Death Strike is the eighth book in the Left Behind: The Kids series, by Jerry B. Jenkins, Tim LaHaye, with contributions from Chris Fabry. It was originally released in March of 2000. This novella along with three others were later released in the compilation volume, Pursued (Left Behind: The Kids).
Plot introduction[]
Synopsis retrieved from back of the book.
A horrifying future awaits the Young Trib Force. As Vicki fights for her life in a detention center, Judd sets a new goal that could put the group in the greatest danger yet.
With conflict arising, Judd faces a decision that will affect the rest of his life. The rise of a rebel group, a global catastrophe, a disappearance, and the death of a friend give the kids a heartbreaking challenge.
Plot summary[]
The first chapter begins with Vicki Byrne seeing a flash. She realizes it is a knife.
Characters in Death Strike[]
Original Members of The Young Tribulation Force[]
Other Members of The Young Tribulation Force[]
Other Believers[]
- Bruce Barnes (death)
- Chloe Steele Williams
- Loretta
- Rayford Steele
- Amanda White Steele
- Cameron "Buck" Williams
- Greg Handlesman (last appearance)
- Nina Ben-Judah
- Dan Ben-Judah
- Mrs. Waltonen (becomes a believer)
- Judith Stein (becomes a believer, death)
Global Community[]
Unbelievers[]
- Janie McCanyon
- Darla (only appearance)
- Alice Weems
- Marjorie Amherst (first appearance)
- Mr. Syncrete (only appearance)
- Laverne Jenness
- Stockton Evers (only appearance, death)
- Mitchell Stein
- Mr. Kurtz (only appearance)
- Mary Lee Manwether (only appearance)
- Mr. Amherst (only appearance)
- Mrs. Amherst (only appearance)
- Patricia Devlin (only appearance)
POVs[]
Trivia[]
- The death of Bruce Barnes and World War III takes place.
- With Bruce's death, none of the members of the Barnes family survived to the Glorious Appearing.
- First book in the series in which Ryan Daley's name is not written in the synopsis.
- Judd Thompson Jr., John Preston, and Mark Eisman are at the graduation ceremony at Nicolae High, but Judd gets expelled for his speech.
- This book marks the last time a graduation ceremony was held at Nicolae Carpathia High School, due to the school's destruction in the Wrath of the Lamb earthquake just a few months later.
- Sam Goldberg and his father are mentioned by Nina Ben-Judah, but not by name.
- One of the only two books where John Preston and Chaya Stein were seen interacting. The other book was book 11.
- Lionel graduated from Global Community Middle School after book 7 and started attending Nicolae Carpathia High School in this book.
- Ryan is the last remaining member of The Young Tribulation Force attending Global Community Middle School.
- Ryan is in seventh grade at Global Community Middle School.
- Vicki's sophomore year (10th Grade) at Nicolae Carpathia High School.
- Lionel's freshman year (9th Grade) at Nicolae Carpathia High School.
- Shelly's junior year (11th Grade) at Nicolae Carpathia High School.
- Judd Thompson Jr.'s entire senior year (12th Grade) at Nicolae Carpathia High School is shown, right up to his expulsion from the school.
- Even though John Preston and Mark Eisman were seniors in book 5, book 6, and book 7, they repeated their senior year in this book. The reason why is unknown. A possible explanation is that they missed so many days of school because of the Rapture, forcing them to wait another year before graduation.
- Only appearance of Mr. Amherst.
- Only appearance of Mrs. Amherst.
- Judd is arrested for the second time.
- This book marks the last time Bruce Barnes would mentor the Young Tribulation Force, due to his death.
- Janie is sent away from Nicolae Carpathia High School and The Young Tribulation Force. She returns in book 18 when Mark Eisman and Melinda Bentley find her.
- Ryan is confirmed to be 13 years old.
- It is revealed that hackers stole money from Judd Thompson Sr.'s bank account.
- Ryan's secret place under New Hope Village Church.
- The last appearance of Coach Greg Handlesman.
- Last appearance of Mrs. Waltonen.
- Vicki, Chaya, and Janie start living together at Bruce's house.
- Leon Fortunato was at Judd's graduation.
- The only appearance of Stockton Evers.
- This books marks the last time Janie McCanyon would see Bruce Barnes, Chaya Stein, Ryan Daley, and John Preston.
- In the dramatic audio presentation, Janie McCanyon does not live with Bruce Barnes.
- In the dramatic audio presentation, this is the only appearance of Marjorie Amherst in the series.