What Is the Left Behind Series About?
The Left Behind series is an exciting, faith-based fictional narrative that imagines what the world might be like after the Biblical Rapture. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, it follows those “left behind” after millions of Christians vanish from the earth, causing civilisation to collapse and opening the way for the advent of the Antichrist.
Who Are the Authors?
The series was co-written by Tim LaHaye, a pastor and theologian, and Jerry B. Jenkins, a seasoned novelist. Their collaboration merges Biblical prophecy with edge-of-your-seat suspense, creating a powerful blend of spiritual depth and action-packed storytelling.
How Many Books Are in the Left Behind Series?
The primary Left Behind tale consists of 16 volumes, including the final installment Kingdom Come and three prequels. Each book continues the trip through the Tribulation era, emphasising the spiritual and physical warfare that take place.
In addition to the main volumes, there are three prequels and a young adult spin-off series (more on that later). These contributions strengthen the history and provide additional context for the chaotic world shown in the main tale.
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The Before They Were Left Behind series in order
The Rising (2005)
The Rising marks the chilling beginning of the Left Behind saga, set before the Rapture. This prequel explores the birth and early life of Nicolae Carpathia, the Antichrist, alongside the spiritual journey of Rayford Steele’s future wife, Marilena.
With a gripping narrative rooted in biblical prophecy, the novel lays a dark and suspenseful foundation, revealing how evil quietly takes root before global chaos begins.
The Rising - Left behind Series in Order
The Regime (2005)
The Regime is the second prequel in the Left Behind series, chronicling the rise of Nicolae Carpathia before the Rapture.
It delves into his manipulation of global politics, his unsettling charm, and the groundwork for his future as the Antichrist.
Co-authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins blend suspense with prophecy, illustrating how evil subtly infiltrates a world desperate for order and peace.
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The Regime- Left behind Series in Order
The Rapture (2006)
The Rapture (2006) offers a chilling glimpse into the final hours before the prophesied disappearance of millions. As the third prequel in the Left Behind series, it bridges spiritual anticipation with global turmoil.
This installment focuses on key characters’ reactions to rising tensions, celestial warnings, and prophetic signs laying emotional and theological groundwork for the events of the main series.
It’s a gripping countdown to the world-altering moment of the Rapture.
The Rapture- Left behind Series in Order
A Quick List of the main Left Behind Series in Chronological Order
To fully understand the unfolding of events, reading the series in chronological order helps you grasp the big picture.
Left Behind (1995)
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’ original 12-book apocalyptic series began with the explosive novel Left Behind (1995).
Set in the aftermath of the Rapture, the novel follows airline pilot Rayford Steele and journalist Buck Williams as they navigate a world in chaos.
Left Behind, combining biblical prophecy with gripping suspense, lays the groundwork for an epic spiritual conflict between good and evil.
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Left Behind - Left behind Series in Order
Tribulation Force (1996)
The second book in The Original 12-Book Series, Tribulation Force intensifies the apocalyptic drama as the newly formed Tribulation Force prepares to resist the Antichrist’s rise.
Rayford Steele, Buck Williams, and others commit to their secret mission under the Global Community’s growing tyranny. Exploring themes of faith, loyalty, and spiritual warfare, the novel delves deeper into prophecy fulfillment and sets a gripping pace for the escalating end-times conflict.
Tribulation Force - Left behind Series in Order
Nicolae (1997)
In Nicolae, the third installment of the original 12-book Left Behind series, the rise of the Antichrist intensifies as Nicolae Carpathia consolidates global power.
Set against a backdrop of escalating chaos, the Tribulation Force faces new threats and hard choices.
This pivotal entry deepens the prophetic narrative, blending political suspense with biblical themes, while advancing character arcs and laying groundwork for the judgments prophesied in Revelation.
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NIcolae - Left behind Series in Order
Soul Harvest (1998)
Soul Harvest (1998), the fourth installment in the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, delves into the aftermath of the Wrath of the Lamb earthquake.
As global chaos intensifies, Rayford Steele and Buck Williams search for their missing loved ones while the Tribulation Force strengthens its resistance against the Antichrist.
Blending intense action with spiritual urgency, the novel deepens the series’ apocalyptic stakes and emotional impact.
Soul Harvest - Left behind Series in Order
Apollyon (1999)
Published in 1999, Apollyon is the fifth book in the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. The story intensifies as demonic locusts are unleashed upon non-believers, marking the
Fifth Trumpet Judgment. Rayford Steele and Buck Williams continue navigating a world unraveling under divine wrath, while the Tribulation Force grows in both faith and urgency.
Apollyon deepens the prophetic drama, blending biblical events with gripping end-times fiction.
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Apollyon - Left behind Series in Order
Assassins (1999)
Assassins (1999), the sixth installment in Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’ Original 12-Book Series of the Left Behind story, heightens the spiritual and political drama of a world dominated by the Antichrist.
The novel, centred on a daring conspiracy to assassinate Nicolae Carpathia, delves deeply into issues of faith, sacrifice, and resistance.
With rising global upheaval, Assassins provides loyal readers with high-stakes suspense and prophetic intrigue.
Assassins - Left behind Series in Order
The Indwelling (2000)
The Indwelling (2000) is the seventh volume of Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’ Original 12-Book Series of the Left Behind epic.
This fascinating tale is set in the aftermath of Nicolae Carpathia’s killing, which caused global instability and mistrust. As the Tribulation Force works underground, the Antichrist’s resurrection occurs, escalating the spiritual conflict.
Suspense, prophecy, and the ascent of evil despite mounting opposition add depth to the apocalyptic story.
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The Indwelling - Left behind Series in Order
The Mark (2000)
The Mark (2000), the eighth installment in The Original 12-Book Series of Left Behind, dives more into the reign of the Antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia. Set amid the Great Tribulation, Christians must now choose between getting the mark of fidelity or being executed.
Rayford, Buck, and the Tribulation Force step up their underground resistance as worldwide surveillance intensifies.
The narrative heightens suspense by delving into questions of faith, identity, and ultimate allegiance in a world under prophetic judgement.
The Mark- Left behind Series in Order
Desecration (2001)
Desecration (2001), the ninth volume in The Original 12-volume Series of the Left Behind story, heightens the spiritual conflict as the Tribulation Force confronts tremendous wickedness.
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins wrote this part, which follows Nicolae Carpathia’s wicked conquest of Jerusalem’s temple. As believers flee underground, divine judgement intensifies with the Bowl Judgements, bringing humanity closer to the final battle.
Desecration immediately became a hit due to its compelling storyline and apocalyptic undertones.
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Desecration - Left behind Series in Order
The Remnant (2002)
The Remnant (2002), the tenth volume in Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’ Left Behind series, heightens the spiritual and political battle of the end times.
As the Great Tribulation progresses, believers from all across the world flock to Petra for refuge, creating the core of the Remnant.
With Nicolae Carpathia’s terrible rule becoming increasingly repressive, the Tribulation Force prepares for its most deadly mission yet.
The Remnant- Left behind Series in Order
Armageddon (2003)
Armageddon (2003), the penultimate installment in Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’ Left Behind trilogy, builds to a climactic last conflict of good and evil.
Set in the final year of the Great Tribulation, the novel follows the Tribulation Force as they prepare for the Battle of Armageddon.
With mounting global tension and prophesy approaching fulfilment, Armageddon heightens the series’ catastrophic urgency and spiritual reckoning.
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The Armageddon - Left behind Series in Order
Glorious Appearing (2004)
Glorious Appearing (2004) finishes The Original 12-Book Series of the Left Behind narrative with a stunning climax: Christ’s Second Coming.
Written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, this part recounts the final fight between good and evil, in which Jesus defeats the Antichrist and his forces.
Blending apocalyptic prophecy with captivating drama, Glorious Appearing provides completion to the Tribulation plot and delivers hope through divine justice and ultimate redemption.
Glorious Appearing - Left behind Series in Order
Kingdom Come (2007)
The final installment in the Left Behind series, Kingdom Come (2007), takes place during Christ’s 1,000-year reign on Earth. This book explores life in the Millennial Kingdom, focusing on peace, justice, and the lingering threat of rebellion.
It wraps up the 12-book saga by showing how faith endures even in a seemingly perfect world.
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins deliver a hopeful conclusion grounded in biblical prophecy.
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Kingdom Come - Left behind Series in Order
Main Characters to Know in Left Behind Series
Rayford Steele
Rayford Steele is the main character in the Left Behind series, a commercial airline pilot whose life transforms following the Rapture.
Initially sceptical, he eventually becomes a devout believer and major leader in the Tribulation Force, which fights the Antichrist. His change represents the series’ central theme of salvation.
Buck Williams
Cameron “Buck” Williams is a pivotal character in the Left Behind series, characterised as a fearless and resourceful investigative journalist. Buck’s journey from reporting global calamity to accepting faith reflects the series’ spiritual narrative.
His boldness, intelligence, and dedication make him an important figure in the post-Rapture resistance.
Nicolae Carpathia
Nicolae Carpathia is the primary antagonist in the Left Behind series, portrayed as the Antichrist. A charismatic Romanian politician, he quickly rises to global power through deception and manipulation.
His calculated charm masks a ruthless agenda, making him a central figure in the battle between good and evil throughout the series.
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Chloe, Bruce, and Others
In the Left Behind series, Chloe Steele and Bruce Barnes emerge as significant players in the early books. Chloe, Rayford Steele’s daughter, experiences a remarkable shift from sceptic to enthusiastic believer, eventually becoming a leader in the Tribulation Force.
Bruce Barnes, the assistant pastor who was left behind, serves as the group’s spiritual adviser, using his biblical knowledge to prepare them for what comes next.
Along with them, characters such as Buck Williams and Tsion Ben-Judah add to the plot, each bringing their own strengths to the fight against the Antichrist. Their emotional journeys form the core of the series’ theme.
Conclusion: Where Should You Begin?
If you’re new to the Left Behind series, the best place to start depends on your preference. Want the full backstory? Start with The Rising.
Prefer to dive into the action right after the Rapture? Begin with Left Behind (Book 1).
Either way, you’re in for a thought-provoking journey through a fictional world shaped by eternal truths.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, many readers start with Left Behind (1995) and enjoy the story without confusion. The prequels add depth but aren’t required.
The main series is best for teens and adults, but the Kids series offers a younger-friendly alternative.
Not entirely. They capture key moments but leave out much detail and development.
Yes, they interpret prophecy literally from a premillennial dispensationalist viewpoint.
With 16 full-length novels, expect 2–3 months if you’re reading consistently. It’s a long but rewarding journey!
