Page Count: 391
Author: Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins
Publisher: Tyndale House
ISBN: 1-4143-0576-1
Category: Fiction
Genre: Christianity/Religion
Dove's (Personal) Review: This is Book Fourteen of the "Left Behind" series; also known as Book Two of the "Countdown to the Rapture" [mini] series.
It was a "good" book, but not much happens in this one. It's basically just a stepping stone to the next book, due out on June 6th, 2006. LOL, I wonder if they planned that particular release date intentionally, or if the "666" reference is just a coincidence. Hmmm... considering the subject matter, I'd say it was definitely planned.
Anyway... for the most part, "The Regime" covers Carpathia's climb up the "political ladder" as he plans to - one day - rule the world; and Rayford Steele's battle with Faith continues. His wife (Irene) and son (Raymie) are delving deeper and deeper into their own Faith, slowly becoming True Believers; while Rayford himself and his daughter (Chloe) are turning away from anything to do with Church, Faith, and Christ.
We also get our first glances at some of the other "Left Behind" key-characters in this one: Cameron "Buck" Williams is gradually becoming a well-known reporter. His relationship with Chaim Rosenzweig is established. Leon Fortunato is introduced as well, and slowly becomes Carpathia's sinister-minded side-kick. We also get to see Rayford's very first meeting with Abdullah "Smitty" Ababneh, a future "Tribulation Force" member; and Rayford's brief encounter with Hattie is touched upon as well.
Again, not much happens in this one as far as "action" is concerned. "The Regime" is a blue-print for things to come; it's the foundation which all the characters are built upon. If you want to read for "excitement," this isn't a book for you. If you want to read to fully grasp the relationships (and how they come to be) in the other Left Behind books, then this is a MUST READ novel.
No "Gold Star" for this one, but it definitely warrants a TWO-THUMBS-UP!!!