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The 14th Storm
In 2043, the climate has finally changed. The planet is ravaged by violent storms and failing crops and much of the world is now uninhabitable. Amidst a world of hungry and desperate people, the Department of Environmental Justice have been tasked with finding and executing those who have denied climate change. On the eve of the 14th storm, Broderick and Malley are asked to hunt the leader of a stirring rebellion, but something feels wrong. Broderick is shut off and interested only in exacting revenge. Malley is skeptical, and thinks their latest target is more politically-motivated than their employer is letting on. Their journey is upended by Fionnuala, a young and idealistic runaway who is hopeful for the future and desperate to save the target. Together, the three of them must learn to adapt to the climate and the polarized groups if they are to survive.
- GenresClimate Change Fiction
308 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2024
2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 24, 2023
Imagine an Ireland after the climate collapses where waves of storms roll in over a new dystopia. Now imagine a climate activist set on revenge against all the deniers, an idealistic runaway, tech hermits, gangsters, politicians, satire, violence, mystery and an urgent, fast-paced quest, all wrapped up in Dan Mooney's incredible prose. That's The 14th Storm!
February 20, 2025
This felt like more of an excuse to write out an increasingly repetitive series of fight sequences than any real exploration of the repercussions of climate change and climate denial. A missed opportunity.
February 26, 2024
This is a nice work of science fiction from an unexpected quarter. Set in the near future (2043), it acts upon the premise that disruptive climate change is with us and that a punitive backlash against former climate sceptics has taken place. The arc of the story is the tale of two DoEJ (Department of Environmental Justice) agents who are tracking down a pair of former climate sceptics with a view to executing them. It seems a bit extreme, but there are extreme circumstances.
What attracted me to the book was not the actual story - a detective story in a failing climate - but the vision of the world in which this all occurs. In this world, from autumn onwards, there is a succession of deep Atlantic storms that hit the west of Ireland. Their strength and duration is such that they become one large storm, of varying intensity, that lasts for several months. As I was reading this, we were suffering a succession of Atlantic storms that seems almost a precursor to the world being described.
In this world, agriculture becomes quite perilous, which means that these are hungry times. This hunger provides a backdrop against which the drama takes place. The impact that haves upon social structures is covered really well in the book. It helps to make the story authentic in that it is very convincing.
I was less convinced by the politics of Ireland. I accept the desire for strong leadership and the authoritarian role of the Irish police, but I couldn't quite see why the writ of the Irish government went too far away from Dublin. The action was set across Sligo, Galway, Clare, and Limerick. In a blasted landscape such as described, Dublin must be a very distant place. As an aside, I was also left wondering what happened to Mayo in this story? Completely depopulated? Or just not too relevant? In my view, the politics didn't quite fit the geography.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is well told and has just about the right number of twists and turns to keep a reader interested. It contains a compelling vision of the future, even if some of it doesn't fit together too well. I would certainly pass this book on to others to read.
What attracted me to the book was not the actual story - a detective story in a failing climate - but the vision of the world in which this all occurs. In this world, from autumn onwards, there is a succession of deep Atlantic storms that hit the west of Ireland. Their strength and duration is such that they become one large storm, of varying intensity, that lasts for several months. As I was reading this, we were suffering a succession of Atlantic storms that seems almost a precursor to the world being described.
In this world, agriculture becomes quite perilous, which means that these are hungry times. This hunger provides a backdrop against which the drama takes place. The impact that haves upon social structures is covered really well in the book. It helps to make the story authentic in that it is very convincing.
I was less convinced by the politics of Ireland. I accept the desire for strong leadership and the authoritarian role of the Irish police, but I couldn't quite see why the writ of the Irish government went too far away from Dublin. The action was set across Sligo, Galway, Clare, and Limerick. In a blasted landscape such as described, Dublin must be a very distant place. As an aside, I was also left wondering what happened to Mayo in this story? Completely depopulated? Or just not too relevant? In my view, the politics didn't quite fit the geography.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It is well told and has just about the right number of twists and turns to keep a reader interested. It contains a compelling vision of the future, even if some of it doesn't fit together too well. I would certainly pass this book on to others to read.
October 12, 2025
A real departure for Mooney's third novel. An unrecognisable Ireland ravaged by climate change, leaving behind a bitter populace, struggling to survive
Striking imagery against the backdrop of a storm, which is a character in its own right - a visual adaptation of some sort would be stunning.
The main trio is captivating. Their terse Odyssey across the country really drives forward the narrative. There is just enough of a sketch of the world here that allows the story to emerge organically and without clunky exposition. The
There is much thematic resonance with today's world - climate change and collapse, propaganda, and the difficulty in determining what constitutes justice.
Look forward to seeing what this author does next!
Striking imagery against the backdrop of a storm, which is a character in its own right - a visual adaptation of some sort would be stunning.
The main trio is captivating. Their terse Odyssey across the country really drives forward the narrative. There is just enough of a sketch of the world here that allows the story to emerge organically and without clunky exposition. The
There is much thematic resonance with today's world - climate change and collapse, propaganda, and the difficulty in determining what constitutes justice.
Look forward to seeing what this author does next!
April 11, 2024
**4.5
I loved this book as a piece of political and climate commentary. I thought it being set in the near future added to the eeriness of the read.
I also loved the description and personification of the storms - really thoughtfully tied together.
I found this book in my local library randomly, as it looked to have not been picked up by anyone yet, and I'm so glad I got to read this one! Highly recommend.
I loved this book as a piece of political and climate commentary. I thought it being set in the near future added to the eeriness of the read.
I also loved the description and personification of the storms - really thoughtfully tied together.
I found this book in my local library randomly, as it looked to have not been picked up by anyone yet, and I'm so glad I got to read this one! Highly recommend.
June 16, 2025
An absolutely fantastic, gripping and thought provoking novel that I highly recommend you read!
The dystopia of Ireland post climate collapse that Dan Mooney creates is utterly believable and slightly terrifying.
As storm Fergus raged through Ireland last weekend, with a twister causing destruction in Leitrim, I found myself imagining the Ireland of the 14th Storm and questioning, am I doing enough? And How can we prevent the world becoming a similar dystopia as described in the novel?
The question of justice, morality and accountability are raised throughout the Novel and all I know is that I certainly wouldn't want a Malley or Broderick coming after me in 20 years time to hold me to account!
The dystopia of Ireland post climate collapse that Dan Mooney creates is utterly believable and slightly terrifying.
As storm Fergus raged through Ireland last weekend, with a twister causing destruction in Leitrim, I found myself imagining the Ireland of the 14th Storm and questioning, am I doing enough? And How can we prevent the world becoming a similar dystopia as described in the novel?
The question of justice, morality and accountability are raised throughout the Novel and all I know is that I certainly wouldn't want a Malley or Broderick coming after me in 20 years time to hold me to account!
May 17, 2024
It's a page turner, enjoyable read, fast moving plot, really descriptive writing.
I hate reading books that spend too much time on describing scenes, the author gets it right, precise,to the point and keeps the story moving.
It delivers ,4 stars.
I hate reading books that spend too much time on describing scenes, the author gets it right, precise,to the point and keeps the story moving.
It delivers ,4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews