If you cut me open in the late 80s then choose your own adventure books would be spilling out of my veins. So getting word that someone has taken the time, trouble and imagination to create another one, well let’s just say I’m turning to page 37 and kicking butt, (obviously keeping my finger in page 135 where I was, just in case things go wrong). To read more, check out the press release below.
In a World of 24/7 screens and AI, Two Friends Created a Nostalgic Gamebook That Gives Readers Real Agency
In an age of algorithm-fed entertainment and AI-written content, Legion of the Necromancer is a bold throwback to real imagination and real agency.
What?
Created by two lifelong friends and former Metal Hammer creatives, this brand-new fantasy gamebook revives the choose-your-own-adventure spirit of the Fighting Fantasy series. With its fantasy storytelling and hand-drawn art, reader decisions shape every step of the adventure.
And it launches today on Kickstarter with the aim of raising £3,000.
Inspired by their mutual love of the cult Fighting Fantasy series of the 1980s and ’90s, this lovingly crafted project offers readers a chance to step into a gothic-infused world of monsters, magic and high-stakes choices – drenched in nostalgia.
Who?
Created by James Gill (writer) and James Isaacs (illustrator), both former creatives at Metal Hammer magazine, Legion of the Necromancer is more than nostalgia; it’s a fully fledged new fantasy universe with original lore and new beasts, brought to life with detailed illustrations and a gothic horror twist. This is the first of three initial books from their new imprint, Pathfinder Chronicles.
Why?
“We grew up with books like Citadel of Chaos, City of Thieves and Deathtrap Dungeon,” says Gill. “This is our tribute to that era, but with our own twist. We’ve infused the original format with our love of Stephen King, HP Lovecraft and heavy metal iconography.”
“We grew up going on these amazing mission, choosing our own path, fighting monsters and, eventually, succeeding,” says Isaacs. “So much seems passive and digital and disposable these days, we wanted to create something analogue and soulful, but something that gives people some power back – a real adventure that they drive.”
What?
Set in the land of Aelrathia, players play the role of a warrior turned spy, racing to stop an evil Necromancer from raising an undead army and plunging the whole realm into darkness. Along the way, readers will navigate branching paths, survive brutal encounters, uncover cursed relics and face choices that shape the outcome of the story.
“We know that some of the best-loved of the original series were the hardest ones to complete,” says Gill, “so we tried to make sure it was really challenging. Most of our readers will be 45-year-olds channelling their inner 10-year-old, so we needed to make sure the book worked on both levels. It’s not easy, but it’s easy to enjoy.”
The gamebook features:
- A new Tolkien-esque fantasy world with Lovecraftian twists
- 35 stunning black-and-white pen and ink illustrations by Isaacs
- Familiar dice-based combat, equipment gathering and stat-tracking
- An A5 foil-embossed folio edition
Early responses
We asked several people to review the book:
- If you could change anything about the writing, what would it be? “Nothing. It was all very well written and totally immersive.”
“The illustrations were all good and added depth to the adventure. I haven’t got a favourite image, although the knight contemplating his fate conveyed the futility and despair of the character.” - What was your favourite part of the story?
- “The abandoned temple with all the undead: there was a lot of fighting, but I made it through in the end!”
- “Gambling in the tavern and the caravan – and the ‘maze’ was a good challenge”
What next?
The team is seeking to raise £3,000 to fund production of beautiful print editions, including signed hardbacks, art prints and Kickstarter-exclusive rewards. There is also a digital edition.
“This is a labour of love,” adds Isaacs. “We’re doing it all in-house – writing, artwork, layout – even the bloody marketing. We want the spirit of the project to have that retro DIY feel, but still have super high-quality output. The books will be beautiful and we hope people treasure them like we still treasure our House Of Hell and Creature Of Havoc.”
The Kickstarter runs until Nov, with delivery planned for Christmas 2025. Early backers will receive exclusive rewards, including signed editions, custom artwork and a place in the book’s “Thank You” section.
Kickstarter Campaign
www.kickstarter.com/projects/hammerforge/legion-of-the-necromancer
Campaign runs: October 15th- Dec 1st 2025
Estimated Delivery: Jan 3st, 2025
About the Creators
James Gill is a writer and broadcaster who spent six years at Metal Hammer interviewing icons like Marilyn Manson, Guns N’ Roses and Dio. He now writes fiction, creates content for global brands and co-hosts podcasts in the fantasy and gaming space.
James Isaacs is an illustrator and former head designer at Metal Hammer. He’s created visuals for artists like Iron Maiden and The Manic Street Preachers and now channels his passion for fantasy art into original storytelling and visual world-building.
Together, they are lifelong gamers, fantasy obsessives and proud owners of far too many gamebooks.
