A fabulous graphic novel choose-your-own-adventure! I first read a few of these ‘Twisted Journeys� books back in primary school, so coming back to theA fabulous graphic novel choose-your-own-adventure! I first read a few of these ‘Twisted Journeys� books back in primary school, so coming back to them as an adult has been such a nostalgic joy. This one leans more into the adventure genre with a classic treasure-hunting tale full of danger, ancient secrets, and tricky decisions that can change your fate with the flip of a page. It’s just as exciting now as it was then.
Plot: ★★★★� Like the other books in the series, the plot is designed to be simple yet flexible, allowing the reader to explore different narrative outcomes based on their choices. ‘The Treasure of Mount Fate� taps into that old-school adventure vibe, and the fun lies in the sheer variety of scenarios you can land in, from heroic escapes to not-so-lucky ends. While the central narrative is purposefully broad, the individual storylines are imaginative and keep you flipping pages to uncover just one more path.
Character: ★★★★� While the main character is left fairly open-ended to allow the reader to step into their shoes, the supporting characters really help flesh out the world. Whether you're facing off against beasts, decoding riddles with a helpful guide, or navigating tense moments of betrayal, there’s always someone interesting just around the corner.
Setting: ★★★★� The mountaintop setting is filled with intrigue and danger. From ancient ruins buried deep in caves to snow-covered peaks and dense jungle trails, the world around Mount Fate feels large and filled with potential. It’s a classic adventure setting, and it works beautifully here � each new route reveals more of the mountain’s secrets, which kept me eager to explore different storylines.
Illustrations: ★★★★� Bright, bold, and packed with energy. The illustrations do a fantastic job of capturing the action-packed tone of the story. The expressions are exaggerated just enough to make the drama fun, and the varied environments � from lush forests to underground tunnels � are distinct and visually appealing.
Engagement: ★★★★� This book really draws you in with its branching choices and fast-paced action. I found myself revisiting pages again and again to see where different decisions would lead � and there were quite a few surprises! Some paths ended abruptly, while others spun into exciting and unexpected developments. That unpredictability made it hard to put down. It’s definitely the kind of book you want to reread just to try all the “what if� scenarios.
Readability: ★★★★� Super accessible and easy to follow, this book is a great choice for both younger readers and adults looking for a lighter, adventurous read. The blend of comic-style panels and short narrative prose keeps the pacing tight, and the language is clear without being too simple. Perfect for readers who love interactive stories but want a more visually dynamic format.
Enjoyment: ★★★★� I had so much fun diving into this one. The blend of classic treasure-hunting tropes and interactive storytelling hits a nostalgic sweet spot. While it doesn’t reach quite the same spooky heights as ‘Terror in Ghost Mansion�, it delivers a thrilling, fun ride that reminded me of old-school adventure films and childhood games. I genuinely enjoyed flipping through each possible path and discovering new twists along the way.
‘The Treasure of Mount Fate� is another solid entry in the ‘Twisted Journeys� collection. It offers a dynamic and exciting reading experience that’s perfect for fans of adventure stories, graphic novels, and choose-your-own-adventure books. Whether you're reading it for the first time or coming back to it after years, this interactive tale delivers a satisfying mix of mystery, excitement, and colourful storytelling....more
A fabulous blend of graphic novel storytelling and choose-your-own-adventure mechanics, ‘Terror in Ghost Mansion� is exactly the kind of book that madA fabulous blend of graphic novel storytelling and choose-your-own-adventure mechanics, ‘Terror in Ghost Mansion� is exactly the kind of book that made my childhood magical. I first read some of the ‘Twisted Journeys� books back in primary school, and it’s been such a joy rediscovering them with adult eyes, especially this spooky instalment. With multiple pathways, haunted hallways, and more ghosts than you can shake a candle at, this one delivers on eerie fun and nostalgic thrills.
Plot: ★★★★� As expected from this series, the plot is simple at its core � deliberately so, in order to support the branching narrative � but it still manages to pack in a lot of atmosphere and suspense. Some paths are more satisfying than others, but that’s part of the charm � every read-through is different, and the variety keeps things fresh. I appreciated how many little twists and surprises were built into each outcome.
Character: ★★★★� Character development is naturally a bit lighter in a book like this where your choices shape the story, but even so, the cast here is memorable. Whether it's the creepy caretaker, helpful stranger, or the ghosts with tragic pasts, the characters all serve their roles well and add texture to the mystery.
Setting: ★★★★� The haunted mansion is, unsurprisingly, one of the stars of the show. Each room you discover � whether it's the hidden passageways, the greenhouse, or the cryptic library � feels like it has its own story to tell. The setting is atmospheric without being overwhelming, and it's used cleverly to create suspense and a sense of foreboding throughout. While it would have been fun to get even more lore about the mansion itself, what’s there works wonderfully to support the overall tone.
Illustrations: ★★★★� The art style continues to impress � bright, bold, and expressive. The illustrations strike a great balance between playful and eerie, which is perfect for this spooky story aimed at middle readers. Visual cues in the artwork really help sell some of the more dramatic moments, and the character designs are distinct enough to instantly convey their personalities. It’s easy to stay immersed thanks to how well the visuals support the mood of each scene.
Engagement: ★★★★� This is definitely the kind of book you sit down with and suddenly realise you’ve been flipping pages for an hour. The interactive structure makes it endlessly engaging � I found myself going back again and again to explore all the possible endings. While a few paths were a little shorter than I’d hoped, the sheer number of choices more than made up for it.
Readability: ★★★★� Very accessible and fast-paced. The combination of comic panels and short prose sections keeps things moving briskly, and the transition between different formats is seamless. It’s the kind of book that would appeal even to reluctant readers, especially younger ones, but it still has enough structure and intrigue for older readers to enjoy as well. The language is simple without being dull, and it allows the focus to stay on the choices and action.
Enjoyment: ★★★★� I had so much fun with this book. It hit all the right nostalgic notes while still feeling fresh and exciting. The haunted house vibe is classic, and it’s executed with just enough suspense and silliness to keep things from getting too dark. Each ending feels like a little reward in itself � some hilarious, some spooky, and some surprisingly heartfelt. I genuinely enjoyed exploring every possible path and outcome, and I know I’ll revisit it again in the future.
‘Terror in Ghost Mansion� is a shining example of what makes the ‘Twisted Journeys� collection so special. It combines the thrill of interactive storytelling with the visual excitement of a graphic novel, all wrapped in a delightfully haunted package. Perfect for readers of all ages who love a bit of mystery, a touch of the supernatural, and the chance to carve out their own story, this book is a ghostly good time from start to finish....more
A fantastic blend of graphic novel and interactive storytelling. I remember reading this as a kid � it was one of those books that stuck with me, and A fantastic blend of graphic novel and interactive storytelling. I remember reading this as a kid � it was one of those books that stuck with me, and I loved diving back into its twisty, tomb-raiding adventure. These books are the kind of fun that feels nostalgic and new all at once.
Plot: ★★★★� This one's got a thrilling edge to it. While the plot remains purposefully simple to allow for multiple paths, it carries an exciting sense of danger and ancient mystery. Whether you're navigating traps or uncovering hidden secrets, each path keeps the stakes high and the choices exciting.
Character: ★★★★� The characters you encounter throughout are dynamic and fun. Some are helpful, others less so � but all bring flavour to the story. They feel a bit more mysterious than those in ‘Captured by Pirates�, which fits the eerie tone of the pyramid setting.
Setting: ★★★★� The pyramid setting is fantastic � dark, dangerous, and filled with secrets. Each corridor feels like a puzzle box waiting to be unlocked. The variety of locations within the pyramid � from tombs to treasure chambers � adds to the excitement and unpredictability.
Illustrations: ★★★★� Bright and expressive, the artwork here really helps enhance the suspense and energy of each scene. It leans a bit more into the mysterious and eerie compared to some of the other entries in the series, which suits the story perfectly.
Engagement: ★★★★� Very engaging! I found myself flipping back and forth just to see how things might've turned out differently. It’s hard to stop after just one run � you’re drawn to retry until you’ve seen every twist and turn the pyramid has to offer.
Readability: ★★★★� Quick and smooth to read. The balance between comic panels and prose sections flows well, and the interactive structure makes it easy to keep going. A great pick for readers who like a bit of control over the story they experience.
Enjoyment: ★★★★� I really enjoyed this one! There’s something about ancient pyramids, mysterious curses, and secret pathways that makes this kind of story endlessly appealing. A fun and thrilling throwback that’s just as enjoyable now as it was in primary school.
‘Escape from Pyramid X� is a wonderful addition to the ‘Twisted Journeys� collection, combining visual storytelling with high-stakes exploration. With plenty of intrigue, creepy atmosphere, and multiple possible endings, it’s perfect for readers who love a little danger with their adventure � and who enjoy calling the shots....more
A fabulous graphic novel choose-your-own-adventure. I first read a few of these books in primary school, so it was wonderful to rediscover them! It caA fabulous graphic novel choose-your-own-adventure. I first read a few of these books in primary school, so it was wonderful to rediscover them! It captures that nostalgic feeling of flipping back and forth between pages, trying to outwit danger or find the "best" ending, all while being guided by vivid, engaging illustrations. Perfect for young readers � and for the young at heart.
Plot: ★★★★� The overall plot is necessarily straightforward to accommodate the branching structure of a choose-your-own-adventure format. That said, there are several exciting and imaginative potential plotlines depending on which path you take. From sword fights to daring escapes, there's plenty of swashbuckling fun packed into this short volume.
Character: ★★★★� While the main character is meant to be “you,� the supporting cast is solid and fun to interact with. Pirates, mysterious strangers, and various allies or foes all make appearances depending on the path taken. They’re not deeply developed, but they’re colourful and memorable enough to keep things interesting.
Setting: ★★★★� The seafaring world is bold, energetic, and surprisingly atmospheric for such a short and stylised format. From storm-tossed ships to island hideouts, the settings help anchor each version of the story and add a real sense of piratey adventure. The visuals help sell the setting even more, making each location feel immersive, even if briefly visited.
Illustrations: ★★★★� Gorgeous illustrations! They’re bright, bold, and bursting with character. The artwork brings the various scenarios to life with flair, capturing the high-stakes energy of the genre while keeping it age-appropriate and fun.
Engagement: ★★★★� The interactive format makes it extremely engaging. It’s almost impossible to read it just once � you have to go back and see what could’ve happened if you'd made a different choice. That "just one more ending" mentality makes it perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys a more hands-on reading experience.
Readability: ★★★★� Very easy to read and follow. The story flows well despite the jumping between pages, and the clear structure helps readers know exactly where to go next. The alternating format of prose and comic panels is also great for readers who might not usually gravitate toward longer text, offering visual breaks and boosting accessibility.
Enjoyment: ★★★★� I had so much fun diving back into this! It's clever, playful, and full of nostalgia for me � but I also think it holds up well for new readers today. It’s the kind of book that turns reading into a game, and I’d absolutely recommend it for middle graders, educators, or anyone wanting a quick, adventurous escape.
‘Captured by Pirates� is a dynamic and engaging adventure that’s both interactive and visually fun. It does exactly what it sets out to do � deliver a playful pirate romp full of choice, consequence, and charm. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, it’s a treasure chest of fast-paced fun that encourages imagination and rereading. A solid start to the ‘Twisted Journeys� collection and a great pick for kids who enjoy a bit of control over their reading destiny....more
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