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)

Great book, very entertaining and surprising!

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

Really big twist

What other book might you compare 14 to and why?

14 shares a similar theme to a lot oh H.P Lovecraft's books where everything is doom and gloom but 14 bring things down to a much more personal level and has characters that you care about and are invested in.

What about Ray Porter’s performance did you like?

Great variety , very well read, I just liked how he did over all.

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

Nothing is what it appears to be.

Not as fun or inspired as other Peter Clines books

I kept waiting for this story to get interesting and compelling, but it just never happened. It has too many elements that are rehashed from "The Fold", another Clines work that I enjoyed immensely. I'm beginning to wonder if this is a popular trend with authors today. **spoiler alert** This story has anatomically asymmetrical insects and creatures, a giant flying alpha predator, and crazed, ultra violent (and strong) psycophants, just like the fold. Even the mutant green roaches are described nearly exactly the same. ** end spoiler alert **. Ultimately the slow build up just never had that big payoff I was waiting for. If this had been a physical book, it would have taken me a very long time to finish, and admittedly, my attention may have wandered more times that I'd like to admit while listening to this book. I'm still a Peter Clines fan, but next time I feel hesitant about making a purchase, I'll go with my first instinct and take a pass.

Excellent

Any additional comments?

The audio performance was spectacular (particularly the voice of TIm), and overall the story was just fun. It never got too into itself and stuck to what it was--a sci fi romp.

LOST and in LOVECRAFT...

When you listen to this book the title of this review will make sense. I was captivated from one end of this book to the other. Every chapter left you hanging... I almost expected that end scene music from Lost after each chapter. Only this book is what Lost SHOULD have been. The narrator did a great job except for the accent of Veek. He sounded like a male Indian when she was very much a female. Female Indian accents are different from male. Great story. Get this book if you want to be late for work because you're stuck in your car listening to the next chapter on your car stereo.

Enjoyed it

Any additional comments?

I like this kind of story, so for me it was great and I would recommend to anyone who likes sci-fi this is a great book.

Started off great

But 60% in the story took a turn. Great concept, bad payoff. Just wasn't a very satisfying story after the "mystery" is revealed.

Suspense, Mystery, Sci-Fi, super Narration.

Would you consider the audio edition of 14 to be better than the print version?

Having not read the print edition I can't say with complete assurance, however, I loved the narration by Mr. Porter. Perfectly read.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed the main character, Nate, very much followed closely by Veek and certainly Tim the the, "Publishing company," retiree.

Which scene was your favorite?

The last hour of the book was so exciting I took a couple wrong turns on the way to work.

Any additional comments?

Terrific entertainment. Quirky characters and a slowly unveiled mystery with a Sci-Fi/Fantasy angle that really rocks.

Unique Story...Well Worth the Credit!

I would not have purchased this book had it not been for another reviewer stating that they were glad they read reviews and not just the publisher's description. Had it not been for that review I would have passed this great book up and possibly another author to watch. I think the book was great and Ray Porter, the narrator did an excellent job. The premise is unique and the characters are likable. I could not stop listening - it sucked me in within the first 30 minutes. The only thing I didn't really like was near the end - got a little too 'supernatural' for me, but overall it was a small and mild dislike compared to the rest of the novel. The story builds up and is mysterious and has you constantly guessing. Buy this book - you won't regret the purchase.

Not What You'd expect!

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

One of the top 10 audio books I've listened to so far.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 14?

The ending will leave you hoping for a sequel

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

Ray Porter's reading gives each character depth and truly unique personality.

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

Truly out of this world!!

Any additional comments?

Absolutely riveting! The time flew!

Loved it!

What did you love best about 14?

The actor (Ray Porter) was superb and really helped make each role and the story come to life & exciting. Couldn't have asked for a better narrator.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Zeke. She was so down to earth and straight to the point and at the same time knew how to keep a secret and was somehow sexy.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when the gang was caught out in the abyss in between worlds (sorta speak) and they were in a race against time and monsters to get back to the safety of the Kavach building.

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

No extreme reaction but soon after I read this book, I immediately tried to begin another, but soon I had to postpone the new read because...Kavach and friends keep popping into my mind. Thus leaving no new room to absorb new material. ;-)

Any additional comments?

Great book loved it best read in a long time and I mentioned it to several others so...


Thanks,
-Troy