Desecration

Amid the glitzy fanfare of a new world regime, control is unravelling for self-proclaimed god and Global Community potentate Nicolae Carpathia in Desecration, the ninth instalment in the Left Behind series. It's 25 days into the Great Tribulation and the newly resurrected Carpathia evinces an increasing fondness for gruesome killing. He's thrown into turmoil when the first two "bowls of wrath" from the biblical book Revelation are poured out on the world. Water turns into blood and those who are branded with the mark of loyalty become covered with loathsome sores. When Carpathia commits the ultimate act of desecration against the Judeo-Christian community, chaos ensues. Meanwhile, the Tribulation Force soldiers on, receiving visitations from heavenly messengers that prod the team to greater acts of courage.

Jenkins's characters seem almost comic book-like in their actions; the author relies on pages of slangy, slapstick dialogue rather than character development or descriptive settings to flesh out his tales. It's the angst of wondering what disaster will occur next and the fascination with end times that keep loyal fans turning the pages. And there's no shortage of angst here. Chang Wong flirts with suicide. Hattie Durham risks her life in a confrontation with Carpathia. Tsion Ben-Judah inadvertently gives away a secret location. Chloe Williams uncovers a remnant of believers. There are touches of the standard Left Behind humour, and even some romance in the last days. As always, readers are left hanging at the edge of disaster, which should keep appetites whetted for the promised next instalment. --Cindy Crosby, Amazon.com

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View books by Tim F. LaHaye.

Siege of Petra - Rated
This the ninth book in the Left Behind series kept me turning pages. This book is actually filled with adventure. Though the characters are still two dimensional, the writing very simple, and the text font large. It was a page-turner and the best book of this series so far.

In this book we see the Antichrist desecrate the Holy Temple of Israel. And the Mark of the beast being officially placed on worshipers. And the first two bowls of wrath are poured upon the world. The changing of water to blood again and the worshipers of the beast who have the mark inflicted with sores and boils.

The Tribulation Force uses the Co-op to get all the pilots they can into Israel in order to help with the mass Exodus of the Jews out of Jerusalem. And the Chosen People of God who have accepted Christ come under his divine protection. And we see this protection as the forces try to stop these evacuees from reaching Petra. And once again when the Global Community Military tries to assault Petra. The book ends with a devastating attack on Petra that the results are left as a cliffhanger.

As the Tribulation Continues.... - Rated
Life doesn't get any easier for the Tribulation Force. These Tribulation Christians are again in the middle of Bible prophecy, and just trying to survive.

Buck and Chaim have gone to Jerusalem to lead believing Jews to the refuge God has prepared for the rest of the Tribulation. But to do that, they must face Nicolae as he plans to defile the temple. Rayford must carry out the plans to ferry these Christians to their refuge, placing himself and many others in danger along the way. Chang has to deal with the ramifications of having both the mark of God and the mark of Antichrist. And Chloe investigates a strange site near the safe house, which leads to great danger for everyone in the Trib Force. Meanwhile, God starts to unleash his wrath on those who have taken the mark of the beast.

People seem to be divided by these books, either loving them or hating them. Personally, I enjoy the story while finding the writing and character development shallow. Still, for fans of the series, this book is a must read. It's fast paced, with many jaw-dropping scenes. And the cliffhanger is the worst of the series to date.

If you aren't already a fan of these books, there's nothing here to change your mind. If you're already a fan, this book will entertain you and leave you anxious for the next.

Desecration - Rated
The Desecration book 9.... when last we visited the Trib-Force, I said, 'Head for the hills!' , but these guys don't know the meaning of retreat. That's good for the cause-I'll tell you now I have some trouble getting behind the picture of Carpathia as some kind of buffoon riding a pig and all that-He seems to know that God is in control and cuts some deals; which, by the way he crawfishes on at the first opportunity. We lose some friends by deceit, letting us know that Carpathias' minions are not the dense dumb bunnies we may stereotype them as. Praises to the team of Jenkins and Lahay for the handling of the Chang character. Wonderful and insightful... inspiring. There is a lot more in here for the fans of LEFT BEHIND. Like I said, don't be fooled by Carpathias' foolish antics. He is out to Kill- and Kill he will. One of the great nasty characters in modern literature... One that is to come. If you aren't ready, get ready. I think truth will be much more painful than this mild fiction

Also recommended: The Price of Immortality is a book that should be read by everyone at least ONCE!

Not the best - Rated
Glenn Kleier's THE LAST DAY is the definitive Endtimes novel, if you're looking for a thought-provoking read in this genre. THE LAST DAY is not meant to be biblically accurrate, I don't feel. Rather, it is intended to make the reader think, and to provoke healthy debate about many important and frightening topics that affect us all. It is by far a more entertaining, realistic and thrilling read than any of the LEFT BEHIND series.

Unlike Last Days - this is based on Prophesy - Rated
What some of you reviewers are forgetting, is that this series is based on someones interpretation of the events that are prophesised to happen at the end of the world and the return of Christ.

I found the book a good read and would encourage those of you who have not done so before, to pick up a bible and read the last book of the bible - revelation.