The Rising: Antichrist Is Born

I expected this book to be milking the franchise, and in a sense, it is, but the story telling is superior to anything from the main series. We're actually shown things about the world and the characters, rather than just told. This book is less preachy, and more about the background of how the characters came to be. If the rest of the books had been written in this style, it might have been a great series, rather than just a popular one.

I read "The Rising" before, and it scared me off.

I was an avid fan of the "Left Behind" series and thought I'd try the prequels. Time had passed, and I was ready to reread the series in chronological order.

My first impression of "The Rising" being "off" still rang true. It is the words very young Nicolae's uses and possibly the way the narrator read them. Prodigies may use adult words but they still sound like kids. I think I have known a child sociopath (or two) and they still acted their age.

That's it. That's what stopped me from reading the rest of the series.

I thought the rest of the book was very good and merited reading further on.

I needed to read this book for school. I wouldn't normally pick up this kind of book. I have mixed feelings. I don't personally like anything that is preach-y. Religion is all fine and good, but don't try to tell me I'm going to hell because I believe something different.

The story is rather jumpy, there are a lot of characters to follow. Not bad, can just get confusing sometimes trying to match up time lines. I did enjoy the storyline of Marilena, I wish that was a story on its own, with more details and background and less bible verses.

I don't really have an interest in the other million volumes. This is as far as I'm going. I'm going to write my essay and never think of this book again.

Marilena Carpathia has only one dream; to be a mother. So when a mysterious clairvoyant promises the fulfillment of this dream, Marilena does not hesitate. Through genetic engineering and the power of the Prince of Darkness himself, Marilena is about to become a chosen vessel, one who will unknowingly give birth to the greatest evil the world has ever known.

Halfway around the world, God’s plans are subtly being carried out too. Young Ray Steele is determined to avoid one day taking over the family business. Instead, Ray sets his heart on becoming a pilot.

Soon Marilena’s offspring, Nicholae Carpathia and Ray Steele’s lives will intersect. Good and evil will clash in an explosion that will shake the world as the eternal battle for show more souls comes to earth, and the world hurtles toward the countdown to the Rapture! show less

This is a prequel to the Left Behind Series. It is basically a biography of two of the characters in the series. Rayford Steele and Nicolae Carpathia. Once again the typeset and fonts make the book appear to be twice as long as it really is. And though a good read. I did not have the feeling that I had to turn to the next page to see what was happening.

The book follows Rayford starting at age 9 determined to be an airline pilot or a professional athlete. And ends with him as the Airline Pilot we meet in the series. He was a very good athlete in school, but things kept happening to make him just not good enough in any of the sports he played to gain an athletic scholarship. So he accepts an ROTC one. He also accomplishes his goal of a show more private pilots license before high school graduation. Though some of the insights he has are a little too mature for the age he has them.

The more interesting story is that of Nicolae Carpathia the Antichrist. And what transpire in order to pick the correct mother and father. And how much of that conspiracy the mother knew nothing about. Nicolae's conception, birth and schooling are covered. And we follow him up to the time where he was returned from his 40 days in the desert. The intelligence and lack of compassion in the boy is truly scary. show less

Great Book! A definite must read if you read the original Left Behind Series. This gives a lot of answers to the questions about what happened before the Rapture. The only thing that got me was the use of some words that I couldnt even begin to comprehend. I think they were foreign but not sure what language. But all in all a great book and must read for all left behind fans.

Gives you a glimpse into the lives of your favorite characters before the Rapture. The eternal battle for souls has come to earth.