Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Twelve (Book Two of The Passage Trilogy): A Novel
- Author: Justin Cronin
- Narrator: Scott Brick
- Length: 26:24:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 16/10/2012
- Publisher: Random House (Audio)
- Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fiction & Literature, Literary Fiction, Apocalyptic & Dystopian
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
I’ve always believed that stories are the maps of the human soul, guiding us through landscapes both real and imagined. So, when I dove into the audiobook experience of ‘Twelve (Book Two of The Passage Trilogy): A Novel’ by Justin Cronin, narrated by the masterful Scott Brick, I was ready for an expedition into the heart of a dystopian nightmare. This literary fiction gem, steeped in science fiction and fantasy, builds on the chilling foundation of ‘The Passage’ and takes us deeper into a world shattered by a man-made apocalypse. It’s a sprawling, heart-stopping tale of survival and sacrifice, and let me tell you, it unfolds like a desert highway at dusk – endless, haunting, and impossible to turn away from.
My first encounter with audiobooks that truly gripped me was during a solo drive through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude.’ The surreal landscape outside my window mirrored the magical realism in my ears, and I’ve chased that kind of immersive listening experience ever since. ‘Twelve’ delivered that and more. As I listened, I couldn’t help but remember evenings spent in Oaxaca with a family whose grandmother spun tales with such raw, intimate power. Her voice, her silences, her timing – it was a masterclass in storytelling. Listening to this apocalyptic and dystopian epic, I felt that same pull, that same connection to something primal and true, as if Cronin’s words were whispered over a flickering fire in a world gone dark.
The story itself is a dual-timeline masterpiece, weaving between the immediate aftermath of the viral outbreak and a future a century later where humanity clings to hope against a terrifying new order. In the present, we follow characters like Lila, a doctor grappling with impending motherhood amidst chaos; Kittridge, the lone survivor dubbed ‘Last Stand in Denver’; and April, a teenager protecting her brother through a landscape of ruin. Their struggles are visceral – you can almost feel the grit of the road beneath their feet, the weight of loss in their hearts. A hundred years on, Amy and her companions battle an evolved enemy, the Twelve, whose dark vision for the future chills the blood. Cronin’s skill in literary fiction shines as he balances these timelines, crafting a narrative of flight and forgiveness, suffering and staggering hope, as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel so aptly put it.
What struck me most was the theme of connection as salvation. In a world of apocalyptic horror, it’s the bonds between characters – fragile, flawed, and fiercely human – that offer a lifeline. It reminds me of a time when I was lost in the Amazon, far from any familiar path, and the only thing that kept me grounded was the kindness of strangers who shared their food and stories. Cronin captures that same raw humanity, showing us that even in the darkest nights, connection is our light. This science fiction and fantasy saga isn’t just about survival; it’s about what makes us human when everything else is stripped away.
Now, let’s talk about the audiobook experience itself, because Scott Brick’s narration elevates this story to another level. His voice is a weathered compass, guiding us through Cronin’s complex world with a gravitas that matches the stakes. Brick has this uncanny ability to shift tones – soft and tender for moments of quiet despair, sharp and urgent when the infected are closing in. You can almost hear the creak of abandoned buildings, the ragged breaths of the hunted. His pacing is impeccable, knowing just when to linger on a haunting image or rush headlong into action. I’ve listened to countless audiobooks, but Brick’s performance here stands out as a benchmark for dystopian fiction narration. The audio quality is crisp, with no distractions, letting the story and Brick’s delivery take center stage. For anyone seeking a listening experience that’s as immersive as the best science fiction and fantasy out there, this is it.
That said, I’d be remiss not to mention a couple of bumps on this road. ‘Twelve’ is dense, with a sprawling cast and intricate plotting that can occasionally feel overwhelming, especially in audio format where you can’t flip back a page to refresh your memory. There were moments when I wished for a bit more clarity in distinguishing between timelines, though Brick’s nuanced character voices helped mitigate this. And while the emotional depth is a strength, some listeners might find the relentless bleakness a heavy load to carry over the 26-hour duration. But isn’t that the point of apocalyptic literature? To confront the darkness and find meaning in the struggle?
Comparing ‘Twelve’ to other works in the genre, it stands shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like Cormac McCarthy’s ‘The Road’ for its unflinching look at a broken world, though Cronin infuses more hope and mythology into his narrative. It also echoes Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ in its epic scope and moral battles, but with a tighter focus on personal sacrifice. For fans of literary fiction with a dystopian edge, this audiobook is a must-listen, offering a depth that’s rare in the genre.
So, who would I recommend this to? If you’re drawn to science fiction and fantasy that challenges you, to apocalyptic and dystopian tales that linger long after the final word, or if you simply crave a listening experience that feels like a journey, ‘Twelve’ is for you. It’s perfect for long drives, quiet evenings, or anytime you want to lose yourself in a world both alien and achingly familiar. And while I don’t have confirmation of a free audiobook version right now, keep an eye out for promotions on platforms like Audiobooks.com – sometimes these gems pop up as an audiobook free download, and trust me, it’s worth the hunt.
Reflecting on this story, I’m reminded of why I travel, why I seek out narratives from every corner of the globe. ‘Twelve’ isn’t just a book; it’s a mirror to our own resilience, our capacity to endure. Listening to it, I felt as though I was walking those desolate roads myself, hearing the whispers of survivors in every pause. It’s a testament to Cronin’s power as a storyteller and Brick’s skill as a narrator that I’m still haunted by this world, still rooting for its broken heroes.
Until our paths cross again, this is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a reminder to keep listening, keep exploring, and keep finding the stories that move you. Safe travels, amigos, and may your own journeys be as epic as this one.
