As a reader of the Left Behind series and the first book in the Apocalypse series, I felt this one fit in fairly well with the Rapture as originally portrayed by LaHaye/Jenkins. I don't think Odom builds as strong of characters as LaHaye/Jenkins did, but he does manage to bring forth the trials and tribulations of "Goose" Gander and his wife Megan as they struggle to survive in a post-Rapture world. The side story of naval chaplain Delroy Harte's struggles makes for compelling reading as well. This one doesn't pack the emotional punch that the original series does, but is still an inspirational read nonetheless. ( )