Clever, funny, and innovative, this is perhaps Edward Packard's Masterpiece of the CYOA range.
Written by Julius Goodman. Illustrated by Ralph Reese
This is the first contribution from a female writer, and it's a reasonable start. Although it is unremarkable in almost every way and it's not one that stands out in the range, it never ceases to be mildly enjoyable. I do think the author leans too much towards choices revolving around running or escaping however.
Written by R.A Montgomery. Illustrated by Leslie Morrill
Written by R.A Montgomery. Illustrated by Ralph Reese
Wow, submarines, I'm already intrigued. Oh wait, just in case that's not thrilling enough, we get some ESP thrown in too! Pity it's all boring, with the main pattern being your submarine gets in some trouble, and you choose what your ESP is telling you to to get out of it, which either leads straight to a disastrous ending, or the chance to survive till another similar bit of trouble presents itself, and the pattern starts all over again... skip it.
This is a really great title. Successful in everything it attempts, High Ridge is horrifying, suspenseful, has a good storyline, and is just a lot of fun to read. What always benefits cyoa horror stories is that the author's aren't afraid to throw in lots of violence and death, and High Ridge has 'you' acting out some of the most interesting and varied deaths in the series. The one on page 98 in particular would send little kids screaming for mummy. Even 'Granger''s goofy illustrations are effective here, and it's also nice to see Ricardo and Lisa back. If you haven't already, give this one a go!
Written by Edward Packard. Illustrated by 'Paul Granger'
Written by: R.A Montgomery. Illustrated by Ralph Reese
Some of my favourites in the series are the ones about the mansions and loony inhabitants and mysterious goings-on, and while this doesn't quite reach the superlative heights of The Mystery of Chimney Rock, it's a great return to form for Richard Brightfield. The background of the English Revolution is a good one, and while time-travel is perhaps an overused theme in the CYOA series, it's put to good use here, and a lot of the action takes place outside the actual hall. Actually, they could have chosed a better title, but that's made up for by one of the best looking covers seen in the series.
Written by: Tony Koltz. Illustrated by Doug Jamieson
You're certainly the one in charge in this book - It's interesting to notice how dumb your companions are - your treasure seeking freinds never really do anything until you tell them too.
Otherwise, Treasure Diver features everything you would expect from the title, as well as making an attempt to be educational. It's fairly flatly written, and the only fun character is Captain Jack... pity he only appears on one actual page.
Wizards, dragons, treasure... This reads like the blandest of Fighting Fantasy books, but there are about as many original ideas in The Dragons Den as there are dice-rolling battles. Like in his previous The Phantom Submarine, Richard Brightfield isn't satisfied with just one thing, as along with the dungeons and dragons setting, we get some time travel thown in as well. I do like the illustrations however, and there are a few good parts in the story (mostly involving an amusing shower scene)
Written by: Louise Munro Foley. Illustrated by: 'Paul Granger'
I've read one or two scathing reviews of this particular title, so I was somewhat surprised to find it intelligently written and interesting. Fred does make one little blunder (recognising someone when it's very possible you're yet to encounter them), but I forgive him, it is his first book (and his last if I recall correctly). Being a reporter as opposed to being your everyday American teen adds to it as well. It's also great to have Leslie Morrill back doing illustrations, he's really very good.
Written by: Richard Brightfield. Illustrated by: 'Paul Granger'
Written by: R.A Montgomery. Illustrated by: Paul Abrams
Written by: Jay Liebold. Illustrated by: Ralph Reese
Written by: Edward Packard. Illustrated by: Frank Bolle
Written by: Deborah Lerme Goodman. Illustrated by: Ron Wing