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jljaina's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting variety of genres. Mystery, mythology, science fiction with an 'end of the world' twist. Killian McRae blended many concepts, both new and old and created an original story worthy of some praise.
The book centers around several characters.W e have Sheppard Smythe (known as Shep) an archeologist who lost his wife in a traffic accident in Egypt and is called in to assist on a dig site yet gets caught up in some trouble beyond what he could imagine. Victoria who seems to be an assistant at the site but may be a criminal, and even rumored to be a goddess. Then there is Dmitri, a supposed Russian mob lord who knows more than what one might think. Each character is closely intertwined to one another, along with other characters in more ways than any of them realize. Each of them hold a piece of a puzzle that leaves the reader guessing until the end.
The book is written from different perspectives as the story moves along. Sometimes this added to the story. However it also left questions to the characters themselves at times and why they thought or acted the way they did. Certain behaviors, especially Victoria's feelings, seem awkward or inaccurate at times. I also wish there was more detail to the surroundings, such as the dig site and other places the characters stayed. While the book is enjoyable one major thing lacking is a lasting effect. When I finished the book I was quickly able to move on to the next story on my shelf. I like wanting to take the time to think on the characters and plot. This one didn't have me doing that much for some reason. I cannot say why. Yet regardless of these desires I truly enjoyed the story in and of itself.
*I received this book as a Free copy from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program. Special thanks to the author for offering up a copy of her book!
The book centers around several characters.W e have Sheppard Smythe (known as Shep) an archeologist who lost his wife in a traffic accident in Egypt and is called in to assist on a dig site yet gets caught up in some trouble beyond what he could imagine. Victoria who seems to be an assistant at the site but may be a criminal, and even rumored to be a goddess. Then there is Dmitri, a supposed Russian mob lord who knows more than what one might think. Each character is closely intertwined to one another, along with other characters in more ways than any of them realize. Each of them hold a piece of a puzzle that leaves the reader guessing until the end.
The book is written from different perspectives as the story moves along. Sometimes this added to the story. However it also left questions to the characters themselves at times and why they thought or acted the way they did. Certain behaviors, especially Victoria's feelings, seem awkward or inaccurate at times. I also wish there was more detail to the surroundings, such as the dig site and other places the characters stayed. While the book is enjoyable one major thing lacking is a lasting effect. When I finished the book I was quickly able to move on to the next story on my shelf. I like wanting to take the time to think on the characters and plot. This one didn't have me doing that much for some reason. I cannot say why. Yet regardless of these desires I truly enjoyed the story in and of itself.
*I received this book as a Free copy from the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program. Special thanks to the author for offering up a copy of her book!
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book, it was complex, and I loved how everybody got a happy ending. Well, at least those that were alive!
miztrebor's review against another edition
4.0
I’m glad I checked out 12.21.12. It was a great change of pace from what I’ve been reading and put a nice twist on a doomsday myth popular in today’s culture, even after the passing of the December 21st date.
Even though I read this book after the prophesied “end of the world” date, I still felt the suspense and thrill held within the story. I’m always a fan of a fast-paced book filled with action and peril. That’s what 12.21.12 gave me. It also had some great characters in there to help the story along.
Along with the story itself was a twist on the way one can look at the mythology of various world cultures and in the same sense, ancient religions…or religion in general. This is something of great interest to me, and seeing it in a book, while I can’t get too into detail due to spoilers, made it that much more of a better read for me.
If you’re looking for a fast read, with an end-of-the-world premise, maybe 12.21.12 is a book you’d like to check out.
Even though I read this book after the prophesied “end of the world” date, I still felt the suspense and thrill held within the story. I’m always a fan of a fast-paced book filled with action and peril. That’s what 12.21.12 gave me. It also had some great characters in there to help the story along.
Along with the story itself was a twist on the way one can look at the mythology of various world cultures and in the same sense, ancient religions…or religion in general. This is something of great interest to me, and seeing it in a book, while I can’t get too into detail due to spoilers, made it that much more of a better read for me.
If you’re looking for a fast read, with an end-of-the-world premise, maybe 12.21.12 is a book you’d like to check out.
amongthepages's review
4.0
I thought that this was such a unique and interesting take on what people claim to be the last day of the world.
When I first started reading this story, I honestly thought I had the whole plot figured out in the first chapter or two. Man, was I wrong, and I'm so glad I was!
While in Egypt doing research, Shep lost his wife Christine to an earthquake. He's heartbroken and trying to piece his life back together still some months later when he receives a phone call from an old friend regarding an uncovered Cleopatra statue.
Shep finds himself in Mexico at an excavation site that's being sponsored by a known mafia member. Not long after he arrives, things spiral out of control and the story takes a twist that I didn't really expect at all.
Victoria isn't who she first claims she is, and neither is the mafia boss.
I absolutely loved the paranormal aspect of this book. It had a historical feel to it and dealt with ancient Egypt, which has always been a fascination of mine. And I loved how it tied into the Mayan calendar.
This book reminded me faintly of The Mummy, but only because it was regarding Egypt and paranormal events.
Overall, this is a highly engaging read with plenty of action and suspense that will keep the reader guessing!
When I first started reading this story, I honestly thought I had the whole plot figured out in the first chapter or two. Man, was I wrong, and I'm so glad I was!
While in Egypt doing research, Shep lost his wife Christine to an earthquake. He's heartbroken and trying to piece his life back together still some months later when he receives a phone call from an old friend regarding an uncovered Cleopatra statue.
Shep finds himself in Mexico at an excavation site that's being sponsored by a known mafia member. Not long after he arrives, things spiral out of control and the story takes a twist that I didn't really expect at all.
Victoria isn't who she first claims she is, and neither is the mafia boss.
I absolutely loved the paranormal aspect of this book. It had a historical feel to it and dealt with ancient Egypt, which has always been a fascination of mine. And I loved how it tied into the Mayan calendar.
This book reminded me faintly of The Mummy, but only because it was regarding Egypt and paranormal events.
Overall, this is a highly engaging read with plenty of action and suspense that will keep the reader guessing!
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