Listen
The Art of Creative Storytelling
A reading experience like no other. A superhero story you can truly see, feel, and believe in.

When Sarah's life shatters, a stranger named Henry steps out of the shadows with an impossible truth—her greatest struggles hide a power the world desperately needs. Drawn into a secret war to protect those like her, Sarah must confront forces beyond imagination, uncover the fate of her missing brother, and decide whether she's ready to become the guardian she was destined to be.

When Sarah's life shatters, a stranger named Henry steps out of the shadows with an impossible truth—her greatest struggles hide a power the world desperately needs. Drawn into a secret war to protect those like her, Sarah must confront forces beyond imagination, uncover the fate of her missing brother, and decide whether she's ready to become the guardian she was destined to be.

Your journey through "A Curious Thing"
Embark on an interactive adventure designed to engage your senses and deepen your understanding of the story. Discover what awaits you in this unique reading experience.
Explore the Experience
Navigate through an engaging overview of the story, learning how this Gamma format enhances your connection to the world.
Unveiling the Novel
Dive into the heart of "A Curious Thing," understanding its core themes and the innovative way it's brought to life.
Exclusive Prologue Teaser
Immerse yourself in a special reading of the prologue, complete with hidden "easter eggs" that hint at deeper secrets.
Meet Sarah: The Guardian
Get a closer look at Sarah, another pivotal character, and understand her integral role in this unfolding saga.
Join the BrainBox List
Conclude your journey with an opportunity to connect further and stay updated with the latest from BrainBox Books.
There’s a certain stillness right before the world changes… a silence that hangs in the air like a held breath. I’ve learned to live in that silence. From the shadows, I trace patterns no one else notices—tiny shifts, invisible signs. I don’t intervene unless I have to. But when I do, it’s already too late for whoever stands in my way.
Under the veil of dusk, Henry sat in his car parked across the street from a modest suburban home, his eyes fixed on the front door.
The Departure
The once joyful residence of Sarah now echoed a somber tune as Mark, her husband, emerged carrying the last of his belongings. Henry watched as Mark loaded boxes into his car, each item a shard of their shattered life together. The tail lights of the vehicle glowed red as Mark drove away, leaving Sarah alone inside, her world unknowingly on the brink of upheaval.
Secret Observer
Henry's presence there was no coincidence. He had been tasked with observing Sarah, learning her routines, understanding her struggles. The deepening twilight mirrored the dual nature of his mission—both protector and invader of her life. From the shadows, he monitored every visitor, every phone call, every faint shadow behind the curtains. This surveillance was critical, for Sarah was not an ordinary woman, and the forces aligning against her were not of the ordinary world.
A Moment of Conscience
As the last light faded from the sky, Henry's thoughts were a mix of professional detachment and unexpected empathy. He had seen the dissolution of love before, had watched as lives were torn apart by lesser evils than those he now fought against. But tonight, watching Sarah's life quietly fracture, he felt an uncharacteristic pang of conscience.
Entwined Fates
This was the beginning of a dangerous path, not just for Sarah but for Henry too. As he started his car and pulled away from the curb, the streetlights flickered overhead, casting long shadows across the road that mirrored the dark journey ahead. Unknown to Sarah, her fate had become entwined with forces beyond her comprehension, and Henry was the unlikely guardian at the gates of the coming storm.
Characters
  • Henry - The watcher
  • Sarah - Under observation
  • Mark - Sarah's departing husband
Setting
A suburban neighborhood at dusk, with Henry observing from his car
I'm Sarah – your neighbor, friend, sister, and colleague. I'm not just an investigative journalist - living with a disability; I'm a force to be reckoned with. I stand for justice and the relentless pursuit of truth. What drives you?
See if you can guess any of the clues from my story arch.
Sarah…The Guardian
These captivating images showcase dynamic scenes and artistic visuals that evoke a sense of movement and creativity. Each sequence offers a unique perspective, inviting viewers to explore the emotions and stories woven into the imagery.
Today, embrace the power within…
become the guardian you were born to be.
What is a Shape Novel?
A Shape Novel transforms reading into an immersive, multi-sensory experience. It blends compelling narrative with integrated multimedia, interactive elements, and thoughtful design, inviting readers to engage actively and even influence the story's progression. It's not just a book; it's a dynamic world you step into, fostering a deeper connection with the characters and plot.
Core Features Used in "A Curious Thing"
Atmospheric Hook
Vivid, evocative prose instantly sets the mood, pulling you into the story's unique ambiance from the very first line.
Visual-Text Synergy
Carefully selected imagery and descriptive language work together to intensify emotional resonance and deepen understanding.
Subtle Interactivity
Embedded elements subtly hint at deeper lore, encouraging exploration and inviting readers to uncover hidden layers.
Narrative Pacing & Reveal
Strategic layering of prose, image, and optional exploration masterfully builds suspense and delivers impactful revelations.
Accessible Design
Clear language, alt text, and format flexibility ensure that the story is inclusive and enjoyable for all readers.
Emotional Momentum
Readers journey with characters through their quiet breakdowns to cosmic stakes, forging a strong emotional bond and narrative drive.
Why It Works
This innovative format transforms passive reading into an active "being" experience. Your audience evolves from mere consumers to participants, witnesses, and even co-creators. The blend of replayability, profound emotional investment, and the thrill of discovery drives unparalleled engagement, fundamentally deepening the impact of storytelling.
Tips for Creating Immersive Literary Experiences
Unleash the full potential of Gamma to craft captivating stories. These best practices will help you design visually stunning and engaging narratives that truly resonate with your audience.
AI for Consistent Characters
Leverage Gamma's AI image generation by editing the same base image. This ensures your characters maintain consistent features and style throughout your narrative, creating a seamless visual experience for your readers.
Build a Robust Outline
Plan your story meticulously using Gamma's outline feature. A well-structured outline guides your narrative flow and helps organize content, ensuring a logical progression that captivates your audience from start to finish.
Embrace Creative Experimentation
Don't shy away from exploring Gamma's diverse features. Experiment with different layouts, text styles, and image placements to discover unique ways to tell your story and surprise your readers.
Prioritize Accessibility
Ensure your content is accessible to all readers. Use clear language, proper alt text for images, and consider color contrasts. Designing with accessibility in mind broadens your reach and impact.
Most Importantly: Have Fun!
Your passion for storytelling will shine through. Enjoy the creative process of bringing your narrative to life in Gamma, and your enthusiasm will undoubtedly translate into a more engaging experience for your readers.
Engage. Experience. Evolve.
This isn't just a story; it's an experience crafted to pull you into Sarah's world, making every moment palpable. From the shadowy streets to the depths of her hidden power, you're not just reading—you're living it.
Immersive Visuals
Witness every scene vividly, brought to life with striking imagery that mirrors the intensity of the narrative.
Deep Connection
Feel Sarah's struggles and triumphs as if they were your own, forging an emotional bond with her journey.
Unraveling Mysteries
Piece together clues alongside Henry, uncovering secrets that propel the story forward and challenge your perceptions.
Pivotal Choices
Consider the impossible decisions Sarah faces, and ponder what you would do in her extraordinary circumstances.
Get ready to be part of something more than just a book. You are the witness, the confidante, the silent participant in a world on the brink.
Written by Michelle Ware-Allen
Designed & Curated by Germain Allen