Construction not your thing? Never fear. The {{amazonurl|isbn=1405276797|title=Minecraft Combat Handbook}}
is what you need. With a focus on survival and multi-player games, this book gives detailed descriptions of all of the enemies, or mobs, you are likely to encounter and how best to dispatch them. It also shows players how to craft armour and weapons and how to enchant these items for an extra boost. The book also has a section on battle strategy, as well as more advanced techniques such as creating forts, cannons and exploding traps. The mythical Ender Dragon also has his own dedicated section, with a handy guide on what to do if you should reach 'The End' and encounter him.
For the more advanced player, the {{amazonurl|isbn=1405276789|title=Minecraft Redstone Handbook}}
explains how to make simple circuits using Redstone powder as a wire. The book teaches basic techniques, like making pistons, torches and repeaters and then shows how these items can be incorporated into a variety of more complex machinery, creating piston doors, lighting systems, arrow launchers and automated traps. The list of creative possibilities is endless and the book highlights some contraptions created by the experts, like the amazing 14 Floor Elevator, the Super Stopwatch and the Zombie Siege arcade game. Basic electronics concepts become fun, as players see the possibilities that open up to them.
Having read all four books, I must admit that I'm keen to put my new-found knowledge to the test. Tonight, mum is hogging the PC and the kids will just have to wait their turn.