The Houses of the Curious

By: J.W. Bowie

Narrated by: Alexandra Hunter

Gripping from the first page and the intensity never lets up. The intriguing world painted is imaginative and original." (Indies Today)

Finalist for the 2019 Book Excellence Awards Science Fiction Category.

Decades ago, a band of neurally augmented rebels, the Seventy-Seven, and their leader, Arthur Lannius, helped liberate a remote mountain town from the Perpetual Corporation in a great machine war. Eventually defeated, the Seventy-Seven scattered, and Lannius went into exile without a trace...except for a child.

When memories of a stranger burst into her mind, Aurora learns she is not an ordinary orphan of the war, but that she is augmented and that her past is more than it seems. In discovering her hidden augmentations, she accidentally awakens an old surveillance drone and reignites the dormant war.

Following the signal, Perpetual's mercenaries attack, forcing Aurora and her friends flee into the futuristic world beyond. There they discover a world where augmentations are the norm and imagination flows between people like magic. The future is full of wonder.

But, the safety of their world is short lived. Pursued by Perpetual for the memories that she holds, Aurora must choose a side in a secret war fought by machine armies and a pantheon of fantastic digital beings. Questioning both friend and foe, she wrestles with the memories buried in her mind as the key to a war fought across time.

From award-winning author John Bowie comes a new sci-fi adventure that will forever change the way you look at time and imagination. Book one in the Parallel series.

©2018 J.W. Bowie (P)2022 J.W. Bowie

Critic reviews

2019 Finalist for Book Excellence Awards Science Fiction Category

"Gripping from the first page and the intensity never lets up. The intriguing world painted is imaginative and original." (Indies Today)

Would make a great animated movie or series!

Verdant imagery and breathtaking descriptions permeate the telling of this thrilling adventure.

It doesn't take long for the action to get going as we follow along our 3 main young protagonists after they stumble upon a great discovery that sparks the adventure which would lead them to their destiny. Events start to quicken, engulfing our heroes and their loved one, as more and more characters get drawn into the ensuing chase.

Complex descriptions of the fictional science and machinations that govern the world require the listener to listen with focused attention in order to understand its nuances. As new characters keep getting added even at later chapters without much introduction, the plot might feel a bit overwhelming. The sci-fi key idea is truly unique, but I hoped the overall plot would be as inventive.

Here we are blessed by a wonderful narrator whose efforts are appreciated as she competently lays out the intricacies of the plot and gives distinct voices to each character. She makes this story an ease to listen.

Couldn’t stop listening

The world and the characters hooked me from the first chapter. Found myself volunteering to go to the store and circling the block, the plot wouldn’t let me go. Mind-bending take on technology, AI, humanity, time…everything one could want from a good Sci Fi book! Like Ursula Le Guin meets Anne Leckie. Still can’t stop thinking about the Houses of the Curious. Narration is on point, and enhanced the story.

Amazing world and concepts!

Loved this! Can’t wait for the rest of the series! Haven’t discovered a unique world like this in a long time.

Join the curious

This book is outstanding! The story is just what you want from a sci-fi adventure story with a bunch of twists and turns that leave you wanting more. The narrator is perfect! Emersive writing brought out perfectly by the narrator.

Thought-provoking AI-tale raises big questions

I found 'Houses of the Curious' to present an intriguing blend of science fiction elements, weaving together themes of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and human consciousness. In my opinion, Bowie's world-building is rather well done, creating a future that feels both advanced and plausible.
The story follows Aurora and her companions on a journey that I found quite engaging. I thought the characters were well-developed, and I found their struggles with identity and purpose in a technologically advanced world relatable.
While the book covers familiar sci-fi territory, I felt it did so in a manner that is fresh and thoughtful. The exploration of AI, particularly the concept of 'Parallel,' was perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the novel for me. It raised some interesting questions about the nature of consciousness and what it means to be human.
After finishing the book, I found myself pondering whether I would consider getting a brain interface for myself, which I believe speaks to the thought-provoking nature of the narrative. Another big question: When will the next book come out?