City of Thieves (gamebook)

City of Thieves is a gamebook written by Ian Livingstone, published in 1983 as the sixth book in the Fighting Fantasy series. It is notable for its dark and gritty setting, a corrupt and dangerous metropolis called Port Blacksand, often referred to as the "City of Thieves."

The adventure casts the reader in the role of an adventurer tasked with delivering a vital message to Baron Sukumvit, the only man who can prevent an impending Goblin invasion. To succeed, the adventurer must navigate the treacherous streets of Port Blacksand, battling thieves, monsters, and corrupt officials. The city is presented as a haven for criminals and cutthroats, where danger lurks around every corner.

Gameplay involves the standard Fighting Fantasy mechanics of dice rolls to determine Skill, Stamina, and Luck, which are used to resolve combat and other challenges. Players make choices at numbered paragraphs, leading to different encounters and outcomes. City of Thieves is considered to be one of the more challenging books in the Fighting Fantasy series, due to the high level of difficulty and the unforgiving nature of Port Blacksand. The gamebook is known for its unique and memorable setting, contributing significantly to its enduring popularity among fans of the Fighting Fantasy series. The atmosphere of corruption, danger, and desperation distinguishes it from other adventures in the series.