The Jungle of Horrors

I started this series probably 15 years ago, maybe more. I remember being so wrapped up in this interactive adventure that I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next installment. Well, while cleaning off my shelves a few days ago I stumbled across these gems and I tell you, I got overwhelmed with the same feelings. You are Lone Wolf, the last of the Kai Warriors in the land of Sommerlund. Throughout your adventures (the are 28 books and 4 "World of Lone Wolf" books) you will face monsters big and small, wizards, magicians, puzzles, riddles, and everything else your imagination can think of. This book is just like your standard "Choose Your Own Adventure" book except that it is more interactive. Not only do you choose your path, but you also choose your skills, equipment, and whether or not you want to battle enemies. This book employs an interesting combat system in which you pick a number from the "Random Number Table" at the end of the book by closing your eyes and poking the page with your eraser. I highly recommend getting ahold of a 10-sided die to use instead, because after a few books one can learn where the higher number areas are. "Jungle of Horrors" is definitely refreshing compared to the last installment, "Castle Death." This book feels like the epic proportions of your quest have returned and this book starts a cohesive flow for the next few books in the Magnakai series. This adventure was a lot of fun and had some pretty nice battles. If you have the Sommerswerd then up until now the battles have been relatively easy (with +8 combat skill points); but, some of the monsters are definitely becoming stronger and a little more "beastly." Finally, Joe Dever has authorized the free distribution and licensing of his Lone Wolf series which are available online. This resource has the unabridged editions which makes it great. I will not give out the URL as part of the reviewers agreement but with a little searching you should be able to find it. However, I still prefer to read the paperback versions instead of an online version.

The cesspools and quicksands are the least of your worries when you travel to the forbidden swamps of the Danarg. The slight tweak from behind that gnarled tree could mean the arrival of the creature you will be dinner for! Unmapped and unexplored, this terrible place is the center of a great evil. But more than just the minions of Agarash the Damned thwart your quest for the sacred Lost Temple of Ohrido, and your destiny. When your identity is revealed by agents of your arch-enemy Darklord Gnaag of Mozgoar, your quest begins a hair-raising roller coaster to the climactic end. Along for the ride is your trusted friend Paido, an evil necromancer, a fortune teller, and a war that could doom your quest before it has started. Do you have the nerves to explore the forbidden Danarg...and get out of it alive