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12:23
It's not every day you see your main character in the flesh. Two writers meet and discover they've written the same story. But they are each other's main character. What does it all mean? And why do they feel compelled to look to the sky at the same time every day? “Your ending is a bit troubling.”
- GenresThrillerScience Fiction
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2019
25 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 19, 2020
After a very interesting start, in which two young aspiring writers meet by chance at a writer's convention to find out that they are the main character in each other's novel, the story in the second part slides off into well known (and worn off) alien invasion territory, which left me, I have to say, rather unimpressed.
I think, with this kind of meta level, which, in this case, is pulled over the characters rather than the reader of the story, you could have done something much more engaging.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
I think, with this kind of meta level, which, in this case, is pulled over the characters rather than the reader of the story, you could have done something much more engaging.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
January 18, 2020
If I were to rate 12:23 on the first half alone, my cursor would be hovering somewhere between four and five stars. In the beginning I was totally immersed in this novella. I've never seen this concept done before; it's exciting and unique, with two very likable protagonists.
Unfortunately the story loses momentum for me once the main players enter the gun store. While I love the book-within-a-book concept, the fact that Kim, Dylan, and Denny all know the immediate future makes the unfolding events feel underwhelming. Johnson tries to resolve this by withholding outcomes from the reader, but it doesn't really help. As a reader you want to see the main characters struggle through decisions in live-time, not have everything already decided for them--going through the motions simply because they're following a script in their head. I wish Johnson had fleshed this out into a full-fledged novel, because he hedges on some good, thoughtful ideas, but chooses to skim over major events like a news report instead of taking the time to truly let the reader experience everything firsthand.
The story would be more interesting, too, if it was simply Kim and Dylan with no spouses. Kim/Peggy often felt like the same person, along with Dylan/Darius (all Mary Sues, as noted by the author), so it seemed redundant and unnecessary to feature all of them as characters and made me less invested in any of them. Once the couples joined forces in the gun shop, I could feel Johnson's strain as he tried to give everyone a voice in a situation where there is too many people and not enough distinct personalities.
Despite these shortcomings, 12:23 really is a fun and thought-provoking read with a great premise and some fun, unexpected SciFi sequences. If you're ready for a totally original concept, I say give it a go.
Unfortunately the story loses momentum for me once the main players enter the gun store. While I love the book-within-a-book concept, the fact that Kim, Dylan, and Denny all know the immediate future makes the unfolding events feel underwhelming. Johnson tries to resolve this by withholding outcomes from the reader, but it doesn't really help. As a reader you want to see the main characters struggle through decisions in live-time, not have everything already decided for them--going through the motions simply because they're following a script in their head. I wish Johnson had fleshed this out into a full-fledged novel, because he hedges on some good, thoughtful ideas, but chooses to skim over major events like a news report instead of taking the time to truly let the reader experience everything firsthand.
The story would be more interesting, too, if it was simply Kim and Dylan with no spouses. Kim/Peggy often felt like the same person, along with Dylan/Darius (all Mary Sues, as noted by the author), so it seemed redundant and unnecessary to feature all of them as characters and made me less invested in any of them. Once the couples joined forces in the gun shop, I could feel Johnson's strain as he tried to give everyone a voice in a situation where there is too many people and not enough distinct personalities.
Despite these shortcomings, 12:23 really is a fun and thought-provoking read with a great premise and some fun, unexpected SciFi sequences. If you're ready for a totally original concept, I say give it a go.
January 2, 2021
Popular wisdom claims that books about writers are necessarily trite and self-indulgent, but author Patrick Johnson decisively disproves that in this infinitely twisty and original work. Completely unself-conscious writing and genuinely likable characters drive the reader from one scene to the next so that it's virtually impossible not to finish the book in one sitting. Just a few deft strokes reveal a diverse cast of voices. As a writer myself, I'm awed by the execution of a concept I struggle even now to describe to potential readers. Suffice it to say, this snake eats its own tail and manages to make it look effortless. Perfectly told with an ending impossible to anticipate, this short read will leave you hungry for Patrick Johnson's next offering.
December 7, 2020
This story was a fun, quick read. The premise was intriguing - two authors discover that they've written the same story with each of them serving as the main character in the other author's book. It had me hooked and reading quickly to figure out what in the world was going on. The thread tying the two writers, and their stories together, gets revealed when a real alien invasion occurs (just as it was written in the author's stories). While this isn't my typical genre to read, I really enjoyed the story, the characters, and the humor sprinkled throughout.
December 5, 2024
Do you love twilight, outer limits, and X-Files? You will love this book. I happened to see the author on tiktok and found this book interesting. I bumped this to the up to the list. lol, I'm so glad I did. I was just thrilled by the story and never read anything quite like it before. Two authors write a story, and each one is in their story, but they never met before a book convention. They keep looking into the sky at the same time. Why? Something strange is going on, but what? That's where this brilliant author takes on a fantastic journey.
November 11, 2024
What a concept.
Truly unique. I can honestly say I have not read a story like this .. and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Truly unique. I can honestly say I have not read a story like this .. and I enjoyed every minute of it.
January 14, 2020
Johnson’s short story offering, “12:23” creeps ever so quietly from the shadows offering little clues to the overall grand scheme before it rapidly crests and freefalls into science fiction thrills and chills that lasts until the final page. Cram packed with enough moments to fill a full-length novel, Johnson provides just enough backstory with the when and how to effectively draw readers in before he turns his creation on its ear destroying everything around him.
What starts as a genuine look at the world of writers soon switches gears into a science fiction mind-bending adventure that packs a punch. At the start, readers are introduced to aspiring authors Kim and Dylan who end up in the same place, at the same time strangely aware of each other but have never met. Supporting characters are introduced to the mix and, spoilers aside, the oddities and similarities quickly escalate cranking the story’s pace into overdrive and sending it rocketing into a whole different feel in the process.
Johnson’s ability to pepper his work with juicy tidbits of information throughout the breakneck speed of 12:23 only further affirms his expertise to great storytelling and the less is more tactic that keeps readers fully entranced by the magic within. While Johnson does answer some of the questions that come about within 12:23, like many a great sci-fi offering before it, others remain to allow readers to formulate opinions and to stew over the possibilities that a sequel may come along shedding new light on the main story and sending us off on another adventure.
Walking the line between mystery and science fiction, Johnson masterfully explores each grandly during the two-hour adventure he has created that will no doubt entice and titillate fans of both. Reading through, 12:23 feels as if it derives a little bit of inspiration from the television series “The Twilight Zone” before morphing effortlessly into the film “Independence Day,” and I for one could not have been more thrilled to sense it as I greedily devoured the entire story in one sitting.
Although a quick read for most and one that many will wish had carried on at least another twenty pages to slow down the white knuckle ride we all bought tickets for, 12:23 gives us everything we want in a science fiction short story. If a suspenseful mystery featuring trippy head games, driven characters mingling with aliens, odd places, spaceships, and the pew-pew of laser beams wrapped around a story with heart gets your blood pumping, Johnson’s 12:23 will not disappoint.
What starts as a genuine look at the world of writers soon switches gears into a science fiction mind-bending adventure that packs a punch. At the start, readers are introduced to aspiring authors Kim and Dylan who end up in the same place, at the same time strangely aware of each other but have never met. Supporting characters are introduced to the mix and, spoilers aside, the oddities and similarities quickly escalate cranking the story’s pace into overdrive and sending it rocketing into a whole different feel in the process.
Johnson’s ability to pepper his work with juicy tidbits of information throughout the breakneck speed of 12:23 only further affirms his expertise to great storytelling and the less is more tactic that keeps readers fully entranced by the magic within. While Johnson does answer some of the questions that come about within 12:23, like many a great sci-fi offering before it, others remain to allow readers to formulate opinions and to stew over the possibilities that a sequel may come along shedding new light on the main story and sending us off on another adventure.
Walking the line between mystery and science fiction, Johnson masterfully explores each grandly during the two-hour adventure he has created that will no doubt entice and titillate fans of both. Reading through, 12:23 feels as if it derives a little bit of inspiration from the television series “The Twilight Zone” before morphing effortlessly into the film “Independence Day,” and I for one could not have been more thrilled to sense it as I greedily devoured the entire story in one sitting.
Although a quick read for most and one that many will wish had carried on at least another twenty pages to slow down the white knuckle ride we all bought tickets for, 12:23 gives us everything we want in a science fiction short story. If a suspenseful mystery featuring trippy head games, driven characters mingling with aliens, odd places, spaceships, and the pew-pew of laser beams wrapped around a story with heart gets your blood pumping, Johnson’s 12:23 will not disappoint.
May 18, 2020
Interesting premise about two writers who meet and learn they've written each other's story
Two fledgling writers randomly meet and discover they've written the same story, but with each other as the main characters. They later learn that it might not have been a coincidence after all.
There is plenty of potential in this story, and plenty of things to like. The mystery of why Kim and Dylan happen to write the same story, with each other as the main character, propels the plot forward, and the answer to that question culminates into an unexpected sci-fi action piece.
Sounds good, right? And it was. But it lacks a certain amount of depth that could have made it better than just good. I feel like the book could be a starter for a much deeper story. Kim and Dylan are near perfect, as far as characterization goes, and their respective spouses equally so. Their flaws are superficial, nothing to challenge them, really.
I'm not fond of the near perfect character, personally, so this story may be fine for you. There is a reason why these two main characters have written the same story, and while it's explained to some degree, the account doesn't fully recognize why this happens to a very select few. I didn't find the explanation convincing.
There was a good amount of action in the second half of the story, but not enough before the story came to an end. There is so much to build on in this story. It's a fine beginning, but I felt like it could have been developed into something more.
Two fledgling writers randomly meet and discover they've written the same story, but with each other as the main characters. They later learn that it might not have been a coincidence after all.
There is plenty of potential in this story, and plenty of things to like. The mystery of why Kim and Dylan happen to write the same story, with each other as the main character, propels the plot forward, and the answer to that question culminates into an unexpected sci-fi action piece.
Sounds good, right? And it was. But it lacks a certain amount of depth that could have made it better than just good. I feel like the book could be a starter for a much deeper story. Kim and Dylan are near perfect, as far as characterization goes, and their respective spouses equally so. Their flaws are superficial, nothing to challenge them, really.
I'm not fond of the near perfect character, personally, so this story may be fine for you. There is a reason why these two main characters have written the same story, and while it's explained to some degree, the account doesn't fully recognize why this happens to a very select few. I didn't find the explanation convincing.
There was a good amount of action in the second half of the story, but not enough before the story came to an end. There is so much to build on in this story. It's a fine beginning, but I felt like it could have been developed into something more.
April 23, 2022
What would it be like for a fiction author to run into one of their characters? Johnson gives us one such scenario in this short, easy to read story. I was going to try and stretch this story out over two nights, but I couldn't put it down and had to keep reading until the end in one sitting. While I don't read a lot of sci-fi, this story pulled me in from the beginning and kept me glued to the page to find out what would happen next and next and next. Johnson weaves a great tale with well-developed characters, and whops you on the head with twists and turns you never see coming. Even if you aren't a fan of sci-fi don't let that deter you, because this book is so much more.
My favorite line from the book:
"She gestured toward the vast fields where the morning dew was being burnt from the short corn crops by the heat of the morning sun."
My favorite line from the book:
"She gestured toward the vast fields where the morning dew was being burnt from the short corn crops by the heat of the morning sun."
June 6, 2020
So, when I was a child, I've always imagined that I was something of someone's thoughts like a pawn that moved at the whims of someone who knew everything about me.
So, when I read about 12:23's premise, I knew I was in for one hell of a ride! From the moment Kim (loved that she was such a strong female character) and Dylan (the guy who seemed to be everyone's hero) realize they are writing the same story, the roller coaster grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. For a novella, it is packed with enough plot and excitement to keep you turning pages!
Johnson is very comfortable writing science fiction (see his other works) and connect you with his characters through witty dialogue. My only disappointment was there wasn't more!!
So, when I read about 12:23's premise, I knew I was in for one hell of a ride! From the moment Kim (loved that she was such a strong female character) and Dylan (the guy who seemed to be everyone's hero) realize they are writing the same story, the roller coaster grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. For a novella, it is packed with enough plot and excitement to keep you turning pages!
Johnson is very comfortable writing science fiction (see his other works) and connect you with his characters through witty dialogue. My only disappointment was there wasn't more!!
December 29, 2019
A short novella, so a quick read, but it packs a lot of punch. Loved the concept of two writers meeting up at a writing conference, only to discover they have been working independently on the same story with each other as the main character. From this trippy idea, the author expands out to an interesting meditation on writing and writers, characters, and fate, all within a science fiction setting that feels both classic and original. Can't reveal too much more without including spoilers, but will just say it all leads up to an ending that is both unexpected and slightly haunting but totally earned by what has gone before. For fans of thoughtful and suspenseful sci-fi.
October 5, 2020
An interesting concept: two authors, both writing science fiction, both looking to network and make connections, meet at a convention and are stunned to find that they recognise each other as the protagonists in their novels.
They know everything about each other, their personal history, their secrets, the whole lot: and it's brilliant. But as the pair realise they are, in fact, characters in their own combined story, the alien invasion aspect comes to the fore.
A really interesting idea, I enjoyed reading this novella. That said, and as much as I'm not bothered by swearing, there was so much of it, I grew bored of the strong language.
They know everything about each other, their personal history, their secrets, the whole lot: and it's brilliant. But as the pair realise they are, in fact, characters in their own combined story, the alien invasion aspect comes to the fore.
A really interesting idea, I enjoyed reading this novella. That said, and as much as I'm not bothered by swearing, there was so much of it, I grew bored of the strong language.
December 6, 2020
This story was a pleasure to read. The premise intrigued me, and it did not disappoint. Two authors discover that they've written the same story, and end up sharing more than just characters and plot. This book is an interesting ride as it starts off innocently enough, and ends up being an entertaining alien invasion story- with the authors as heroes. I enjoyed the portrayal of the everyday lives of the authors in the story, which included their relatable experience in the "writing community". I also enjoyed the light-hearted humour throughout. Patrick's writing kept me curious,
and invested in the characters. I recommend it for its serendipity-meets-slaying aliens plot. A fun read.
and invested in the characters. I recommend it for its serendipity-meets-slaying aliens plot. A fun read.
September 6, 2021
12:23 has a very good premise. Two people meet each other at a convention and realize they’ve written stories with the other person as their MC. The chapter that’s included from each writer has their own unique writing style (the first one isn’t that great, but if you get through it, the book gets better). Before they know it, they’re living out what they had thought was just a book.
The writing has various quality levels. It’s at its worst as the woman’s chapter is revealed. The book is interesting, but it’s also too simplistic at times. As a quick read, though, it’s worth checking out.
The writing has various quality levels. It’s at its worst as the woman’s chapter is revealed. The book is interesting, but it’s also too simplistic at times. As a quick read, though, it’s worth checking out.
October 24, 2020
Sci Fi and rational worlds collide
Two writers from different states see each other for the first time across the room at a writing conference. They’re stunned because they recognize each other as the main character in the Sci Fi books they wrote.
This short book moves crisply from their initial discovery through what happens when their fantasy world collides with the real world.
Good premise and fun book. Recommend.
Two writers from different states see each other for the first time across the room at a writing conference. They’re stunned because they recognize each other as the main character in the Sci Fi books they wrote.
This short book moves crisply from their initial discovery through what happens when their fantasy world collides with the real world.
Good premise and fun book. Recommend.
March 6, 2020
The idea behind the story enticed me. The story kept me reading. Surprise outcome ... for me anyway.
A well written, easy to read sci-fi novella with relatable characters. If you lead a busy life like me, this is perfect for a quick escape without committing too much of your time. Well worth a read, and I will be reading more from this author.
A well written, easy to read sci-fi novella with relatable characters. If you lead a busy life like me, this is perfect for a quick escape without committing too much of your time. Well worth a read, and I will be reading more from this author.
October 4, 2020
A fun, quick read full of writerly in-jokes that starts off with a clever premise, but then derails a bit in the end.
At a writers conference in Vegas, two people meet and realize the other person is the main character in their work in progess...I hate it when that happens!
I will say no more so as not to spoil the surprises.
At a writers conference in Vegas, two people meet and realize the other person is the main character in their work in progess...I hate it when that happens!
I will say no more so as not to spoil the surprises.
October 30, 2021
This novella is nicely balanced and I enjoyed it. The author weaves in backstory, a story within a story, classic sci-fi action, a smattering of romance, includes the writing community, and so much more.
This is a worthy read whether you are a sci-fi fan or not. If you are a sci-fi fan, this is a definite for your TBR pile.
This is a worthy read whether you are a sci-fi fan or not. If you are a sci-fi fan, this is a definite for your TBR pile.
July 10, 2022
From Science Fiction author Patrick F. Johnson
He recommended I read this novella before reading his other books. I really enjoyed the flow of the story. I have a lot of questions? So, maybe he will write a second novella and make it into a series. If you like aliens, read this book.
He recommended I read this novella before reading his other books. I really enjoyed the flow of the story. I have a lot of questions? So, maybe he will write a second novella and make it into a series. If you like aliens, read this book.
September 28, 2022
The beginning had me hooked
From the start, this quick read had me hooked. I found it a little redundant in parts.
The second half went by too fast, and all of the character building in the first portion was lost for me.
That being said, the premise was unique and I’d like to see it explored in more detail.
From the start, this quick read had me hooked. I found it a little redundant in parts.
The second half went by too fast, and all of the character building in the first portion was lost for me.
That being said, the premise was unique and I’d like to see it explored in more detail.
April 24, 2024
This is a fun, quick read that is honestly one of the best palate cleansers (that's what I read it for) I've had the pleasure of putting past my eyes. The writing is efficient and exciting, the theme is different and has a nice twist, and will make you keep reading to see how it all turns out! Perfect size for a road trip or one night with a book.
August 30, 2024
Literary alien invasion
Wow. Just wow. Interesting Explorer the literary characters taking on a life of their own. Two writers meet at a conference an discover they have written the same book. And they are the protagonist of each others books....then the aliens invade. Love this clever rendition of alien invasion.
Wow. Just wow. Interesting Explorer the literary characters taking on a life of their own. Two writers meet at a conference an discover they have written the same book. And they are the protagonist of each others books....then the aliens invade. Love this clever rendition of alien invasion.
May 6, 2020
Could it really be the future?
Could you really be given dreams of the future? What if they came true? A truly new way of doing paranormal fiction. All of it is totally unexpected and very gripping. I found it intriguing to think it just might be true.
Could you really be given dreams of the future? What if they came true? A truly new way of doing paranormal fiction. All of it is totally unexpected and very gripping. I found it intriguing to think it just might be true.
August 13, 2020
A two star review with a glowing recommendation got me reading this book and I was contemplating leaving a one star review to get more attention to this strange and unique read. I’m not sure it’s worth the risk because I don’t want to scare you off so I would like to give it 4,5 stars if only it’s possible.
I don’t want to spoil your experience by revealing anything but will try my hardest to make sure you don’t miss out on this book. I only wish it was longer but maybe we’ll get more later? It certainly got me hooked.
I don’t want to spoil your experience by revealing anything but will try my hardest to make sure you don’t miss out on this book. I only wish it was longer but maybe we’ll get more later? It certainly got me hooked.
September 28, 2020
This is an unusual story. At first there's signs of what many would consider as predictable, but while the story unfolds, there's twists and turns that makes the story amusing and weird. It's a fun read and is very entertaining.
February 5, 2021
Two writers meet each other at a conference and things get a little creepy as they discover they are characters in each other's books. This was a suspenseful quick read. I enjoyed the story as it unfolded and Kim & Dylan discover something ominous is happening. The ending was a surprise.
August 12, 2022
Fractal patterns with a meta vibe
With a strong first story including interesting themes that can be weaved into future stories, Patrick F. Johnson has hit all the right notes. The only question that remains: did he have a co-author? And if so, how does his wife feel about it :)
With a strong first story including interesting themes that can be weaved into future stories, Patrick F. Johnson has hit all the right notes. The only question that remains: did he have a co-author? And if so, how does his wife feel about it :)
January 3, 2023
Love the premise, but I feel like the story could be expanded. It seemed rather rushed toward the end. Fun short read, fun premise with lots of potential... just wish there was a bit more meat on its bones.
November 27, 2023
Creative plot and storyline!
I really liked how the author wrote a story within a story. The aliens were a great addition. Very entertaining. I enjoy a good novella or short story!!😀
I really liked how the author wrote a story within a story. The aliens were a great addition. Very entertaining. I enjoy a good novella or short story!!😀
March 19, 2025
A unique plot with a beautiful story
Not much to say besides it is good. I didn’t feel like anything was left out at the end. Short and sweet.
But if I did have a lot to say it would include very creative, fun, fast paced, tender, subtle and probably minor epic.
Not much to say besides it is good. I didn’t feel like anything was left out at the end. Short and sweet.
But if I did have a lot to say it would include very creative, fun, fast paced, tender, subtle and probably minor epic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews