The Regime: Evil Advances (Before They Were Left Behind, Book 2)

In this second book of the prequel series to the "Left Behind" story, Nicolae Carpathia continues his ascendance in his home country of Romania, while in the United States, Rayford Steele and his wife Irene are having problems over religon and church. Nicolae, now a young man in his mid to late twenties, has continued his rise in both the political and business world. Nicolae's company is worth millions, and he has now set his sights on running for the lower house of the Romanian parliament. But, the incumbent candidate is very popular among the voters. To help him in the election, Nicolae has hired Leon Fortunato, an Italian businessman and former student of religion, to become his closest advisor. But the solution he and Nicolae come up with for Nicolae to win the election is very shocking to say the least. Irene Steele has become a Christian through the help and counsel of a friend from New Hope church, a family-oriented church which teaches straight from the Bible. Rayford Steele much prefers to play golf on Sunday mornings, and the Steele's children, Raymie and Chloe, don't seem very interested in church, either. Irene is left on an island by herself while her family drifts further and further away from the church. To make matters worse, Irene and Rayford's marriage is suffering due to the difference in their beliefs. However, through some gentle counseling from Irene, Raymie eventually accepts Jesus. As for his job as a pilot, Rayford has risen quickly through the ranks, and is now at the top of his profession. He is chosen by the CIA to fly to the middle east to meet a Jordanian fighter pilot who is to help Rayford develop defense tactics against rebel groups who may have acquired SAM missiles to shoot down airliners. Cameron "Buck" Williams has continued his journalism career at Princeton and has won numerous awards. However, he discovers through his brother Jeff that his mother is dying of cancer in Arizona. He tries to make it out to see her, but he fails to arrive before she passes away. Despite the loss of his mother, he lands a plum job at the Boston Globe, where he quickly ascends the ranks. His dream job is to work for the magazine "Global Weekly". He finally lands his job there and even gets to interview the President. But is Buck's life really what he wants it to be, or is he missing something? I've enjoyed reading both books of the prequel series, and I'm looking forward to the third installment. It's been interesting to watch the development of the characters that brought the "Left Behind" series to life, especially Buck Williams. As with all of the "Left Behind" books, this offering is loaded with action as well as biblical verses and teachings. I highly recommend this book, as well as all of the others of this fine series. If you haven't read any of them yet, you'll be in for a treat. If you're a reader like myself who has read all of them, this book is just a fine continuation of the previous storyline. Either way, you'll surely be drawn in to the "Left Behind" story.

As with all books in this series, this book was excellent! I used to have the entire set (with the exception of the 3 prequels and the 1 sequel) but had given them away after I had read them all about 6 times. Then I got a craving to read them again, so I purchased a complete set including the prequels and the sequel. I also bought an entire set for my sister. These books are the type that you want to keep reading over and over. My sister just started on the first book and says she doesn't want to put it down! We both absolutely love the writing and the content. These books have blessed my life and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE ENTIRE SET TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE...ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE WAVERING ABOUT THEIR BELIEF IN GOD AND THE MESSIAH, JESUS CHRIST. IF THESE BOOKS DON'T WAKE THEM UP TO THE TRUTH, THEN THEY MAY HAVE ALREADY HARDENED THEIR HEARTS AGAINST CHRIST OUR SAVIOR AND GOD. God bless Mr. LaHaye and Mr. Jenkins as they have blessed countless people with these books.

Bought to replace a damaged book in my personal library. Couldn't find anywhere else. Great book.

Very well packaged. I have not read it yet I am still on book one. There are 3 books in the prequel. I am sure it will be as fabulous as the rest of the LaHaye and Jenkins books. This is a prequel to The left Behind series which has 13 books. If I had know about the prequel I would have read it first.

Good backstory for the Left Behind Series. It is very interesting to see how all these familiar characters developed. I think many believers can relate to the relationship dynamics between Rayford and Irene, especially how issues of Faith can create division. As usual, LaHaye and Jenkins clearly define and illustrate the relationship God wants with each one of us, as well as the road blocks to Faith we may encounter. This series is a really good source of information for the person who has questions about what it means to be a Christian. If you think that being a good person will get you into Heaven, you should read this series.

I did not think I would like it at first because I've read the other books before these prequels. all the Left Behind books. I greatly enjoyed them and I'm looking forward to the third book.

After reading "The Rising", I can honestly say that this follow-up is nearly just as perfect as the previous pre-installment of the Left Behind series. Riddled with references to the true series itself, and alluding to the coming storm ahead, this novel stole my breath in the first chapter and still hasn't let go, as I practically shake and claw to get my hands on the next in the pre-series. Truly good content and a powerful, moving message, along with true entertainment can be found in ANY book when read by a truly good ready, but this novel nearly demands a heartfelt read. Cajoling a range of reactions from me, from fear and anger, to sad slow blinks and emotional tears of distress, this book is another virtual must-read for any reader, much less a Christian one.

I have read the whole Left Behind series. As I see it, LaHaye & Jenkins have written this series of books to describe, as much as humanly possible, what it would be like on earth if the book of Revelations came to pass exactly as written. It isn't Hollywood & the scriptures are not "re-written" to make them into a "better" story. This is like being there for the Rapture & all that follows, as written in the Bible. One of the most powerful & thought provoking series of books that I've ever read, bar none. I would suggest that you research the series and read them in order, as each one builds on the one before. It is the Story from start to finish. The good part is they are all out now. I had to wait as they were written one by one over several years. You can get the first in the series & read them in order one after another. You'll be reading like you've never read before.

As a massive fan of the 'Left Behind' series, I found this book a real 'must'. Not only do you get to understand the character of Rayford better and see what his family and upbringing was like but you discover a rich tapestry of the Antichrists background, including his family history and what makes him 'tick'. A fascinating read which really sets the scene for the 'Left Behind' series to then continue from.

Great book, any one enjoy reading should definitely get all the collection. Believe me once u start u will not want to put them down until u read all of them.

The whole series makes you realise that Christ's second coming could be at any moment and challenges us to make sure we are prepared for it. From reading the first book in the series of 16, I couldn't put them down. This series although just a novel shows how scripture tells clearly of this time in earth's history and what it will possibly be like for those "Left behind" when God takes those who love Jesus to himself. An exciting series for both Christians and Non-Christians alike.Read and you won't be disappointed.

Loved all the books in the series, ordered them all from Amazon

I read this prequel before the second book of the left behind series and really recommend you do the same.