Secrets of Salamonis Review: A New Gamebook from a Legend

Which of us fantasy enthusiasts hasn't dreamed of becoming a hero? We devour their stories in books, watch them on the big screen or TV. Some of us play as them in front of a computer monitor, or at a table with various board games or RPGs.

If all these options aren't enough, you can step into the shoes of a true adventurer in another way. If you love both books and rolling dice, you have a great opportunity to dive with me into a new gamebook by Steve Jackson – Secrets of Salamonis.

Fighting Fantasy and a Return to Roots

This gamebook is part of the Fighting Fantasy series, which began in the 80s and remains legendary today. Don't worry, even if you haven't played any of the previous volumes, there's no reason to fear (well, you'll meet plenty of reasons to fear on your journey, but as a true hero, you'll face them bravely) and you can start playing without any prior knowledge of the series.

If you've already played some gamebooks from the series, choosing Secrets of Salamonis is a safe bet and a return to a beloved game world and mechanics all in one.

Rules That Won't Overwhelm You

On the opening pages, you'll find rules adapted for Fighting Fantasy beginners, but also simplified for seasoned veterans. You'll get a detailed introduction to the rules for combat, luck, and other stats useful throughout your adventure.

I liked that the starting values for Skill, Stamina, and Luck are fixed, so you don't have to worry about balancing your character – everyone has the same chance to grapple with fate.

First Steps in Salamonis

The adventure begins like a nightmare – you wake up in a two-headed ogre's cave. The gamebook offers you several choices at the end of each paragraph on where to go. I snuck past an ogre cub, only to wake up on a ship shortly after, robbed of all my possessions.

However, the ship turns out to be a dream come true – it's heading to the city of Salamonis. A world of possibilities opens up at the port: education, an adventurers' guild, ways to earn money… and even work at the slaughterhouse, which proves to be a disgusting but profitable experience.

Guilds, Quests, and Fateful Choices

After your first earnings and returning from the docks, more options gradually open up. Training at the guild, adventure permits, all kinds of contracts. Clearing King Salamon's mines, clashes with shrieks and other monsters, returns to the inn, and new expeditions.

Every decision has consequences. Sometimes you end up defeated, other times you're richer in experience, money, or new opportunities. The world reacts to your steps and offers ever-new paths.

An Adventure You Write Yourself

Will you escort merchant caravans? Will you head to the Hall of Learning to study? Will you help alchemists, or will you hunt for legendary artifacts? Secrets of Salamonis offers an endless number of paths, and none is the "right" one – only yours.

This and much more awaits you on the pages of this unassuming little book. Will you slay all the monsters? Will you reach a successful end? There's nothing left to do but try it for yourself…

author Jana Mrkvicová