Ulysses: The Pegasi Incident
Paul Turner
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams
Ulysses: The Pegasi Incident is a gamebook by Paul Turner. Similar to
the "choose your own adventure" books published for children, Ulysses
offers the reader a choice in how the story proceeds. The story is
written in a series of numbered entries, following the actions of the
crew of the starship Ulysses, as they explore the stranded Pegasi
Station, whose inhabitants have become ill with a mysterious virus.
The story is a bit frustrating in the similarities to the Star Trek
series. From the introduction to the novel via the "Captain's Log," to
the empathic ship counsellor Miva Lontira who senses the emotions of
beings to discern their temperament (think Deanna Troi), the
resemblance is a little too close. The author's description of the
ship's layout could just as easily place the events aboard the
Enterprise as the Ulysses.
Unfortunately, the actual story line doesn't offer much opportunity for
the reader to delineate the plot. Most of the entries end with
instructions to move to another section, but the few that do offer
multiple choices seem to drive the reader in circles until the story
has progressed through all of the original options, regardless of the
direction intended.
The idea of a gamebook for teens and adults where the reader has the
ability to steer the events is intriguing and could draw a huge
following, especially among nostalgic Science Fiction fans. However,
Ulysses seems to be more of a work of fan fiction. With a little more
originality, the concept could really take off.
For ages 14 and up, according to the author's site. Amazon lists this
book as being for ages 9-12, and I agree with Amazon's placement as a
more accurate target audience.