Nicolae: The Rise of Antichrist

This is probably my fourth time reading through the Left Behind series. They're not super well-written but I was in a mood.

Probably the best part about reading these 25 or so years after publication is that all the "high-tech" that the authors had to make up because it didn't exist is now come and gone and remains obsolete. I was cracking up over the Range Rover with the phone inside! Oooh and electrical outlets in the dash! Ahhh the 90s... Funny big names for non-existent technology like "deluxe universal cell phones" or "mega laptops". They've got the ability to connect to "the Net" from anywhere in the world AND they feature "video conferencing"---ha!

I know it was all just a different time... For instance, an Israeli was able to show more enter the US without documents and without question because the airport personnel "were not in the habit of processing international passengers". Ha! Those were the days...

Like I said though....the books are not well-written. Information is repeated way too often and sometimes the authors' self-righteousness shows through. I've never felt comfortable with the way the characters make light of Verna being a lesbian...making fun of her really. That was inappropriate and has always bothered me. I think the authors did lousy justice to the real story of the events that are spelled out in Revelation. I think they rush-jobbed these books to feed a Year 2000 alarmist populace, not realizing the damage they were doing to the future of the integrity and believability of the Christian fiction genre. show less

I'm really enjoying these books for some reason. They're like a fluffy VC Andrews book without the incest. Granted, I find them a bit heavy-handed on the morals and 'thou shalt nots,' but what else would you expect from a novel about the rapture?

This book mainly focuses on the rise of the Anti-Christ and the demonic powers that he has. Nicolae stategically begins WWIII and with the help of the U.N. (now called the G.C.=global community now has control of the world's food and fresh water supplies. The small tribulation force in book #2 takes on suicide missions in hopes of stopping the anti-christ; but are unable to do so. While I did enjoy this series, I'm burned out on it; but I would recommend it to readers who want to know more about the Biblical Revelation in a novelized form. There were lots of battles and political machinations in this book and I found it the least enjoyable of all three that I have read. 449 pages

I enjoyed the story as fiction. I laughed, cried, fumed, and shouted--all positive things--but I want to temper that strongly by saying that I wouldn't suggest it as theological or eschatological material, as some have. I'm not really concerned with the order and how's of end-time events and believe we waste too much time trying to figure it out. As Jesus said: "No one knows the times or the seasons, but my heavenly Father." Do worry about it. Live and hope. You don't need to have it all marked out on a calendar.If someone were to ask me what fictional literature I would suggest, this series wouldn't occur to me at all, and I wouldn't suggest it if it did. But, seeing as I have read it (except the last one and the prequels), I felt like show more I ought to review it. For story, I would give it three stars, maybe four. But my reservations pull that rating down to two. show less

The third book in the Left Behind series that continues to follow Rayford Steele his family, friends, and the events following the rapture. Amazing that as events occur that appear in the Bible, many believe that the events happening have no relation to what is in the Bible.

Like the previous two books this one moves at a quick pace with very few slow spots.

Nicolae summarizes previous entries at several points throughout and once those are put aside it offers some great action pieces and adds little more. The narrative between the central characters rarely propels the actual plot in the Left Behind series, for the most it reinforces the core message of the series, belief. What sets this third entry apart from the others is a few set pieces which would be at place in Hollywood. They up the ante somewhat, although rarely offer any actual surprises. This is a by the numbers novel/series and a great cliffhanger ensures readers will return for the next instalment.

Writing: 4.5; Theme: 4.5; Content: 5.0; Language: 5.0; Overall: 4.5

The "tribulation force" adds to their ranks as Rayford marries Amanda while Buck marries Chloe. Their goal is to share the gospel with as many unbelievers as possible before the opportunities cease. Meanwhile Rayford's inside airline position gives him firsthand information from the new leader of the world, Nicolae Carpathia. Highly recommend.

***July 3, 2024***