8114 is a supernatural horror novel that had me gripping the pages from the very start. Written by Glorious screenwriter Joshua Hull, 8114 is a chilling and nightmarish tale filled with pop culture references and an unyielding atmosphere of dread.
After returning to his hometown, Paul, the beleaguered host of a small-time podcast, discovers a longtime friend committed suicide in the dilapidated ruins of Paul’s childhood home. Desperate to find answers, Paul interviews friends and locals hoping to find closure. He finds himself in a chilling downward spiral of his memories and the land he grew up on. Has his past caught up with him or is there something far more sinister at play?
Joshua Hull skillfull storytelling shines through in 8114 painting both the physical decay of Paul’s home and the metaphorical decline of his mental state as he delves deeper into what is happening surrounding his childhood home. Hull crafts a supernatural horror that gets more horrific with each page turn that hooks us to the very end.
In 8114, Hull creates unlikable characters that I found myself liking in the end. Paul is portrayed not as your typical heroic protagonist but rather a flawed individual driven by desperation and curiosity. This complexity added a layer to his character, making him relatable despite his imperfections. As we follow Paul through his discussions with those back home, we see how each interaction reveals more about him than just the facts he’s trying to gather.
The use of a true crime style podcast as a plot mover and thematic anchor adds to the story seldom seen in horror novels. While I have read my fair share of mystery thrillers where they have leaned on podcasts for storytelling momentum, reading this in a straight forward horror was refreshing. Podcasting in a novel is always a plus in my book, for obvious reasons.
The blend of horror with slight bit of humor did not go unnoticed either; peppered throughout are darkly humorous pop culture references that offer brief respites from tension without detracting from it. These moments allowed me to catch my breath a bit before powering on.
8114 by Joshua Hull is a psychological horror wrapped tightly around a supernatural core making it impossible to put down. The characters, location and overall atmosphere of dread made for one hell of a horror story. This is one that I read with the lights on and my back against the wall. Hull’s ability to use his background of screenwriter to craft horror novels makes for a unique reading experience and cannot wait for more.
8114 hits bookstores everywhere on August 26, 2025 from CLASH Books.
