14

By: Peter Clines

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Science Fiction, 2013

Padlocked doors. Strange light fixtures. Mutant cockroaches.

There are some odd things about Nate’s new apartment. Of course, he has other things on his mind. He hates his job. He has no money in the bank. No girlfriend. No plans for the future. So while his new home isn’t perfect, it’s livable. The rent is low, the property managers are friendly, and the odd little mysteries don’t nag at him too much. At least, not until he meets Mandy, his neighbor across the hall, and notices something unusual about her apartment. And Xela’s apartment. And Tim’s. And Veek’s. Because every room in this old Los Angeles brownstone has a mystery or two. Mysteries that stretch back over a hundred years. Some of them are in plain sight. Some are behind locked doors. And all together these mysteries could mean the end of Nate and his friends. Or the end of everything....

©2012 Peter Clines and Permuted Press (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A riveting apocalyptic mystery in the style of LOST." (Craig DiLouie, author of The Infection and The Killing Floor)

"A wholly original story that weaves together mystery and the apocalypse like a finely tuned band." (Evan Roy, Bricks of the Dead)

What Fun!

This was my first WhisperSync audible purchase and I loved going back and forth from Kindle to Audible. The story was suspenseful and filled with entertaining characters--best described (as the author does throughout) as Shaggy, Daphne, Velma and Fred. Oh how we cheer for "Shaggy" and adore the sharp-tonged, Russian "Velma" and the blue-haired "Daphne" as they solve all the riddles of the universe locked in apartment.....oops, spoiler alert.

As with most Sci-Fi, when you finally look behind the curtain it is never quite as thrilling as the pages you just raced through to get there. But Peter Clines does not hold back on any of the potential for other-worldly adventure.

All that being said, by far the best feature of this audio-book is the narrator--Ray Porter. For my next audible purchase, I will definately seek out another book based on his narration. He was able to use different voices for each of the characters in this vast ensemble--not an easy task with the various ethnic backgrounds and the different women involved. And he did so masterfully. When the final threatening voices are added at the end of the tale, Mr. Porter nailed the haunting/threatening voice which sounded (to me at least) similar to Gollum. Bravo on an outstanding narration!

If you want to spend the next 9-10 hours solving puzzles and running for you life--this is absolutely the story for you!

Good, not great

loved the narrator. the story took forever to get going. concept was intriguing. reminded me of Stranger Things.

Do not judge this book by its cover

This book was a real surprise fun read for me. The core mystery of the plot is offbeat and odd. The book is full of humor and Scooby Doo references. Each supporting character is a little mini mystery. And, throw in a cute awkward adult nerd romance. "14" should appeal to a wide variety of readers.

Very Much Enjoyed

Very much enjoyed the book. Have listened to it several times now as I enjoyed the second time as much as the first.

Good book.

Great book. kind of a cross between The Talisman and Moonheart with some steampunk thrown in.

the narrator made it

great story and it's really brought to life by the narrator (perfect fit h.p. Lovecraft fans)

Very enjoyable read

The author of 14 has come up with a totally original plot concept and composed a spellbinding story around it. The story never loses pace and new developments are always unexpected. In the end all the plot lines tied together as far as I could tell.

Saying anything about the plot would give it away, but it's about a few building residents who band together to investigate some mysterious phenomena. There's nothing paranormal or scary in the book until the end. The characters are rather one-dimensional which is my main issue with the book. The writing style is very basic - high school level. Half the sentences go like this: "He blinked. Xela raised an eyebrow." It's funny after a while.

My other issue with the book is the ending. It is rather unbelievable and needlessly gruesome. I can think of several ways in which the story could have ended that would have been much better.

unexpectantly great

started out slow not expecting where it would go. great writing with a slow build up to a great 2nd half. highly recommended.

Unique, Lost-Like, and a fantastic read throughout

I will be recommending this to many friends and family. This is entirely top notch!

WHAT?! Soooo good!

Please write a sequel. Holy crap!

Just. Listen. Trust me.

You will not regret you did.