'Watertight lies' focuses on the fight for drinkable water. This story, while well written, is rather a plain interpretation of what it'll be like in 2012 and not very inspiring because of the obviousness of the plot.

'Fleshy' is a very disturbing tale about a genetically modified lump of flesh. When it matures, a character describes, it will provide for anything he needs like a new organ or body component. This 'thing' develops, much to the fear and suspicion of Kelly, while her partner Matt is obviously hiding something. It is in the form of an email at the beginning and end, which the middle doesn't quite fit in with the voice of the character, but the ending will literally make you shiver. It was very freaky, but a very enjoyable read!

'Oh Russia' involves a lot of description and it is hard to get into because of the large chunks of backstory, especially for being confined by the boundaries of a short story. Some readers will find this a thick and difficult story.

'Soft Viscosity' is about the increased competition for oil as well as terrorism. While there are quite a few viewpoints, each are developed enough to not bulge out of the short story format. One of the most frightening aspects of this story is the drugs that make people so happy, they don't care what's happening. It was very nicely put together.

'Apocalypse rules, ok?' has an interesting structure with a list of rules for CIA agents followed by comments. It's a bit disappointing though that more of the character commenting on it isn't revealed, and thus is a hard story to get attached to or feel strongly towards it.

'The Last Word' is the most compelling of all stories in this anthology. Jane is a scientist trying to seek a way to cure melanoma, when she runs into funding problems and has to go to her last resort: her rich ex. The end will astound and scare you. It truly is a frightening prospect and the way it's written only emphasises the brilliant and original story.

'Ghost Jail' seems to be more about the evolution of mankind to a state where they can see ghosts, rather than physical dangers or resource losses. Out of all stories, this feels the most unlikely and more fantasy than something that could actually happen in or before 2012.

'I love you like water' is another story about the loss of drinkable water, but the way that it's written and the basis for how humanity deals with it is very eerie. It seems to be (although it is not clear if it was meant to be) a homage to Dune and Frank Herbert's Fremen. Class is, as ever, an important factor separating mankind, and that difference will, according to this story, only exaggerate more with time. It was a very well developed and engaging story.

'Skinsongs' is really interesting and quite unique. In this 2012, people's skins can be read like music, and one star doesn't want to be a one hit wonder. While the rest of the anthology is tied up with the utter condemnation of humanity's excessive greed over resources, that this story is not focused on water or oil is a comfortable and interesting relief from the more serious nature's of the other stories.

'David Bowie' is an interesting style by the author where the story is just dialogue. It's unique format in itself is engaging, although it's not a very evocative image of 2012 despite the natural conversation of the characters.

'Oblivion' focuses on a lonely old man, a paraplegic in a home, who reaches out to a nurse. Even with all the rapid changes in society that are briefly described, family life and problems are just the same. This 2012 world is just sad to think about, exacerbated by the point of view the story is written from.

2012 is an excellent anthology from the great minds Alisa Krasnostein and Ben Payne, as well as all the authors and well worthy of reading.