Creators of The Forgotten Creatures - Marzia Bosoni, Alessandro (Alex) Caselli, and David Lovallo
The Inishowen Innovation digital hub in Buncrana will host the launch later this month of ‘The Forgotten Creatures’ - the first gamebook, or ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ title, set in Inishowen.
The event takes place from 5-7pm on Thursday, August 28, giving visitors the chance to discover a unique blend of storytelling, heritage, and interactive gameplay.
A gamebook places the reader at the heart of the action, with each decision leading to a different outcome - some successful, others perilous.
‘The Forgotten Creatures’ invites readers, and players, to step into a world where extinct Irish animals and mythical beings return through the magic of storytelling.
The adventure unfolds across familiar Inishowen locations including Buncrana, Inch Island, the Celtic Prayer Garden at Burnfoot, and Malin Head. Readers are challenged to make choices that determine the fate of these forgotten creatures, ensuring that no two journeys through the book are the same.
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Marzia Bosoni of Forgotten Books, the Donegal-based creative team behind the project, said: “Our books may look like ordinary stories, but they are doors to engaging adventures, sometimes in faraway lands, sometimes right around the corner.
“The Forgotten Creatures is more than just a gamebook; it’s an invitation to rediscover Inishowen’s rich heritage and reflect on our relationship with nature and folklore.
“Importantly, we hope our books inspire readers to rediscover the wealth of beautiful scenery and timeless traditions that need to be preserved and cherished. They can also encourage young people from different backgrounds to consider humanity’s impact on the natural world.
“The name ‘Forgotten Books’ is a nod to Donegal’s nickname of the ‘Forgotten County,’ but also serves as a stark reminder of how much we stand to lose if we neglect our history and heritage.”
The book is the work of three creators – Bosoni, a professional literary translator and author; Alessandro (Alex) Caselli, a computer science engineer and board game designer; and David Lovallo, a coder, illustrator, and Dungeons & Dragons campaign writer.
Anne Marie McLaughlin, manager at the Inishowen Innovation hub said: “We’re delighted to host the launch of ‘The Forgotten Creatures’ – an innovative project that blends storytelling, local heritage, and interactive gameplay. It’s a fantastic way to engage people of all ages with Inishowen’s history and landscapes in a fun, immersive way.”
Attendees will be among the first to experience ‘The Forgotten Creatures’, where myth meets reality, and every choice matters.
The launch is open to all, with free entry, though advance registration is required at: Inishowen Innovation Hub events
Copies of the gamebook will also be available on Irish Hands.com, an online platform that supports artists and makers from Inishowen and the North West.
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