and purposes much shorter. And maybe that sums up the whole series: lots of padding, little substance.
  
  
• Readers must "Take Possession of the Details"
  By A3K3MZAB9H8FG3 on 2000-05-29
  If you read this book primarily to find out who killed Carpathia, chances are you will find yourself somewhat disappointed. The book does answer this question, however, you have to wait after the very detailed plot and character development before this mystery unravels.

  The tribulation force is now scattered and facing several dangerous challenges. The battle between the tribulation force and the Global Community Forces take place in several different areas:

  *Rayford must escape Isreal while giving himself a spiritual inventory.

  *Tsion Ben-Judah gets a glimpse of battle in the spiritual realm through a series of dreams.

  *David, Annie, Mac and Abdullah are on the front lines of the war as they battle for the tribulation force right under the enemies nose

  *Buck Williams investigates the mysterious disappearance of Chaim Rosenweig

  *Leah runs into another believer who has an inside track on Hattie's location

  All of these subplots initially develop separately as communication between the body of believers is temporarily severed. They then come together and the plot climaxes as Fortunato seems to gain more political and supernatural power. Does Satan take possession of Carpathia's body and ressurect it? This question is answered near the explosive end of the book.

  Tim LaHaye's and Jerry Jenkins' talent for excellent character development and incessantly intriguing story lines is manifested in this book. You must be patient and appreciate the details in order to fully enjoy it. The authors know how to tease you enough so that you keep reading. Although a lot of question are answered in this book of the series, it creates new questions that will make the reader hungry for the next book "The Mark!"
  
  

• Sensitive Readers Stop Here
  By A156YPW38JWIV2 on 2000-06-02
  I believe that The Indwelling : The Beast Takes Possession was just as good as the rest of the series. For those readers that believe that it is too wordy,or too slow, -IT'S A BOOK! What do you want? If you want a shorter version, read the book of Revelation! Just because many of us have read the ENTIRE SERIES, many people still have not! We must not forget that! For those readers that believe that is was too "Choppy"- It is written in the SAME FORMAT that the other ones were! For those readers that think the book contained some "situational ethics "-OH, PLEASE! Do me a favor and read your newspapers, turn on your TV's! THIS IS A FICTION BOOK! YOU KNOW THAT, DON'T YOU? The minds of the readers should be focused on God. The One, the Only, that gave the writers the power, knowledge, and the strength to put up with people like you! If people reading the book can't discern Truth from Fiction, then maybe they should read the CHILDREN'S SERIES!
  
  
• More tribulation, please!
  By on 2000-06-11
  I've read comments on this book that complain about the padding - the spacing out of one dramatic event per book. (This time it's the indwelling of Carpathia by Satan, not that I expect his behavior to change much, since it's not as if the character was given any depth beforehand. In fact, now that I think of it, I wonder why the authors have never written from Carpathia's viewpoint. Or, for that matter, the viewpoint of any non-saved character. Wouldn't it be interesting to actually get inside, say, Chaim's interior turmoil rather than hearing him say "I am too stubborn to convert" a zillion times before finally converting in a moment of duress? But I digress.) I don't care about the pacing; I just want something interesting to happen between biblical events.

  Or perhaps my idea of what would be interesting is way off the spirit of this series. For all I know, the authors intended Chloe's "struggle" with whether or not to kill Kenny to be a searingly dramatic look into Chloe's soul. Could it be that our favorite 22 year old mom and Stanford dropout is not perfect? GOLLY! (I am more certain that they did not intend a South Park reference.) I appreciate the effort, but as someone with secular tastes, I found it pretty undramatic. I mean, it's not as if "GC" forces were knocking down the door. She's sitting around chatting with Tsion when she declares she's ready to off Kenny rather than let him fall into GC hands. Of course, as I understand the theology, once you're saved, you're saved, so she'd be set for the Glorious Appearing anyway. But maybe I'm wrong.

  And speaking of filler - I can't begin to recall the number of times drama has involved taking off in an airplane or having oneself saved by the fortunate appearance of God's wrath (locusts, spirit horsemen, etc.) How about the inherent drama of, oh, I don't know, living in a country where the infrastructure has got to be shot? At this point, since about a third of the world's population has been killed and the water routinely turns to blood (about a quarter of it, I think, which must make showers no fun), our characters should be having trouble finding food and medicine and fuel. Instead, they fly around the world and RENT CARS! I half expected Chloe to go shopping with Kenny in a doublewide stroller at the mall!

  Still, I look forward to the Satanic bar codes of THE MARK.
  
  

• Augh!
  By ABWYSUN2WAGUO on 2001-01-19
  Why,oh WHY is this poorly written book hailed as such a great work?! The writing style reminds me of how I used to write when I was in 5th grade..the dialouge is unbelivable. Why couldn't they have just made it a shorter story? Or just tacked a prolouge onto the previous book or something? 3/4 of the book is filler and does Rayford Steel always have to toss off some psuedo-dramatic one liner? This is so full of cliches that I keep waiting for Carpathia to rub his hands together and burst into a fit of insane laughter...Ugh,don't waste your time on this series!
  
  
• The Best of the Series?
  By A18J2UV1EDYTC0 on 2000-07-31
  Potentially the best book of the series, though it doesn't have a whole lot of competition - especially from the last 4 books. The characters are still flat, the dialog is still stilted, and the action is still largely predictable. However, Jerry Jenkins has thankfully stopped repeating himself so much. Books 3-6 were so full of repetition (filling readers in on the backstory, either because readers hadn't read previous books or they're too empty-headed to remember past plot elements) that they became almost unreadable. Expanding the series from the original 7 books to now 12 books was a horrible blunder, as books 3-6 really could have/should have been one book and very little would have been lost - and much clarity would have been gained.

  The plot has picked up with this book, and it was a good read. Still unquestioningly pulp with very little literary value, it was an enjoyable quick read that required little thinking. Good beach book, good lazy afternoon book. Do yourself a favor, though, and get this one from the library - you probably won't want to read it more than once, and you can pound through this in just a few days (my wife did it in one day, I did it in 3).

  A 3 star rating, though I was tempted to give it 4 stars just because my expectations coming in (after that past 4 books) were so low. This did exceed my expectations - though that's more a reflection of my expectations than of the book.
  
  

• Interesting
  By A3R7X0U0TGWOOB on 2000-06-16
  Actually, I loved this book. I think that the authors did a better job on this one than any of the others. The only slight problem was that LaHaye and Jenkins took a bit too long to get around to some of their points--but I suppose it was better for clarification purposes. The events that actually transpired were very interesting, and the Biblical correctness was amazing. This is a very good book, and I recommend it for everyone.
  
  
• The biggest problem is that there's no suspense!
  By A1G9UU3QWBV4YZ on 2000-06-11
  What surprised me about this book was the fact that nothing surprised me. All the major plot points are revealed by all the prophetic predictions. It would be much more dramatic if the characters weren't always saying, "Now, what's going to happen next with the Antichrist is this . . ." The fact that the Trib Force has all the prophecies figured out means that nobody's surprised when something big does happen. What would be more interesting would be to tell the story from the point of view of folks who don't have the "inside track," so to speak. That way we could experience their surprise and horror as the events unfold.

  Also, I have some problem believing that Tsion has a web audience of a billion readers. AOL only has 23 million members, and doesn't Amazon have about 17 million users? A billion readers seems unlikely, especially if a third or half of the world's population has already been killed off. Besides, if there really are a billion (or even a few million) Judah-ites on line, then wouldn't there be a much bigger resistance force? You'd think Rayford and others would be leading and organizing thousands of people, not just six or seven.
  
  

• Are you people brain-dead?
  By AVVA90W5S0R7D on 2000-08-01
  I'm referring to the people who gave this book five stars and called it "well-written." It was just tripe and I'm sure the authors know it's tripe. I'm also pretty offended that some of reviewers imply that people who criticized the book are not "good Christians." We're criticizing men, not God.
  
  
• The best thus far
  By A3KTN1Q5DDWDXG on 2000-05-26
  Wow! I was totally blown away by THE INDWELLING! I was thinking with Nicolae gone, it wouldn't be as exciting, but I was very wrong. This was definitely the best of the first seven. This also has alot of surprises in it, including Tribulation Force deaths, and obviously the indwelling of Nicolae. You won't believe who assassinated him! LaHaye and Jenkins are by far two of the worlds best authors. The LEFT BEHIND series seems to get better as we move ahead. I can't wait for THE MARK :)
  
  
• Don't tell me the plot! Man, I hate when that happens!
  By A1P3VONJOPTVTV on 2000-07-12
  I thought this was for reviews, not to find out who does what! I was reading through some of the comments and some knucklehead blurted 'I wasn't surprised that ______ was the murderer'. I'm still reading it, and now I know who the murderer is... Oh, well, I'll still read the series, but I agree that so far it's getting a bit drawn out. The first four I couldn't put down, 5 and 6 were kinda dry, now I'm on 7, so far it's nothing earth-shattering.
  
  
• A Disappointment
  By A1UYZOEQH70GAU on 2000-05-26
  After waiting so long for "The Indwelling" I was extremely disappointed. All 400 pages take place over one weekend, and I felt the entire story could have been told in a couple of chapters of another book. It seemed so long and drawn out! Normally I like detail, but Jenkins and LaHaye take it to a new level here! Credibility is stretched regarding David Hassid's computer capabilities, and how are they gonna fly a helicopter into Chicago if they're afraid to walk the streets? Still, I look forward to The Mark.
  
  
• You've got to be kidding....
  By A1E8YIJ76ZSDN on 2000-05-25
  Am I the ONLY one who saw zippo in this book....I don't get it...page 365 we find out about the title....and there's only 385 pages in the book...365 pages of filler...extremely disappointed...what the heck gives?
  
  

• The Mark: The Beast Rules the World (Left Behind No. 8)
• Assassins: Assignment: Jerusalem, Target: Antichrist (Left Behind No. 6)
• Desecration: Antichrist Takes the Throne (Left Behind No. 9)
• The Remnant: On the brink of Armageddon (Left Behind)
• Apollyon: The Destroyer Is Unleashed (Left Behind No. 5)