Fighting Fantasy: The Secrets of Salamonis

Whereas Ian Livingstone continued to write Fighting Fantasy gamebooks throughout their original run as well as contributing to the various revivals and reprints, it has been a long time since the other co-founder of the series, Steve Jackson, has produced a Fighting Fantasy gamebook (not since the excellent ‘Creature of Havoc’ in 1986). It’s very welcome, therefore, to get a new FF gamebook from him to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the franchise.Although, inevitably as it would probably be too much to expect, this isn’t in the same league as the author’s classics such as ‘House of Hell’, ‘Citadel of Chaos’ or the aforementioned ‘Creature of Havoc’, ‘Secrets of Salamonis’ is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure that, along with its in-jokes and little nods to the series, is definitely a worthy celebration of forty years.It is co-written with Jonathan Green, another of the biggest contributors to Fighting Fantasy and the champion of promoting it over recent years. There are definitely ideas and aspects of this gamebook that are characteristic of him and really his name probably should have gone on the cover as well.The adventure is structured in such a way that it is roughly divided into three sections. This helps to conceal what the actual objective is until the latter stages. This works rather well and makes things more intriguing.You start off as a bit of a naïve, aspiring adventurer (which is reasonably uncommon in gamebooks). Thus, the first part of the book involves reaching the city of Salamonis and establishing yourself there by learning skills and getting a job. After that you reach the bulk of the adventure which functions like a group of mini-quests/missions that you can attempt in which order you choose. It gives a sense of things being open planned.It becomes apparent as you proceed that these quests are not wholly independent as they slowly reveal an overall storyline and an impending danger to the city. It is the successful navigation of these quests that allow you to enter the final stage. It’s an effective structure that involves a good progression for your character and allows the storyline to evolve with a bit of mystery.Events are set in roughly the same area of Allansia as ‘Creature of Havoc’ and ‘Citadel of Chaos’. Chronologically ‘Secrets of Salamonis’ must take place before both of those books (there’s a nice tie-in to ‘Citadel of Chaos’ should you come across it). The threats of Balthus Dire and Zharradan Marr hang over Salamonis and the surrounding area, providing a larger story outside of this gamebook. This and the side mission relating to ‘Warlock of Firetop Mountain’ add nicely to the celebration of the anniversary.‘Secrets of Salamonis’ doesn’t possess the intense difficulty of the likes of some of Steve Jackson’s FF gamebooks but there is still a good level of challenge (especially as you start with quite low statistics that never improve a massive amount). This should definitely take even an experienced gamebook reader a few attempts or more.Neither this nor ‘Shadow of the Giants’ (published alongside it) are ground-breaking adventures or masterpieces. But they are both enjoyable and entertaining and worthy of commemorating the anniversary.

Thoroughly enjoyable for the most part. Excellent game design-you start not really knowing what you are doing and acquire the skills and focus as you go along. Clever game mechanics like Wheel of the Week add focus. Dare I say it the final quest could have been a bit more ingenious-it's mostly a high-stats Boss fight but the journey is the reward, as they say.

Secrets of Salamonis was a welcome (40) anniversary addition for the FF series. Steve Jackson with the help of Jonathan Green weave a challenging adventure back to Titan/Allansia. Creature of Havoc is a book I remember playing many times in my childhood, the last one from SJ... Until now. *Cue excitement!*The puzzles are great, creatures menacing, nostalgic nods to other FF entries excellent and the level of difficulty set high. Mechanics and structure have hallmarks of Green, such as items and days providing logs for what you or haven't done or the A to Z coding system plus the special skills. Note: You need certain items to get to that best ending so the route is important. Dice rolls and combats also can make it tricky depending on your stats.The mapping is really well done and seriously unlikely anyone will do it on their first try. Took me about 3 times once you know what you need in hindsight and I must say enjoyable. Probably will be a hard one for beginners but don't let that put you off.It's a task to top the sorcery series, the creature of Havoc or house of hell to name a few but it comes close. Hoping another one will come from Jackson or Green, and they should include his name on the cover or spine as he really is a master at these and his own line of gamebooks.Love the illustrations from Tazio Bettin as well and for the 40 years anniversary it is a welcome addition to my and anyone's FF collection. Highly recommended.

Great book to while away a few spare hours.

A wonderfully written and illustrated experience. This book is the perfect purchase for anyone of any age who loves reading, has some dice, a pencil and an imagination keen to explore.Perfection on paper. Buy it for yourself and your kids too.

Brilliant book

Just like the FF book's of yester year.

As per my review of the gold leaf printing of 'Shadow of the Giants,' this has also had to be returned through the gold spine rubbing off before the book was even finished. Insufferable to have on the shelf with my other perfect FF spines!