Escape from Firestone Fortress by Rachel Jackson

In the latest interactive puzzle solving choose-your-own adventure book from Rachel Jackson you are once again in control of your own destiny although this time there is the added complication of a dragon, a grand wizard, a heist and escaping.  Sounds easy, well then, I would recommend you pick up this book and give it a go.

I really enjoy this style of Choose-your own adventure text as there is the added element of working out the puzzles that are so cleverly tied to the decisions you can make.  There are 38 unique pathways and multiple dragons and escapes along the way. 

As with most Choose-your-own you are a character within the story and must make choices as to what you do.  In this book you are an apprentice to a Wizard who wants you to steal some legendary firestone from the next-door kingdom.  Breaking into Firestone Manor is the easy part, escaping with the firestone is a whole other challenge.  I love the inclusion of the ancient dragon codes and the puzzles as it really adds to the story and makes the book feel more challenging than a standard choose-your-own adventure.  I also really like the pathway map in the back of the book so you can check off your progress and ensure that you have followed every path, sometimes to a not so happy ending!

The author is a master at creating a chaotic storyline that engages the reader in all the possibilities and rewards bravery while ensuring that if you solve the puzzles, you will make it out alive.  This series is perfect for confident readers who are looking for a bit of a challenge or who like the choose-your-own adventure style but also like to solve puzzles.  An excellent independent read that will keep the reader coming back for more.

Themes: Fantasy, Choose Your Own Adventure, Dragons, Wizards, Puzzle solving.

Mhairi Alcorn