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Armageddon: The Cosmic Battle of the Ages

(Left Behind #11)

Tim LaHaye,

Jerry B. Jenkins (Goodreads Author)

4.03 · Rating details · 18,234 ratings · 348 reviews

The scattered Tribulation Force is drawn inexorably toward the Middle East, as are all the armies of the world, when human history culminates in the battle of the ages. During the last year of the Great Tribulation, safe houses are no longer safe, and the cast of characters dramatically changes. By the time of the war of the great day of God the Almighty, the globe has bec ...more

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Paperback, 395 pages

Published November 18th 2003 by Tyndale House Publishers (first published April 8th 2003)

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Aug 14, 2011 Amanda rated it it was amazing

After finishing this book in just two sittings, I have to honestly say that, unlike the other Left Behind books, I couldn't put it down. I really believe it was because this book was much more character-focused than the rest. There is actually character development going on: growth, self-sacrifice, emotion, etc. For example, I really haven't been crazy about the character Chloe throughout this series, and this is the first book that really gets into her head. I found myself appreciating her a lo ...more

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Jan 04, 2008 Michael Courtois rated it it was amazing

READ THE SERIES.

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Aug 31, 2018 Oceana rated it really liked it

Shelves: faith-builders, want-to-cry

This book was so emotional! It got better as I read on. The power of Almighty God! WOW!
One book to go!!

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Dec 06, 2011 Kate rated it it was amazing

With New Babylon now shrouded in total darkness only believers can see leaving unbelievers with blinded eyes. A member of the tribulation force is taken into custody and the future of the other members seems questionable. Tsion and Buck journey to Jerusalem as the Jewish people prepare for the greatest battle the world has ever faced. Chang and Naomi have become closer. The world is coming to a climactic conclusion as the antichrist steps up his massive destruction.
With love found and great loss ...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Jim rated it did not like it

Shelves: 2013, 2013-adult

This includes spoilers:

I didn't care for this book. The concept and idea is fine, but the writing is so horrible, it makes it difficult to enjoy the book. The dialogue seems like it is written by a 12 year old and that is the good dialogue. The dialogue of Carpathia and his cronies is even worse, it's like a bad 80's cartoon. Also, all the "heroic" characters talk the same. There is no differentiation between them.

As for this book specifically, I don't find myself sad that Chloe died. She had be This includes spoilers:

I didn't care for this book. The concept and idea is fine, but the writing is so horrible, it makes it difficult to enjoy the book. The dialogue seems like it is written by a 12 year old and that is the good dialogue. The dialogue of Carpathia and his cronies is even worse, it's like a bad 80's cartoon. Also, all the "heroic" characters talk the same. There is no differentiation between them.

As for this book specifically, I don't find myself sad that Chloe died. She had become a complete idiot during the last several books continuing to put herself on the front line despite a complete lack of training. This time, she made completely ridiculous and tacticless decisions and got herself captured.

Albie's demise was a bit more sad but it was also unrealistic. Leading up to his encounter with MM, they said Albie was one the top 3 black marketeers in the world pre-rapture. Then, he meets with a man he acknowledges as one of the baddest men on the planet. the man has tattoos on his neck for each person he's killed. When Albie arrives, the guy is getting a tattoo and tells Albie its not because he's killed some, but sometimes he gets them in advance (first warning). Then he tells Albie he is only a businessman and only cares for money, which these days he makes by turning in bodies of Christians (second warning). He also prefers those christians dead because they are easier to deal with (third warning). All this time, Albie, who you would think has an exceptional degree of street smarts to be one of top three black marketeers in the world, would have clued into things. Nope. Albie doesn't realize anything until MM shoots him in the head.

Finally, Buck is a pain. He has become a totally unsympathetic character and I do not find myself liking him at all. I have to give credit to Rayford, George, and Razer for all not just smacking him across the head throughout this book. I would not be upset if it was him that died at the end.

I had high hopes for this series as I liked the concept. The first couple of books were okay even if they were outlandish (i.e. the UN Secretary General actually having some sort of world authority.. whatever). But as the books have progressed, the characters have gotten more unrealistic in their action (even considering the plot) and the writing is getting worse and worse. I roll my eyes at the dialogue of Leon Fortunato and his comrades. I will read the next book only because it is the last and I've already read the first 11, might as well finish the series. ...more

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May 28, 2020 Eliana H rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 11, 2008 Shelly rated it it was amazing

This entire series was great! It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and made me excited for the next book to come out. It wasn't a "preachy" book but at the same time did witness. My review will be the same for all the books in the series. Well worth reading!! ...more

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Oct 22, 2014 S. Sloan rated it it was amazing

Like the other books in Tim LaHaye's series, this one made me go back and take a closer look at the Book of Revelation. Really enjoyed this book. ...more

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Oct 17, 2017 Tabby rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: library-books, will-read-again

BUT WHY DID IT END THERE??????

I guess I have no choice but to start book 12 right this instant!!!

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Sep 14, 2019 Sarah Piper rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 02, 2019 JoAnne rated it really liked it

The penultimate book. Lots of stuff is going down, and I was reengaged over the fates of certain characters that have been there since book 1. I felt the previous book lost a little focus in the narrative and plot going all over the place, but this one, except for one or two places, came back with force. The plot delivered, really taking the reader (or at least me) to the gripping conclusion and final-final-forsurethistime-final times. One more book to go!

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Apr 08, 2019 Shannon Rochester rated it liked it

This book went a little faster for me than the last few did. Maybe that is because we are getting close to the end or maybe that's because there were quite a few surprises this time around. People we have grown to love die in this one and others prepare for the Glorious Appearing... Many of the characters grow during this book as they prepare for the final battle. Some die, yes, but others grow as humans and learn about self sacrifice, and I honestly cannot wait to see who survives and what happ ...more

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Jun 01, 2020 Heitham Hammad rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

On the last book in the series. The Glorious Appearing😇🙏

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Nov 25, 2020 mary rated it it was amazing

Closer than ever

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Sep 09, 2019 Donna rated it really liked it

Shelves: religion, adventure, 350-to-399-pages, action

Armageddon is the eleventh book in this series. Situations have become much more dire near the end of the world as we know it, as the final year of the Great Tribulation is portrayed. No one is safe now. The city of New Babylon has been thrust into total darkness, but believers can still see. Armies are gathering in the Middle East and a battle seems imminent.

Throughout the series, the main characters have been mostly protected from the ills that befall others, but in this book, things change. ...more

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Dec 10, 2009 Chris added it

"He was unarmed, falling, and mortally wounded. And the enemy was coming." These were the thoughts of Buck Williams, shortly after the Global Community Unity Army launched their first assault on Jerusalem. As the Tribulation is nearing its conclusion, Nicolae Carpathia has began the biggest military operation in the history of mankind, all as a last ditch effort to wipe the believers of God off the face of the Earth. All of the remaining Tribulation Force members, now numbering in the hundreds, "He was unarmed, falling, and mortally wounded. And the enemy was coming." These were the thoughts of Buck Williams, shortly after the Global Community Unity Army launched their first assault on Jerusalem. As the Tribulation is nearing its conclusion, Nicolae Carpathia has began the biggest military operation in the history of mankind, all as a last ditch effort to wipe the believers of God off the face of the Earth. All of the remaining Tribulation Force members, now numbering in the hundreds, are in Petra, the temporary home of the Jewish Remnant, preparing to defend against the Antichrist's assault and the Glorious Appearing of Christ. Lahaye and Jenkins' Armageddon is a very interesting climax to the Left Behind series, and, in my opinion, was one of the best so far. Maybe that's because I like the action parts in books the best but maybe not.

Like the rest of the books in the Left Behind series, the setting is one of the best parts of the book. The authors portray the end of the world with such great detail that you can very easily see the Israeli desert with the Antichrist's army waiting to begin their assault. The Bible says that the army will be as numbered as the sands of the world, and the author does a great job of letting you know just how big this army actually is. Reading a good book should be like watching a movie and that's how I felt through out my reading of Armageddon.

A theme from this book that is very easy to discern is that everyone should be saved. The judgements from God and the frustration of being part of the largest army in history, but still losing to a few million people are just the beginning of the troubles the supporters of Antichrist have to deal with. And then there's the whole business about burning in hell for eternity, so it's not a good situation any way you look at it. I'm glad I'm saved.

The most obvious connection that you can make from this book, in fact the whole series, is its connection to the Bible. I know this is a big duh, but some people may not realize that. The story in the Bible is basically the same story that is in this book, just with out the characters and everything being explained in great detail. The Bible liked metaphors and similes, so this is a little easier to understand.

All in all, like the last book I reviewed from the Left Behind series, I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who wants a good read. People are sometimes turned off by religious books, but this is a good book whether you know the Good Book or not. See what I did there? Clever, huh?

395 pages ...more

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Apr 03, 2013 David Nichols rated it did not like it

Shelves: reviewed

In this, the next-to-last volume of one of the least well-written series in the English language, the Antichrist twirls his mustache, cackles evilly, and sends a huge army to attack Jerusalem, because he's decided to wipe out the Jews (know who else tried to kill all the Jews? ADOLF HITLER, that's who), and Petra, where the Real Christians are hiding out. While Mssr. Antichrist has access to tanks, jets, and nuclear weapons, much of the fighting is undertaken with horse-mounted cavalry and FRICK ...more

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Jan 09, 2017 Samuel rated it liked it

Wow. If you made it this far into the series it's not much a surprise that Armageddon: The Cosmic Battle of the Ages is one of the most prolific page-turners of the lot. I found laced throughout the fictional tale of the Tribulation Force and the last days on Earth before Jesus's return, many prophetic biblical quotes (perhaps more than normal). I won't spoil the story but this book promises to not disappoint those faithful Left Behind readers. ...more

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Jun 12, 2017 Lisa Konet rated it it was amazing

A few very upsetting key deaths occur of main characters throughout these novels. Evil is even more horrific and terrible, but when will end, if ever? Who will survive to meet Jesus on Earth? onto book 12, glorious appearing!

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Jun 25, 2016 Alexander rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-reads-2016, 2016, favorites, books-that-make-you-think

This was the 11th book in the left behind series. Very intense and very satisfying.

Pros

Suspense
Intense
Plot twist
Clift hangers
Character/plot interactions

Cons

Slow at times

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Sep 22, 2017 Hannah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

One...more...book...
I CAN SEE THE LIGHT!

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May 06, 2018 barbara rated it it was amazing

this series is absolutely amazing.

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Jan 03, 2019 Haley Belinda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-the-past

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series.

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May 03, 2018 Neil rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: alternate-history, christian-fiction, dystopian, end-of-the-world, finished-in-2018, mystery, inspirational, sci-fi, fiction

This was a fast read for me; I started it on the 2nd of May and finished it on the 3rd of May. This is the first time I have read this book; I must have stopped the series with the last book and never finished book 10 [because it was SOOOOO bad]. I cannot say that it is because it is necessarily "fast-paced" [although that would seem to be the case], but it was a fast read. The character development was so-so; the characters have developed about as much as they are going to, considering this boo This was a fast read for me; I started it on the 2nd of May and finished it on the 3rd of May. This is the first time I have read this book; I must have stopped the series with the last book and never finished book 10 [because it was SOOOOO bad]. I cannot say that it is because it is necessarily "fast-paced" [although that would seem to be the case], but it was a fast read. The character development was so-so; the characters have developed about as much as they are going to, considering this book is about the "big battle" before the return of Jesus. Most of the book focuses on a particular event [or group of events] (view spoiler) before it starts doing what the series is well-known for [other than the "end times" as Mr. LaHaye believes it will play out] [the jumping forward in time so that the authors can "get to the end" "faster" without missing too much of a beat from too much exposition.

(view spoiler)

(view spoiler)

There was one thing that really stood out to me over the course of the previous novels. (view spoiler)[It was how the authors made the Tribulation Force members so recklessly stupid and naive. I know they have been Christians for a very limited period of time, but they should know better than to put God to the test like they have over the past few novels. I do not know if the mindset of the authors is that God will protect the Tribulation Force like He did the Israelites from the plagues of Egypt when they were slaves. The big difference between the Tribulation Force and the Israelites in Egypt is that the Israelites had no choice in the matter as to where they were and where they lived; they were slaves. The Tribulation Force continually puts themselves at risk by making stupid decisions and trusting God to 'save them' from their stupidity. So many deus ex machinas that occur in this book! It was frustrating! I think the authors forgot that Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple and told Jesus that if He threw himself off the temple mount, God would send angels to catch Jesus and save Him, ensuring no part of his body struck the ground. Jesus rebuked Satan and said that believers were not to put God to the test like that. So, why should these "end times" be any different? I know that is one thing that really started to bug me in prior novels - that "supernatural events" occurred to save the Tribulation Force and, in the process, kept them from learning from mistakes. It was quite frustrating. I mean, it is bad enough the decisions they make require an angel to save them, but when it is Michael the Archangel, of all angels! That is stretching things a little too far for me!

Like the "new" safehouse under the abandoned military base in California. Chloe goes out snooping around one night instead of waking her husband and/or George Sebastian for backup. This causes her to be caught by some GC forces, which leads to her ultimate public execution. I realize that Chloe was the direct reason [or, was portrayed that way, in the stories] for the Tribulation Force's HQ in the Strong Building in downtown Chicago being discovered and their having to flee the city before nukes actually do destroy the city.

In this case, she should have awoken her hubby or George for back-up and to watch her back. As it was, she was reckless and exhibited clear-headed thinking in how she went about her business in hopes of escaping the closing "dragnet.' She goes out to snoop around and see what the GC are doing [they have returned to the area]. (hide spoiler)]

It was a decent book; it was well-written. It was okay; I am glad that I finally read it. ...more

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Apr 24, 2018 Sean M rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I have to start this review by stating that I did not read the previous 10 novels in this series. I picked this book up at a flea market for .25 cents because the cover looked neat, therefore my review will be solely based on this book's merits alone. All that aside, let's see if this book is worth a read!

This book is heavily invested in scripture and the biblical events that transpire in the Bible. I'm no believer of God, or Christ..or any religious deity for that matter and I thought the book I have to start this review by stating that I did not read the previous 10 novels in this series. I picked this book up at a flea market for .25 cents because the cover looked neat, therefore my review will be solely based on this book's merits alone. All that aside, let's see if this book is worth a read!

This book is heavily invested in scripture and the biblical events that transpire in the Bible. I'm no believer of God, or Christ..or any religious deity for that matter and I thought the book would turn into some nauseating gospel about repentance and saving my soul. There is a lot of that, but it isn't shoved down my throat and it doesn't feel like someone's forcing me into a decision. All of the characters believe in God and the coming Armageddon but none of them feel like they are preaching to me out of context.

Speaking of the characters I have to say that none of the human characters are very inspiring. They all feel like empty vessels that are there just to quote parts of the scripture or remind us that God and Christ are coming. While I do appreciate their determined and fervent belief in the divine, it's a little disappointing that they don't have their own characteristics. They all feel like heads on the same body and it's sort of difficult to slog through the dialogue sometimes. The 'evil' head honcho, Carpathia on the other hand is an excellent character that I found myself looking forward to hearing speak. Maybe it was because he was the literal Antichrist in this novel, but he was definitely uniquely charismatic.

The action was doled out at a fairly good pace so the book never really bogged down. Almost every chapter had some sort of set piece moment and characters were always engaging with one another and the world. There wasn't a lot of introspection on the characters parts which I found to be a plus since I didn't buy into any of them yet. Perhaps it's because I didn't read the previous 10 books. I looked forward to each chapter because Armageddon was being ushered along at a fairly brisk pace and I was intrigued to see the outcome.

I have to point out that the ending was neat because the authors had absolutely no problem killing off main characters with little impudence. I was a bit bothered that they all were being taken out within the last 20 pages or so because I felt like it was being rushed a little to close the book out. It certainly did leave me curious to find out what happens next since the book does end on a cliffhanger.

All-in-all, I had a fairly enjoyable time with Armageddon. I thought it was paced well, and the moment to moment action kept the book moving forward. I wished the characters were a little more lively, but I believe it was intentional since the characters weren't the centerpiece of the entire series but rather they were a sort of guiding line for readers to Armageddon. I'd say if you can find this book fairly cheap, give it a shot. It's fine as a standalone title to interest readers. Thanks for reading! ...more

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Jan 28, 2021 Sean rated it it was amazing

The end of the world draws nigh, and believers and non-believers alike are making their ultimate preparations. Nicolae Carpathia rallies his armies for what will be the final battle, and the Tribulation Force mobilizes for one last mission as Petra and Jerusalem brace for impact. The eleventh entry in the Left Behind saga based on Revelation, ARMAGEDDON takes more than a few unexpected turns, ratcheting the excitement to new highs. Many readers may be shocked by some of the plot twists in this n ...more

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Mar 07, 2020 Devan Smith rated it it was amazing

I have been reading the Left Behind series off and on since last summer. As anyone who has read the series will tell you, the series is very hit and miss. The worst in the series often contain chapters and chapters of filler to get to the titular event at the end. This book was not like this. In my opinion, this volume is definitely in the top three for the entire series.

While most of the novel is build-up to the next book, it builds the tension in a way that is very compelling. For example, th ...more

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May 01, 2020 Steven rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: decade_2000s, 21st-century, fiction, fantasy, audiobook, science-fantasy, series, religion, supernatural, great-american-read

So anyone that follows me knows I'm only reading this because I set a goal to get a date on every book on the great American read.
I have to say all of these books make me laugh at the extraordinary number of logical fallacies that Tim LaHaye tries to pass off as deeply insightful.
As far as I can tell LaHay is an American but in this book, the antichrist gives an argument against divine right and royalism as the reason he rebelled against god. Doesn't this make his antichrist the equivalent of o ...more

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Dec 14, 2020 Nay Denise rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: physical-copy, christian-fiction

I appreciated that this book (or at least my copy) had 3 mini maps!! I also love that series continues to put the major cast of characters, who they are and where they stand at the beginning of the book!!

Did I mention that I will forever hate Leon and Carpathia? I do...I truly do!!!

This was such an emotional ride! At first I wasn't completely invested, but then Chloe...she wasn't my favorite of the bunch, but I still felt attached to her, especially after baby boy was born. I was both excited an ...more

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Dec 12, 2020 Nay Denise rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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About Tim LaHaye

Tim LaHaye

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Timothy "Tim" F. LaHaye was an American evangelical Christian minister, author, and speaker, best known for the Left Behind series of apocalyptic fiction, which he co-wrote with Jerry B. Jenkins.

He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction. ...more

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“Just thinking about them brought a sob to her throat. Chloe pressed her back against the wall and lowered herself to the cold floor. “God, please, bring to mind Scriptures you want me to hear right now. Don’t let hunger or fatigue or fear keep me from remembering. You know who I am and who I’m not. I just want to be what you want me to be. You know better than I that you’re working with imperfection here.” — 1 likes

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