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12: A Novel About the End of the Mayan Calendar
Every 25,800 the Sun makes a reverse cycle through the Zodiac and rests in the eye of Sagittarius (the archer). At this time the temporal and celestial planes touch creating a portal through which gods enter the temporal plane to battle for the elemental nature of the Earth.
274 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2009
13 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Marcus Oshins
11 books99 followersJeffrey Marcus Oshins worked on the national security staff of the US Congress for eleven years with a focus on military sealift. He is the founder of NatPrep (www.natprep.com) providing homeland security consulting to domestic and foreign clients. He worked in the port of Skikda, Algeria a year after an explosion in the LNG facility there had flattened much of the port and city. The Gray Anarchist is his sixth published book.
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September 28, 2012AND WE SHALL PERISH, the sequel to 12: A NOVEL ABOUT THE END OF THE MAYAN CALENDAR, has been released as part of the countdown to 12-21-12.
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March 13, 2012**I won this book from Goodreads as a First Reads giveaway**
June 5, 2022
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this super-quirky read! I will say the standout elements to me was the beginning, which is when the Mayan gods are the main characters. I find Mayan mythology really interesting, and I loved the way it was depicted here. The central story was not as compelling (I didn't love the main character) but it was still a fun and fast-paced read.
December 11, 2009
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4.0 out of 5 stars 2012 Mayan Civilization Meets Modern Culture, November 4, 2009
By Larry W. Oconnor "lwoconnor" (Lynden, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
It's important to begin this review by acknowledging immediately that reading page 1 of this book increased my knowledge on the subject matter of the Mayan calendar by 100%. I've been a non-follower of the 2012 phenomenon until this book and I were introduced. For that very reason, the opening pages of the work were both vital to me (what are the cultural names and suppositions with which I'm dealing) and dense to the point that they required a notepad and some initial patience. Irish names, I can handle, Quetzal, Kinchel, seemed initially obscure until I got into the rhythm of the text.
The opening chapters of the book are written in third person while the roles are introduced, then the narrative switches to the voice of Du, the book's hero and focus. The shift seemed distracting at first, but was rewarding as the story is best understood through the thoughts of the god Tatya-Masi who discovers the complexities of his role as a central theme of the book (no spoilers here since the opening paragraphs tell you of his conundrum).
Oshins' task, as the book picks up pace, is to readily bring to life the array of unseen forces joining in the battle the Mayan lore envisions. To do so, the book becomes both highly visual and distinctly auditory. At times, this is a strain because this reader wanted to see, not just imagine the manifestations Oshins describes, and to hear the onomatopoeia that identify the combatants rather than read them. The result is that, at times, it seemed like I was reading a movie that I would much prefer to watch. To me, that was a good thing, I wanted to watch (and would when Hollywood picks up this tome).
As the adventure progresses, Du finds himself first the tentative then the happy cohort of a group of what could best be defined as "hippie throwback commune members" complete with a public persona that brings a truly unexpected dimension of pure fun to the book. The subplot, although elaborate, never seems like a digression, it's "instrumental" (an advised term) in advancing the main plot line. I marveled at how Oshins managed to create a book segment where Mayan conflict somehow lost its war to Hunter S Thompson (albeit briefly). This segment was pure fun, while at the same time moving things along seamlessly.
Two things keep a mini-star (I'd like to rate this four and a half) out of full-fledged unabashed "read it today" recommendation for this book. The first is that the central character, Du, is so plagued with self doubt, that I truly wanted to sit the young creature down and have a "suck it up" conversation with him. Introspection is a VERY important aspect of the character, but it becomes too prevalent after awhile to the point of creating impatience with our hero. The second is that, about fifty pages from the end of the book, I began to have the eerie feeling that I wouldn't get the neat, compact resolution of plot that I hope for when I read fiction, and sure enough, I didn't. The good news is, if the postlog, is accurate you can, just not in one reading.
I'm a bit of a born cynic. I would probably not have added the upcoming move about 2012 to my video store rental list for its own sake. The book "12", however, is a different tale indeed. As a work of "ancient culture meets pop culture, adventure/fantasy fiction" this was well worth the time.
Get it, pop a cold one, and enjoy the ride.
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4.0 out of 5 stars (1 customer review)
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4.0 out of 5 stars 2012 Mayan Civilization Meets Modern Culture, November 4, 2009
By Larry W. Oconnor "lwoconnor" (Lynden, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
It's important to begin this review by acknowledging immediately that reading page 1 of this book increased my knowledge on the subject matter of the Mayan calendar by 100%. I've been a non-follower of the 2012 phenomenon until this book and I were introduced. For that very reason, the opening pages of the work were both vital to me (what are the cultural names and suppositions with which I'm dealing) and dense to the point that they required a notepad and some initial patience. Irish names, I can handle, Quetzal, Kinchel, seemed initially obscure until I got into the rhythm of the text.
The opening chapters of the book are written in third person while the roles are introduced, then the narrative switches to the voice of Du, the book's hero and focus. The shift seemed distracting at first, but was rewarding as the story is best understood through the thoughts of the god Tatya-Masi who discovers the complexities of his role as a central theme of the book (no spoilers here since the opening paragraphs tell you of his conundrum).
Oshins' task, as the book picks up pace, is to readily bring to life the array of unseen forces joining in the battle the Mayan lore envisions. To do so, the book becomes both highly visual and distinctly auditory. At times, this is a strain because this reader wanted to see, not just imagine the manifestations Oshins describes, and to hear the onomatopoeia that identify the combatants rather than read them. The result is that, at times, it seemed like I was reading a movie that I would much prefer to watch. To me, that was a good thing, I wanted to watch (and would when Hollywood picks up this tome).
As the adventure progresses, Du finds himself first the tentative then the happy cohort of a group of what could best be defined as "hippie throwback commune members" complete with a public persona that brings a truly unexpected dimension of pure fun to the book. The subplot, although elaborate, never seems like a digression, it's "instrumental" (an advised term) in advancing the main plot line. I marveled at how Oshins managed to create a book segment where Mayan conflict somehow lost its war to Hunter S Thompson (albeit briefly). This segment was pure fun, while at the same time moving things along seamlessly.
Two things keep a mini-star (I'd like to rate this four and a half) out of full-fledged unabashed "read it today" recommendation for this book. The first is that the central character, Du, is so plagued with self doubt, that I truly wanted to sit the young creature down and have a "suck it up" conversation with him. Introspection is a VERY important aspect of the character, but it becomes too prevalent after awhile to the point of creating impatience with our hero. The second is that, about fifty pages from the end of the book, I began to have the eerie feeling that I wouldn't get the neat, compact resolution of plot that I hope for when I read fiction, and sure enough, I didn't. The good news is, if the postlog, is accurate you can, just not in one reading.
I'm a bit of a born cynic. I would probably not have added the upcoming move about 2012 to my video store rental list for its own sake. The book "12", however, is a different tale indeed. As a work of "ancient culture meets pop culture, adventure/fantasy fiction" this was well worth the time.
Get it, pop a cold one, and enjoy the ride.
July 12, 2010
I tried to like this book, I really did. I just couldn't get into the story and I couldn't care about the characters. I yawned each time Du found himself in a new predicament, looked the other way when characters died, and found myself wishing that the bad guys would just get him and get it over with. I don't know if it was just that I couldn't relate at all to Du (the frog/boy hybrid) or if he was just not developed enough to engage the reader. I got annoyed with him rather than sympathetic. I just couldn't like the book, and didn't end up finishing. I can't justify spending my time on something that isn't engaging. (I gave it 300 pages to speak to me, but when it didn't, I put it down.)
With that however, Oshins does a brilliant job with the mythology involved. I cheered for the Mayan gods as they went to battle over the fate of the earth. Those guys were menacing, nicely written, and believable. I'm an archaeologist (okay, not practicing, but still!) and MesoAmerica was my specialty. So I know this stuff. I know the legends, the myths, the gods, the culture. And Oshins delivered and kept the spirit of the Mayan culture alive. I appreciated that. I just wish it had been enough to override my intense dislike of the main character!
With that however, Oshins does a brilliant job with the mythology involved. I cheered for the Mayan gods as they went to battle over the fate of the earth. Those guys were menacing, nicely written, and believable. I'm an archaeologist (okay, not practicing, but still!) and MesoAmerica was my specialty. So I know this stuff. I know the legends, the myths, the gods, the culture. And Oshins delivered and kept the spirit of the Mayan culture alive. I appreciated that. I just wish it had been enough to override my intense dislike of the main character!
May 30, 2010
This novel presents an interesting perspective on 2012, the year the ancient Mayan calendar ends, as it confronts the possibility of a new age and the end of our world as we know it. At times, Oshins is not only creative, but also captivating, bringing the South American landscape and ancient Mayan culture to life. Where 12 falls short, however, is in its awkward presentation of the cosmic confrontations as Du, the frog-like teenager destined to determine the fate of mankind, flees from his destiny as Tatya Masi. The book is also hindered by its strange formatting, with spaces between each paragraph and all too frequent and unnecessary italicizing. Ultimately, Oschins’ story-telling make up for these short-comings. I look forward to more from this author.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I must disclose that this book was recieved for free through Goodreads First Reads Program.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I must disclose that this book was recieved for free through Goodreads First Reads Program.
January 26, 2010
I received a copy of this book through FirstReads.
The book got me interested in the topic of Mayan calendar and its prediction of the end of the world. I am not really sure I believe about the imminent end of the world as we know it and this book seemed to be written more like a fantasy to me. Du, the main character, who is a god whose destiny is to resolve the conflicts between the gods of Water, Fire and Serpent, finds himself in doubt about his identity, family and abilities, reflective of human struggles despite his being not really human (frog-like). The descriptions of scenes and events were very vivid and colorful and it was an unstoppable action of the battle of good and evil (sometimes it was hard to tell who was good and who was evil). I expected the resolution to be more 'insightful', however; it felt that some things were not explained completely throughout the story. Overall, I would be interested to find out what adventures await Du in Volume 2.
The book got me interested in the topic of Mayan calendar and its prediction of the end of the world. I am not really sure I believe about the imminent end of the world as we know it and this book seemed to be written more like a fantasy to me. Du, the main character, who is a god whose destiny is to resolve the conflicts between the gods of Water, Fire and Serpent, finds himself in doubt about his identity, family and abilities, reflective of human struggles despite his being not really human (frog-like). The descriptions of scenes and events were very vivid and colorful and it was an unstoppable action of the battle of good and evil (sometimes it was hard to tell who was good and who was evil). I expected the resolution to be more 'insightful', however; it felt that some things were not explained completely throughout the story. Overall, I would be interested to find out what adventures await Du in Volume 2.
November 7, 2012
Review of 12 by Jeffrey Marcus Oshins
4 stars
If you’re looking for the standard doom-and-gloom world-ending catatrosphic calendar-end story—look somewhere else, this is not it. The subtitle is: “A Novel About the End of the Mayan Calendar” and that is what it is. If the Mayan Calendar ends at 12-21-12, why does it do so? According to this novel, it’s due to the ending of the Age of Man, which will be accomplished by a Mayan god through a Great Flood. But—what if that potential destructor does not wish to remove humanity from this planet? If he changes his mind, the result might be what “12” purports. Try it out and see for yourself. It’s good to see a positive view of the Mayan perplexity, isn’t it?
I reviewed an e-book copy provided to me by the author in return for my fair and impartial review.
4 stars
If you’re looking for the standard doom-and-gloom world-ending catatrosphic calendar-end story—look somewhere else, this is not it. The subtitle is: “A Novel About the End of the Mayan Calendar” and that is what it is. If the Mayan Calendar ends at 12-21-12, why does it do so? According to this novel, it’s due to the ending of the Age of Man, which will be accomplished by a Mayan god through a Great Flood. But—what if that potential destructor does not wish to remove humanity from this planet? If he changes his mind, the result might be what “12” purports. Try it out and see for yourself. It’s good to see a positive view of the Mayan perplexity, isn’t it?
I reviewed an e-book copy provided to me by the author in return for my fair and impartial review.
February 9, 2010
As I began this book, I was a bit skeptical about the story line, but as I got further into the book, I found I was pulled into the story and into the Mayan mythology it brings to life. This is a timely book about the Mayan calendar's end of a 5,126-year era on December 21, 2012 (12-21-12).
As odd as some of the characters in the book appear, they are uncannily believable, and I found myself cheering (and fearing) for the protagonist throughout my reading. While the gods battle to rule the next world (or era), the protagonist, Du, tries to understand his role as Tatya-Masi (the frog god), and whether it is a role he is willing to assume.
An enchanting story that will keep you reading and anticipating the sequel.
As odd as some of the characters in the book appear, they are uncannily believable, and I found myself cheering (and fearing) for the protagonist throughout my reading. While the gods battle to rule the next world (or era), the protagonist, Du, tries to understand his role as Tatya-Masi (the frog god), and whether it is a role he is willing to assume.
An enchanting story that will keep you reading and anticipating the sequel.
May 3, 2010
With the months ticking down to 2012 and our supposed "doomsday", there are oodles of novels out there about 2012, fiction and non-fiction. This novel, 12 by Jeffrey Marcus Oshins, is fiction and really good fiction at that. I've read several 2012 novels and all of them have been much the same but this one took an entirely different road in the Mayan calendar story.
It involves Gods fighting for the world and when one won, he/she/it took over the world until the next one came along. We are on the cusp of another takeover and this book is about it.
This was a very interesting book filled with lots of the "legend" of why we are led to believe we will all be "screwed" on 12-12-2012. A good read for those that like a thrill...with a few gods thrown in.
It involves Gods fighting for the world and when one won, he/she/it took over the world until the next one came along. We are on the cusp of another takeover and this book is about it.
This was a very interesting book filled with lots of the "legend" of why we are led to believe we will all be "screwed" on 12-12-2012. A good read for those that like a thrill...with a few gods thrown in.
July 21, 2010
I was so excited when I found out I had won a copy of 12 from Goodreads. I find the Mayan culture fascinating and was looking forward to seeing how Oshins would weave mythology into his story. I found the beginning of the story confusing and a bit disconnected but kept on. I hoped that as the story played out, it would become less confusing but it didn't. I realize that some of my difficulties arose from the unique way that Goshins told the story. I found it hard to emphasize with the main character, Du and his personal struggle. During Du's quest, I didn't find myself caring if he succeeded. Perhaps if I read it a second time, it would make more sense. I don't think I will be doing so and definitely won't be looking for the sequel.
April 2, 2012
When I won this book from a goodreads giveaway, I was excited as I thought it sounded like a great story, and it dealt with mythology which I always enjoy learning about. Unfortunatly the book did not live up to my expectations. In fact, I only read the first 130 pages and then gave up on reading it.
The story just did not grab my attention. The first two chapters of it jumped through time too much and really should have been shortened and considered a prologue. When the story did start, I did not empathize with the characters and still could not get into the story.
I will try to read this book again after awhile as it was starting to become better, but I have so many other books that I want to read right now.
The story just did not grab my attention. The first two chapters of it jumped through time too much and really should have been shortened and considered a prologue. When the story did start, I did not empathize with the characters and still could not get into the story.
I will try to read this book again after awhile as it was starting to become better, but I have so many other books that I want to read right now.
May 27, 2010
I won this book from a Goodreads First Reads contest, and sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations at all.
I read half of it before I just couldn't continue, skimming through the rest. I found the characters uninspired, the premise a little too much for my tastes, and really, Jerry Garcia? Really? And the novel itself moved at a very slow pace, I could never get pulled into the book how I wanted to.
I read half of it before I just couldn't continue, skimming through the rest. I found the characters uninspired, the premise a little too much for my tastes, and really, Jerry Garcia? Really? And the novel itself moved at a very slow pace, I could never get pulled into the book how I wanted to.
March 31, 2010
I received 12 through Goodreads Giveaways, thank you so much Jeffrey.
A fascinating read indeed. It starts of interesting and continues throughout - no 'wasted words' - my kind of book! :D
It's very well written. The author did an amazing job weaving the ancient and the modern world together.
I look forward to reading the sequel (And We Shall Perish).
A fascinating read indeed. It starts of interesting and continues throughout - no 'wasted words' - my kind of book! :D
It's very well written. The author did an amazing job weaving the ancient and the modern world together.
I look forward to reading the sequel (And We Shall Perish).
April 8, 2010
I got this book through the Goodreads giveaway and was glad that I did. I love a book that opens up a whole area that I've never learned much about before. It contained beautiful and vivid descriptions as well as engaging action. The characters were unique and believable. A different and enjoyable read.
May 24, 2010
This was a great book! I won it through the First Reads draws. It is a good mix of the mythology of the Mayans, the end of their calendar/age of fire in 2012, suspense, and a little humour. The main character struggles with the choice of becoming a god (his destiny) or remaining a boy. The world faces total flooding. A fight between the forces of fire and water. Give it a read!
May 2, 2010
After two weeks of reading this SLOW novel. I dropped it half way through the novel. I could not get into it whatsoever.
Absolute boredom.
Not recommended.
I won this novel through goodreads.com. This novel is the first from the dozens I won, i absolutely disliked.
Absolute boredom.
Not recommended.
I won this novel through goodreads.com. This novel is the first from the dozens I won, i absolutely disliked.
October 6, 2011
This is a great book for the right reader. It teaches a lot about the Mayan calendar. I received it in a FirstReads giveaway and was very excited. Out of my hundred students, I think I could pick one or two who might enjoy it, but those students would love it. I look forward to reading Volume 2!
May 16, 2010
When I entered for this book I thought it was entirely something else-then I started to read it and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was actually a superbly written book that keeps you in suspense in the first few pages.
I eagerly await the second part!
I eagerly await the second part!
September 17, 2012
Enjoyed premise of story. Found novel characters & plot line which kept my attention. Author has easy style which weaves story in interesting manner. Historical facts are provided. Recommend to anyone seeking good read.
July 9, 2010
I won this book through First Reads and it wasn't really what I was expecting. I was a bit disappointed and I didn't finish.
Read
July 26, 2010Having viewed the exhibit of Mayans and water at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem two weeks ago, I have an even stronger desire to read this book.
November 4, 2012
Really enjoyed author's writing style. Well researched and presented end of world scenario. Kept my attention with ease. This one will keep you guessing to end.
October 20, 2012
fun and interesting to read!
February 4, 2013
A collection of related short tales relating to Quetzal and the Mayan calander set in Mexico. A gift from the author.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews