Item - The Gates of Death

The Gates of Death has a mixed reputation, but I consider it one of the better Scholastic FF books. There are minimal continuity issues compared to other books and it has a familiar yet original tone.

I'll avoid going into detail about the Bum-Faced Monster to avoid spoiling the encounter fully, but it felt appropriately weird for a weird gamebook. The author, Charlie Higson, is a fan who got the chance to write his own book, but is also an experienced comedian, allowing a great combination. The best thing is that his many puns and jokes don't interfere with the narrative.

The rules for different types of weapons adds additional detail, but sadly creates a few spoilers. If you can read up-front about weapons from assassins, woodcutters, and temple guards, you can be sure that you will meet such people.

There's a narrative loop too. Opportunists can take the chance to gain the same bonuses over and over again, but it implies that there wasn't proper playtesting.

This book fits. It has a proper quest. It has many ways to start. It has many ways to finish successfully. It's funnier than other books.

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