Prisoner of the Ant People

I had a ton of fun reading this one tonight. The book got a lot of hype from an article on SyFyWire (https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/choose-your-own-demise-prisoner-of-the-ant-people) and it didn't really live up to it. Still, despite not having nearly as much horrible death as suggested, it was well written with interesting and varied storylines. Everything wasn't railroaded and the book didn't waste time with fake choices like, "will you go on an adventure or will you go to sleep?".

The Choose Your Own Adventure series offered an option every few pages to choose how the story would continue. According to your preference, you would follow its instructions by turning to the appropriate page of the book as indicated by your choice. This was a popular and revolutionary idea when the series was first launched in the early 1980s, driving it to incredible sales levels for many years until it was overshadowed by variants on the idea that took the concept to more elaborate lengths (e.g. Fighting Fantasy) and especially by other interactive media.

The plot: in a galaxy far away, you are helping defend your planet against the Power Master's evil plan to control the ant people and have them do his will. Since we're talking show more about ants, a large chunk of the stories will involve a miniaturized you.

Observations: This book gets a sequel, War with the Evil Power Master (#37), despite endings that vanquish him. The illustrator went out of his way to hide your face and make all the rest of you look androgynous so that you can pass for male, female or other, take your pick.

Personal memories: got a little weird from my perspective, but this was my best friend's favourite book in the series. The martian Flppto has some good lines. show less

Lots of choices, interesting story.