The best-supported match for “Shadow Keep” is The Lord of Shadow Keep, a 1985 solo fantasy gamebook—not a video game. The title match is not certain: the available book records use the longer title. If that is the book you mean, it casts you as a paladin pursuing the wizard Arkayn Darkrobe. Google Books’ catalog description summarizes its premise and play materials.
What is The Lord of Shadow Keep?
It is the third volume in Oliver Johnson’s Golden Dragon Fantasy Gamebooks series. In this solo adventure, you take the role of a paladin and make choices on the way to confront the evil wizard Arkayn Darkrobe. The publisher description reproduced in Google Books presents it as a gamebook, not a conventional linear novel; this identification does not establish that “Shadow Keep” refers to this work rather than another title. Google Books describes the premise, while the gamebook bibliography lists it as Golden Dragon Fantasy Gamebooks no. 3, with 300 sections.
How do you play it?
The catalog description says choices determine whether you succeed or fail, and lists a pencil, eraser, and two dice as the required materials. It describes the book’s intended play; it is not an independent playtest. The bibliography also lists a “Golden Dragon #3 Character Sheet” play aid, but its record does not establish whether the sheet is necessary or currently accessible.
Which edition should you look for?
Use the ISBN to distinguish the editions, since the title alone may not identify the specific copy. The bibliography records the original British and American editions and a 2013 reissue; Google Books catalogs the 2013 edition as a 114-page illustrated edition. The 300-section figure is the bibliography’s count of gamebook sections, not a page count.
#1 Best Overall
| Edition | Publication date | ISBN | Illustration credits in the bibliography |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original British edition | February 14, 1985 | 0583307604 / 9780583307604 | Cover: Bruno Elettori; interior: Leo Hartas |
| American edition | May 1986 | 0425088618 / 9780425088616 | Cover: James Warhola; interior: Leo Hartas |
| 2013 reissue | August 11, 2013 | 1491021411 / 9781491021415 | Harry Clarke (credited by the gamebook bibliography) |
Google Books identifies the 2013 edition’s publisher as CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform and lists 114 pages. That catalog length and the bibliography’s 300 sections count different things. The available records do not verify that the text differs between editions, so choose by the edition and illustrations you want rather than assuming a text revision.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is “Shadow Keep” a video game?
The records supporting this identification describe a printed gamebook, not a video game. They do not settle whether the shorter name belongs to a different game or other work. If you are searching for a product, check that the listing says The Lord of Shadow Keep by Oliver Johnson and compare its ISBN with the edition you want. Bibliographic records do not establish current stock or price.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- An escape room game for the home with an exciting storyline based on J.R.R. Tolkein's beloved series, The Lord of the Rings.
- Join Frodo and the Fellowship on their journey to Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring; can you decipher and complete Gandalf's secret tasks in time?
- Helpful clue cards ensure you never get stuck on a riddle.
- This game can be played once because you mark up, fold, and tear game materials.
- For 1 to 4 players ages 10+; 1-2 hour play time; 2 out of 5 difficulty level
Rank #4
- Authentic Tolkien World: Delve into a meticulously crafted Middle-earth experience, fully licensed and inspired by the iconic works of J.R.R. Tolkien, with all the characters, places, and lore fans love.
Rank #3
Rank #2
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