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Left Behind #7
The Indwelling
Nicolae Carpathia is dead. But who killed the Antichrist? The answer may surprise you. Book seven in the best-selling Left Behind series marks the beginning of the second half of the seven-year Tribulation period. In dramatic fashion, readers are exposed to the horrors of God's judgment and the hope of salvation. Rayford, Buck, Chloe, and the rest of the Tribulation Force find themselves at the center of heart-stopping action. Number one on the "New York Times" Best Sellers List for four weeks.
389 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2000
386 people are currently reading
9527 people want to read
About the author
Tim LaHaye
784 books2,332 followersTimothy "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.
He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 512 reviews
February 17, 2023
If you haven’t read this series. Read it. That is all
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
March 4, 2013
I know I would probably be complaining if everyone came out of this with their lives, but it's tiring to get invested in a character only to have them die, even if you have only just gotten to know them. I feel this book was much better than the rest. You came into it with more questions than the other books, such as where was Hattie, will their safe house finally be discovered (because, let's face it, it was a bit too obvious for me), and how long could the believers actually keep working for the GC without getting caught? I was surprised at who really killed Carpathia and I found the character development even more profound in this one than others: Rayford had to face why he wanted to be the one to kill Carpathia, Chaim's reluctance against Carpathia without being a believer, Chloe's fear and plan of keeping her baby from the enemy, how Albie will fit it. And finally they leave the safe house (if it were me, I'd have been out of there ages ago). Due to the fast pace of the book and the small time frame it covered, I didn't want to put it down.
August 8, 2018
While things get harder and harder for our Tribulation Saints, the story gets darker and darker. Each trial and tribulation is proving to test our group members in different ways forcing them to search for a strength they don’t know if they have. If you plan on picking this series up, I would stop reading this review because there are potential spoilers ahead.
In our last installment Rayford was having an internal struggle with himself. Dealing with grief and anger he decided the only way to appease these feelings was to murder the Antichrist. Leaving both Leah and Buck stranded in different parts of the world, he goes rogue and purchases a gun on the black market. Not just any gun, but one that is guaranteed to have devastating effects on its target. This gun, coincidentally, is the same on the Antichrist used to murder the two witnesses in Jerusalem.
Rayford, having made up his mind, attends the Gala with the intent to kill Carpathia. Only the gun won’t fire when he has an open shot. Then he gets bumped by someone- was that Hattie? Couldn’t be! She’s been captured by the GC and is being held against her will! The gun goes off. Chaos ensues. There is madness everywhere as people flee the area. Assassins left off with us not knowing who actually killed Carpathia. As there were a few different people with ample opportunity to pull the proverbial trigger, it’s the ultimate cliffhanger and whodunit.
Unfortunately, the Indwelling does not come right out and give away all the secrets. The first few chapters go over the details of what may or may not have happened. Then as the story unfolds, it is finally revealed somewhere in the middle of the book. But the GC is still spinning its own web of lies and laying the murder at the feet of Rayford Steele. After all, there is video evidence of him aiming a weapon at Carpathia.
As everyone else is out on secret missions, Chloe and Tsion are tasked with holding down the fort. The two of them are caring for Chloe and Buck’s son, Kenny. Trying to make sense of all that is being played out on national television about the murder of Carpathia and Rayford being the accused, Chloe comes to a very difficult decision. She informs Tsion of her intentions and asks him to carry out her plan in the event that she is unable to. So distraught at the mere thought of her son being taken into GC custody, she intends to kill her son and then herself if their safe house is discovered.
The GC community is planning for the grandest of all funerals. The Tribulation Force is once again scattered everywhere. There is an extreme amount of pressure and stress on all of them for their own reasons. On top of that they are concerned for their brothers and sisters who are spread so wide. The time is coming where the believers are going to be forced into hiding because they will require a mark to make purchases in the GC. Those that are hiding their identities as believers are coming to terms that their lives are soon to be turned upside down.
We have some major revelatory moments in this one. An out-of-this world experience for one of our believers. An almost-rebirth of another. A fresh start for two. And a brand spanking new believer. But amidst all of this, we lose yet another valued member.
These books continue to captivate me. Right time, right place kind of thing? Who knows? All I know is that I am enjoying the ever-loving shit out of them. I had to take a brief hiatus while I read another book with some pantsless people but I can’t wait to get back into it. As I have already said before, I am excited to see where the series goes.
In our last installment Rayford was having an internal struggle with himself. Dealing with grief and anger he decided the only way to appease these feelings was to murder the Antichrist. Leaving both Leah and Buck stranded in different parts of the world, he goes rogue and purchases a gun on the black market. Not just any gun, but one that is guaranteed to have devastating effects on its target. This gun, coincidentally, is the same on the Antichrist used to murder the two witnesses in Jerusalem.
Rayford, having made up his mind, attends the Gala with the intent to kill Carpathia. Only the gun won’t fire when he has an open shot. Then he gets bumped by someone- was that Hattie? Couldn’t be! She’s been captured by the GC and is being held against her will! The gun goes off. Chaos ensues. There is madness everywhere as people flee the area. Assassins left off with us not knowing who actually killed Carpathia. As there were a few different people with ample opportunity to pull the proverbial trigger, it’s the ultimate cliffhanger and whodunit.
Unfortunately, the Indwelling does not come right out and give away all the secrets. The first few chapters go over the details of what may or may not have happened. Then as the story unfolds, it is finally revealed somewhere in the middle of the book. But the GC is still spinning its own web of lies and laying the murder at the feet of Rayford Steele. After all, there is video evidence of him aiming a weapon at Carpathia.
As everyone else is out on secret missions, Chloe and Tsion are tasked with holding down the fort. The two of them are caring for Chloe and Buck’s son, Kenny. Trying to make sense of all that is being played out on national television about the murder of Carpathia and Rayford being the accused, Chloe comes to a very difficult decision. She informs Tsion of her intentions and asks him to carry out her plan in the event that she is unable to. So distraught at the mere thought of her son being taken into GC custody, she intends to kill her son and then herself if their safe house is discovered.
The GC community is planning for the grandest of all funerals. The Tribulation Force is once again scattered everywhere. There is an extreme amount of pressure and stress on all of them for their own reasons. On top of that they are concerned for their brothers and sisters who are spread so wide. The time is coming where the believers are going to be forced into hiding because they will require a mark to make purchases in the GC. Those that are hiding their identities as believers are coming to terms that their lives are soon to be turned upside down.
We have some major revelatory moments in this one. An out-of-this world experience for one of our believers. An almost-rebirth of another. A fresh start for two. And a brand spanking new believer. But amidst all of this, we lose yet another valued member.
These books continue to captivate me. Right time, right place kind of thing? Who knows? All I know is that I am enjoying the ever-loving shit out of them. I had to take a brief hiatus while I read another book with some pantsless people but I can’t wait to get back into it. As I have already said before, I am excited to see where the series goes.
April 25, 2023
2 left 2 behind
No biggy they immediately make only Asian character thus far have a “atmospheric iq and knows martial arts”
I feel like 6 times a book they do that thing where they pretend to break up over the phone so they don’t have to talk to the person. “I can’t *chenenslmgldks* hear *foskenxopspwksn* you” good stuff Jerry and Tim.
Here is the unnecessary violence list:
- One of the Christians gets their limbs chopped off and Buck walks through his sticky blood
- Chloe says that if she gets captured she will mill herself and her baby and calls it infanticide
They also do a really cheesy Lord’s Prayer, but it’s for the anti christ. Love it
Also they make a very gay coded snobby artist that makes a 4x butt naked statue of the anti-Christ. Jerry and Tim keep up the good work you silly shitty men
This book might be the most poorly written book of them all. It’s just one deus ex machina after another. Oh nooooo one of our beloved characters is in danger and fleeing. What will happen? How will they get away? Boom a random-ass-Christian comes in with the big time save. There is a character named David whose entire personality is just being able to solve literally any tech issue while working for the Antichrist and no one suspects him. I try to always give an artist the benefit of the doubt, but I firmly believe that I could write a better story….. maybe I will, I’ll name it “Tim and Jerry Write the Worst Book Ever”
Wowsers. I think they may have done the most offensive and stereotypically Asian man ever. They play any non white person for comedy and it’s just so clearly how Jerry and Tim entertained their houseguests.
Each of the books drones on for the first 90% of the book and then literally in the last chapter the title of the book happens.
No biggy they immediately make only Asian character thus far have a “atmospheric iq and knows martial arts”
I feel like 6 times a book they do that thing where they pretend to break up over the phone so they don’t have to talk to the person. “I can’t *chenenslmgldks* hear *foskenxopspwksn* you” good stuff Jerry and Tim.
Here is the unnecessary violence list:
- One of the Christians gets their limbs chopped off and Buck walks through his sticky blood
- Chloe says that if she gets captured she will mill herself and her baby and calls it infanticide
They also do a really cheesy Lord’s Prayer, but it’s for the anti christ. Love it
Also they make a very gay coded snobby artist that makes a 4x butt naked statue of the anti-Christ. Jerry and Tim keep up the good work you silly shitty men
This book might be the most poorly written book of them all. It’s just one deus ex machina after another. Oh nooooo one of our beloved characters is in danger and fleeing. What will happen? How will they get away? Boom a random-ass-Christian comes in with the big time save. There is a character named David whose entire personality is just being able to solve literally any tech issue while working for the Antichrist and no one suspects him. I try to always give an artist the benefit of the doubt, but I firmly believe that I could write a better story….. maybe I will, I’ll name it “Tim and Jerry Write the Worst Book Ever”
Wowsers. I think they may have done the most offensive and stereotypically Asian man ever. They play any non white person for comedy and it’s just so clearly how Jerry and Tim entertained their houseguests.
Each of the books drones on for the first 90% of the book and then literally in the last chapter the title of the book happens.
April 17, 2009
There's an old joke about St Paul leading the newly deceased through heaven and as they stop at each door, you can hear a party going on inside. "That's the Methodists," he'd explain. Or, "That's the Episcopalians." Finally, he came to a door that was really quiet. Inside were people praying. "Shh," he said, "That's the Fundamentalist Christians. They think they're the only ones here."
THAT'S what this series of books reminds me of. I DON'T believe there is only one and true way to God, and to heaven, but I am interested in the author's interpretation of Revelation. I just wish he'd hurry up and get to the end.
THAT'S what this series of books reminds me of. I DON'T believe there is only one and true way to God, and to heaven, but I am interested in the author's interpretation of Revelation. I just wish he'd hurry up and get to the end.
March 25, 2016
The seventh and last nail in the coffin of my youthful premillenialism. I can't imagine now why I slogged through seven of these contrivances, but that was a long time ago. Bad writing doesn't fix bad eschatology. But it sometimes reveals it.
January 10, 2018
3.5/5
I started off uneasy about this book. It triggered me to get my Bible out and investigate with my mom what Revelation says about the Antichrist and his death.
The twist sure was tricky!
I am more than interested to pick up the next book now!
I started off uneasy about this book. It triggered me to get my Bible out and investigate with my mom what Revelation says about the Antichrist and his death.
The twist sure was tricky!
I am more than interested to pick up the next book now!
July 17, 2012
By now, not only were the editorial mistakes but the grammar mistakes getting on my nerves, but the story seems to simply fall apart in this installment.
The plot for this one was that Nicolae dies and upon his resurrection, becomes "indwelt" by Satan himself. That, I have no problem with, because that's Scriptural.
But what I did have the problem with was the now-normal strained plot twists. As readers, we're expected to suspend a part of our disbelief, but Jenkins takes things too far and expects way too much of us as readers with his insidious reasons as to why things happen. I understand that due to logistics, one camp can't know what the other is doing or else they would die, but he is now obviously way in over his head, trying to incorporate technical jargon that strains that disbelief to its breaking point. Instead of leaving some of this to the imagination of the reader, which will keep us engaged, he makes stupid character statements such as, "But you have GOT to remain where you are. We need you in this position, since you must be available to change databases once a team member travels to another country."
Is he SERIOUS?? Change databases?? Apparently Jenkins assumes the rest of us are too stupid or complete ludites that we wouldn't have the foggiest clue what a database is, or that in this particular context, that statement is the dumbest thing that could've come from the man's fingertips.
It annoys me when ANY author, Christian or otherwise, assumes ignorance or stupidity on the part of the reader, and Jenkins is apparently of that camp. Suddenly, things that didn't bother me in the first four books are really ripping me a new one now, and I just want to jump through the book and throttle him.
The plot for this one was that Nicolae dies and upon his resurrection, becomes "indwelt" by Satan himself. That, I have no problem with, because that's Scriptural.
But what I did have the problem with was the now-normal strained plot twists. As readers, we're expected to suspend a part of our disbelief, but Jenkins takes things too far and expects way too much of us as readers with his insidious reasons as to why things happen. I understand that due to logistics, one camp can't know what the other is doing or else they would die, but he is now obviously way in over his head, trying to incorporate technical jargon that strains that disbelief to its breaking point. Instead of leaving some of this to the imagination of the reader, which will keep us engaged, he makes stupid character statements such as, "But you have GOT to remain where you are. We need you in this position, since you must be available to change databases once a team member travels to another country."
Is he SERIOUS?? Change databases?? Apparently Jenkins assumes the rest of us are too stupid or complete ludites that we wouldn't have the foggiest clue what a database is, or that in this particular context, that statement is the dumbest thing that could've come from the man's fingertips.
It annoys me when ANY author, Christian or otherwise, assumes ignorance or stupidity on the part of the reader, and Jenkins is apparently of that camp. Suddenly, things that didn't bother me in the first four books are really ripping me a new one now, and I just want to jump through the book and throttle him.
December 6, 2021
This one was mostly filler until the last 20 pages or so. Little more fantasy, little less horror, so I deducted a star due to preference.
February 9, 2025
4 - Just when I thought shit already went down….oooohhhh baby it’s coming. It’s about to get REAL!
April 20, 2025
Amazing! Loved! Glad Rayford has his head on straight! It’s sad to see more and more people dying, but I guess that’s to be expected!
October 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.6 / 5.0
“The Indwelling” is the perfect blend of spiritual warfare and high-octane drama, shaking up the apocalyptic saga with a hallucinatory, cozy-comfort vibe that somehow still leaves you sweating with adrenaline. You can magine sipping hot cocoa ☕️ while watching the end of days unfold in the most unpredictably thrilling way possible!
This installment grabs you from page one with its razor-sharp writing style: clear and compelling but never dull. The structure masterfully juggles multiple characters and storylines without turning into a chaotic mess. I feel it like a well-rehearsed symphony of tension and release, intellectually exciting and deeply engaging. 🎭📚
The character arcs shine brighter here, flawed, fierce, and utterly human, they pulled at my heartstrings while fueling my motivation and addictiveness to keep reading well past bedtime. The pacing is a relentless rollercoaster of suspense, action, and divine intrigue… think anxiety-fueled excitement with a hint of thoughtful intelligence.
This ending? Oh, it’s a brutal tease, perfectly setting the stage for what comes next, enough to make any fan’s heart race and palms sweat. This book is tailor-made for those who crave a smart, spiritually charged thriller with a dash of prophetic insight.
While it occasionally leans into dense theological moments, it never loses its storytelling grip, balancing big ideas with explosive action scenes and profound emotional resonance.
Genre: Christian Apocalyptic Thriller / Prophetic Fiction.
The Indwelling 📖 is a fiery, addictive, and mind-blowing chapter in the Left Behind series that left me hooked, breathless, and eagerly awaiting the next chaos eruption. Bring it on! 🔥😎
“The Indwelling” is the perfect blend of spiritual warfare and high-octane drama, shaking up the apocalyptic saga with a hallucinatory, cozy-comfort vibe that somehow still leaves you sweating with adrenaline. You can magine sipping hot cocoa ☕️ while watching the end of days unfold in the most unpredictably thrilling way possible!
This installment grabs you from page one with its razor-sharp writing style: clear and compelling but never dull. The structure masterfully juggles multiple characters and storylines without turning into a chaotic mess. I feel it like a well-rehearsed symphony of tension and release, intellectually exciting and deeply engaging. 🎭📚
The character arcs shine brighter here, flawed, fierce, and utterly human, they pulled at my heartstrings while fueling my motivation and addictiveness to keep reading well past bedtime. The pacing is a relentless rollercoaster of suspense, action, and divine intrigue… think anxiety-fueled excitement with a hint of thoughtful intelligence.
This ending? Oh, it’s a brutal tease, perfectly setting the stage for what comes next, enough to make any fan’s heart race and palms sweat. This book is tailor-made for those who crave a smart, spiritually charged thriller with a dash of prophetic insight.
While it occasionally leans into dense theological moments, it never loses its storytelling grip, balancing big ideas with explosive action scenes and profound emotional resonance.
Genre: Christian Apocalyptic Thriller / Prophetic Fiction.
The Indwelling 📖 is a fiery, addictive, and mind-blowing chapter in the Left Behind series that left me hooked, breathless, and eagerly awaiting the next chaos eruption. Bring it on! 🔥😎
August 27, 2019
I continually enjoy reading the books in the series. At this point, what I'm really grateful to read is that the main characters still struggle and make mistakes, they are not just perfect followers living through a rough time. Imperfect characters are more believable, relatable and ... reassuring, almost? To read.
The action, plot, and drama are all still enjoyable as well.
The action, plot, and drama are all still enjoyable as well.
August 22, 2024
As we get closer to the middle of revelations, the danger to the believers left behind turns up a notch.
This book was quite scary in what was happening and how very similar the antichrist words were to Jesus’s spoken words in the Bible. It made me realise again that I need to make it a priority to know what Jesus did say to be able to identify any falsehoods.
*I listened to the audiobook on Audible.*
This book was quite scary in what was happening and how very similar the antichrist words were to Jesus’s spoken words in the Bible. It made me realise again that I need to make it a priority to know what Jesus did say to be able to identify any falsehoods.
*I listened to the audiobook on Audible.*
November 24, 2020
This installment in the money making series takes place over a few days from right after Nicolae's death to his funeral 3 days later. This causes the author to really drag things out. Characters stay true to their standard behavior - doing stupid things like hunting for a new home base location in broad daylight, the "leader-in-name-only" has another crisis, and the former flight attendant is still out there...somewhere. One pleasant aspect is that Albie, one of the more interesting/fun characters, shows up for a more sustainable role toward the end of this long read of a short time period.
July 28, 2016
This was the seventh installment to the Left Behind Series and by far the most intense. A very intense book that will keep you reading until the very end.
Pros
Intense
Suspense
Clift hangers
Easy to ready
Character and plot interactions
Cons
A few slow spots
Pros
Intense
Suspense
Clift hangers
Easy to ready
Character and plot interactions
Cons
A few slow spots
August 8, 2020
As the series progresses, I believe LaHaye and Jenkins did a great job making the characters more complex.
In The Indwelling
-Chloe makes a decision out of fear, but one that is realistic and relatable as a mother facing the end of the world.
- Several characters act out of haste and emotion, putting others in jeapordy.
- Rayford doubts an old friend.
- Several characters face, and must deal with, the deaths of those close to them.
- Believers working on the inside must hide their faith while risking their lives to protect others with the position they have been given inside the Global Community compound.
The last point here is a big deal to me.
Growing up, I was taught that "silence (concerning things that are bad/sinful) means approval", and I've always hated that blanket statement. My silence in a situation can show my disapproval, especially when someone is seeking an affirmative reaction from me. Telling someone that what they are doing is wrong isn't always the best option (the series addresses that several times, particularly with Rayford's anger in books 6 and 7).
I really appreciate that David and Annie are working from the inside with the intent of helping the believers outside the compound. Sometimes, they have to "keep silent" or act like loyal GC employees in order to protect and advance the cause of the Tribulation Force. I do believe that God puts us all in unique situations for a purpose. In this book, the Tribulation Force is dependent on the information that David and Annie have access to inside GC.
In The Indwelling
-Chloe makes a decision out of fear, but one that is realistic and relatable as a mother facing the end of the world.
- Several characters act out of haste and emotion, putting others in jeapordy.
- Rayford doubts an old friend.
- Several characters face, and must deal with, the deaths of those close to them.
- Believers working on the inside must hide their faith while risking their lives to protect others with the position they have been given inside the Global Community compound.
The last point here is a big deal to me.
Growing up, I was taught that "silence (concerning things that are bad/sinful) means approval", and I've always hated that blanket statement. My silence in a situation can show my disapproval, especially when someone is seeking an affirmative reaction from me. Telling someone that what they are doing is wrong isn't always the best option (the series addresses that several times, particularly with Rayford's anger in books 6 and 7).
I really appreciate that David and Annie are working from the inside with the intent of helping the believers outside the compound. Sometimes, they have to "keep silent" or act like loyal GC employees in order to protect and advance the cause of the Tribulation Force. I do believe that God puts us all in unique situations for a purpose. In this book, the Tribulation Force is dependent on the information that David and Annie have access to inside GC.
March 29, 2017
I wanted to look like this one. After all, it had exciting elements - the mystery of who killed the Antichrist, the exposure of the safe house, more well-known characters coming to faith, heavenly visions & Satan himself coming to dwell in Carpathia the Antichrist.
But this book fell a bit flat for me. The writing's often slow & the characters quite bland (Chloe in particular is getting on my nerves)
But the book isn't terrible & has some thought provoking points.
But this book fell a bit flat for me. The writing's often slow & the characters quite bland (Chloe in particular is getting on my nerves)
But the book isn't terrible & has some thought provoking points.
August 24, 2020
This was an interesting read. Very dramatic and a lot of deaths for the Tribulation Force, but still had its funny moments. I was expecting more concerning Carpathia, but it didn't happen until the very last 10-15 pages. That ending has me excited for book eight. I'm ready to read The Mark.
December 28, 2020
Another thrilling addition to The Left Behind series.
I really enjoyed listening to this with my husband, even though I read the book way back when it was first released, it was like a new experience because this time I wad sharing the story with someone I love.
I really enjoyed listening to this with my husband, even though I read the book way back when it was first released, it was like a new experience because this time I wad sharing the story with someone I love.
February 16, 2025
I didn’t know if the last book would be topped but, well, it may have in this one. The resurrection of the antichrist has led to some truly crazy events, and Carpathia has never been more blasphemous. Great novel, kept me engaged the whole time.
January 31, 2021
Listening to the full audiobook really made me enjoy this book. We are halfway through the Tribulation. Rayford Steele and his crew are trying to survive until the Glorious Apppearing of Chr5ist.
I appreciateed all of the references to Revaltions. It really helps to move the story along.
Also, I love how cute little Kenny is and how great Tison is with him.
Can't wait to read the other books in this series.
I appreciateed all of the references to Revaltions. It really helps to move the story along.
Also, I love how cute little Kenny is and how great Tison is with him.
Can't wait to read the other books in this series.
March 1, 2023
This is really heating up!
January 25, 2024
I know it's sci-fi, but man these prophecies are based on scriptures in the Bible. It's difficult reading.
July 30, 2024
That ending! The beast has been raised and things are started to get complicated.
January 15, 2025
Hard to put this one down. Favorite of the series so far.
September 15, 2025
this was one of my favorite in the series. I am glad I got to this book. I am excited for what's next.
March 15, 2026
Dumb.
April 19, 2020
Continuing with the next book. The Mark! Book 8 is gonna be great😁
July 9, 2025
Well that was encouraging and terrifying.
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