The Rising by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye

As I was sitting here enjoying my new Vaio, I realized that I have book to review that I read a few weeks ago. The book is The Rising, a prequel to the incredibly popular Left Behind Series. The Rising follows the coming of age of two major players in the series, Rayford Steele and Nicolae Carpathia. If you have read the previously released books, you will know why these two guys are significant. If you haven't read any of the Left Behind books, you might as well start here! As I understand it, two more prequel type books will be released in the coming year or so. So you would be able to read the entire series in chronological order! How about that!

Anyway, about the book. The Rising, much like the rest of the Left Behind books are not stunning works of literature in the writing itself. Sort of like Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code (gasp, blasphemy, how dare I mention that book in this review!) it is a good read, but not spectacularly written. All the books move along at a nice pace, a nicely detailed and easy enough to digest.

What makes The Left Behind Series so good is the topic. Many Christians wonder what will happen at the End of Times. What is presented in the books is remarkably intriguing and engaging. Throughout my time reading the 13 books I went through a roller coaster of emotions. From shock to fear, hope and excitement, just about everything was covered. Even those looking for a bit of suspense and action will be satisfied.

Okay, so mostly I have waxed (not so) poetic about the series, but what about The Rising? It certainly shares all the attributes of its predecessors. Plus, for a fan of the series like me, it provided a refreshing amount of background information. As I learned about the pre-Rapture lives of Rayford and Nicolae, I came to have a greater understanding of their destinies. It made appreciate what I have already read even more.

I think the three prequel books will provide both a great jumping off point for new readers and a wonderful lesson for established fans.

Last Words: It is a good book, I recommend it, I own the whole series!