Nicolae: The Rise of Antichrist (Left Behind #3) Reviews

• Nicolae Who? CHRISTOPHER IS MUCH MORE CONVINCING!

  
  By A3VHMYPD2IGGA4 on 2002-01-25
  This book in the Left Behind series is called Nicolae but Nicolae is harldy even in this book. Again, this entry in the series focuses almost entirely on the private lives of Rayford, Buck and friends.

  When I heard about this series I had really hoped for insight into Revelation and the end times. Instead we're given endless detail about the Trib Force members and only the most elementary presentation of prophetic events.

  Like many readers, I have found The Christ Clone Trilogy far more satisfying to my desire to understand the Tribulation. Instead of Left Behind's rigid repetition of scriptural description with no real-world explanation of what it means or how it could occur, The Christ Clone Trilogy gives plausible scenarios based in real science and politics, as well as staying true to scripture.

  And as far as believable Antichrists, Nicolae Carpathia is a cardboard puppet compared to Christopher Goodman.
  
  

• The Evil One Takes Over

  
  By AO4A961ZKHJPL on 2000-06-28
  I've read all but "The Indwelling", which I'll read this summer, so I've decided to review the series. If you're a voracious reader you could finish this book in a day, no matter your reading level it is an easy read. You're likely to read it quickly because you'll want to find out what is going to happen next in this apocalyptic vision of Earth's future. This book is one of the best in the series. The action and suspense are spellbinding, so it is very entertaining. The "message" and true intent of the authors is throughout the book, you either believe it or not. The book is entertainment, not a bible study course on the Book of Revelations, so take it for what it is and enjoy the ride. The "evil one" is portrayed magnificently, totally believeable and credible. The world is his oyster and the way he manages to rise to power is slightly predictable but interesting nonetheless. The "heroes" are by now starting to become more dimensional as characters and the reader will be able to identify with them as real people. Whether you agree or disagree with the premise of this book, an interpretation of the Book of Revelations, the book is still a very good piece of fiction that in fact may be based on truth? Better than # 2 and right up there with the original # 1. No matter you're opinion, you will be left thinking about how you live your life and hopefully be a better person for it.
  
  

• One of the Two Best

  
  By AZXFZ1NZMGMA6 on 2001-01-26
  I've been a fan of this series since the second book came out. I found the first one slow at times, but they get better (mostly). Then I read a review that said the Christ Clone Trilogy by James BeauSeigneur is a whole lot better, so I tried it. The review was more critical of Left Behind than I would agree with, but it was 100% right about the Christ Clone. Man, that's a series you can sink your teeth into. It moves fast, sticks to scripture, and explains prophecy in a much more believable way than any of the end times books I've read, including Left Behind.

  The strangest thing is that BeauSeigneur does such a good job of presenting the antichrist that you actually find yourself pulling for him. It's weird, but exactly as Matthew 24:24 says it will be. In Left Behind you know that Nicolae is the Antichrist right from the beginning (though the characters seem a little thick-headed in not being able to see what's so obvious to the reader) and there's no way in the world I would ever follow ol' Nick. If I weren't a Christian, though, I'm sure I would follow BeauSeigneur's Antichrist. He's that good, I mean bad . . . oh you know what I mean.

  One other big difference is that Left Behind is obviously written for a Christian or near-Christian audience; the preaching is pretty thick and I think turns off many nonChristian readers. (I've tried to get nonChristians to read Left Behind and none have read past the first book.) The Christ Clone Trilogy is written for a secular audience (it even has an occasional curse word) but when the truth is revealed (book 3 of the series) the Christian world view and the presentation of the Gospel is unmistakable.
  
  

• Excellent, no matter what your perspective.

  
  By on 1999-11-11
  I for one read this book in only a day. What saddens me is to see the negative reviews that some have written about it. The purpose in writing this book (and the others) was not solely for entertainment or profit. These books are not written to convince people of one Rapture doctrine or another. Rather, they have the message of God's love for his people thoughout. Some reviews had wrong facts (saying such things like Amanda Steele was killed in a nuclear blast), said that the Antichrist was not a good enough villian (he isn't supposed to be one; he wins the people over and then turns nasty), and some even talk about how it is pointless to write about such things if they aren't happening now. Has it ever occured to these people that these books are chock full of Biblical references and the plan of salvation? No matter what time you think that the Rapture will occur, there are still probably going to be some of these books around. Then those who were really "left behind" may find them and glean some truth from them in an otherwise lost world. From the sounds of it though, it seems that some current readers could profit as well from a little religion.
  
  

• Why do I keep reading this terrible waste of paper?

  
  By A30JWBSVCFYXPE on 2001-11-14
  Yet again I have ventured intot the theologically flawed series of literary fluff called the "Left Behind" series. Once again, LaHaye hasthe one-dimensional characters moan on about how they wished they could have been saved earlier. His attempt to continue to strike fear into the reader who has not accepted Christ is becoming tiring.
  

  Its not that *I* don't accept Christ- I jsut don't accept the horribly flawed reading of Revelation that they give in this series. Another repeated statement that is made is how amazing it can be that people did not take Revelation "literally"! Well, if you read these books and can stomach it (the series Imean, not the Bible) you find that LaHaye is only *selectively* lieteral. The horse of the apocalypse rides indeed, but there actually is no "literal" horse riding about - so in that case, LaHaye is willing to concede that is not literal. Couple that witht the fact that the whole Rapture theology is barely over 100 years old, and it is not hard to question their hermeneutic.
  

  Yes, people say this is just "fiction" - but the authours don't, and so do many I have talked to who have read these books. Which is really why I read them. Before I can critique something, I need to give it a chance. So I did. And they are awful.
  
  

• Welcome to eJesus.com!
  By A3NOQB09EOSA6Q on 2000-04-19
  Yes, the sky may be falling, all the airports may be destroyed, and pestilence may be spreading across the Earth, but that doesn't stop the Tribulation Force from suddenly becoming the most wired citizens of the Global Community.

  Praise be for that 10-100 Ethernet connection.

  Three books into the "Left Behind" series, LaHaye and Jenkins decide that everyone's favorite unraptured ragtag band of evangelists suddenly needs cellular phones and wireless laptops, oh and don't forget a Land Rover.

  Apparently, God's work involves choosing a good Internet Service Provider.

  Sadly, this new digital-age materialism is the most compelling aspect of "Nicolae," which in every other regard, seems to have been phoned-in.

  The female characters continue to be simpering caricatures in Book Three-- every interaction with Chloe, Amanda, Loretta, or Hattie seems to revolve around crying, whining, histrionics, or homemaking. Sometimes all four at once.

  Yet the most annoying feature of LaHaye and Jenkins' Holy Posse rears its ugly Cerebus-head during the mens' chapters. You see, it appears that the neo-saints are never supposed to lie. This becomes clear from Buck's interactions with border guards and police during the escape scenes. When he is asked a question that he does not want to answer with a lie, he prevaricates--changing the subject or never quite answering.

  Which is, of course, fine. A real apocalypse martyr shouldn't stake his salvation on goodness and morality and then proceed to fib like Pinnochio.

  However, Buck has no problem using his fake identification and forged papers at every single border and every dangerous encounter with a guard. How exactly is this different?

  Then there is Rayford Steele's little Watergate-esque bug in the airplane he flies. The de facto leader of the Tribulation Force spends most of the book being duplicitous and listening in on his boss. Hmm... smells like moral relativism.

  Adopting a mendacious posture is the same as telling a falsehood, plain and simple. More to the point, it is revealing that the automatons in "Nicolae" do not have the capacity to see this dishonest behavior for what it is-- outright lying.

  My guess is that any real, momentous reflection on honesty and morals is beyond the author's ability, and by extension, beyond that of his contourless characters.

  But people don't read these books for their trenchant analysis of faith and piety. Leave that to Thomas Aquinas. People read the "Left Behind" books for the explosions and the eviscerated sinners.

  Sadly, the action in "Nicolae" is predictable and deathly dull; you'll be begging for the Rapture yourself after hundreds of plodding pages of Buck rescuing nebbishy Tsion Ben-Judah from Israel.

  Indeed, it is evident that while these passages were intended to be the fulcrum for the plotline, they read more like a vaudeville skit between a rabbi and a journalist driving a bus.

  Just imagine the lovechild of "Speed" and "Yentl" and you've captured the essence of this book.
  
  

• "The Pulp Strikes Back"
  By A96K1ZGW56S2I on 2001-03-20
  LEFT BEHIND was a good book. It contains a lot of action and raises many questions, causing one to think about one's beliefs and perhaps discover the truth. I delayed reading LEFT BEHIND for several years because I didn't want to be caught up in the mass frenzy that followed its publication. However, my wait was worthwhile.

  Not too long after reading LEFT BEHIND, I decided to read the next book in the series, TRIBULATION FORCE. I was severely disappointed by it. There isn't much action, there's way too much unnecessary filler, and there is a huge 18 month period of time that is virtually unaccounted for.

  I wasn't sure what to expect with NICOLAE. I had heard that it was one of the better books (so far) in the series, but I had also heard people say that TRIBULATION FORCE was a great follow up to the awesome Christian pulp fiction of LEFT BEHIND. After reading NICOLAE, I'm please to say that the authors got back on track after their little detour into romantic fantasy. The pulp has striked back.

  NICOLAE is full of action: from the danger filled rescue through bombed-out Chicago, to the action filled chase in Egypt that centers the book, to the beginning of the Wrath of the Lamb at the end of the novel. There aren't any dull spots (unlike TRIBULATION FORCE) and the authors have vividly brought this part of John's Revelation to life.

  If you haven't read any of the LEFT BEHIND books, NICOLAE would be a good one to start with. It updates the story for new readers, without boring those who have already read the first two books.

  There has been and will continue to be disagreement concerning the author's interpretaion of Revelation. Nevertheless, whether you agree in full, in part, or disagree with their position, you should not let that prevent you from enjoying some exciting Christian pulp fiction.
  
  

• This series just keeps getting better
  By A1JDW6D9DEZVKE on 2003-02-21
  This is easily the best of the first 3 books in this series. It is hard to put down once you start. Much more action and adventures in this one. Unfortunately for me, I know how this one turns out. I read Book #4 Soul Harvest first, by mistake, and now, I have had to back track. If you do the same thing, do not fret. Books 1, 2, and 3 are just as exciting even with what I already knew. I can't wait to finish the rest of the series. Good vs. Evil and no matter what, those who believe in the Bible teachings, know the Good guys win. It doesn't get any better than that!!!!
  
  
• Disturbing - but not because of what's in the book
  By on 2000-09-19
  I wrote a poor review of Left Behind, the 1st book, because it had lousy characters, poor descriptions of events, and highly dubious interpretations of the Bible. The same critiques apply to this book - and this book has an Anti-Christ who resembles Dracula, to boot! But after I posted my first review, I got a series of e-mails from a right-wing crackpot who attacked my faith, my honesty, and my personal morals because I dared to criticize this great work of God. Unfortunately, after viewing the Left Behind website and message boards, I don't think he's unusual for fans of these books. This series is targeted to fundamentalists whose theology and politics are far to the Right of mainstream Evangelical Christians - there is lot more of Bob Jones than Billy Graham in this series. Fans seem to be looking for some kind of validation and reinforcement for their belief system. This stuff reads like bad self-published sludge. Unless you think of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell as great men of God, I wouldn't recommend this book. Tragically, I think these books will ultimately drive many away from faith.
  
  
• The straw that broke the camel's back
  By A1ROOFTZ1PQCYX on 2000-07-14
  I just can't take it anymore. The "Left Behind" series has cranked out three miserable novels, and that's three miserable novels too many.

  Let's start with what I liked about the books. First off, the premise of the series (the world's coming to an end. What do you do?) is fairly interesting. The fulfillment of the various prophecies is fun to watch, and you want to see how each comes to being in the modern world.

  However, for all of its positive points, the series is far too flawed for me to recommend. The interesting premise is hindered by shoddy writing, poor pacing, bland dialogue, one dimensional characters, and all too frequent recaps of the past events in the series.

  Furthermore, the writer display a prejudice towards Catholicism, Judaism, and the U.N. Being Catholic, I'm particularly insulted by the anti-Catholic statements spread through the series. The evil, power-mad pope in the series is possibly the most offensive, but the fact that Jenkins and LaHaye display their total ignorance about our "strict orthodoxy" is also vexing. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explicitly describes salvation as coming from God alone, but this never stops the writers from making assaults on our faith. I'm also disturbed by the way the writers show the militia movement as heroic freedom fighters when such people are often, fascist, racist, and violent.
  
  

• AN EXTREMELY POWERFUL SERIES
  By A2YPRV9BTELHZ9 on 2001-10-17
  The entire CHRIST CLONE TRILOGY is very well written. I simply couldn't put them down. I suggest you read these books with a highlighter nearby so you can mark things and research them for yourself. This is made easier by BeauSeigneur's use of footnotes.

  The Christ Clone Trilogy will surprise you with nearly every page. I highly recommend this trilogy to anyone who wants to understand biblical prophecy and the book of Revelation. BUY THESE BOOKS, READ THEM, GIVE THEM TO YOUR PASTOR TO READ, AND BUY COPIES FOR YOUR FAMILY!

  Oh, yeah. Nicolae is pretty good, too.
  
  

• This was an awesome book...could not put down!
  By on 1999-11-29
  I read the first book of this series and also the second. I was riveted to the pages of this one. I find the author soaring me through the pages, impatient to find out what happens next. Although the story is fast moving, I find myself thinking about it's message. This is the first religious fiction I have attempted and I am impressed! I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of Book #4! This is a thrilling book, a thrilling series!
  
  
• "can't put em down"
  By A14PGQL1WC1G1I on 2000-02-07
  The "Left Behind" series are the best books I have read in a long time.A little scary actually. Growing up in church like I did and hearing so much about the book of Revalations, Iv'e never really thought about or heard anyone talk about in detail how the rapture might acctually affect the world.LaHaye & Jenkins have portrayed these events in a most exciting and thought provoking way. I havn't been able to put these books down once I get started. I have just finished "Nicolae" and can't wait to start "Soul Harvest".
  
  
• Believe it or not! It's TRUE!
  By ARPU1NSWOYYU1 on 2000-06-04
  I have read each book in the "Left Behind" series. I am an avid believer in the Bible and that it is the inspired word of God. I have come to believe that the "Left Behind" series, (though it's characters are fictional, it's foundation is Biblical,) is an "INSPIRED" writting. I would highly recommend this series to anyone, believer or not, who is in search of the truth about how things are to be in the end times. If, like myself you have ever read the book of Revelations but did not understand it, this series will bring what you have read to light. If you read this series with an open mind and a searching heart, it will inspire you too...
  
  
• I'm hooked!
  By on 1999-11-22
  After months of my sisters insistance that I read Left Behind she trapped me. I was sick and in bed. She pulled Left Behing off my book shelves right were it had been since the day she lent it to me. She sat on my bed and started to read it. Two weeks later I was finishing Appolyon (book #4.) I got Assasins the day after it came out in December and finished it in 2 days. Waiting on #6 in March 2000.
  
  
• The Pace Picks Up
  By A2QK0CLGM4Q0R3 on 2000-08-03
  Finally, after two books, we are sufficiently familiar with the characters to move on to the action. The third book, NICOLAE, is full of action and movement, and some very exciting situations. It was a pleasure to read after suffering through the second book, TRIBULATION FORCE.

  The book follows Rayford Steele and Buck Williams as they work for Nicolae Carpathia, whom they realize to be the Antichrist. The story affords some major conflicts, and some serious tension, while maintaining the facts and message of Revelations.

  These books are diverting, quick and easy reads. For some not-so-light summer reading (the subject is too heavy for these to be light reading), check this series out.
  
  

• It keeps on ticking!
  By A3A6RD77W5NCCP on 2000-12-28
  Great Potentate Nicolae Carpathia is consolidating his power with a one-world economy, plus the ownership of the world media and an ecumenical church, led by a hand-picked pontiff. Rayford Steele and Buck Williams, along with the rest of the Tribulation Force, continue their struggle to survive and protect their families in the midst of global war and destruction. Nicolae is shown to be a cruel tyrant, rather than the kind and gentle leader that most people take him for. The Tribulation Force realizes that Nicolae is the antichrist predicted in the Bible. And yet, both Rayford and Buck are still working for the man. In the meantime, the Tribulation Force try to figure out what evil will be next generated by this man or his minions. And in the midst of all this, the Wrath of the Lamb occurs, throwing everyone into chaos as they try to find each other in the tragedy

  Keep reading! These books are easy to read and very entertaining - if a little thought-provoking and/or scary at times.
  
  

• This book and this series. . .
  By A2VYK77GNFJDMS on 2002-01-04
  . . .concerns me for a number of reasons.

  Reason One) The writing is really poor. For someone like myself, who grew up reading the Classics -- and who was always challenged to "reach" and to "strech myself" with regard to my
  reading, the quality of the writing (or lack thereof) was a significant "turn-off".

  Reason Two) The character development is virtually non-existent. While great writers (Charles Dickens comes to mind) frequently used "flat characters" as a literary device, the authors of this
  series seem ONLY to use "flat characters". The "Left Behind" characters seem to be "all good" or "all evil" and make the "jump" from evil (or unsaved) to good with a minimum of struggle. I don't see this as realistic. As the series progresses, the only truly interesting character -- and the only character who seems to be developing a personality is Nicolae! (And I don't think that it is the intent of the authors to promote sympathy for the bad guy!)

  Reason Three) The theology presented is presented as "the" correct interpretation of Revelation, embraced by all "true believers". This is nonsense. The theology of Revelation propounded in this series is a 19th century invention, accepted by only a very small minority of Protestant Christians.
  It does not represent what most Christians (regardless of denominational affiliation) have believed
  about Last Things for the entire history of Christianity.

  Reason Four) I find the underlying anti-Catholicism derogatory and offensive. If the authors have theological disagreements with Catholicism, I freely respect that. However, Catholicism is not accurately portrayed here -- rather, it is caricatured. Again, the identity of the "false prophet" is clear; the concept that the "false prophet" will be Pope is also clear -- and that Rome (and specifically the Vatican) will be the headquarters for the new "World Religion" is also clear. As a student of history and theology, I find this offensive in the extreme.

  I note that Amazon.com has, in the past, posted disclaimers
  with regard to certain openly anti-Semitic material available. I wish that similar disclaimers were
  posted with regard to antagonistically anti-Catholic materials as well.
  
  

• Left Behind, Tribulation Force...
  By on 2003-04-04
  I'm writing this review on the Nicolae page because I happened to land here. I have only read the first two books in the series--I quit on Nicolae. As a Christian I am embarrased by the poor writing in these books. The characters are so paper thin and unbelievable that I don't see how anyone can identify with them. The writers seem to have absolutely zero flair for capturing the range of emotions common to human beings and they have no talent for writing realistic dialogue. Even the non-Christians seem to come out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Really, really bad writing. Lame...very lame. If you want to read some good Christian novels, pick up "Pontius Pilate" and "The Flames of Rome" by Paul Maier; or some C.S. Lewis books like the Space Trilogy or The Screwtape Letters. They're not only thought provoking but they are skillfully written as well.
  
  
• A Romanian? Get real - a Romanian?
  By ACV8MLBYGBRG6 on 2004-05-24
  The average reader probably knows only two things about Romania -it's the country of a fictional archfiend (Dracula) and the historical archfiend who inspired him (Vlad Trepes). You would that instead of picking further on this now improvrished country which is a threat to nobody Lahaye and LaHaye would have written about an antichrist with a background that gave his a mediocum of irony.
  Myself, I would have used a seemingly straightforward Texan who grew up in a political family surrounded by the power and influence of the energy industry, who had the enthusiastic backing of the wealthiest part of our country, the support of the all-powerful U.S. military, plus had millions of highly religious followers ready to snarl in defense of the man when the slightest criticism was applied...now *that* would be a believable Antichrist!
  
  
• Nicolae Carpathia chills every reader in this thriller!
  By A13V366I89CTF2 on 2000-05-14
  Okay, so it's not very suspenseful. But, you have to admit, it's VERY exciting!

  Let's not dance around it anymore: Nicolae Carpathia is the Antichrist. His character fully developed by now, Carpathia seethes evil, making you wish you were in the book so you could be the one to give him the "fatal head wound" described in the Bible! With each new paragraph, the reader is given a new idea of just how incredibly evil this man truly is...and then reminded that he is STILL just a human. Only in Book 7, the Indwelling, does he become possessed by Satan himself.

  The entire book is spent developing Carpathia's character, eavesdropping on him, watching him conceive his plans and carry them out without so much as an ounce of remorse. As he takes off in a plane from Los Angeles, he gives one of his aides a simple command: "Trigger." He means, "Trigger the detonation for the bombs on Los Angeles." In seconds, a vast portion of L.A. is blown to bits for no reason at all as Carpathia simply smiles from above.

  If you have read my reviews of Left Behind and Tribulation Force, you get the routine by now: Read both the book and the Scriptures of Revelation and Daniel to see how you interpret their prophecies. After all, even though entertainment is certainly a factor in Left Behind, the point is that the events described in the books reflect those which actually will happen. The important part is that you are not left behind as well, because in reality, the true Antichrist will be ten times as evil as the authors of Left Behind could ever dream him to be.

  I have found the series to be Biblically sound and without fault. There are those who disagree with this, and that is their opinion. I respect it. But when the issue of where you will spend eternity after your death is being discussed, it's some serious stuff. I strongly advise that you read the books and the Scriptures with an open mind and realize that there are so many out there who believe this will be real. It's not a decision I, or your friends, or the authors of the books can make for you; it's a decision that you, yourself, must make.

  Thanks for reading; I'd love to hear your comments and questions about the books or my reviews! Write me at JKuntzman@juno.com.

  "Follow your dream always, and your regrets will be few." ~~Jacob Seth Kuntzman
  
  

• Nicolae
  By A1GRPVDGV9CXPY on 1999-12-14
  I have read the entire series of books and highly recommend them. The characters are compelling and you get so caught up in their lives. The christian story is also so revealing. I did not know much about Revelations before this series and now I am very glad that I am a believer.

  Lori
  
  

• A great 3rd, in the series of 7!
  By on 1998-05-02
  The 3rd book has areas where it is drawn out a bit, and the characters could have more depth! But it is compelling and true-to-scripture still! Glad to see fiction presented in a non-fiction way, pertaining to the Bible! Some reviewers, myself included, seem to want more of the deeper issues delved into, rather than the 'romance' areas. Still, it IS a novel, and is at the top of my favorite books list! We want deeper issues covered because of the nature of the book! This book has made me hungry for the 4th, made me spiritually stronger, and wanting to witness more! Give the series to loved ones and to unsaved ones! But--it is bothersome that Rayford met and married Amanda so quickly, knowing that he is facing end times, is on a mission with his life, and how he is sorrowful for his behaviour with his wife. Oh well, God bless!
  
  
• Characters still trapped in one dimensional hell
  By AYT4FJYVCHYLE on 2000-08-14
  The disheartening thing about "Nicolae" is that with all the attention these books have been getting, you'd think more time and care would be given to character development. This book, more than the first two really begins to paint a picture of what's morally right and wrong through chacters who speak like no one I've ever met. The woman are portrayed basically as weak willed puppets like Hattie, or an agressive angry lesbian like Vera. Chloe and Amanda spend most of the book worrying about their respective husbands who trudge forward like the Christian Indiana Jones. I will continue to read the books because I think it's an interesting way to explain the Rapture which I've always been interested in. I just keep thinking I wish the books were being written by people who could create realistic dialogue, & multifasceted people, not one dimensional stereotypes.
  
  
• Just when I thought it couldn't get better
  By AMIS60HKYV2Y4 on 2000-08-31
  I have never read the 3rd book in a series completely through...I am usually board with the plot by the 3 or 4th chapter in the 3rd book if I get that far. This book kept me up all night, I had to know how it ended.
  
  
• Puh-leaze! Somebody put these guys out of their misery!
  By AVNA6NFP5BZFF on 2001-03-08
  This book is trash. It insults the reader's intelligence, as do all the books in this series. LaHaye and Jenkins need to go back to teaching Sunday School classes and stay out of the literary field.
  
  
• Definitely not for the unbeliever. Probably not for believer
  By A3D6KZT0QG6UKB on 2001-04-12
  This was the book where I finally stopped giving these books a chance based on their freakishness value and just put them away for good. Even though all the events of this book were supposed to be exciting and revelatory, they just seemed limp. The only time when the book picked up was when the King James Bible was being quoted and then it's just because the writing style suddenly improves.

  Various points of this book rankle me that have nothing to do with the uberChristian, anti-Semitic bias. They include:

  Writing the Marvel style: Every character has to repeat every plot point so far, ie. "Buck couldn't believe that that was the anti-Christ behind him in the plane but he knew it was and when the anti-Christ hired him in the last book, etc., etc." Apparently Jenkins believes that the reader is too stupid to remember a plot point that only took place 50 pages back.

  World War III: It's supposed to be happening but it affects no one in the plot. If the entire world is going to war against Nicolae, wouldn't there be some fallout? Chicago is still standing at the end of the book which is kind of hard with all these missiles.

  Bad characters: If we are going to be with these characters for hundreds of pages the authors could have made them interesting. Instead they are little more than talking heads for the fundamentalist Christian philosophy.

  While the escape from Israel offers some tension (if you can ignore the characterization of Jews as rabid dogs out to kill converts to Christianity) it's too little too late. And the earthquake kills off a couple of characters who were even duller than the main ones.

  So if you have a fundamentalist Christian friend, give this book to them. But don't read it if you aren't already fully believing in the whole Armegeddon deal. Actually if you are a fundamentalist Christian you might feel insulted by the simplicity of the book too.
  
  

• Open to God's Love
  By AV4GSTTTCIT05 on 2005-12-16
  "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
  
  When I read the New Testament, I find a God of love and compassion. In these books I find a message of hate and fear. Why are so many eager to condemn those around them who don't believe exactly as you do? The history of early Christianity isn't one of a uniform understanding of Christ's message. If even those right after Christ couldn't get is right, why, on earth, do you believe that you understand the exact message of God? I would suggest we all work on bringing ourselves closer to God's love and spend less time imagining the punishment of those who don't conform to our idea of how God wants us to live
  
  
  
• Nicolae Who?
  By A3RTMB76CJWY9U on 2007-05-05
  It's interesting that this volume of the Left Behind series--Nicolae: The Rise of Antichrist--actually doesn't have Nicolae Carpathia in it very much. He certainly doesn't do much "rising" here. In fact, he was featured much more in both of the previous novels, and his entire rise to power is found in those books, too. Actually, he's almost non-existent in this book, and talked about more than shown.
  
  I say it's "interesting," but really it's depressing. It's just another proof for my hypothesis that LaHaye and Jenkins don't really care about the story they're writing. Oh, they care about making money, and possibly about converting people to their... interesting take on Christianity... but otherwise? About plot? About character? About suspense? About drama? No. They don't care about that.
  
  But then, if you're here at the third book having read the first two, you already knew that. So, instead of continuing to lament the obvious lack of skill on display here, I figured I'd take up the challenge that the authors had seemed to set for themselves. Let's discuss the character of Nicolae for a moment.
  
  For a villain to be great, we usually need to be able to relate to that villain on some level. They must have some sympathetic quality. So: the Phantom of the Opera felt outcast, and was in love; Javert was a man of order and law, dedicated to doing his duty; even Darth Vader had a man behind the machine. Since Nicolae is the Antichrist, however, he has no goodness in him. The authors strive to make him an incarnation of pure evil. The problem being that this makes Nicolae a fairly uninteresting character. Nicolae will never change, never grow, never surprise us. He'll simply continue twirl his moustache.
  
  Beyond that, even if we construct a fairly unsympathetic villain, they usually are shown to truly believe in their own cause. Satan, in Paradise Lost, was passionate about his refusal to be subserviant. In real life, we may despise Hitler (and rightly), but we cannot doubt his desire to see the country he loved grow prosperous and strong (though his actions ultimately shattered it almost beyond repair). Villains usually do not believe themselves to be villainous. They often see themselves as heroic.
  
  What does Nicolae believe in? Of what cause or campaign does he see himself the hero? We're provided no real insight into his motivation, nor do we know what he truly wants to accomplish.
  
  There are also some questions about Nicolae that won't leave the reader, but upon which the authors don't seem to care to posit an answer. For instance: does Nicolae know that he's the Antichrist? Does he understand his own role in the end times? It's hard to believe that he does know what's going on, because then he'd also know exactly what would happen (for instance, that he'd be unable to kill the Witnesses at the Wailing Wall till a prescribed day; and also, that he's ultimately going to lose)... but, on the other hand, he's obviously aware of his powers of hypnosis, etc., as he consciously uses them. Where does Nicolae believe these powers of his come from?
  
  I'm not saying that Nicolae has to be, at heart, a "good guy." But I believe that this tale would improve immeasurably if Nicolae were more understandable--if we could relate to him in some way, as is usually the case with the better villains in literary history.
  
  On the subject of Nicolae's powers, it has to be asked: what's the point? The whole mystique, and appeal, of the "Antichrist" archetype is that he's supposed to be a silver-tongued orator. Someone that everyone loves, and believes in. The "wolf in sheep's clothing." Yet, instead of having people convinced by Carpathia in the normal course of affairs, the authors give Carpathia magic powers to sway others to his will. Essentially, mind control. Mind control is boring and lame and removes the actual drama of these conflicts which *should be* that good people are deciding to follow Carpathia of their own free wills.
  
  Also, Nicolae uses a cadre of thugs to enforce his will, and "bump people off" on occasion. Why would the mind-controlling Son of Satan need to resort to such thuggery? It's all just kind of silly.
  
  The Antichrist should be a fascinating and ferocious villain. Nicolae Carpathia seems like an insipid bureaucrat. It's hard to understand why people would follow him (especially the incredible plans he's gotten away with in this series), or even elect him Postmaster General, let alone "Potentate." It's also hard to understand why the heroes of our series haven't yet used their close contact with Carpathia to try to take him out. Sure, pilot Steele doesn't think that Carpathia is slated to die yet, but wouldn't crashing their plane into a mountain be an interesting test of that hypothesis? It isn't even worth the old "college try"?
  
  Ah well, the same-old issues continue to plague this series. There can be no drama when everything is planned out ahead of time (because: no suspense). For instance "The witnesses themselves continually referred to the folly of trying to harm them 'before the due time.' Bruce Barnes had explained...that, indeed, in due time God would allow the witnesses to become vulnerable, and they would be attacked. That incident was still more than a year and a half away...." Color me excited.
  
  Another issue is the fact that the characters are so flat as to make other flat characters seem like Hamlet. As a for instance, take Amanda. If I were to write up all that I knew about Amanda, most of what I'd write down would be: "Her name is Amanda." She almost doesn't exist. All of LaHaye/Jenkins' heroes feel like the same person talking out of different names; I guess because they're all "believers," there's really not a lot of room for different motivations, etc., and none of them can be allowed to do anything morally questionable.
  
  Also, it must be reiterated that the authors are clueless on what they're about. They make several references to the times in these novels being the worstest of the worstest... but... there's really not much to make it seem like this is so. Carpathia's world has some bombs going off, true, but otherwise doesn't seem that much worse for wear. While the media may be controlled, people seem to be able to work and live with a relative level of freedom and comfort. Contrast the world presented in these books with Soviet Russia, Nazi Germany or China during the Cultural Revolution, and you'll see what I'm talking about. Or, as a literary contrast, put this world up against Orwell's 1984 or Rand's Anthem. No contest--compared with these other places, Carpathia's world is pretty cushy.
  
  All this said, I owe it to you (and the book, I suppose), to admit that this is probably the best of the series thus far. Buck's trip 'cross Israel/the Sinai was fairly compelling, and Ben-Judah's my favorite character. Of course, the "best of the series" is worth two stars, because the series is vastly flawed and in many ways. (And can we *please* stop the in-novel anti-abortion preaching? Or, if it must be there, can't it at least be intelligent, or fit within the story, or entertaining, or even compelling, or convincing, or *anything* other than an out-of-place story killer? And can someone explain why the heroes are certain that the child of the *Antichrist* wouldn't turn out to be Evil, like his dad?)
  
  Two stars, and, oh man, there are nine books to go...
  
  If you haven't started this series, please don't. Read the Bible instead; better book in every possible way.
  
  
• Money Changers in the Temple of Literature
  By A2PR6NXG0PA3KY on 2006-12-04
  There are three ways to look at the Left Behind books (all of which I've read out of sincere interest in comprehending Fundamentalism):
  
  1. They are science-fantasy, with a little soft-core sex and violence. It fits the genre. As such, it's a very poor job of writing. The characters are neither believable nor individuated enough to sympathize with. The action has no pace, no suspense. There's not a trace of humor. In short, no serious publisher would take a second look at at. Try Harry Potter instead; it's more plausible, and a lot more amusing. OR
  2. They are an endless diatribe that rants against "others" in order to incite hatred. They reek of bigotry and racism. If they portray fundamentalist attitudes fairly, then fundamentalists are the sort of people who gloat over the distress of others--not the sort of people who love their neighbors, who see the beam in their own eyes before the speck in someone else's eye, or who forgive anyone 7X70 times! OR
  3. The whole shebang is a coded secret message from some diabolic enemy of freedom, with instructions for subverting the democratic process and establishing a sectarian tyranny. I can't break the code; can you? Perhaps you should read every third word from the back of each chapter in order to find the meaning in this droning nonsense.
  
  All in all, I think my third interpretation is the most promising.
  
  Have you noted, by the way, the shameless manner in which the author promotes his sales in his "editorial" reviews? Christian readers, you are being plundered in the name of sanctimony!
  
  

• Tribulation Force: The Continuing Drama of Those Left Behind (Left Behind No. 2)
• Soul Harvest: The World Takes Sides (Left Behind No. 4)
• Apollyon: The Destroyer Is Unleashed (Left Behind No. 5)
• Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days (Left Behind No. 1)
• Assassins: Assignment: Jerusalem, Target: Antichrist (Left Behind No. 6)