14 By Peter Clines
If you're a fan of gripping sci-fi mysteries, 14 by Peter Clines is an absolute must-read. The story centers around Nate Tucker, a twenty-something who’s stuck in a dead-end data entry job and is looking for something more. When he stumbles upon an affordable, quirky apartment in Los Angeles, it seems like the perfect place to hit the reset button on his life. But Nate quickly realizes that his new home is far from ordinary.
Strange occurrences begin to surface: fluorescent lights that don’t work, mutant cockroaches that only some tenants can see, and a refrigerator that doesn’t get cold. Even more bizarre are the peculiarities in the building itself—an apartment permanently padlocked from the outside, rooms that seem to have unusual dimensions, and neighbors who seem a little too secretive.
As Nate’s curiosity deepens, he joins forces with other tenants to unravel the building’s mysteries. Together, they discover that the apartment complex isn’t just strange—it’s a puzzle with an ancient and dangerous origin. Behind those locked doors and odd architecture lie dark secrets tied to otherworldly dimensions and supernatural forces. The further they dig, the more they uncover terrifying truths that threaten not just their lives, but the fabric of reality itself.
Peter Clines masterfully blends suspense, science fiction, and horror to craft a story that will keep you on edge from start to finish. The characters are exceptionally well-developed, from the quirky artist neighbor to the conspiracy theorist down the hall, each adding depth and humor to the narrative. There are moments that evoke classic Lovecraftian horror with cosmic dread and unknown forces, making it a treat for fans of the genre.
I couldn’t help but notice parallels to certain role-playing games (I’ll keep that under wraps to avoid spoilers), which added an extra layer of enjoyment and immersion to the story.
In summary, 14 is a captivating sci-fi mystery filled with suspense, eerie discoveries, and intriguing characters. It masterfully combines elements of mystery, horror, and adventure, making it a thrilling read for fans of mind-bending plots and supernatural twists. Highly recommended!
4/5 ⭐