The Twelve

A Novel

By: Justin Cronin

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 26 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best seller

The end of the world was only the beginning.

In his internationally best-selling and critically acclaimed novel The Passage, Justin Cronin constructed an unforgettable world transformed by a government experiment gone horribly wrong. Now the scope widens and the intensity deepens as the epic story surges forward....

In the present day, as the man-made apocalypse unfolds, three strangers navigate the chaos. Lila, a doctor and an expectant mother, is so shattered by the spread of violence and infection that she continues to plan for her child’s arrival even as society dissolves around her. Kittridge, known to the world as "Last Stand in Denver", has been forced to flee his stronghold and is now on the road, dodging the infected, armed but alone and well aware that a tank of gas will get him only so far. April is a teenager fighting to guide her little brother safely through a landscape of death and ruin. These three will learn that they have not been fully abandoned - and that in connection lies hope, even on the darkest of nights.

One hundred years in the future, Amy and the others fight on for humankind’s salvation...unaware that the rules have changed. The enemy has evolved, and a dark new order has arisen with a vision of the future infinitely more horrifying than man’s extinction. If the Twelve are to fall, one of those united to vanquish them will have to pay the ultimate price.

A heart-stopping thriller rendered with masterful literary skill, The Twelve is a grand and gripping tale of sacrifice and survival.

Look for the entire Passage trilogy:

The Passage
The Twelve
The City of Mirrors

Praise for The Twelve

“[A] literary superthriller.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“An undeniable and compelling epic...a complex narrative of flight and forgiveness, of great suffering and staggering loss, of terrible betrayals and incredible hope.” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

“The Twelve is even better than The Passage.” (The Plain Dealer)

“A compulsive read.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

"Gripping... Cronin [introduces] eerie new elements to his masterful mythology.... Enthralling, emotional and entertaining.” (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Fine storytelling.” (Associated Press)

“Cronin is one of those rare authors who works on two different levels, blending elegantly crafted literary fiction with cliff-hanging thrills.” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

©2012 Justin Cronin (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

Named one of the Ten Best Novels of the Year by Time and Library Journal, and one of the Best Books of the Year by The Washington Post, Esquire, U.S. News & World Report, NPR/On Point, and St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Magnificent...Cronin has taken his literary gifts, and he has weaponized them.... The Passage can stand proudly next to Stephen King’s apocalyptic masterpiece The Stand, but a closer match would be Cormac McCarthy’s The Road." (Time)

Captivating Book

Amazing plot, love how everything falls together at the end of the trilogy. Definite Read

a great continuation of the story

fun and worth getting! keeps you on the edge of your seat and wanting more.

Give it time

Would you consider the audio edition of The Twelve: A Novel to be better than the print version?

I tend to side with audio editions of most books because I do not have time to read like I used too.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the building up to the big fight scene. I thought about turning off my book because of the way it goes back and forth and then it picks up speed and becomes exciting.

Book 2 - Another Masterpiece!

Absolutely fantastic continuation of the Passage. The best post-apocalyptic books ever. I cannot wait for book 3.

Fantastic!!

I read this story a few years ago and decided to listen to them when I saw Scott Brick was the narrator. I am so glad I did!! his portrayal of the characters hooked me again into this epic story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. I found myself sitting in my car, not wanting to get out until I had heard an end to a chapter, or culmination of a fight. excellent book read by an excellent narrator!

Simply Awesome!

I have been waiting for book 2 now for a LONG time - and man am I glad it's here!

Please do yourself a favor and either listen to (or re-listen to) book 1 - THE PASSAGE - before you start this one. You'll be glad you had the refresher.

Now I can't wait for 'THE CITY OF MIRRORS" - Hurry up and write it already!

A bit Confusing

Any additional comments?

Scott Brick gives an excellent performance. However, after invetsing aprox 9 hours listening to the audio I have bought the kindle edition .I have found the audio confusing, the story jumps around and I forget the characters relationship to each other, a lot of characters are introduce in a short time. I will not have this problem with kindle edition. Some stories are just better to read. I read The Passasge and loved it, without the confusion problem.

Great story and performance

Great reading and really interesting story. Riveting and fun. I loved the first one in the series and this sequel did not disappoint.

Another immersive, incredible experience

Would you listen to The Twelve: A Novel again? Why?

Absolutely. I can hardly imagine being the author creating this series . . . so much depth.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Twelve: A Novel?

That's the thing . . . this book keeps you engaged throughout. It's a 10 on the interest/engaging scale.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Performance was excellent.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait to finish up this trilogy. Was worth the audible subscription alone.

Five stars!

I loved the story's creativity and suspense. The
narrator 's voice was perfect, he truly made the story come to life! I can't wait to hear the next book in the series.