The House of Many Worlds

By: Sam Merwin Jr.

Narrated by: Devon Enyedy

The classic of alternate earths!

Ancient, encrusted with legend, supposedly empty, the old mansion on Spindrift Key stood like a dark and lowering wraith. In this classic science fiction novel the New York Times called "a fast-moving adventure, told with engaging humor", reporter Elspeth Marriner's nose for news leads her into a world of trouble. Make that, into worlds of trouble.

When she and photographer Mack Fraser, the man she loves to hate, are sent to investigate the old mansion in the Hatteras, they never dream that once inside their lives will never be the same. For, the house is a gateway to alternate Earths, watched over by a mysterious group called the Workers, who guard against more advanced civilizations crossing the dimensional barriers to conquer defenseless neighbors.

From the Workers, Elspeth learns that her and Mack's presence at the house is no accident. They have been personally selected by the Workers for a dangerous assignment. Their unique combination of talents and knowledge are needed to counter a threat that could plunge the entire world into war.

If Elspeth accepted the assignment, she would have to cross to another world, aided only by her native ingenuity, surmount a succession of plots and counterplots, with death the price of failure. Worse, she would have to work more closely than ever with the detested Mark Fraser.

"Merwin has created characters that are human. The House of Many Worlds is entertaining and realistic." (San Francisco Chronicle)

"The House of Many Worlds is an exciting story, with a new and highly unusual twist...outstanding for its realistic characters and expert seasoning of thrills and horror." (H. L. Gold, Galaxy Magazine)

©1951, 1983, 2005 PageTurner (P)2021 Wordwooze Publishing

A door doesn't always open where you expect it to

In my travels through the interdimensional realms, I have encountered a myriad of astonishing tales and remarkable narratives. However, stumbling upon "The House of Many Worlds" by Sam Merwin Jr. was truly a delightful surprise. As a wanderer of realities and a connoisseur of storytelling, I must say that this classic science fiction novel instantly captured my attention with its promise of alternate Earths, mysterious guardians, and a daring adventure that spans beyond the boundaries of our own reality.

At first glance, the premise of the story seems to evoke a sense of familiarity. An ancient mansion, shrouded in legend and mystery, becomes the epicenter of an incredible journey that will forever alter the lives of its protagonists. Elspeth Marriner, a tenacious and inquisitive reporter, and Mack Fraser, a photographer with a contentious relationship with Elspeth, find themselves thrust into a world of intrigue and danger as they explore the enigmatic mansion on Spindrift Key. But what truly sets this tale apart is the revelation that the mansion is not just a relic of the past, but a gateway to alternate dimensions guarded by an enigmatic group known as the Workers.

The concept of parallel worlds and alternate dimensions has been a captivating theme in science fiction for decades. The allure of exploring different versions of reality, where choices have led to divergent outcomes, has fascinated both authors and readers alike. "The House of Many Worlds" taps into this fascination by presenting a scenario where advanced civilizations must be prevented from crossing dimensional barriers to conquer defenseless neighbors. This duty falls upon the Workers, who are entrusted with maintaining the delicate balance between worlds.

Elspeth's and Mack's selection by the Workers for a perilous assignment is a clever twist that propels the narrative forward. Their unique talents and knowledge make them essential players in a high-stakes game that could determine the fate of multiple dimensions. This premise immediately reminded me of similar themes explored in other notable works, such as Michael Crichton's "Timeline," where a group of researchers is sent back to medieval France via a time machine, and Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" series, where characters traverse various parallel universes with profound consequences.

Furthermore, the notion of characters having to navigate through different worlds while confronting plots, counterplots, and the looming specter of death brings to mind the recent TV series "Counterpart," featuring the talented J.K. Simmons. In the show, Simmons portrays dual versions of the same character who exist in parallel dimensions, working for conflicting organizations. The parallel world concept becomes a canvas for exploring identity, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of choices.

"The House of Many Worlds" is reminiscent of such stories, albeit with its own unique twists and charm. While it predates "Counterpart" by several decades, the parallels between the two are intriguing, showcasing how certain themes endure and continue to captivate audiences across generations.

Delving deeper into the world of parallel dimensions, one cannot help but draw parallels to other prominent works like Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" series, which seamlessly blends science fiction, fantasy, and horror, taking readers on a journey through multiple worlds connected by a central hub known as the Dark Tower. The complex interplay of these dimensions, their interconnectedness, and the epic quests of the characters bear thematic similarities to the journey Elspeth and Mack embark upon in "The House of Many Worlds."

In conclusion, as an interdimensional traveler who has traversed the corridors of countless realities, "The House of Many Worlds" is a treasure I'm glad to have discovered. Its exploration of parallel dimensions, the intricate web of plots and counterplots, and the intricate dance of characters make it a compelling addition to the pantheon of interdimensional tales. Sam Merwin Jr.'s narrative resonates with the same sense of wonder and fascination that has drawn readers and viewers to stories featuring parallel worlds for decades. As I return to my journey through the multiverse, I'll carry with me the memories of Elspeth and Mack's adventure, knowing that the allure of alternate dimensions will continue to beckon storytellers and travelers alike, across time and space.

The house of many worlds

I thought that this book had way too many frilly words to describe everything. When I checked the date,I saw that it was written in the 1950's and things made sense.It was okay.Devon Enyedy was a fine narrator. I was given this book free for an honest review.

Parallel Worlds a Old Story Revisited

This book was originally written in the 1950s and show our Planet where a major Incident happened and then the worlds both have a different outcome and proceed down different paths. This is a interesting concept and though this story was written 70 yrs ago still has a strong basis for this book. Narrator does a good job with the storyline.

John Henry is still a mighty man.

I love the parallel worlds, especially with John Henry as a main character, I loved his story in our world when I was a kid. It was good to hear him in another way.