Hywela Lyn: MY REVIEW OF 12.21.12

at 2:36 pm

12.21.12 by Killian McRae
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Science Fiction/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Heat: Sensual

Archaeologist Sheppard Smyth has staked his career as well as the memory of his deceased wife and partner on proving his widely-panned theory: Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of Ancient Egypt, was murdered. When a statue of the doomed Queen is discovered in an Olmec excavation site, Smyth is drawn to Mexico to investigate and, hopefully, find the proof that has evaded him for so long. Soon, he finds himself in the middle of the rivalry between the sexy, bewitching international thief, Victoria Kent, and commanding, ruthless Russian mobster, Dmitri Kronastia.

Both Dmitri and Victoria hold pieces to the puzzle that will finally shed light on Cleopatra’s death. As Shep is drawn further into their world of ancient gods, supernatural powers, and alternative history, little does he know that the fate of all—even humanity itself—may hinge on his ability to discover the truth among their fragmented claims. Working to decode the true past while attempting to save the future, Shep becomes a pawn in the hands of forces working out a quest older than the pyramids—a quest that may lead to the end of everything when it all comes together on 12.21.12.

REVIEW

Sheppard Smyth is struggling to come to terms with the accidental death of his wife, Christine and throws himself into his work as an archaeologist. Christine, had worked with him to try and prove his theory that the death of Cleopatra V11 was not the suicide history relates, but murder. He is driven to relentlessly continue with his investigations, not only to uphold his reputation but to ensure that his beloved wife had not died in vain.

When an incredible find is made - the discovery of a statue of Cleopatra, in an Olmec excavation site - he immediately travels to Mexico - and embarks on an adventure that is even more amazing than the theory he is trying to prove.

Egyptian mythology merges with Olmec history, and the shadow of the Mayan prophesy of the end of the world order on 12-21-12. The thrilling and complex plot of this novel moves swiftly and inexorably toward its surprising conclusion. Along the way, Shep becomes involved with some of the most interesting and memorable characters I have come across in a long while. In addition to his old friend, Hector Gonzales, there is Victoria Kent, the beautiful and charismatic collector of archaeological ‘souvenirs’ with whom Shep immediately feels a ‘connection.’ Then there is the sinister Dmitri Kronastia, a rather untypical Russian Gang Leader, and Christine’s brother, Alex, who turns up unexpectedly. Few of the main characters in this novel are what they seem, and are all extremely well drawn and memorable.

As Shep becomes drawn into the mysterious web of ancient powers, prophesy and an alien civilization he finds his own quest is just a small piece of an age old plan which is about to reach its amazing finale.

I was gripped by this story from Page 1, and was immediately drawn to the characters, Shep is easy to empathize with, dedicated and enthusiastic, although dealing with a broken heart, and even the characters who seem to be on the ‘wrong side’ have a charisma about them which makes one want to find out more.

I was keen to read 12-21-12 because I have a fascination for the civilizations of Ancient Egypt and South America, and I was not disappointed, but there is something for everyone in this novel, whether one enjoys romance, suspense, Science Fiction/Fantasy, the paranormal or just an entertaining and thought-provoking read. I can thoroughly recommend it.

Website: www.killianmcrae.com

Blog: killianmcrae.wordpress.com

Twitter: @killianmcrae

Facebook: www.facebook.com/killian.mcrae

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4389465.Killian_McRae

PURCHASE 12.21.10 AT AMAZON

PLEASE STOP HERE AGAIN TOMORROW TO READ KILLIANE'S GUEST POST ABOUT SEARCHING ACROSS CULTURES AND TIME.