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FANTASTIC FIGHTS

Episode 77 - The Tomb of the Golden Skull

October 24, 2026
Episode 77 - The Tomb of the Golden Skull
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We have arrived at the very last Fighting Fantasy book in the main series. What a wild ride it has been. The only question that now remains is whether Tomb of the Golden Skull by Ian Livingstone with art by Karl Kopinski is a worthy note for the series to conclude on. Also I share some thoughts about the series as a whole in a bumper set of closing remarks. There’s also a small surprise revelation.

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In podcast Tags Fighting Fantasy, allansia, arantis, ian livingstone, steve jackson, karl kopinski, scholastic, retro, adventure gamebook, game books, solo, rpg, role playing, children's books, 80s, nostalgia, demons, magic, adventure, provisions, review, analysis, gaming, fantasy, series, deep dive
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Episode 76 - The Dungeon on Blood island

September 22, 2026
Episode 76 - The Dungeon on Blood Island
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We’re at the penultimate mainline Fighting Fantasy book (at the time of going to press) with Ian Livingstone’s The Dungeon on Blood Island which forms a sequel of sorts to Deathtrap Dungeon and Trial of Champions. Sukumvit might have the original Deathtrap Dungeon but his brother Lord Carnuss reckons it can’t be that hard to build a murderous underground challenge so he’s created his own and made sure the prize money is even bigger. The question is: is he right? Listen along to find out.

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In podcast Tags deathtrap dungeon, trial of champions, dungeon on blood island, ian livingstone, fighting fantasy, allansia, sukumvit, carnuss, 2024, retro, gamebook, adventure game book, choose your own adventure, interactive fiction, kids books, children's literature, scholastic, bloodbeast, fantasy, rpg, solo, gaming, nostalgia, nerd, geek, dice, role playing, roleplaying, CYOA, FF, titan, 80s
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Episode 75 - Shadow of the Giants

August 28, 2026

We’re edging ever closer to the end of the Fighting Fantasy series with Shadow of the Giants by Ian Livingstone with art by Mike McCarthy. Giants. Big lads. Hefty fellas. They’re a problem for Allansia and it’s basically all your fault. Can this book break away from the very settled template Ian Livingstone has had for his more recent work? Listen along to find out.

Episode 75 - Shadow of the Giants
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In podcast Tags ian livingstone, mike mccarthy, steve jackson, scholastic, Fighting Fantasy, allansia, hamelin, firetop mountain, warlock of firetop mountain, gorgon, hjdoom, giants, adventure gamebook, game book, cyoa, choose your own adventure, endless quest, retro, gaming, nostalgia, role playing, roleplaying, 80s, 90s, fantasy gaming
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Episode 74 - Secrets of Salamonis

July 28, 2026
Episode 74 - Secrets of Salamonis
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It’s time to bid a fond hello to one of the original creators of Fighting Fantasy as we enjoy Secrets of Salamonis written by Steve Jackson with help from Jonathan Green and art from Tazio Bettin. This is Jackson’s first Fighting Fantasy book since Creature of Havoc way back in 1989. Is this a triumphant return to the genre that he helped define? Listen along to find out.

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In podcast Tags ian livingstone, Fighting Fantasy, Steve Jackson, tazio bettin, allansia, balthus dire, salamonis, chalice, shazaar, retro, nostalgia, gamebook, game book, children's books, adventure, fantasy, roleplaying, role playing, role-playing, WFRP, Dungeons and Dragons, creature of havoc, puffin, scholastic, shrieker, forest of yore, citadel of chaos, old world, titan, out of the pit, deep dive, archive, review, actual play
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Episode 72 - Assassins of Allansia

May 30, 2026

Assassins of Allansia by Ian Livingstone with art by Robert Ball has a great premise - you are being hunted by assassins sent by Lord Azzur of Port Blacksand. Does the actual book live up to the hype? Listen along to find out.

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Episode 72 - Assassins of Allansia
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In podcast Tags fighting fantasy, ian livingston, Steve Jackson, fantastic fights, fantasy, rpg, gamebooks, game book, adventure gamebook, roleplaying, role playing, nostalgia, scholastic, puffin, port blacksand, lord azzur, zanbar bone, sukumvit, deathtrap dungeon, titan, retro, nerd, geek, deep dive, pop culture, gaming, interactive fiction, CYOA, FF
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Episode 71 - Gates of Death

April 25, 2026
Episode 70 - Gates of Death
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It’s a new author tackling Fighting Fantasy in this episode as we play Gates of Death by experienced kids author and Fast Show alumni Charlie Higson with art by Vlado Krizan. It’s another familiar tale of demonic monsters trying to conquer the world but will it tickle my fancy? Listen along to find out.

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In podcast Tags charlie higson, ian livingstone, steve jackson, allansia, titan, port blacksand, salamonis, vlado krizan, bum faced monster, roleplaying, nerd, nostalgia, retro, 2018, 80s, warlock of firetop mountain, scholastic, Fighting fantasy, adventure, gamebook, game book, children's books, fast show
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Episode 70 - The Port of Peril

March 12, 2026
Episode 70 - The Port of Peril
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We’re back in extremely familiar Fighting Fantasy territory as Ian Livingstone takes us on a tour of some of Allansia’s most recognisable settings in The Port of Peril. With art by Vlados Krizan we journey through Chalice to the Moonstone Hills and on to Darkwood Forest and Port Blacksand in search of the means to vanquish an old enemy.

Don’t forget that the Lindenbaum Prize is currently taking submissions. Find more information here: https://www.lloydofgamebooks.com/2026/02/voting-is-now-open-for-2026-lindenbaum.html

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In podcast Tags steve jackson, scholastic, adventure gamebook, titan, khul, old world, role playing, roleplaying, solo, game book, cyoa, choose your own adventure, eidos, puffin, gaming, children's books, interactive fiction, fantasy, dice, nostalgia, 80s, retro, hjdoom, zanbar bone
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