Well. As a preface I want to say that the Smith / Thomson combo is equal, in my opinion, with Steve Jackson (UK) as my favourite gamebook writer(s) (literally) ever. In particular, their world-building was (is) second to none.  The fantastically depicted world of Orb features in Talisman of Death (Fighting Fantasy) along with the… Continue reading Inferno! – Conclusion

I see the light! Actually, I don’t see the light, and a very good thing too, since Thaum’s spell sets off an eruption of glare so bright that it blinds anyone fool enough to be looking at it. Do you need to ask? Of course my fellow adventurers are temporarily useless.  Hold that thought!  Vespers,… Continue reading Inferno! – Attempt 1, Part 9

In words that I’m sure, after that cliffhanger, will pull the audience in, the book tells me that ‘the stairs stop in a great dimly lit hallway of dressed stone’. Feeling like a cosplayer at a Renaissance fair, I (with my stout companions) keep moving forward, noting the statues to my (our) left that depict former… Continue reading Inferno! – Attempt 1, Part 8

The four bumblers (ahem – Adventurers) have apparently journeyed to the Rift to seek revenge against Tyutchev, Thaum and Cassandra for the crime (referenced in Book 2) of killing a high priest of Illustra. In line with their usual level of expertise, rather than seek out their foes in the numerous civilised cities and country-side… Continue reading Inferno! – Attempt 1, Part 7

For several hours I follow the ‘circuitous twisting’ of tunnels down (there it is!) towards the third tier. Apparently I’ve been listening to the ‘sounds of pursuit’ for so long, I can no longer tell if the noises I hear behind me are real or imagined. Aside : Who is pursuing me?  There’s no indication… Continue reading Inferno! – Attempt 1, Part 6

I scout around this quasi-society on the ‘second tier’ and notice various comings and goings.  I assume that I also hear various pieces of gossip, along with making notes on the whole Real Housewives vs. The Voice debate. In searching for a reasonable disguise, I listen to two Dark Elves talking, while noticing a ‘shifty-looking… Continue reading Inferno! – Attempt 1, Part 5

The choice here is between ‘twisting stairways’ and a literal ‘road’.  I guess that if you’re trying to sneak into a place, the back, sneaky way is normally the best. Aside : I am not following the counter-intuitive path as recommended in such works as Poe’s ‘The Purloined Letter’.  Sue me. There are various ominous… Continue reading Inferno! – Attempt 1, Part 4

After I give my decision, Foxglove looks at me ‘imploringly’ but my resolve remains firm!  I studiously ignore the ‘evil smile’ that crossed Cassandra’s face.  Its probably the same smile she gets while watching the final of Eurovision. I get to ask further questions of Cassandra.  I can choose between : Where in the Rift… Continue reading Inferno! – Attempt 1, Part 3

Well, the ‘surprises’ are : Not that one of the visitors is Foxglove (I knew that) but rather that she is in terrible shape.  For the poetic symmetry (I guess) she’s wearing the same peacock gown as when we first met, but it is now torn, dirty and bedraggled.  Her beauty is now, I’m told,… Continue reading Inferno! – Attempt 1, Part 2

The final book in the series to be published in the 80s, Inferno has a very mixed reputation among fans of the series.  Further, in interviews published in the last couple of years, it is admitted by the authors that the book was not finished in ideal circumstances, as they were in the midst of… Continue reading Inferno! – Attempt 1, Part 1