The Twelve

A Novel

By: Justin Cronin

Narrated by: Scott Brick

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)

Not as good as Passages

I rated this book the same as Passages. but I don't think the story is as good. I felt the end of the book was almost like a children's story. Where everything comes out OK, and everyone gets what they want. It was good, but lack something Passages had. Scott Brick was excellent as usual.

Perfect Sequel To The Passage

2nd time through. Great to get the filler of what happened during the 90 year leap in the first book. Starting City of Mirrors now.

Excellent Story!

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

This is a great follow-on to the original novel. The characters were well developed in detail and tied back to the first novel. Not so much so that this book could not stand on its own though. Hopefully there will be a new novel soon that extends the adventure of Lish and Zero.Great read.....

What other book might you compare The Twelve: A Novel to and why?

The Stand by Stephen King. Primarily because it is a play on good vs. evil and how humans react to that grand drama

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Scott Brick was consistent and emotive in his narration. It really added to the story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The dark future man has wrought....something like that I suppose

Great sequel to The Passage! Loved it!

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

Yes. It's read by Scott Brick! He's one of my fav narrators. Feels like he's telling a story.

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

2 many 2 list. Lots of characters but not hard 2 follow which sometimes happens with 2 many characters.

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

Yes. He is my favorite!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Amy broke the cats neck. I know she did it out of love but I can't stand to read about anything bad happening 2 animals. Always makes me cry. I'm a whimp regarding that subject.

Any additional comments?

This is a book u really need 2 read the preceding book b4. I just happened 2 re-read The Passage last month by chance not even knowing a sequel was 2 b released. I'm glad I did. Everything was fresh in my mind

Finally!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, this is a wonderful second book in the trilogy...though there are still some unanswered questions..

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Alisha, but Michael is also one of my favorites. Lish is just amazing and strong. Michael is brilliant and sweet.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

I enjoyed Sister Lacy in "The Passage" but, I like the portrayal of Lila in this book

If you could take any character from The Twelve: A Novel out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Amy, I really would like to ask her all she knows and who all the people she was with after she left Walgast were. I'd also like to know more about April...

Any additional comments?

This book was a really wonderful read-listen- and I am excited for the next book, hoping it answers all of the questions I still have from the first book.

Worth waiting for!

If you could sum up The Twelve: A Novel in three words, what would they be?

Unpredictable, page turner, more

What other book might you compare The Twelve: A Novel to and why?

Jonathom Mayberry,s king of Plagues series.. It was something I couldn't wait to read. Unexpected turns and love the narrator. Similar to Ray Porter who was great

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Always, Scott was my first listen and I always look for his narration or similar

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end chapters

Any additional comments?

Read this series if you are a fan of Dresdan Files, Desert Spear books, Charlie Hustons series.

Awesome Follow Up

I loved it! I can't wait to finish the trilogy. Loved the characters growth. great narration.

Better than the first

More engaging story compared to the 1st in the series. More action is always an improvement.

awesome twists

great story, depth of characters and intertwining paths. even better then the first book. justin Cronin wrote a beautiful apocalyptic story with emotion and love

Amazing book!

First review I have ever written, and I am an avid reader and audio book listener. I can’t say enough about the storyline, the depth of character development, and the incredible audio production. The Twelve, I believe, is a much better all-around book than The Passage. Can’t wait for the 3rd installment.