The Rings of Kether (Fighting Fantasy Gamebook, No.15)

Many FF fans disapproved of 'science fiction'. They were either poorly written or didn't suit the general fantasy theme the series mostly published. However, only a few notable FFs of sci-fi nature made it through - 'Rebel Planet', 'Robot Commando', and the third: 'The Rings of Kether'.Andrew Chapman's earlier attempts at sci-fi didn't go down well at all, so FF#15 was at first regarded with suspicion. However, he'd revised his methods at planning and concentrated on improving his reputation. Although there were no new rules as such, there was a lot more to the story itself, and some gripping moments. It's a classic whodunnit, where the reader (YOU!) decides which leads to follow - in this sense, it was admirably complex, just like a real crime thriller. However, Rings of Kether lost one star due to the minimal number of opponents. I finished this book having fought about four or five encounters, whereas ten would have been nearer the required mark. Despite this drawback, I think this is perhaps Andrew Chapman's most involved gamebook, although the illustrations fail to complement this marvellous sci-fi adventure. Gary Mayes (ironically, illustrator of the doomed Space Assassin FF#12) would have been better suited to this one, as he definitely inspired Rebel Planet. I suggest any late FF fans to buy this as one of the top three SF gamebooks around.