14

Basically it’s 80% exploring a building to expose its secret which is just a mapping exercise with no real tension or excitement.We have ludicrous segment with room 14 which makes no scientific sense at all then a final segment with an limp adversary (who you’ll see coming a mile away).In essence, although there are a couple of very matter of fact deaths, there’s very little of any consequence in this book.There’s some amusement to be had with the interplay between residents of the building, with their geek knowledge, but not a lot.

I mostly read in bed and I found myself incapable of putting 14 down some nights until I was bleary eyed with sleep. 14 by Peter Clines is a page turning mystery/horror hybrid – with humour, but don’t expect your usual haunted apartment story here. Well… it is a bit of that, but it’s a whole lot more as well.Nate Tucker, a data in-putter, is on the lookout for an apartment he can afford and he finds the perfect one very quickly. But he’s warned by the previous tenant that it “has an odd vibe to it.” Nevertheless Nate moves in and meets his new neighbours, an eclectic lot who socialise over beers on Friday evenings on the roof garden. Each apartment seems to harbour some peculiarity so, driven on by Nates curiosity, the other tenants are soon resolved to uncovering the mysteries of their block. Unfortunately, they need to work discreetly under the nose of Oskar, the decent but vigilant apartment caretaker, who doesn’t treat meddlers within his building too kindly.What captivated me with this novel was the depth of the enigma that began to unfold as their surreptitious investigations uncovered puzzle after intriguing puzzle.However, about three quarters of the way through, just as everything is gearing up for the final sequence, the tone of the book changed from gripping mystery to action. This was good too, but not as good as the first part of the book. But all in all 14 is a most enjoyable and interesting novel.

If you combine Lost, with a smattering of Goonies, add a dash of X-Files, a helping of Lovecraftian horror and a garnish of Hitchcock then that's not even close to explaining how great this book is. The key characters are rich with description and a mystery themselves as well as the story. The book really hooks you and I read well in to the night to finish it. Unlike some mysteries you do get answers with a reveal in room 14 that I just did not see coming, hence the title I guess. Ok there are a couple of weak characters that dont really seem to add much but thats really minor in an otherwise fabulous story loaded with twists and turns, plus a few laugh out loud moments. The book really does stand well on its own and doesn't really need a sequel....maybe a prequel. Its rare for me to give 5 stars but this really deserves it. If you like Charles Stross Laundry series then I think this is in the same vein and easily equal or better.

Top editing job - no mistakes to remind you you're reading a book and drop you back in the real world. I liked the many slow-burning set ups; some for bizarre plot events, others just for subtle gags made hundreds of pages later. The vibe reminded me of Medusa's Web by Tim Powers (also set around Hollywood). Also, Audrey's Door by Sarah Langan, with the too-good-to-be-true apartment for a low rent. If you liked either of those books - and a measure of endearing silliness - you should definitely get this.

Peter Clines cant be saying now to be a newbie, he already has several books, all by permutted press, that are quite good, easy to read and captivating. the EX series is great, a very nice mix of zoombie land and super heroes that are quite human at core (waiting for the third release!) and this 14, a quite fresh new book.as most of his books, they are in los Angeles.14 is about new friends, the meaning of one own life or purpose in life and the day to day difficulties that turn to be more important and significant than just day to day living.this book is fast, you can read it in a couple of days, characters are well developed and the story is quite fascinating and intriguing at least until the last chapters where the book becomes a bit more obvious.I would definetly reccomend it! nice mixture between Lost in an appartment building, Men in Black, FRIENDS and the hitchhiker guide to the galaxy with a bit of Narnia...It could make an excellent movie as the book is quite visual. no doubt someone intelligent around might transform it into a movie...opening of room 14, although little explained (some more feasable scientific theories would have been nice) is quite surprising and nice!I would also reccomend the EX series from peter clines.

A thoroughly enjoyable steampunk thriller. This is like a cross between Stephen King and a grittier version of Cassandra Clare - and that's meant as a compliment. It's pacy and has just enough pseudo-science to be believable, without becoming nerdy or boring. There's also a bit of romance, tragedy, and comedy thrown in for good measure. I hadn't come across Peter Clines before, but have subsequently got hold of some of his short stories and will look forward to reading more of his stuff in time. Would recommend this.

Difficult to review this without giving away any secrets this book has to offer.It is best described as Lost meets Scooby Doo but that doesn't do it justice. First started reading Peter Clines books with the brilliant Ex-Heroes followed by Ex-Patriots and when I heard 14 was coming out via Peter Clines facebook page I had to get it.The characters are very believable and you get to know them very well and feel for them as you are swept along in the mystery of 14.The story starts slow and then builds up steam to a fantastic finale I did not see coming.I have recommened this book to my friends and you will not be dissapointed if you get this.