Whatever else he may be, Strieber is a skilled fiction writer who knows exactly what buttons to push. 2012 begins with a big bang, literally exploding the Great Pyramid of Giza. A plot device which screams out movie opening scene. But not to worry, this is in a parallel time line, depicting the world of archaeologist Martin Winters, which is being invaded by nasty aliens using dimensional portals that become available in the year of the title. Meanwhile, on another parallel earth, we learn of alien abduction author Wylie Dale -- a Strieber pseudonym -- as he ponders how best to reveal these events to his readers. Dale is never actually present to observe them, he has trance-like visions of events taking place on Winter's world. The exuberant plot that follows incorporates just about everything followers of this genre love; alien abductions, biological implants, paranormal events, extra dimensional time travel, and inevitably US government conspiracy. Overlaid are Strieber's musings -- via his characters -- on human awareness, the nature of the soul, and the fragility of the human mind. In particular when it comes into contact with his much misunderstood, anal-probing, grey-skinned aliens. Part of the story clearly has a semi autobiographical component, presented though the persona of Wylie Dale, as he reveals the impact events have had on him and his loved ones. It's a fast paced, careening tale, which is the literary equivalent to driving in a fast car; take your eyes off the road, and you're in trouble. For those with a good attention span, there's no problem keeping track of events. At times, Strieber impresses with his eloquent use of language, simultaneously managing to entertain and affect at a deeper level, like a good preacher should. This is especially evident in scenes where characters are witnessing souls being ripped from bodies, and pulled apart. What's lacking, is a credible, well explained, scientific basis for the abundant super-science and metaphysics. Sometimes this produces a sense of disbelief suspended by its neck, only to be saved by the author's well honed story-telling powers.

Not so much apocalypse now as apocalypse in a few years time, 2012: The War For Souls offers a thought-provoking twist on Strieber's previous aliens inspired works, smoothly fused with a possible explanation for what may happen at the end of the present age. What it lacks is plausibility. However, Strieber's inclusion of real life characters at various strategic points, and a dash of parody which shows he's not afraid to laugh at himself, adds that vital sparkle. Without being too specific, I found the ending somewhat lacking in the grit and gravitas befitting the end of the world as we know it. But nothing to put off Strieber's legion of true believers, or his even greater number of fiction fans.