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)

Cthulhu Mythos?

Unexpectedly Awesome! Read some reviews and decided to give this one a chance. Didn't regret it!

Strange happenings in LA

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I think I would. It's a strange book to categorize. It's got some mystery elements, some sci-fi, some horror and more. It's got some good callback to HP Lovecraft and the strange fiction of the past. If you like any genre fiction, I think this is one to pick-up.

What was one of the most memorable moments of 14?

Opening the door to Apartment 14. You'll know when you get there. Wow, just wow.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the scene of opening room 14, and then I also liked the trek underground. That had some good dialog and we didn't know what to expect.

Any additional comments?

Ray Porter does a really good job for this story. I'm not sure if he's the best narrator for a lot of genre's, but, I think this book is a great fit and he fits the characters really well. He gives each tennant a voice that really fits their character, except for maybe Debbie. She was a bit forgettable, but the rest were really solid. I wouldn't like him reading fantasy, but modern day mysteries and some sci-fi I think are good fits for his talents.

Cheesy, but delightful

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book will not change your life, but it is definitely entertaining if you enjoy sci-fi/fantasy. It reads a bit like it wants to be a movie, the characters aren't deep and neither is the plot. But its just odd enough that I really couldn't stop listening. Plus the reader is quite good.

Loved it!

I loved this book! The story was intriguing and I loved the references to Walter Bishop and Torchwood. I thought the story would be over when they discovered the "mysteries" of the building, but it kept going! Love love loved it!

Impressive Performance. Excellent Story.

There is not much to be told about the story without spoiling it. I think the comparison with the TV show Lost is appropriate, but 14 has better solutions to its plot devices. The performance of Mr. Porter is very impressive. If it was not announced, I could think that 14 is narrated by a full cast. Hope to listen more of both soon: the author and the narrator.

I really enjoyed it!

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

Big, green, cockroaches.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to this book in less than a week. I found myself doing tasks that would allow me to have time to listen and not be distracted.

Any additional comments?

I was a little leery of getting this book because it is included in the horror catagory. I'm not sure what I was thinking but, it was along the lines of "Saw" or some other slasher movie. Turns out, it was very much like a Dean Koontz. Kinda weird, a conspiracy, and creepy stuff. I loved it! Very glad I risked it.

Interesting introspective views, OK story.

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

Yes

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending took a right turn that became weird in a manner that made me question if the book was written by two people.

What about Ray Porter’s performance did you like?

The main character's introspective view of situations was interesting.

Was 14 worth the listening time?

It was an OK book.

Fantastic!

I'm so glad I found this book on Audible. This is not my usual genre, but the reviews made me curious. So glad I read the reviews and got this book. Ray Porter's narration is superb. He gives each character a unique voice and will keep you glued to your iPod wondering where the story is going. I'm sure his narration is a major factor in making this story so special. If i read this book and listened to the voice in my head it just wouldn't have been the same.
Even if this is not your genre, I suggest you use your imagination and give this one a try. I, who have been so liberal in giving 5 star ratings in the past, will now be using this book to guide my rating of others!

Not into Sci-fy? No problem.

I enjoy how the author took everyday happenings and add a twist. Who wouldn't want to live in a building that had such characters as tenets? Or a odd apartments that you couldn't explain? This author took me to another place, well he really took me to more than one place and made me wish I was in the middle of the plot. Not many authors can do it as well as this one. Not a big fan of Sy-fy? Don't worry, you'll still enjoy the vacation from your ho hum existence.

3/4 of it was good

I really enjoyed the first half of the book. But then it went down hill. Once they figured out what was going on, the book lost it’s fun.