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The Twelve
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The Twelve by Justin Cronin
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Angie, Constant Reader
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Dec 02, 2012 09:41AM
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I'm still waiting to get the book but I started The Passage as an audio book to get the background. Will the Twelve make sense without having read the previous book? I'm already hooked on The Passage so I'm looking forward to The Twelve.
hi Barbara!I just finished with my re-read of The Passage and began The Twelve. There is somewhat of a recap in the initial pages of The Twelve but I am not sure it would be sufficient unless you have previously read the first one. I would go ahead and enjoy the investment of your time to read it before starting the second book. It is worth it for it's own sake and will help The Twelve make more sense I think.
Barbara wrote: "I'm still waiting to get the book but I started The Passage as an audio book to get the background. Will the Twelve make sense without having read the previous book? I'm already hooked on The Pass..."I agree with Catherine. I wouldn't skip any of The Passage, if i were you. You would miss the richness and complexity of the story. Plus it would just be a loss to not read it!
I agree with Catherine and Amanda. Definitely worth reading The Passage first! Enjoy :)
It's kind of funny, because while some highly recommend a re-reading of The Passage, others say it isn't necessary, that it's more of a stand-alone book. Hmm..
I am 12% into the book and I am fascinated by the added details about the beginning of the outbreak that are being revealed. Loving it so far. :-)
Dustin wrote: "It's kind of funny, because while some highly recommend a re-reading of The Passage, others say it isn't necessary, that it's more of a stand-alone book. Hmm.."I'm about half way through The Twelve and I don't see how The Passage could be considered a stand-alone book at all. I suppose you could read the first one and leave it at that, but The Twelve certainly wouldn't be the same.
I chose to re-read The Passage but only because it had been so long and I read so prolifically that I had forgotten a lot of the details. I don't regret rereading it at all though, i can tell you that. There was so much more I caught the second time around.
Dustin wrote: "It's kind of funny, because while some highly recommend a re-reading of The Passage, others say it isn't necessary, that it's more of a stand-alone book. Hmm.."Initially it seems like a stand-alone book because there are a whole bunch of new characters introduced. It isn't though, reading The Passage first is definitely necessary. I had to read that plot summary that someone posted to refresh my memory.
For me, the first half of the book moved really slowly. Then yesterday I reached the halfway point, and there was a reveal that punched me in the stomach, and I basically want to quit my job so I can finish this book LOL.
Catherine wrote: "I am 12% into the book and I am fascinated by the added details about the beginning of the outbreak that are being revealed. Loving it so far. :-)"That was one of my favorite things about The Twelve. I really enjoyed being able to see how (view spoiler)
I had never heard of THE PASSAGE or THE TWELVE but am very intrigued. I plan on starting with THE PASSAGEto see if it's as good as everyone says.
I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's the best book...series...I've read in a very long time!
Good, I'm looking forward to it.
The Passage is next on my list too can't wait to read it cause it looks awesome
Thank you so much for your input, Courtney and Amanda! I really appreciate it.
I just ordered THE PASSAGE from Amazon. It should behere by friday. I thought about getting THE TWELVE, but was afraid I'd miss something if I didn't start at the beginning.
That is definitely the way to go, Gary! Always begin at the start of a series, IMO.
I felt the same way about THE TWELVE. I got THE PASSAGE as an audiobook and have been enjoying it. I haven't read a good "end of world as we know it vampire" story for quite some time. I'm hoping to finish it fairly soon and then start THE TWELVE. I was given the same advice ... read the 1st in the series before moving on. I think it is good advice.
I just finished The Twelve & wish I had reread The Passage first. There were so many points in the back where I couldn't remember a characters back story & found myself confused. At the end of the book There is a listing of all the characters which I wish had been at the beginning of the book.It is definitely not a stand alone book. You really do need to read the first.
I would agree with you Cindy. Since I hadn't read either one of them I decided I needed to start on THEPASSAGE first. I ordered the book on Amazon and it should be here by tomorrow.
Cindy wrote: "I just finished The Twelve & wish I had reread The Passage first. There were so many points in the back where I couldn't remember a characters back story & found myself confused. At the end of the..."Thank you, Cindy!
Cindy wrote: "I just finished The Twelve & wish I had reread The Passage first. There were so many points in the back where I couldn't remember a characters back story & found myself confused. At the end of the..."I'm reading The Twelve at the moment Cindy - is the list of characters you mentioned something I should look at now or should I just wait until I get to it?
Look at it now. It will refresh your memory on who some of the characters are & how they're related
This talk about refreshing memories reminded me that I really wanted a flow chart of who was involved with whom and who wanted to be involved with whom. I was intrigued by the story and was certainly paying attention, but with all the time shifts and side stories I found myself struggling to remember who had or hadn't paired up.
I am just over halfway through The Twelve now. I like it much more than I liked The Passage. I thought The Passage went on for way too long in the middle portion. So far, I have not experienced that in The Twelve.
I just started THE PASSAGE today. I didn't realize how long it was. It may take me awhile. But that's okay. I'm use to reading Stephen King Novels.
I just finished The Twelve last night. I liked it. Even though it is the middle volume of three I still had a feeling of closure while at the same time seeing a glimpse of where the third book may take us. I am left looking forward to that third book but satisfied with the conclusion of this book.
Catherine wrote: "I still had a feeling of closure while at the same time seeing a glimpse of where the third book ma..."I agree. The Twelve didn't go where I thought it was going, so I'm curious to see how it concludes and the shape that conclusion takes.
I have just started the passage. With two more books in the trilogy he makes Stephen King's books look like short stories.
We were browsing at our local Hastings last night, and they had several copies of The Twelve, and the synopsis has me increasingly intrigued. At the same time, I am slightly confused. Who are these new characters, and why are some individuals (Amy, for instance) 100 years in the future? How are they even still alive??
Dustin wrote: "We were browsing at our local Hastings last night, and they had several copies of The Twelve, and the synopsis has me increasingly intrigued. At the same time, I am slightly confused. Who are these..."I'm about half way through The Twelve - the first part of the book goes back in time (pre-apocolypse/as it is happening)and this is where there seems to be quite a few new names, however some of these characters relate to the characters we already know. The next part picks up a short time after where The Passage finishes.
You've read The Passage right Dustin? (view spoiler)
Why yes, of course I've read The Passage.:) I think I've told you before, but I definitely plan on re-reading it in preparation for The Twelve.It's interesting that Cronin takes us back to when that world ended, and explains it a bit more (which is something I found lacking with #1.) I'm also happy to hear that some of the new characters are somehow connected to the others.
Thank you!
So are you still undecided about this one?
Dustin wrote: "Why yes, of course I've read The Passage.:) I think I've told you before, but I definitely plan on re-reading it in preparation for The Twelve.It's interesting that Cronin takes us back to when ..."
Sorry Dustin, I did think you'd told me that but my mind has been a bit frazzled today and I doubted myself haha!
I have to say I'm starting to really enjoy The Twelve and I'm looking forward to seeing how it's going to end. It's a great idea to re-read The Passage first, I wish I'd had time to! I'm looking forward to comparing thoughts with you once you're done with the two :)
I'm glad that so many people think it's a good idea to re-read THE PASSAGE because I am reading it for the first time. I'm only into it a hundred pages so it may be a while before I get to the twelve.
Michelle wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Why yes, of course I've read The Passage.:) I think I've told you before, but I definitely plan on re-reading it in preparation for The Twelve.It's interesting that Cronin takes u..."
Oh, that's perfectly fine, Michelle. We all have days like that..:)
Awesome, I am so glad to hear that you're enjoying The Twelve a lot more now! I am really looking forward to discussing them with you, as well!
Gary wrote: "I'm glad that so many people think it's a good idea to re-read THE PASSAGE because I am reading it for the first time. I'm only into it a hundred pages so it may be a while before I get to the twe..."How are you finding it Gary?
Just wondering how everyone went with The Twelve? I found the start a bit slow but the last two thirds were a bit easier to read. I'm curious to find out how it ends. I have a few ideas so will be interesting to see if my thoughts are on the right track. Does anyone know when the next installments is due to come out?
Sorry for interupting (my first post here):I read and LOVED The Passage when it first came out. I picked up The Twelve right when it came out as well, but stupidly didn't re-read the first book. I say "stupid" because I spent the first half of the book a bit confused. Darn it.
I liked some of the new characters in The Twelve, but thought it lacked some of the excitement in the first book? It is definitely a bridge book, and I think the third book will be phenomenal. I think my opinion differs from a lot of folks who seem to like the second book better; I'm a fan of the first.
I'm still reading THE PASSAGE and have a good ways to go to get to the end. I can see how it would be best to read one book after the other.
I've been reading the passage also and it's not holding my attention very well... I hate how it's constantly jumping around
He writes well, but he is long winded, and like you said, he does jump around. I like the plot, though, and will keep reading.
Michelle wrote: "Just wondering how everyone went with The Twelve? I found the start a bit slow but the last two thirds were a bit easier to read. I'm curious to find out how it ends. I have a few ideas so will be ..."Hey, Michelle!
According to Wiki, the final book won't be published until 2014!
Here's a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_C...
Dustin wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Just wondering how everyone went with The Twelve? I found the start a bit slow but the last two thirds were a bit easier to read. I'm curious to find out how it ends. I have a few ..."Thanks Dustin :)
Aw that's aaaages away!
Michelle wrote: "Dustin wrote: "Michelle wrote: "Just wondering how everyone went with The Twelve? I found the start a bit slow but the last two thirds were a bit easier to read. I'm curious to find out how it ends..."You're very welcome. I'm happy to help.:)
I know, it was same way between The Passage and The Twelve..
Hello all,Although a new member of Goodreads, I was not surprised to find a discussion thread regarding The Twelve hidden away in a Stephen King group, such are the similarities.
I have just finished reading said book, and can thoroughly recommend to others, providing you have read The Passage. Yes, the plot jumps around, and some of the passages relating to dreams become tiresome, but ultimately Cronin has delivered again. I had not read The Passage since its release, and for me personally characters and places quickly slotted back into place and I would suggest a re-read to be unnecessary.
As good as The Passage? As a whole, not quite, but I still could not put this down and now cannot wait for the final installment. The final chapters are as good as anything, if not better, than content in The Passage.
Cheers,
Jim.
Hi, Jim! Welcome.:)Your insight into The Twelve is much appreciated, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it, overall.
It's funny that you think of The Passage as being slightly better, because the opposite has also been said. But to each their own, right?
Absolutely, Dustin. It will be some film- I believe Ridley Scott's production company have purchased the rights. Could be some time, I anticipate the final installment of the trilogy to be released before we even get a cinema release date.
For now, I better go read some more King!
Cheers,
Jim.
:)Oh, really? I don't think I knew about a film adaptation. Hopefully it'll be a good interpretation!
Yep, go read more King!
I loved the passage, It was reminiscent of the stand, even DT series, however having just finished The Twelve, I am a bit disappointed! Not sure I'm going to bother with the last in the trilogy.
The first third of The Passage was some of the best writing I've come across in a long time. The last two thirds were episodic and not as good, but still a winner overall.
