1. Riddle of the Griffon
Author: Susan Lawson
Illustrators: Keith Parkinson (cover), Mario Macari, Jr. (credited as Mario D. Macari) and Gary Williams (interior)
First Published: March, 1985
ISBN: 0-88038-210-4
Length: 143 pages
Number of Endings: 12
Plot Summary: You are Garik, a young magician unexpectedly given the
mission of defeating an evil king with a magic crystal.
My Thoughts: This is a rather weak book. The plot is all too
familiar, the writing is a bit on the incoherent side and the Crimson
Crystal-using puzzles and illustrations are pointless. Admittedly, I can't
think of a much better way to use the silly gimmick of this series.
2. Search for the Pegasus
Author: Roger E. Moore
Illustrators: Clyde Caldwell (cover), Mario Macari, Jr. (credited as Mario D. Macari) and Gary Williams (interior)
First Published: March, 1985
ISBN: 0-88038-211-2
Length: 143 pages
Number of Endings: 12
Plot Summary: You are Thomas Blackfoot, a book-loving halfling who
also happens to be known as the Black Shadow, a famous thief. Your friend
Clarion the pegasus has been kidnapped by your arch-enemy, the Blue Hag, and
you must rescue her with the help of two of your diminutive friends.
My Thoughts: This book is considerably better than the previous entry
in the series, but it would really be no different if it were a regular
Endless Quest book; the Crimson Crystal gimmick
isn't really used for anything terribly significant.
3. Renegades of Luntar
Author: Roger E. Moore
Illustrators: Keith Parkinson (cover), Mario Macari, Jr. (credited as Mario D. Macari) (interior)
First Published: June, 1985
ISBN: 0-88038-218-X
Length: 143 pages
Number of Endings: 16
Plot Summary: The year is 2085 and you are the youngest astronaut on
Mars. While exploring, you come across the ruins of an ancient civilization
and discover that the entire human race is in danger.
My Thoughts: This is easily the best book in this series. While its
premise shouldn't appear very original to those familiar with science
fiction, it stands out a bit in the gamebook realm. The book is also fairly
well-written and has many choices which actually require some thought. As
always, the Crimson Crystal serves little purpose, but this is still worth
reading.
4. Stop that Witch!
Author: Mary Clark
Illustrators: Keith Parkinson (cover), Mario Macari, Jr. (credited as Mario D. Macari) (interior)
First Published: September, 1985
ISBN: 0-88038-251-1
Length: 143 pages
Number of Endings: 16
Plot Summary: Your entire village has been turned into lizards by a
shapeshifting witch and you must restore them with the help of a rather inept
cleric.
My Thoughts: This is the only book in the series which doesn't
feature a crimson crystal in the story; a magical coin is used here instead.
The plot is based around another fairly typical fantasy quest, but its use of
humor makes it a little bit more tolerable than many similar books. The game
design is adequate as well, though a couple of the choices are of the rather
pointless "do you wish to give up?" variety.