In this, the fifth book of the "Left Behind" series, the writing has definitely improved, for the most part. Another big improvement is a noticeable lessening of illogical actions and events that were so annoying in earlier volumes. That is not to say that is is completely lacking, though. In this book, we are reminded of the revelation in the "Soul Harvest" that Carpathia had Bruce Barnes poisoned. The question is, "Why?". At the time, Bruce (and the "Tribulation Force" as a whole) was no great threat to either Carpathia or the Global Community. The story, however, is still the same flaccid, tepid series of escapes, rescues, and chases that we have become used to from these authors. It also shows the same lack of imagination that has plagued this series from the beginning. Once again, the action reads like something stolen from a second rate movie or a two bit TV show and are further robbed of any tension or suspense by the characters constantly reminding each other that God is protecting them, so they are, ultimately, safe from any serious harm. Add in the fact that the authors have given me no real reason to care about the characters, and what should have been exciting scenes crackling with tension and concern are nothing more than just a boring sequence of words. Even the title of the book is nothing more than a cheap attempt to grab the readers' interest. Apollyon, "chief demon of the abyss", never puts in an appearance. When his horde of demon locusts finally put in an appearnce, about two-thirds of the way in, they are only there for about two chapters and are not all that terrifying. They sting people once, causing swelling and pain, and then move on. Perhaps that is the greatest downfall of these books: they are too tame. These events should be terrifying and heart-rending, but come across as limp and comical. (Witness the slapstick scene of Bo and Ernie trying to escape the locusts.) Even the descriptions of scenes of decadence and liscentiousness are watered down to the point where the most abominable actions include men kissing other men and (horrors of horrors!) tattoo parlors. These books aren't just a waste of time and paper. They are also a waste of a great opportunity to give us frightening, exciting, gut-wrenching stories.