![twelve[1]](http://nextread.co.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/twelve1.jpg "twelve[1]")
Unreview: Twelve by Jasper Kent
Published by Bantam Press on 01 January 2009
This is my second unreview of the year. I’m calling them unreviews as I’ve invested enough time reading book to get a feel for the contents without actually getting to the end. Now this is a little controversial as Aiden reviewed an incomplete reading Ten Thousand by Paul Kearney. But my reason for sharing is that not many people mention books they’ve put down and give their reasons why. So perhaps you’ll get an impression of me as a reader as well as see that when I get captured by a book why I’m so positive.
Anyway, Twelve is set in 1812 during Napoleon’s march on Moscow. Four soldiers enlist the help of the ‘Oprichniki’; Twelve people who seemingly bring plaque with them – as people die on the path they take reach Aleksei Ivanovich Danilov and his companions. They’re enlisted to help disrupt the march of the French. A task they seem to do it a little too well.
Twelve, is a vampire myth weaved around historical fantasy. It relies heavily on the atmosphere of war and the immersion of the reader in Alekei’s view point. And that’s my first problem with the storytelling. I’m not really liking the voice of Alekei. It’s not badly written. It’s just that, well, it’s kind of boring. Without being dismissive not a lot has happened in the first 97 pages and I’m not that keen to read the another 390 pages of the thing.
I guess it’s partly me as a reader. I’m open to most genres and writers but they need a bit of narrative oomph or a hook or an interesting character or something that interests me.
Twelve relies heavily on its link with history and the tease that the readers know the ‘Oprichniki’ are vampires. We’re just waiting for Alekei and his companions to realise it.
From reading other reviews. I’m missing out on the turn that takes place after 200 pages and especially page 270 but I’m not sure if they mention that to give readers a goal to reach so they know the last 200 was worth struggling with.
There is nothing wrong with the descriptions or the writing itself, but for me it just lacks that x-factor that draws me into a story. But if you do like historical novels with a twist you might want to read a few chapters first to see if it pulls you in.
There are a bunch of second (and more positive) opinions here.
Gav, I've just posted my own review over at Speculative Horizons.
I can see what you mean; the first 100 pages didn't do much for me either. But then the story picks up, and from then onwards it more than held my attention. Granted, it's flawed in more than one way, but it's a good novel overall.
Gave, I really appreciate your "unreview". You are a reviewer but at the same time also a reader. So I liked to read your impression as a reader. I will get my copy of TWELVE in July 2009.
I read several books with a "flat" beginning. Despite your unreview – which I understand very well when I think about other books I read – I will give it a try and don't cancel my preorder.
Anyway if there is a need for more unreviews please post them.
[...] not having a good run with historical fantasy at the minute. But in Robert’s review of Blood & Ice by Robert Masello he [...]
Nice review – it just wasn't doing it for me. But that's the great thing about books. They are personal
Gav, don't get me wrong. As I told you I don't cancel my preorder. I understood that this was your personal comment. I just wanted to express that I made similar experience with other books. I read James' review and liked it. We are all human beings with different likes and dislikes.
And again I appreciate to read personal thoughts about books. I tried to write reviews and failed. I'm a member of GOODREADS and normally write my impression of every book I read. And that's all personal.
Just an example. I read THE SECRET HISTORY OF MOSCOW by Ekaterina Sedia. There have been a lot of positive reviews. But I personally was disappointed. The book didn't work for me. On the other hand I read THE ALCHEMY OF STONES by Ekaterina Sedia. The reviews have been muted but for me the book worked fine.
So I would like to read from time to time your personal comments.
I hope everything is clear now.
Thanks for this unreview Gav.
As I suspected, it relies heavily on both war and historical links … so, I don't think this is my cup of tea. I've read some good reviews but had an inkling the historical side, if overdone, would mean a dud buy for this reader.
Thanks for helping me make up my mind on this one and saving some poundage to go toward something I'd enjoy more
)
That's something that I missed in other reviews. It is very Sharpe like – well I've never watched or read Sharpe but it just leaves that military impression.
Hi Gav
You know what – this is still a good review. And you are being fair and honest, which is the only thing an author and publisher can ask for.
I also strongly believe that sometimes, you have to be in a "mood" for a book. The first time I tried reading The Historian I wanted to claw my eyes out, I thought it was that dull. I then left it on my shelf and re-read it a few months later and was utterly smitten by it.
So, kudos to you for being honest. Who knows, in a few months down the line, you may pick it up and like it!
[...] Twelve by Jasper Kent (Bantam Press) There is nothing wrong with the descriptions or the writing itself, but for me it just lacks that x-factor that draws me into a story. But if you do like historical novels with a twist you might want to read a few chapters first to see if it pulls you in. [...]
[...] Twelve by Jasper Kent [...]
Oh god, don't let me put you off! Everything is personal. But as I said. I just didn't care enough to carry on.
As you know I'm now a member of good reads just to find out your personal thoughts!
So you're telling us that Twelve, which you haven't read, strikes you as being rather similar to Sharpe, which you also haven't read. That's very insightful.
I'm happy to hear your thoughts after you've read Twelve… these are just mine. They are what they are.