Along with lawyer-author Craig Parshall, LaHaye will write Edge of Apocalypse, "an apocalyptic epic infused with political intrigue ripped from today's headlines." The first book in "The End" series, the prophecy-themed book will be released April 20, 2010, with a first printing of 500,000 copies, Zondervan officials said.

"I'm thrilled to partner with Zondervan to produce a series, hopefully even more innovative than 'Left Behind,' " said LaHaye. "While my past works have piqued interest in biblical prophecy on a global level, 'The End' series includes many prophecies that were not covered in 'Left Behind.' "

Co-authored by Jerry B. Jenkins, the "Left Behind" series has sold more than 64 million copies since the first title came out in 1995, Tyndale officials said.

Edge of Apocalypse features military-hero-turned-inventor Joshua Jordan's attempts to save Manhattan from two nuclear missiles. Set in the very near future, "The End" chronicles the world's shattering events, which eventually lead to the rapture and the beginning of the prophesied last days of mankind.

"We believe that, starting with Edge of Apocalypse, this series will make you think while exploring your faith," said Zondervan CEO Moe Girkins.

Meanwhile, Tyndale is publishing the "Left Behind" series in four repackaged editions. Releasing in January, Volume 1: Rapture's Witness, features the series' first three books--Left Behind, Tribulation Force and Nicolae. Volume 2: Deceiver's Game, releasing in April 2010, will include Soul Harvest, Apollyon and Assassins. The final two collections--Evil's Edge and World's End--will complete the repackaged editions and are scheduled for release in June 2010 and September 2010, respectively.