Customer Reviews

Nicolae: The Rise of Antichrist (Left Behind #3) (Left Behind (Recorded Books Audio))

5 star:		(251)
4 star:		(69)
3 star:		(39)
2 star:		(19)
1 star:		(30)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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!!!!

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!

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.

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 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.

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

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!