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)

Very LONG... and worth every minute

Both Books 1 and 2 seemed to go on forever, taking about a week each to finish (listening for 2 hours or so during my daily commutes). At some points, the drama associated with how much someone loves someone else can be long winded. However, the struggles and combat sequences are well spaced so that each mini-story is essential to the whole. Personally, this has become one of my favorite trilogies and with the right producer and director, could make for an awesome television series. Scott Brick does a great job reading, having the ability to make minute changes in inflection and tone that let you know when two different people are speaking. Well done.

Awesome - I couldn't stop listening.

What made the experience of listening to The Twelve: A Novel the most enjoyable?

I don't have too many books in my F'ing Awesome shelf, but this one is definitely in. The Twelve is book two in The Passage trilogy, and it is simply exceptional story telling. This book hops through time a bit, from day one of the Vampire Apocalypse to the "time before" to 80 years in the future. The author does this with such mastery that I easily followed the story lines and the time traveling came at exactly the right time.

So we pick up five years ahead of where The Passage left off. Our heroes have moved on with their lives, at least the ones still living. They know that they can kill the Twelve, and doing so will kill their drac followers, so they set out to do just that. But the powers that be continually impede their efforts. Several tertiary characters in The Passage are brought to light in The Twelve and take thier places in the final battle. I was reminded of the high priest in Raiders of the Lost Arc when Guilder thought he could control the twelve. It didn't work out for him either.

Most of the loose ends were tied up at the end of this story, AND the set up for the final book was very well done. I will be starting book three (The City of Mirrors) immediately.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Scott Brick is absolutely awesome.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES!

Amazing Story!

The first book was a delightful prelude to this second. Full of action, adventure and emotion wrapped in the beautiful storytelling of the author.

great story

this is a great series so far. definitely have to pay attention with the time jumps. just wish I didn't have to wait for the next one.

Fantastic!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in tbis series. This book is vwry long, and it was confusing in the beginning. it took a little bit for me to figure out where he was going with an entireky new set of chararcters, but eventually in came back full circle. I can't wait to read The City of Mirrors!

Great addition to the story

I enjoyed the characters and the uniqueness of the storyline. Excited for the third installment.

Great narrator and atmospheric story

I enjoyed this one. I'm looking forward to final part of the trilogy when it arrives.

Awesomely unique!

What made the experience of listening to The Twelve: A Novel the most enjoyable?

Everything! The story itself; the unique characters & setting - even more the suspense at every turn!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Amy - because of her pure heart and combo of innocence & great power; but mainly her love for everyone with no limits; as God's love is to us.

Which scene was your favorite?

Sorry - there are so many I can't think of just one (or 2 or 3).

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

When Carter was ready to sacrifice himself via drowning for the woman he loved; his whole character touched me.

Any additional comments?

Yes - I have only one complaint upon ending this book; & the first one in this trilogy. . . I am disappointed I have to wait on the 3rd book!

great story, great performance by the reader.

love it. I am looking forward to book 3. same author and reader, I have high expectations

Epic and awesome

Such an epic and awesome story. The narrator did a fantastic job with so many characters and such substantive content. The production was deliciously suspenseful without being overwrought. Nice job on one of my favorite books!