Heat Wave is the thirty-seventh book in the Left Behind: The Kids series, by Jerry B. Jenkins, Tim LaHaye, with contributions from Chris Fabry. It was originally released in August of 2004. This novella along with two others were later released in the compilation volume, Hunted (Left Behind: The Kids).

Plot introduction

Synopsis retrieved from back of the book.

Only one year before the King's return, the kids in Wisconsin learn that a young friend has been kidnapped. Their search may take them on their most dangerous rescue mission ever.

Suddenly a devastating bowl judgment strikes the earth. In the mayhem, Judd Thompson Jr. and Lionel Washington must decide if it's safe to travel. Will they make it to Wisconsin before the judgement ends? Will Judd and Vicki Byrne finally get back together?

Characters in Heat Wave

Original Members of The Young Tribulation Force

• Judd Thompson Jr.
• Vicki Byrne
• Lionel Washington

Other Members of The Young Tribulation Force

• Mark Eisman
• Conrad Graham
• Sam Goldberg
• Darrion Stahley
• Janie McCanyon
• Charlie
• Shelly Malloy
• Tanya Spivey

Other Believers

• Marshall Jameson
• Tom Fogarty
• Josey Fogarty
• Cheryl Tiffane
• Clemson Stoddard (only appearance)
• Colin Dial
• Gustaf Zuckermandel, Jr.
• Maggie Carlson
• Rainer Kurtzmann (first appearance)
• Chang Wong
• Rayford Steele
• Ty Spivey
• Howard (only appearance)
• Howard's mother
• Westin Jakes

Global Community

• Nicolae Carpathia
• Kruno Fulcire
• Leon Fortunato
• Unnamed Global Community officers (only appearances, deaths)

Unbelievers

• Z-Van (mentioned only, no physical appearance)

POVs

• Judd Thompson Jr.
• Vicki Byrne
• Lionel Washington
• Mark Eisman

Trivia

• It is shown that some of God's judgments can overlap. This is because when the fourth bowl judgment began, the third bowl judgment was still taking place.
• The book contains this line: "In a residential section of town, Lionel pointed out finely manicured lawns that had turned from deep green to brown as the grass went up in flames." This does not make sense if the third Bowl Judgment had a devastating impact because it deprived the world of fresh water, making it almost impossible for one to have enough water to maintain a lawn.
• Judd Thompson Jr. and Lionel Washington finally reunite with the other Young Tribulation Force members and other believers in Wisconsin.
• Only appearance of Clemson Stoddard.
• Lionel is revealed to be 18 years old, almost 19.
• First time Judd and Vicki are seen together since book 17.
• Vicki's 19th birthday.
• First appearance of Rainer Kurtzmann.
• Vicki meets Westin Jakes for the first time.
• Cheryl Tiffane kidnaps Ryan Victor Fogarty and temporarily escapes the Wisconsin hideout with him, though they (along with Tom Fogarty and Marshall Jameson) get captured by GC officers not long afterwards. Vicki Byrne and Mark Eisman help them escape.
• Judd proposes marriage to Vicki, and she accepts.
• Judd and Vicki share their first kiss.
• Last book in the series not to show the deaths of any named characters.
• The third bowl judgment ends.
• The fourth bowl judgment takes place and eventually ends in the last chapter of the book.
• The only appearance of Howard.
• This is the last book in the series in which John Preston is not mentioned.
• The last book in the series in which Mitchell Stein does not make an appearance.

Deaths

• Unnamed Global Community officers
• Unnamed victims of the fourth Bowl Judgment