Someone I know told me that The Twelve wasn't as good as The Passage. I completely disagree. It's been a long time since I read The Passage, but I loved this book. For me it was a page-turner from beginning to end. For one thing, I can't remember why Carter wasn't like the rest of the virals - how he connected with Amy - or how Rachel Wood was involved.... Anyone want to help me out with that? I also remember Wolgast dying in The Passage, but how is it that he continued to be able to communicate with Amy? I discovered the "Dramatis Personae" (fortunately) when I was about halfway through the book. I initially was getting confused about the passage of time - and who lived in what time - and where. Maybe JC should have put that at the front of the book!
I loved the new characters - and I was really upset when Kittridge didn't get on the bus, promising April that he would find Timothy. But, Kittridge was having a difficult time living with himself because of the boy he couldn't save during the war, so attempting to save Timothy was something he had to do. Full circle. I got a little confused then because didn't April name their son Caleb? I tried to look back and find that reference, but couldn't find it during my perusal. ;) And then there is Lila. Crazy as a loon. Yes, she partially redeemed herself in the end - but honestly, it took her nearly 100 years! I really thought she was going to have Sara/Dani killed when she saw how close she was getting to Eva/Kate. I'm so happy that Lila FINALLY seemed to embrace reality for what it was. Very interesting character - which added a lot to the story. I certainly didn't realize that she was the woman in the field, that's for sure. The person that I hated the most was Guilder. He was on quite the power-trip. Pure evil. I wanted him to die as much as I wanted the virals to die.
I like how the book ended with the "core group", even if I don't remember the details of how they got separated in the first book (including the death of Caleb's parents - Peter's brother Thor). I wanted them all to live! I was sorry that Tifty didn't get to spend time with his daughter, Nitia/Nina. Tifty was a hard man, but I loved how much he loved Vorhees family. I realized that Nina was Nitia as soon as we discovered that she survived the Field. Nice development.
This book is obviously fiction, but I always think it's interesting how fiction can seem historical - like, "Yep, we've been here before". Take a man with some authority and power - and a ton of self-interest - and as his "desire" develops, the deeper the evilness of it all permeates everything. Over and over again in our world's history, men like Guilder are able to "build" a society steeped in horrific events - all for his "power and glory". I deeply admire the people who stand up for what's RIGHT, regardless of the consequences.
Great read! I can't wait for the third - and final - installment. Wonder when that will be....?
Wendy's Rating: *****
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