Gary Jennings, author of many historical thrillers including Aztec, died in 1999, leaving behind notes of ideas for further stories. Editor Robert Gleason and writer Junius Podrug have paired up to continue Jennings’ historical thriller legacy with several novels, including this one.

Apocalypse 2012 describes a modern world where global warming is destroying the planet, the volcano under Yellowstone National Park is about to explode, and an asteroid is heading toward the earth. Astrophysicist Monica Cardiff believes that four codices written 1000 years ago by an Aztec-Mayan man named Coyotl may contain a solution to earth's problems. Racing against bandits and time, two archeologists travel through lawless Mexico in search of the hidden codices.

In a parallel story we follow the life of Coyotl, from his time as a slave of the Dog People to his eventual role as astronomer to the king of Tula. The civilization of Tula is collapsing and Coctyl must work on and then hide the Great Calendar and three other codices so they will be available for future generations.

For a historical thriller, Apocalypse 2012 is slow moving. Near mid-novel, the pace picks up, but the suspense is not gripping, possibly because the action scenes are not smoothly written. The reader must at times re-read a scene to figure out what happened. The dialog is implausible with characters sharing encyclopedic information rather than having conversations. The novel concludes mid-action, making this reader guess that a sequel is forthcoming. I won't be looking for it. ( )

Entertaining and filled to the brim with historical information about ancient central american tribal traditions. My one complaint was the gratuitous graphic sex scene that was extremely porn-like in its crassness. I am definitely not a prude, but given the relationship of those 2 characters a much more romantic type scene would have appealed to me more. ( )

Many familiar with Gary Jennings' "Aztec" series will enjoy this book. Expectations should be measured, however, because "2012" is only Gary Jennings 'Lite'. Since 'Lite' is all one can get, then one should go for it. At the end of the day the book is enjoyable.

The delight I find from Jennings' original two "Aztec" books (and to a lesser extent in his Marco Polo-based novel "Journeyer") is the emotional depth and range of the key characters. It's been almost two years since I first discovered "Aztec" and I still find my thoughts drifting to the myriad tales of Mixtli Dark Cloud. Mixtli's inner monologue and narrative is what defines Jennings' characters. I find that tone very recognizable and comfortable.

"2012" bounces back and forth between early 1000 A.D. and modern day. The plot lines of the two times generally follow each other on a search to answer the questions of when, why, and what cataclysmic end will come to the earth. There are about twice as many pages dedicated to the main Aztec character, Coyotl, and his adventures than the modern day vignettes. If the book is Gary Jennings 'Lite', then you'll be as pleased as I was that the focus is on Coyotl, who could justifiably be considered Mixtil Dark Cloud 'Lite'.

"Apocalypse 2012" is purportedly based on Jennings' own notes found after his death in 1999. This book is not great. The storyline is unbalanced and, at some points, a little nonsensical. I found myself thumbing back through some sections trying to reconcile some of the actions. Ultimately, I threw my hands up and let myself enjoy the ride.

Though 384 pages (MUCH shorter than "Aztec"), the book is an extremely easy and quick read. Few chapters run more than 10 pages long.

If your expectations are set appropriately, and you pine for Gary Jennings, then buy this book. If you're looking for another "Aztec", then you'll have to keep searching. For those who haven't tried Jennings, this isn't a terrible introduction. But just be aware that this is more of an appetizer - the main course is "Aztec". ( )