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)

Cthulu?

Where does 14 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I enjoyed 14 immensely as a stand-alone foray into the strange.

What did you like best about this story?

I like the crafting of the story as a bit of a detective novel that dives into paranormal cross-over with lots of suspense. It would adapt well as a short series on SyFy. Pacing and references to current geek culture sold me.

Which scene was your favorite?

The continuous flow.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Before Lovecraft, there was Room 14

Any additional comments?

Only gripes are the narrator's over-crisp enunciation of some words ("metal") and that though the book touched on some interesting psuedo-science and had good action, neither was filled out in much depth. A good quick read, but nothing earth shattering.

Enjoyable book!

Would you try another book from Peter Clines and/or Ray Porter?

Yes. I like Mr. Clines sense of humor. I found myself laughing at some of the most bizarre moments in the book due to the characters' sense of humor. I enjoy books that can bring out a smile in very serious moments.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting aspect was the building and figuring out the concept. The least interesting was the main character's work life. I yawned through most all of that.

Which character – as performed by Ray Porter – was your favorite?

The kooky blue haired Zela was my favorite character by far. Very funny and a poor little rich girl.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I probably would not go see this as a movie, as I feel movies suffer in the making and take away too much of the story of the book.

Strange but kept me wanting to find out more

If you could sum up 14 in three words, what would they be?

Strange, Exciting, Confusing

What other book might you compare 14 to and why?

?

Have you listened to any of Ray Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed more than cried. But did both. Some of the characters were so funny. The story was sometimes hard to follow but it kept me wanting more information. I wanted to be there with the people to see for myself.

Any additional comments?

I may read again because I know I missed many things that probably were key.

Great listen

Some of the best narration I have listened to. It also helps that the story is really well done, with great character development and an interesting plot.

A surprisingly entertaining accidental adventure!

If you could sum up 14 in three words, what would they be?

Fun, engaging, unexpected.

What other book might you compare 14 to and why?

It reminds me of several Stephen King books, but it's more light hearted than King.

What does Ray Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ray Porter does a great job differentiating between characters with accents and tone.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved this book. I didn't expect to... I bought it on a whim, but I've listened to it twice and throughly enjoyed it both times. The characters are all interesting and believable people, and the story remains believable even when it crosses into the fantastic.

Bizarre, but very interesting!

Sci-fi/fantasy not my customary fare, but have to say I enjoyed this one, mainly because of Ray Porter. The interplay and dialog between the characters often had me smiling or laughing out loud.

Very entertaining!

Out of all the books I’ve read this one is in my favorites. It kept my attention throughout the entire book. Also, I love to listen to book narrated by Ray Porter.

Hard to stop listening

This book was hard to stop listening to and get any work done. When I wasn't listening I was thinking about listening. Entertaining, suspenseful, and fun.

the masterpiece

A page turning book which you won't regret. Though I am not a horror fan I was still hooked by it.

I couldn't stop listening!

A good "how deep does the rabbit hole go?" sci-fi story. I noticed a few irritating minor flaws, but aside from that it was very captivating and fresh. "Totally out there" though, so not for everyone.