Test your courage against skeleton warriors, a powerful wizard, and the dreaded borkadrac! Every Twisted Journeys® graphic novel lets YOU control the action by choosing which path to follow. Which twists and turns will your journey take?
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 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.
Ok this twisted journeys is about a boy who wants to be a knight it has everything (but I don't like spoilers so will not tell you what everything is) I think it would be a good read-alike for the McMullan Dragonslayers Academy. This is definatly going to be a series I give to reluctant boy readers looking for a book they can love for a long time. Grades 3+