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Twelve Days
A paranormal thriller from a master storyteller: A broken family struggles to hold itself together against a plot to unleash global genocide
Around the world, leaders and notorious criminals alike are mysteriously dying. A terrorist group promises a series of deaths within two months. And against the backdrop of the apocalypse, the lives of a small shattered family and a broken soldier are transformed in the bustling city of Atlanta.
Olympia Dorsey is a journalist and mother, with a cynical teenage daughter and an autistic son named Hannibal, all trying to heal from a personal tragedy. Across the street, Ex–Special Forces soldier Terry Nicolas and his wartime unit have reunited Stateside to carry out a risky heist that will not only right a terrible injustice, but also set them up for life—at the cost of their honor. Terry and the family's visit to an unusual martial arts exhibition brings them into contact with Madame Gupta, a teacher of singular skill who offers not just a way for Terry to tap into mastery beyond his dreams, but also for Hannibal to transcend the limits of his condition. But to see these promises realized, Terry will need to betray those with whom he fought and bled.
Meanwhile, as the death toll gains momentum and society itself teeters on the edge of collapse, Olympia's fragile clan is placed in jeopardy, and Terry comes to understand the terrible price he must pay to prevent catastrophe.
Around the world, leaders and notorious criminals alike are mysteriously dying. A terrorist group promises a series of deaths within two months. And against the backdrop of the apocalypse, the lives of a small shattered family and a broken soldier are transformed in the bustling city of Atlanta.
Olympia Dorsey is a journalist and mother, with a cynical teenage daughter and an autistic son named Hannibal, all trying to heal from a personal tragedy. Across the street, Ex–Special Forces soldier Terry Nicolas and his wartime unit have reunited Stateside to carry out a risky heist that will not only right a terrible injustice, but also set them up for life—at the cost of their honor. Terry and the family's visit to an unusual martial arts exhibition brings them into contact with Madame Gupta, a teacher of singular skill who offers not just a way for Terry to tap into mastery beyond his dreams, but also for Hannibal to transcend the limits of his condition. But to see these promises realized, Terry will need to betray those with whom he fought and bled.
Meanwhile, as the death toll gains momentum and society itself teeters on the edge of collapse, Olympia's fragile clan is placed in jeopardy, and Terry comes to understand the terrible price he must pay to prevent catastrophe.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2017
27 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Steven Barnes
130 books476 followersSteven Barnes (born March 1, 1952, Los Angeles, California) is an African American science fiction writer, lecturer, creative consultant, and human performance technician. He has written several episodes of The Outer Limits and Baywatch, as well as the Stargate SG-1 episode "Brief Candle" and the Andromeda episode "The Sum of its Parts". Barnes' first published piece of fiction, the novelette The Locusts (1979), written with Larry Niven, and was a Hugo Award nominee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 20, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
I admit that I've been a fan of Stephen Barnes for years, but I also admit that it's mainly been because of his co-authored works with Larry Niven. I think that's going to change after this!
This novel reads like a modern bestselling thriller that SHOULD be a modern bestselling thriller. It also has supernatural elements that are all tied to the dark side of the Kundalini and Hindu Yogis thrust upon the world stage as evil people and world leaders are murdered in gruesome ways.
Specifically, however, this is a character and plot-driven novel in the very best sense. It's fast-paced and exciting, full of surprises and depth. But mostly, I'm impressed by the depth of knowledge Barnes has about fighting styles, esoteric meditations, and traditions.
Regardless, the craft in this novel is fantastic and fast and pretty damn gorgeous. It's more of a modern thriller, through and through, but that didn't bother me. This should be a huge crowd pleaser. If it isn't, then I'll be very surprised and rather sad.
This really should be a bestseller!
I admit that I've been a fan of Stephen Barnes for years, but I also admit that it's mainly been because of his co-authored works with Larry Niven. I think that's going to change after this!
This novel reads like a modern bestselling thriller that SHOULD be a modern bestselling thriller. It also has supernatural elements that are all tied to the dark side of the Kundalini and Hindu Yogis thrust upon the world stage as evil people and world leaders are murdered in gruesome ways.
Specifically, however, this is a character and plot-driven novel in the very best sense. It's fast-paced and exciting, full of surprises and depth. But mostly, I'm impressed by the depth of knowledge Barnes has about fighting styles, esoteric meditations, and traditions.
Regardless, the craft in this novel is fantastic and fast and pretty damn gorgeous. It's more of a modern thriller, through and through, but that didn't bother me. This should be a huge crowd pleaser. If it isn't, then I'll be very surprised and rather sad.
This really should be a bestseller!
July 10, 2017
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
Never having read any story penned by Steven Barnes, I didn’t know exactly what to expect from Twelve Days, especially since it was a paranormal thriller (which isn’t my usual reading genre). After finishing this fast-paced, taunt narrative, I now have to say I’m sold on this author and am anxious to pick up more from him.
The world is in crisis! The globe held hostage by a terrorist group which threatens (then begins) an apocalypse. Each day a set number of people on a “Dead List” to meet their end. The victims powerful world figures. The rising death toll and lack of understanding on how it is occurring and how to to stop it causing tensions to mount across the globe.
Attempting to live a normal life is journalist Olympia Dorsey. Her whole world until now centered on raising her teenage daughter Nicki and her autistic son Hannibal. Olympia’s deepest desire to discover a cure for her son’s condition or, at least, a way to improve his life. The mysterious Madame Gupta, head instructor of a school of martial arts, holding out the promise of making Hannibal’s life better. But is this invitation one of hope or horror?
Lending aid to Olympia is her neighbor (and former lover), Terry Nichols; this ex-Special Forces soldier a father figure for young Hannibal. And while Terry is far from a perfect guy, his strong bond with Hannibal has him reevaluating his choices, contemplating his future (even as he joins his old military friends on a heist) and willing to protect Olympia’s family from the danger which pursues them.
Like all thrillers, Twelve Days is a lightning quick ride through a mine field; the characters rushing headlong from one exciting sequences to another. There is mystery, suspense, full out action, intrigue, and nail-biting sequences mixed with more than expected character development. Steven Barnes’ admixture of a weird supernatural element adding an otherworldly element to an international thriller, but the story of Olympia, Nicki, Hannibal, and Terry grounding this tale in the real world. And for the type of story it was, this book was a fun-filled, emotional ride.
The only criticism I have with the narrative is the global crisis. It was ominous, mysterious, and, unfortunately, undeveloped for my tastes. Perhaps the supernatural element of the crisis is what left me indifferent, since it seemed a bit out of place in a modern thriller, but whatever the specific cause, I never felt the danger of global genocide was very real. Rather, the whole affair seemed more a grand hoax or supernatural conspiracy theory. Perhaps others will find it more compelling, but it just did not work for me.
Twelve Days is a roller coaster thrill ride. The fact that it was built around a family and their love made it even more filling. And if you are a fan of modern thrillers with paranormal twists, then this novel by Steven Barnes is one that you should not miss.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
Never having read any story penned by Steven Barnes, I didn’t know exactly what to expect from Twelve Days, especially since it was a paranormal thriller (which isn’t my usual reading genre). After finishing this fast-paced, taunt narrative, I now have to say I’m sold on this author and am anxious to pick up more from him.
The world is in crisis! The globe held hostage by a terrorist group which threatens (then begins) an apocalypse. Each day a set number of people on a “Dead List” to meet their end. The victims powerful world figures. The rising death toll and lack of understanding on how it is occurring and how to to stop it causing tensions to mount across the globe.
Attempting to live a normal life is journalist Olympia Dorsey. Her whole world until now centered on raising her teenage daughter Nicki and her autistic son Hannibal. Olympia’s deepest desire to discover a cure for her son’s condition or, at least, a way to improve his life. The mysterious Madame Gupta, head instructor of a school of martial arts, holding out the promise of making Hannibal’s life better. But is this invitation one of hope or horror?
Lending aid to Olympia is her neighbor (and former lover), Terry Nichols; this ex-Special Forces soldier a father figure for young Hannibal. And while Terry is far from a perfect guy, his strong bond with Hannibal has him reevaluating his choices, contemplating his future (even as he joins his old military friends on a heist) and willing to protect Olympia’s family from the danger which pursues them.
Like all thrillers, Twelve Days is a lightning quick ride through a mine field; the characters rushing headlong from one exciting sequences to another. There is mystery, suspense, full out action, intrigue, and nail-biting sequences mixed with more than expected character development. Steven Barnes’ admixture of a weird supernatural element adding an otherworldly element to an international thriller, but the story of Olympia, Nicki, Hannibal, and Terry grounding this tale in the real world. And for the type of story it was, this book was a fun-filled, emotional ride.
The only criticism I have with the narrative is the global crisis. It was ominous, mysterious, and, unfortunately, undeveloped for my tastes. Perhaps the supernatural element of the crisis is what left me indifferent, since it seemed a bit out of place in a modern thriller, but whatever the specific cause, I never felt the danger of global genocide was very real. Rather, the whole affair seemed more a grand hoax or supernatural conspiracy theory. Perhaps others will find it more compelling, but it just did not work for me.
Twelve Days is a roller coaster thrill ride. The fact that it was built around a family and their love made it even more filling. And if you are a fan of modern thrillers with paranormal twists, then this novel by Steven Barnes is one that you should not miss.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
January 13, 2018
I cannot believe I paid $12.99 for this. It's crap. The writing is mediocre, the characters are two dimensional, motivations don't make sense and things seemed to happen awfully conveniently. It was ridiculous.
May 31, 2017
This was a 3 to 3.5 out of 5 star read for me.
Around the world, people are dying, and a terrorist cell says that there will be many more assassinations in the city of Atlanta. Threatened with the apocalypse, a family in tatters turns to their neighbor, Terry Nicolas for help. Nicolas, it turns out, is ex-special forces and is also struggling with his own issues. Olympia Dorsey and her cynical daughter and autistic son Hannibal bring a real human element to the novel.
Nichols joins up with his old ragtag group of ex-military friends to perform a heist, but stand to lose what’s left of their honor. It is a great ride joining this group on their journey, even if they aren’t always on the side of law and order. This book brings the real meaning of “thriller” novel to the reader. There is a lot of information on martial arts in the novel, and honestly, that (and the graphic sex scenes) was difficult for me to read. As long as you are ok with that in your novels, this is a fast-paced and exciting plot-driven storyline that is full of surprises for you as you read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I would like to thank Netgalley, Tor Books, and Steven Barnes for the opportunity to read and review this pulse-pounding novel!
Around the world, people are dying, and a terrorist cell says that there will be many more assassinations in the city of Atlanta. Threatened with the apocalypse, a family in tatters turns to their neighbor, Terry Nicolas for help. Nicolas, it turns out, is ex-special forces and is also struggling with his own issues. Olympia Dorsey and her cynical daughter and autistic son Hannibal bring a real human element to the novel.
Nichols joins up with his old ragtag group of ex-military friends to perform a heist, but stand to lose what’s left of their honor. It is a great ride joining this group on their journey, even if they aren’t always on the side of law and order. This book brings the real meaning of “thriller” novel to the reader. There is a lot of information on martial arts in the novel, and honestly, that (and the graphic sex scenes) was difficult for me to read. As long as you are ok with that in your novels, this is a fast-paced and exciting plot-driven storyline that is full of surprises for you as you read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I would like to thank Netgalley, Tor Books, and Steven Barnes for the opportunity to read and review this pulse-pounding novel!
April 11, 2017
This is my first book by Steven Barnes. It won’t be my last.
If I had to narrow the genre down to just few words, I’d say this was a metaphysical horror thriller. While I was honestly a bit more into the horror and the thriller aspects than the metaphysical stuff, I still found myself completely entrenched in our story.
Barnes came up with a humdinger of a plot involving mysterious assassinations (and quite possibly the end of the world as we know it) and I was dying to know how it would all end…or if it would all end.
I loved our characters. Especially a ragtag group of ex-military who aren’t always on the side of law and order, but who do retain their own sense of morality.
I’ll happily read Barnes again. The man tells a riveting story that simply doesn’t let you go!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
If I had to narrow the genre down to just few words, I’d say this was a metaphysical horror thriller. While I was honestly a bit more into the horror and the thriller aspects than the metaphysical stuff, I still found myself completely entrenched in our story.
Barnes came up with a humdinger of a plot involving mysterious assassinations (and quite possibly the end of the world as we know it) and I was dying to know how it would all end…or if it would all end.
I loved our characters. Especially a ragtag group of ex-military who aren’t always on the side of law and order, but who do retain their own sense of morality.
I’ll happily read Barnes again. The man tells a riveting story that simply doesn’t let you go!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
July 5, 2017
The announcement of global genocide, of a purposely brought on apocalypse, feels and sounds more like an elaborate hoax than a viable threat. That is until the demonstrations begin.
The world is being held hostage. An unknown group is promising the death of high-ranking political, and powerful citizens from across the world. Each day a certain number of people on a long, long list will just die. It is proof the organization behind the devious plan isn't fooling around. They mean business.
Only as the mysterious and unprotectable death tolls mount do tensions rise, and fear intensify. No one knows who is behind the caper, and no one knows how to stop the deaths from happening. It looks like, by the end of the year, millions, if not billions, will have perished.
Journalist, Olympia Dorsey, is concerned about her job, but she has more pressing matters demanding her attention at home. Her autistic son, Hannibal has a chance for something better. A possible cure. A possible clearer insight into her son's mind, and the way it works differently from the minds of others. Understanding may be a way to bring about some peace of mind.
The Golden Dreams Daycare specializes in working with special children. And the founder, Madame Gupta believes Hannibal is perfect for their martial arts-learning program.
Terry Nichols, former Special Forces soldier, is Olympia's neighbor. He's developed something of a bond with Hannibal, sliding into the role of father-figure for the boy. His past is far from squeaky-clean, even his immediate past, and yet there is something about the boy, about the family from across the street, that has Nichols reevaluating his life, his life choices.
When a sinister group known as the Salvation Sanctuary shows too much interest in Hannibal and his special abilities, what looks like the promise of answers and cures becomes nothing shy of a death-filled nightmare. Olympia's maternal, and survival instincts kick in. Saving her son, her own life, and those of the people she cares for most forces her to set aside fear and fight.
The entire world is in danger. It becomes too apparent that the only way to win, to live, is by saving Hannibal. He is the key. The problem, is there any way to stop the crazy cult behind the vicious attacks? Or is the entire world doomed?
TWELVE DAYS was taut. Fast. Steven Barnes writes clearly, concise. His characters are very well developed, and the plot engrossing. I read the book in two sittings. I constantly needed to know what was going to happen next!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the Severed Empire series
and The Vaccination Trilogy
The world is being held hostage. An unknown group is promising the death of high-ranking political, and powerful citizens from across the world. Each day a certain number of people on a long, long list will just die. It is proof the organization behind the devious plan isn't fooling around. They mean business.
Only as the mysterious and unprotectable death tolls mount do tensions rise, and fear intensify. No one knows who is behind the caper, and no one knows how to stop the deaths from happening. It looks like, by the end of the year, millions, if not billions, will have perished.
Journalist, Olympia Dorsey, is concerned about her job, but she has more pressing matters demanding her attention at home. Her autistic son, Hannibal has a chance for something better. A possible cure. A possible clearer insight into her son's mind, and the way it works differently from the minds of others. Understanding may be a way to bring about some peace of mind.
The Golden Dreams Daycare specializes in working with special children. And the founder, Madame Gupta believes Hannibal is perfect for their martial arts-learning program.
Terry Nichols, former Special Forces soldier, is Olympia's neighbor. He's developed something of a bond with Hannibal, sliding into the role of father-figure for the boy. His past is far from squeaky-clean, even his immediate past, and yet there is something about the boy, about the family from across the street, that has Nichols reevaluating his life, his life choices.
When a sinister group known as the Salvation Sanctuary shows too much interest in Hannibal and his special abilities, what looks like the promise of answers and cures becomes nothing shy of a death-filled nightmare. Olympia's maternal, and survival instincts kick in. Saving her son, her own life, and those of the people she cares for most forces her to set aside fear and fight.
The entire world is in danger. It becomes too apparent that the only way to win, to live, is by saving Hannibal. He is the key. The problem, is there any way to stop the crazy cult behind the vicious attacks? Or is the entire world doomed?
TWELVE DAYS was taut. Fast. Steven Barnes writes clearly, concise. His characters are very well developed, and the plot engrossing. I read the book in two sittings. I constantly needed to know what was going to happen next!
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the Severed Empire series
and The Vaccination Trilogy
April 12, 2020
As a fan of the fringe sci-fi genre, I found this as a better than adequate page turner. The story was smartly written as the action seems to escalate- than plateau until the end when int rockets to the edges of excitement. The ending was a shocker and defiantly gives weight to the concept of keeping the readers on edge. With just some minor gaps in un-believability: ie. as in the adeptness and almost inhuman martial arts skills of the ageless Afro-Indian sage turned villain and anti-heroine. The scientific concept is based on true attempts of world-wide, secret intelligence agencies to use the human mind as dangerous weapons. Flash back to the exposing sheep video leaked oil YouTube a few years ago. If ou need similar concepts to understand where this book derives, think of the movie Inception meets the Matrix and then you start to get a picture of how Barnes weaves this story line. I was a little annoyed at the Christianity bashing in the story, but its not something that ruins the experience-so I was able to get past Barnes views and compartmentalize the story for the excellent descriptive lessons that preferred other faiths.
I do look forward to reading more of his work.
I do look forward to reading more of his work.
July 9, 2017
I had a tough time finishing this one. It felt chock full of cliches, plus I just didn't like any of the characters.
July 11, 2017
Barnes work is very thought provoking. This story focuses on the untapped potential of the human brain. It is touted as a paranormal thriller but frankly I believe there are many factors of the human brain that we have yet to identify, quantify or explore. Consequently I would label this as a thriller and skip the paranormal. What is normal anyway?
A charismatic cult leader has plans to change the world. A small boy who is on the autistic spectrum may be the key to her success. Standing in the way of her exploiting the child is a former military man with a martial arts background and a mother who adores her special needs child.
There is lots of action and questionable decisions in this book. It was an enjoyable read.
I recommend it.
Web:https://stevenbarneslife.wordpress.com/
A charismatic cult leader has plans to change the world. A small boy who is on the autistic spectrum may be the key to her success. Standing in the way of her exploiting the child is a former military man with a martial arts background and a mother who adores her special needs child.
There is lots of action and questionable decisions in this book. It was an enjoyable read.
I recommend it.
Web:https://stevenbarneslife.wordpress.com/
Read
April 18, 2017I read maybe 10% of this and won't be picking it back up.
After reading Boy on the Bridge's portrayal of an autistic title character, this book felt forced and it made me feel gross.
The amount of mature sexual content in that 10% was off the chart and also gave me the blechs.
Nope.
After reading Boy on the Bridge's portrayal of an autistic title character, this book felt forced and it made me feel gross.
The amount of mature sexual content in that 10% was off the chart and also gave me the blechs.
Nope.
November 8, 2017
Steven Barnes is a bit of a trickster here. He gets you thinking the story is going one way, and then it goes another way entirely. A seemingly bad guy is the good guy, and a seemingly good guy is the bad guy.
That said, while the story itself was reasonably well plotted, the McGuffin just kept creeping me out. Human brains operate at a quantum level and quantum entanglement is a thing, but brains can't be entangled that way. I suspended disbelief enough to finish the book, but it was hard.
His depiction of an autistic boy was reasonably good and pretty much agrees with what I've personally observed working with autistic children, but then he jumps the shark and assigns super powers as a side effect of autism. Uhm, no. That kind of BS is just that -- BS. Granted, I have an autistic character with superior mental powers in one of my own novels, but she was *designed* to have superior mental powers -- the autism came along as unwanted baggage, it wasn't the *cause* of her superior mental powers. In Barnes's case, his autistic boy was *not* designed to have super powers, and given the rarity of children with autism that severe (in all of HISD, with over 210,000 students, we had maybe a dozen children with that severe a level of autism, or roughly 0.05% of our students), if super powers were randomly distributed the chances of them arriving in an autistic student's brain is pretty close to zero. And having autism cause super powers... no. It doesn't work like that. Barnes knows it doesn't work like that. I know he knows it doesn't work like that because he had his characters explain how autism works. Yet here it is.
Okay, other than those two things that kept interrupting my suspension of disbelief? He has some pretty good characters between the Special Forces team and the reporters. The cult was less compelling. Super mind powers were a substitute for characterization there, though we learn more about the cult leader's background towards the end. The ease of causing mass panic... well, I don't know if we've ever seen *that* kind of mass panic, but certainly we've seen times in this nation's history when we've behaved in a crazy way due to panic, whether it was the Red Scare of 1919-1920, the internment of the Japanese, or the terrorism hysteria after 9/11 that basically wrote a blank check to the National Security State, or the election of Donald Trump because of panic over the collapse of major industries and entire regions of the country where the average life span is in sharp decline. Hysteria is as American as apple pie.
Still, this took hysteria to a new high. Most people just *don't pay attention* to the news. And to them, some leader of some country dying is as relevant to their daily life as the price of gold on the moon. So color me unconvinced.
So, let's recap: reasonable plot, okay characterization of the good guys (not so much of the bad guys, but good enough for science fiction), and several McGuffins used to move the plot that just don't work for me. This book is probably better than the star rating that I give it, but I can't overrule my own prejudices here. For me, this is the rating that this book has earned -- one good enough to finish and better than awful, but not to be re-read or recommended highly.
That said, while the story itself was reasonably well plotted, the McGuffin just kept creeping me out. Human brains operate at a quantum level and quantum entanglement is a thing, but brains can't be entangled that way. I suspended disbelief enough to finish the book, but it was hard.
His depiction of an autistic boy was reasonably good and pretty much agrees with what I've personally observed working with autistic children, but then he jumps the shark and assigns super powers as a side effect of autism. Uhm, no. That kind of BS is just that -- BS. Granted, I have an autistic character with superior mental powers in one of my own novels, but she was *designed* to have superior mental powers -- the autism came along as unwanted baggage, it wasn't the *cause* of her superior mental powers. In Barnes's case, his autistic boy was *not* designed to have super powers, and given the rarity of children with autism that severe (in all of HISD, with over 210,000 students, we had maybe a dozen children with that severe a level of autism, or roughly 0.05% of our students), if super powers were randomly distributed the chances of them arriving in an autistic student's brain is pretty close to zero. And having autism cause super powers... no. It doesn't work like that. Barnes knows it doesn't work like that. I know he knows it doesn't work like that because he had his characters explain how autism works. Yet here it is.
Okay, other than those two things that kept interrupting my suspension of disbelief? He has some pretty good characters between the Special Forces team and the reporters. The cult was less compelling. Super mind powers were a substitute for characterization there, though we learn more about the cult leader's background towards the end. The ease of causing mass panic... well, I don't know if we've ever seen *that* kind of mass panic, but certainly we've seen times in this nation's history when we've behaved in a crazy way due to panic, whether it was the Red Scare of 1919-1920, the internment of the Japanese, or the terrorism hysteria after 9/11 that basically wrote a blank check to the National Security State, or the election of Donald Trump because of panic over the collapse of major industries and entire regions of the country where the average life span is in sharp decline. Hysteria is as American as apple pie.
Still, this took hysteria to a new high. Most people just *don't pay attention* to the news. And to them, some leader of some country dying is as relevant to their daily life as the price of gold on the moon. So color me unconvinced.
So, let's recap: reasonable plot, okay characterization of the good guys (not so much of the bad guys, but good enough for science fiction), and several McGuffins used to move the plot that just don't work for me. This book is probably better than the star rating that I give it, but I can't overrule my own prejudices here. For me, this is the rating that this book has earned -- one good enough to finish and better than awful, but not to be re-read or recommended highly.
August 11, 2017
This is a book that is hard to break down into just one or two genres; it dives deep into so many more aspects that will leave readers thinking long after the last page.
When world leaders, criminals and others start dying all around the world mysteriously, everyone starts to panic. A new terrorist group tells of more deaths to come and a suspected apocalypse. One family finds itself in the middle of the chaos. Olympia Dorsey, a journalist from Atlanta, and her two kids are trying to heal after being abandoned by her husband and their father. Hannibal is autistic and Olympia has tried everything she can think of to help her young son. Terry Nicolas lives across the street and has had a relationship with Olympia but nothing ever worked out. He has reunited with his wartime buddies to carry out a risky mission to get justice for a crime against them and also get them set for life if the score is a success. After going to a special session at Hannibal’s care center and witnessing a very unusual speaker and martial artist, Madame Gupta, Olympia sees something change in her son and hopes this is the answer she has been looking for. While all this is going on, the death toll continues to rise and society is on the brink of chaos. Olympia and Terry must decide if the choices they are about to make will be worth the sacrifices.
Twelve Days is a book with a very interesting premise and very entertaining. I found myself lost at a few points for not paying close enough attention and had to go back and reread a few segments. However, the writing is clear as long as the reader pays attention. The way the danger was brought about was very clever and was written well. There is much more to this story than good vs. evil. There is a clear theme of family, forgiveness and even redemption. I liked how Barnes brought multiple aspects together to weave the story in just the right way. There is a lot to be liked about this story and I think there is something for almost any reader to take away. The characters themselves are well developed and the plot gets wrapped up nice at the end. Not a happy ending that is thrown together, but something that actually makes sense for the story and the characters. I recommend this to readers that enjoy a good thriller with a bit of paranormal thrown in.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
When world leaders, criminals and others start dying all around the world mysteriously, everyone starts to panic. A new terrorist group tells of more deaths to come and a suspected apocalypse. One family finds itself in the middle of the chaos. Olympia Dorsey, a journalist from Atlanta, and her two kids are trying to heal after being abandoned by her husband and their father. Hannibal is autistic and Olympia has tried everything she can think of to help her young son. Terry Nicolas lives across the street and has had a relationship with Olympia but nothing ever worked out. He has reunited with his wartime buddies to carry out a risky mission to get justice for a crime against them and also get them set for life if the score is a success. After going to a special session at Hannibal’s care center and witnessing a very unusual speaker and martial artist, Madame Gupta, Olympia sees something change in her son and hopes this is the answer she has been looking for. While all this is going on, the death toll continues to rise and society is on the brink of chaos. Olympia and Terry must decide if the choices they are about to make will be worth the sacrifices.
Twelve Days is a book with a very interesting premise and very entertaining. I found myself lost at a few points for not paying close enough attention and had to go back and reread a few segments. However, the writing is clear as long as the reader pays attention. The way the danger was brought about was very clever and was written well. There is much more to this story than good vs. evil. There is a clear theme of family, forgiveness and even redemption. I liked how Barnes brought multiple aspects together to weave the story in just the right way. There is a lot to be liked about this story and I think there is something for almost any reader to take away. The characters themselves are well developed and the plot gets wrapped up nice at the end. Not a happy ending that is thrown together, but something that actually makes sense for the story and the characters. I recommend this to readers that enjoy a good thriller with a bit of paranormal thrown in.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
April 1, 2019
Well, it's a good thriller, by which I mean it's fast-paced and sets up mysteries that you want to know the answers to despite all the other garbage going on.
Oh yeah, the other garbage.
1. Though it fades later on in the book (maybe because all the characters have been introduced at that point), in the beginning there is a lot of overt description of female characters' bodies that struck me as really objectifying. There really isn't a reason to know every woman's body type, the size of her breasts, how attractive or not her face is, etc. There is a particularly gross part where Olympia, the main character, notes approvingly that Madam Gupta, despite being a master martial artist, is still small and feminine, not like the female MMA fighters Olympia's seen on TV, who are basically "men with breasts." Yes, that exact phrase is used.
2. A lot of the plot hinges on that hoary old trope, the disability-negating superpower. Hannibal is autistic, but this has connected him to the universe in a special way, and after just a few sessions with enlightened Madam Gupta helping him to harness his powers, the symptoms of his autism start to disappear. Leaving him with just the magic brain powers. There's a lot of stuff about him fixing the way his brain is wired so that he can engage with the world in a "normal" way. I'm not an authority on autism representation in fiction, but this felt kind of offensive.
3.
4. And honestly, the ending is pretty disappointing. Not sure the answers the mysteries are worth the rest.
Oh yeah, the other garbage.
1. Though it fades later on in the book (maybe because all the characters have been introduced at that point), in the beginning there is a lot of overt description of female characters' bodies that struck me as really objectifying. There really isn't a reason to know every woman's body type, the size of her breasts, how attractive or not her face is, etc. There is a particularly gross part where Olympia, the main character, notes approvingly that Madam Gupta, despite being a master martial artist, is still small and feminine, not like the female MMA fighters Olympia's seen on TV, who are basically "men with breasts." Yes, that exact phrase is used.
2. A lot of the plot hinges on that hoary old trope, the disability-negating superpower. Hannibal is autistic, but this has connected him to the universe in a special way, and after just a few sessions with enlightened Madam Gupta helping him to harness his powers, the symptoms of his autism start to disappear. Leaving him with just the magic brain powers. There's a lot of stuff about him fixing the way his brain is wired so that he can engage with the world in a "normal" way. I'm not an authority on autism representation in fiction, but this felt kind of offensive.
3.
4. And honestly, the ending is pretty disappointing. Not sure the answers the mysteries are worth the rest.
November 28, 2020
May years ago, after much searching, I finally got my hands on a used copy of _The Kundalini Equation_, a little-known novel by Steven Barnes that explores the implications of key mind-body concepts found over and over in martial disciplines widely separated in time, geography, and culture. It was an eye-opener for me, one of a few really formative books in my thinking about mind-body disciplines...and it has a sequel.
I bought this book the instant it came out, four years ago. I tried to read it three separate times, and just couldn’t get past the first couple pages. Nothing wrong with the book — it was me. Somehow I just didn’t feel ready.
Then, this morning, I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. In _Twelve Days_, Barnes returns to the story, bringing with him a couple more decades of practice and insight. (And I now know why I couldn’t read it four years ago. I wasn’t ready—my past four years of development have been crucial, and I was able to grasp the book in a whole new way.) It’s a great pot-boiler in its own right, well-plotted and enjoyable...but it’s also gonna make you think. Highly recommended.
I bought this book the instant it came out, four years ago. I tried to read it three separate times, and just couldn’t get past the first couple pages. Nothing wrong with the book — it was me. Somehow I just didn’t feel ready.
Then, this morning, I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. In _Twelve Days_, Barnes returns to the story, bringing with him a couple more decades of practice and insight. (And I now know why I couldn’t read it four years ago. I wasn’t ready—my past four years of development have been crucial, and I was able to grasp the book in a whole new way.) It’s a great pot-boiler in its own right, well-plotted and enjoyable...but it’s also gonna make you think. Highly recommended.
July 23, 2017
I first must say that I won this book from Goodreads First Reads. I thought the premise sounded interesting in the description for the giveaway. The prologue actually made it sound even better, in which, on December 12th, the "Dead List" announced: "In accordance with prophesy, it will happen in this fashion: on December 13' our high holy day, one sinner will die. On the second day, two will perish. Then four, then eight, and then sixteen, doubling everyday until the world is cleansed." The list provided a list of names, including many prominent figures. It promised freedom would be delivered by December 25th.
The author then cleverly unspooled the story then kept reeling me in, with just enough to as to what was happening, but not giving it all away too soon. I truly enjoyed as the pieces of the story came together. While the story was described as having paranormal elements, ultimately for me, this was a story of revenge, sought by different characters for different reasons, and reading who achieved their goal at the end was what made the story for me.
The author then cleverly unspooled the story then kept reeling me in, with just enough to as to what was happening, but not giving it all away too soon. I truly enjoyed as the pieces of the story came together. While the story was described as having paranormal elements, ultimately for me, this was a story of revenge, sought by different characters for different reasons, and reading who achieved their goal at the end was what made the story for me.
June 24, 2020
Around the world, leaders and notorious criminals alike are mysteriously dying. A terrorist group promises a series of deaths within two months. And against the backdrop of the apocalypse, the lives of a small shattered family and a broken soldier are transformed in the bustling city of Atlanta.
Olympia Dorsey is a journalist and mother, with a cynical teenage daughter and an autistic son named Hannibal, all trying to heal from a personal tragedy. Across the street, Ex–Special Forces soldier Terry Nicolas and his wartime unit have reunited Stateside to carry out a risky heist that will not only right a terrible injustice, but also set them up for life—at the cost of their honor. Terry and the family's visit to an unusual martial arts exhibition brings them into contact with Madame Gupta, a teacher of singular skill who offers not just a way for Terry to tap into mastery beyond his dreams, but also for Hannibal to transcend the limits of his condition. But to see these promises realized, Terry will need to betray those with whom he fought and bled.
Olympia Dorsey is a journalist and mother, with a cynical teenage daughter and an autistic son named Hannibal, all trying to heal from a personal tragedy. Across the street, Ex–Special Forces soldier Terry Nicolas and his wartime unit have reunited Stateside to carry out a risky heist that will not only right a terrible injustice, but also set them up for life—at the cost of their honor. Terry and the family's visit to an unusual martial arts exhibition brings them into contact with Madame Gupta, a teacher of singular skill who offers not just a way for Terry to tap into mastery beyond his dreams, but also for Hannibal to transcend the limits of his condition. But to see these promises realized, Terry will need to betray those with whom he fought and bled.
June 13, 2021
My first Steven Barnes book and, if any of his others are as good as this one, I have to add his name to my list of authors I want to continue checking out. This book is mystery, thriller, action, mysticism, all rolled into one, and in such a good way.
It's nearing Christmas-time and an email has been sent to "The People of the World" alerting them to upcoming deaths of various people, one on December 13, two on the 14th, and so on. Some of those dying will be known worldwide, others will not. This becomes the Death List and once the deaths begin, no one knows if people have been poisoned, if some sort of nano-technology has been entered into their bloodstream, or if some sort of electromagnetism has been launched.
Against the backdrop of this, the lives of Olympia Dorsey, and her two children, are torn apart, along with that of ex-special forces soldier, Terry Nicolas, who has gotten to know the family. Following them and what they encounter make for an exciting an fast read.
It's nearing Christmas-time and an email has been sent to "The People of the World" alerting them to upcoming deaths of various people, one on December 13, two on the 14th, and so on. Some of those dying will be known worldwide, others will not. This becomes the Death List and once the deaths begin, no one knows if people have been poisoned, if some sort of nano-technology has been entered into their bloodstream, or if some sort of electromagnetism has been launched.
Against the backdrop of this, the lives of Olympia Dorsey, and her two children, are torn apart, along with that of ex-special forces soldier, Terry Nicolas, who has gotten to know the family. Following them and what they encounter make for an exciting an fast read.
September 22, 2017
*"Soft" Spoiler Alert! Threat Level: Yellow!*
I just don't know. I really wanted to love this book. Steven Barnes is married to Tananarive Due, and I loved Due's "The Good House". So naturally, I wanted to love Barnes too. Plus the dust jacket made it sound very apocalyptic. And early chapters promised "the mysterious wisdom of the Orient". But it reminded me too much of a movie script. Take "Firestarter" or "The Fury" and throw in a Bondian super-villain and, just for kicks, a jewel heist and you have "Twelve Days". I didn't hate it; it just didn't live up to my expectations. There were some very good chapters but way too easy to figure out. Perhaps it would make a really good movie, though.
I just don't know. I really wanted to love this book. Steven Barnes is married to Tananarive Due, and I loved Due's "The Good House". So naturally, I wanted to love Barnes too. Plus the dust jacket made it sound very apocalyptic. And early chapters promised "the mysterious wisdom of the Orient". But it reminded me too much of a movie script. Take "Firestarter" or "The Fury" and throw in a Bondian super-villain and, just for kicks, a jewel heist and you have "Twelve Days". I didn't hate it; it just didn't live up to my expectations. There were some very good chapters but way too easy to figure out. Perhaps it would make a really good movie, though.
May 4, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
3.5 stars
An interesting book, placed in the paranormal genre, but i had a difficult time seeing it as such. The storyline was interesting, and the characters being African American was a plus! (I had no idea the author was also AA). The plot was fast paced when it wasn't mired in the metaphysical/mental aspects of the story--and that was a large part of the story. It slowed down the pace considerably and had me skipping over parts or reading quickly. Just wasn't interested.
3.5 stars
An interesting book, placed in the paranormal genre, but i had a difficult time seeing it as such. The storyline was interesting, and the characters being African American was a plus! (I had no idea the author was also AA). The plot was fast paced when it wasn't mired in the metaphysical/mental aspects of the story--and that was a large part of the story. It slowed down the pace considerably and had me skipping over parts or reading quickly. Just wasn't interested.
August 30, 2024
Read “The Kundalini Equation”, then read this. You’ll be glad you did.
This book is set in the same universe as “The Kundalini Equation”, and so I recommend you read that book (also written by Steven Barnes) first.
It has long been one of my favorite books, and i was overjoyed to discover it had a sequel of sorts, “Twelve Days.”
These books blend science fiction with martial arts with mysticism with action with characters that are oh so human.
If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, read these two books.
This book is set in the same universe as “The Kundalini Equation”, and so I recommend you read that book (also written by Steven Barnes) first.
It has long been one of my favorite books, and i was overjoyed to discover it had a sequel of sorts, “Twelve Days.”
These books blend science fiction with martial arts with mysticism with action with characters that are oh so human.
If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, read these two books.
January 28, 2018
Creepy and got my interest from the beginning. World leaders are being killed on an exponential basis and no one knows how. Then we meet Olympia, Nicki, Hannibal, and Terry, ordinary people--or are they? They become involved with a metaphysical leader and their world is changed. What seems like two distinct stories neatly meld together. This was my first Steven Barnes book and I plan on reading more.
June 19, 2019
Bra fucking vo! I am ashamed to say that this is my first Steven Barnes novel. This novel was truly a masterpiece. Sci-Fi ✔️ action ✔️ romance✔️ mystery✔️. And the ending was not rushed. It was a complete story from the beginning to the end. I have no questions. No voids. This book was everything and more. I am so happy that I don’t listen to reviews. The stories intertwined and flowed. They made sense. I was taken to another world but was yet grounded in America.
December 2, 2020
I loved Twelve Days!
Twelve Days is an indirect sequal to the Kundalini Equation - one of my favorite books ever! It continues, refines, and expands on the concepts and narratives started in The Kundalini Equation. But adding in new elements of family, sacrifice and the effects of trauma and PTSD into the mix.
As in TKE, Twelve Days opened a part of my brain - I can’t stop thinking about some of the developmental concepts within.
Highly recommended!
Twelve Days is an indirect sequal to the Kundalini Equation - one of my favorite books ever! It continues, refines, and expands on the concepts and narratives started in The Kundalini Equation. But adding in new elements of family, sacrifice and the effects of trauma and PTSD into the mix.
As in TKE, Twelve Days opened a part of my brain - I can’t stop thinking about some of the developmental concepts within.
Highly recommended!
September 5, 2022
I loved Twelve Days!
Twelve Days is an indirect sequal to the Kundalini Equation - one of my favorite books ever! It continues, refines, and expands on the concepts and narratives started in The Kundalini Equation. But adding in new elements of family, sacrifice and the effects of trauma and PTSD into the mix.
As in TKE, Twelve Days opened a part of my brain - I can’t stop thinking about some of the developmental concepts within.
Highly recommended!
Twelve Days is an indirect sequal to the Kundalini Equation - one of my favorite books ever! It continues, refines, and expands on the concepts and narratives started in The Kundalini Equation. But adding in new elements of family, sacrifice and the effects of trauma and PTSD into the mix.
As in TKE, Twelve Days opened a part of my brain - I can’t stop thinking about some of the developmental concepts within.
Highly recommended!
October 15, 2017
This was a fun read and a worthy successor to The Kundalini Equation. I've always enjoyed how well Steve describes the martial arts scenes and the spiritual aspects of his characters' lives. I thought he handled it particularly well here.
November 16, 2022
I enjoyed this one! A paranormal thriller. Although it starts a little slow it makes up for it.
"Around the world, leaders and notorious criminals alike are mysteriously dying. A terrorist group promises a series of deaths within two months. And against the backdrop of the apocalypse, the lives of a small shattered family and a broken soldier are transformed in the bustling city of Atlanta."
"Around the world, leaders and notorious criminals alike are mysteriously dying. A terrorist group promises a series of deaths within two months. And against the backdrop of the apocalypse, the lives of a small shattered family and a broken soldier are transformed in the bustling city of Atlanta."
November 24, 2017
I think I've been under estimating Stephen Barnes, probably because I've mostly read him in his co-authored books with Larry Niven. This book was very well written and I'm going to have to upgrade him on my list of authors. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2017
Great book! I like how it becomes a sequel to the Kundalini Equation yet stands alone. I hope to more of this martial arts/sci fi genre.
September 2, 2017
Got very silly. Also predictable.
March 6, 2018
I'm not sure yet.
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