12.21.12 Review

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Title: 12.21.12
Author: Killian McRae
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Published: December 21, 2010
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 238
Source: Tour/Once Upon a Twilight

Archaeologist Sheppard Smyth has staked his career and the honorable memory of his deceased wife and partner on proving his widely-panned theory: Cleopatra VII, last ruler of Ancient Egypt, was murdered. When a statue of the doomed Queen is discovered in an Olmec excavation site in Mexico, Shep rushes to investigate and, hopefully, find the proof that has evaded him for so long.

Soon, he finds himself in the middle of the rivalry between the sexy, enigmatic international thief, Victoria Kent, and infamous rumored Russian mobster, Dmitri Kronastia. Both hold pieces to the puzzle that will finally shed light on Cleopatras death, as they vie for Shep's trust and assistance. As he is drawn further into their world of ancient gods, supernatural powers, and alternative history, little does Shep know that the fate of all humanity may hinge on his ability to discover the truth in between Victoria and Dmitris' fragmented claims and hidden identities.
Shep has enough problems as it is. He's an archaeologist with a drinking problem since his wife's death, and now he's finally got the chance to prove something to both himself and everyone around him that he's not a kook, he's still got game and he's actually right in his theories about Cleopatra. Unluckily for Shep though, he's going to have to contend between two hustling characters to do so, and he inevitably falls down a path that's darker and scarier than he imagined...but not just that...there's a chance he might just figure out more than he anticipated, and it's not good.

First off, if the world is really going to end in 2012, I'm glad I read 12.21.12, so I'm just going to throw that out there. Killian McRae did something in 12.21.12 that not too many authors can do. She mastered throwing multiple subgenres into one cohesive storyline with dynamic characters and a topsy-turvy plot that never failed to surprise me. While it's leaning towards an older YA audience, I couldn't resist the apocalyptic connotations in the title, and I can definitely say that the dark undertones of 12.21.12 don't disappoint.

One of the biggest strengths of 12.21.12 was the superb cast of characters. Shep, though an older MC than I'm used to, was engaging and heroic. He's got a strong voice that also hints at his loss and vulnerability because of it. As a perfect counterpart, Dimitri was this seemingly stereotypical mobster with his hot features and dirty, dirty ways, and yet, he had this sort of saccharin undertone that made you realize the guy wasn't all that bad if you could look past the whole gangster shebang. Victoria was every bit as snaky as I'd anticipated, but knowing there was more to her than surface beauty made her strong and captivating. I would have to say that some of the interactions between the characters seemed a bit forced though, and I liked them better all in their separate scenes. I also think that the scenery within 12.21.12 fell a bit flat compared to the detailed characters.

Overall, 12.21.12 is a great read if you're looking for a slim book with a fast-paced plot and endless action. I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to more of an adult audience due to language and some adult situations. It's especially great for those who enjoy a good mystery and thriller, as well as anyone who wants a taste of the apocalypse.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

27 comments:

  1. I think I'll steer clear of this since the whole 2012 thing has freaked me out since I was a kid. I used to have nightmares about it. But it does sound interesting. And I like books with good characters and a plot that manages to surprise.

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  2. that cover is intense. i'm glad you liked it. i agree with the commenter above, 2012 freaks me out too but i'm intrigued by this book.

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  3. Oh fast paced and a lot of action. Plus there is snark! <3 snark! :D Hm... I might need to read this one.

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  4. I think I will definitely be adding this book to my TBR! The whole theory about world coming to an end, is fascinating as well as creepy.
    Thanks for the review!

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  5. Great review! I’ve had my eye on this one for a while now & your review sealed the deal. It must be mine :)

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  6. Sounds fun! Hurray for action and a fast pace! I think it's kind of cool to think about the world ending in 2012 but only because I know it's not going to, obviously :)

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  7. This sounds awesome especially the characters. Can't wait to read this. Running off to add it to my wishlist :)

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  8. So the world as we know it is going to end on my 61st birthday...bummer. Guess I better get my hands on this one now and start plannning. Hopefully I will still get to have open my presents prior to the end.

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  9. Great review! LOL, glad you read it too. This book sounds great! It also sound very adventuresses.

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  10. This sounds really really good! I am so looking forward to reading it! I love a good thriller!

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  11. This book had me intrigued, but I didn't know much about it. Thanks for the review, Melissa. It puts another one on the TBR list. ;)

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  12. I'm starting this one this week! So glad to read your review before I tackle it so now I can go in knowing you were impressed and the characters are really well done. Looking forward to getting into this story:)

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  13. I try to avoid anything 12.12-ish. I have an end of the world phobia :P

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  14. Oooh, a book about the 2012 thing? Count me in! I love that kind of stuff. It's good to hear that you enjoyed it! :)

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  15. This sounds soooo good. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. :)

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  16. Great review!
    Based on some of the comments posted for this review, I'd say that they shouldn't discount this book based on being "anti-end of the world" books! Nothing is as it seems in this book! :)

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  17. This book is a must read, it truly surprises you to the end. Thanks Melissa for taking part in the tour.

    Yara

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  18. My friend would love this one :) I even think i could get my brother to read it

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  19. Sounds cool! I've seen so many end-of-the-world movies, but have not read too many books about it, other than Life As We Knew It. The idea of 2012 is fascinating... does this mean I don't have to apply to any colleges, because the world will be obliterated mid-semester? I only wish! :) Great review.

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  20. Wonderful review. I'm looking forward to reading this one!

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  21. I saw this book available on Kindle. I'm definitely checking it out now. One book I enjoyed about the Mayan Prophecy is The Prophecy of Days. That is strictly YA. The whole concept is fascinating. I like the tie-in with the Russian mob and Cleopatra. Fab review!

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  22. Great review! Omg, look at that cover.... GORGEOUS! Having been to the "Mayan Peninsula" I am so looking forward to reading this book! Thanks for sharing :)

    Diana @The Lovely Getaway

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  23. Why do I love end of the world books??? The 2012 thing has always been an interesting concept to me...even if I dont believe it...:P

    Great review!!

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  24. This sounds really great! I love anything about 2012, so this seems right up my alley. Great review!

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  25. I haven't heard much about this one, but it sounds interesting. I always look for strong characters in books, so the fact that this one has so many makes me all the more interested. I'll keep 12.21.12 in mind in the future.

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  26. Gah Ancient Egypt!! I am a total sucker for anything involving Egypt and this books sounds right up my alley!

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