Apocalypse Dawn

Left Behind Military #1

By: Mel Odom

Narrated by: Steve Sever

Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

From the decks of U.S. Navy carriers patrolling the Mediterranean to Fort Benning, Georgia, and the dusty sands of the Turkish-Syrian border, this new suspense thriller runs side by side with the phenomenal Left Behind series that has sold more than 50 million copies.

In a single cataclysmic moment, First Sergeant Samuel Adams "Goose" Gander finds himself center stage in the opening act of the Apocalypse. Goose and the men of the 75th Army Rangers fight to survive a massive attack on the Turkish-Syrian border. Battling his own failing faith, Goose prays for the lives of his men and the innocents who are caught in the rain of bullets and missiles.

Back home, Goose's wife, Megan, fears for her husband and rebellious son while she struggles to save another family. But her life is upended by an incredible, confusing, remarkable occurrence. She is not alone.

©2003 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Left Behind is a registered trademark of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (P)2003 Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Left Behind is a registered trademark of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

slow start

I found it to be a slow, and sermonizing start. Once it got started it was very entertaining. Not quite Tom Clancy, but good on it's own. If I had to relate to other authors I would cross Clancy with a Stephen King flair for the supernatural aspect of the story.I am waiting for the next installment.

Good, some stylistic elements annoying

I listened to the unabridged edition of Apocalypse Dawn. This is a spinoff novel based on the award-winning left behind series. It follows the lives of various enlisted men and their families as they deal with the end times events. What I like most about the Left Behind series is how the characters deal with the cataclysmic events of the apocalypse. To be honest, I am less interested in the proselytizing and witnessing that goes on in the books than I am in the adventures and the book's action elements. This book is, however, a fast-paced novel, with many likeable characters.

I did get tired of some writing elements. The multiple POV storyline was hard to follow and at times exasperating. One chapter we are in Syria with Goose, next chapter with Goose's stepson Joey, the following chapter on some ship with a chaplin, etc. This got a irritating. Especially since some characters such as the Navy Chaplin were just not that exciting. Also, the 'cliff-hangers' got to be a bit much. When you listen to a book in audio format cliff-hangers are annoying because it takes FOREVER to get to the next bit. In the unabridged audio edition, I found the singing during the 'baptism' seen extremely distracting and corny. In fact, I found the whole baptism scene a bit over-the-top. Putting such emphasis on a ceremony just seemed a bit silly. Especially in the middle of a war zone. I can understand why Cal had an issue with that.

I also thought the author took a bit long to get the populace raptured. More than half the book was over before they rapture the kiddies and 'good Christians.' Which brings me to the final issue. Raptured Christians are idealized to the point of sappiness and all conform to the same mold. Regular Sunday school attendees, believe in God, the endtimes, love kiddies. I firmly believe that if God decided to rapture Christians we might be surprised with who goes. Not everyone is alike, and not everyone who would be raptured would be the same 'mold.'

Talk about the Tide of Battle taking a bad turn.

Imagine the rapture taking place in the middle of a hard fought battle while you were fighting a non believing enemy. Consider the impact on the soldiers who are "Left Behind". Better yet, listen to this book, you won't be sorry.

I'm ready for book two.

i believe Be like that

i believe it be like that! in some ways from a soldier and a wife of a soldiers. it is very intense book from a military few point and being a strong born again believer. God is good and God will do what every He can for the souls of this earth open there eyes. and come be with Him in Jesus name. Thank you Lord for your love and Grace. in Jesus name.

Tom Clancy with a bible

From the openning scean to the final words this book is like reading a Tom Clancy book with bible prophacy tossed in.

The way the characters react to the events around them is what you would expect of the military, and the events around the main characters wife will pull at your hart strings.

If you're like me when listening to this book you better set aside a huge block of time because you wont be able to turn it off...and chances are you'll find yourself praying for the characters...it's that real.

This narator is probably the best I've heard in a long time...that's why it feels so real.

You'll be able to almost feel the grit on the faces of the Army Rangers in the Middle East, and at times you'll find yourself giving orders as if you were right there.

Lastly, if you have not read the original Left Behind books I strongly encourage that as you will not understand the uses of some of the terms or characters.

Left Behind from a different viewing angle

I enjoyed the original Left Behind series and feel the same about this series so far.

Not realistic, but still a good listen.

It was a good listen. The hero First Sergeant Samuel Adams "Goose" Gander sounds like he was a Christian and does nothing to reflect why he was not part of the rapture. He was to be the Rayford Steele of this series. The book is not very accurate from a Christian view or for the military equipment.

Adding Guts to the Glory

While the original Left Behind series crossed over the lines of the Christian marketplace and into the New York Times bestseller list, it always had the feel of a 'traditional' Christian novel. Apocalypse Dawn has all of the faith of the original, but with a Tom Clancy style that hooks you from the first moment and never lets go. More gritty and with more shades of grey than the first series, those who love the best of military and techno fiction will not be dissappointed, while those who seek the message that propelled the orginal will be satisfied.

Well narrated and well produced, this is a must for all fans of Left Behind and a great introduction for those who haven't yet taken the plunge. Hooorah!

The book will make you consider the times we're in

Overall, great story. I enjoyed how the author weaved together several stories into the theme. There are obviously some inaccuracies concerning the Rangers, but considering the author wasn't one, they can be overlooked. I love how the reality of faith and questioning is discussed in an open manner that everyone can relate to. Can't wait to start the second in the 4 part series.

Vet: Oustanding Military Fiction

Any additional comments?

Are there really people giving this book about the Christian Tribulation low scores because it has too much Christianity in it? hahah! I'm a disabled war vet and I listen to a lot of ebooks. Military Fiction/MilSciFi and Military zombie/apocalypse are my favorite genres. This series by Mel Odom is easily in my top 10. HOWEVER, if you hold disdain for Christianity, this series is not for you, it will just make you unexplainably angry. If you're an open minded non-Christian, I you'll probably still love this book. As a veteran and a self professed Paladin for God, I can tell you that war/tech details and dynamics concerning faith/lackthereof are very accurate. The characters are engaging and the story line moves very smoothly. This writer, this book, and this narrator are truly outstanding. Highly recommended.