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 | Intriguing...and a 3 dimensional Fitz! |
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| What: | History 101 (BBC Eighth Doctor novels) |
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| By: | John Ellison, Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
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| Date: | Monday 19 August 2002 |
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| Rating: |   8 |
If I remember correctly from the "about the author" page, this is Halliday's first Who novel. I am, to say the least, quite impressed and pleased.
She has woven a story I found to be both original and satisfying. She also managed to bring Fitz more depth than I recall seeing since "Revolution Man". Bravo! It is about time we saw an author treat him as more than just a comic foil (or worse the bumbling, loveable fool). Also, the interaction between Fitz and Anji is well written--their grudging concern for each other is clearly evident.
At times, I did find myself wondering when some of the "players" had entered. Perhaps a little more development on their parts could have been helpful. On the whole though, I find myself dangerously close to having to eat my words from a previous review (see Book of the Still) and mail a formal apology to Jac Rayner. The line seems to be on an upswing!
| What: | Drift (BBC Past Doctor novels) |
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| By: | Jerry Lewandowski, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
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| Date: | Saturday 17 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 7 |
This book was a good depiction of a Tom Baker Dr. Who story. I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially the build up of suspense. There were, however, a couple of drawbacks to the storyline: the way the creature was explained was done rather haphazardly with not much description, and leela didn't really have much of an active part as her character did in the television program. leela's pairing up with kristal was a good idea, but they should have fed off of each other instead of leela just following kristal around. they were a perfect match but the relationship didn't seem all the strong in the story.
I was fortunate enough to receive this book from my local library to read. I have heard nothing but high praise for the author (Kate Orman) and her particular depiction of a planet at war, involving humanity and aliens.
There is really nothing more that I can say to recommend this book, since most reviewers have already used the best summing-up phrases. Kudos must go to the author's husband (Jonathan Blum) as well, for his apparent assistance in contributing to the historical interludes which outline the surprisingly rational reasoning behind the Doctor's seemingly manic obsession to play first concerto in the Hitchemus orchestra.
Kate's portrayal of the Eighth Doctor was the best to date, as I saw definitive elements of Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker's incarnations, creeping within certain high points - the absolute otherworldiness, and the ability to feign ignorance when you know more than you're prepared to admit. The costume analysis was also accurately detailed, and Ms. Orman herself acknowledges invaluable help from certain novel historians.
The beginning was admittedly slow, but tension soon built up at a cracking pace. Scenes which provided different perspectives from various characters (for example, the tragic demise of the xenobiologist, Besma Grieve), provided insights into the machinations/desires of the people involved. The scheming Longbody for example, reminded me of a similar character used in a certain televised story about humanoid reptiles.
All I can say to finish is that I can't wait to see what "Blue Box" contains (Sixth Doctor and Peri adventure). I also can't wait to see the submitted email newsletter (web address provided at the end of the book), which contains ideas and inspirations from Ms. Orman and Mr. Blum.
| What: | Rags (BBC Past Doctor novels) |
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| By: | Jerry Lewandowski, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
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| Date: | Sunday 11 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 6 |
Well, if you could get past all the blood and violence you have the makings of a good dr. who story. Note the word good. it's not great...the explanation for the ragman is pretty weak in my opinion and the climax of the story even weaker. seems that the extreme violence was there to cover up the inadequacies of the storyline. jo grant mesmerized by the music is nothing new, she is always getting hypnotized in some form or another. and what's with mike yates? why wasn't he really affected by the ragman until the very end? less violence and more substance and you've got yourself an a+ book.
A contemporary adventure in New Orleans, revolving around magic, with much soul-searching by the Doctor. The plot is good, with some nice twists, but where this book really shines is the supporting cast (Rust & Dupre in paticular) and the dialogue, particularly between Fitz and Anji. Fitz and Anji are both fanatstic, likeable companions that readers can really relate to, and I think they are one of the main reasons the 8th Doctor series has won so much praise lately. Although I think the 'final showdown' was a bit of an anti-climax, and some scenes are a bit risque for Who, I can't say either of these really mar this great book. And Paul McGann would love it too - every other page seems to mention how handsome the Doctor is!
| What: | The Happiness Patrol (BBC classic series videos) |
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| By: | , Ulm, Germany |
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| Date: | Friday 9 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
One of the best Doctor Who stories.
| What: | Paradise Towers (BBC classic series videos) |
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| By: | , Ulm, Germany |
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| Date: | Friday 9 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
In my opinion one of the best Doctor Who stories.
On a similar tack to 'The Witchunters', Lyons takes the Troughton space adventure and gives it a dark slant. The end result isn't as good as the witchunters, but still worth reading. After a shakey start ('Genesis of the Daleks', anyone?), this builds into an exciting, fast-paced adventure. The supporting cast are good, if uniformly angst-ridden, and the Selachians are a cool new race. I thought the bits with the Doctor on the 'Triumph' (the Doctor tests just how much Time can be played with) were very gripping, but got a bit bored with Zoe's chapters, which were a predictable cycle of capture/escape/capture. However, the ending is excellent. All in all, a satisfying read.
| What: | The Crooked World (BBC Eighth Doctor novels) |
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| By: | John Ellison, Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
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| Date: | Wednesday 7 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
After some of the line's more recent offerings, I cringed as I picked up this book. The cover and the cover teaser had me convinced that this was a disaster waiting to happen. (Maybe I am a purest, but I don't find the stories that "do something 'totally' un-who-like" to be my forte--if I wanted un-who-like, then I would read something else).
What I got instead was one of the most wonderful 8th Doctor stories ever told. Lyons managed to pay homage to numerous cartoon characters while still masterfully creating a story about growth and change. Satire, wit, and feeling--it is ALL present and on the mark. I even found myself moved to tears on several occassions.
It really is that good! Were it within my power, this would be a HUGO winner.
If you are in North America and hoping to wait out the current distribution problems, then find a way to get this book NOW!
| What: | The City of the Dead (BBC Eighth Doctor novels) |
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| By: | Mark, Australia |
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| Date: | Wednesday 7 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 9 |
After reading this novel, I have to say I really enjoyed it, especially the descriptions of New Orleans, a place I never really knew anything about.
The whole story with Nothing getting into the Tardis seemed to be left largely unexplored, even at the end of the novel, and the reader is left with a rather murky understanding of the whole point of the story.
But you get to read all about the weird beliefs of some people, and there is even a mention of an erection... is that anywhere else in the franchise? I thought this story started out as a kids' series? But let's be honest, how many of us loyal fans are kids?
I feel that in this novel, Fitz was terribly underused. All he got to do was dig up a grave. Compassion fell in love with the enemy, and the Doctor pondered his memory loss whilst flirting with the Occult.
| What: | Nightshade (New Adventures novels) |
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| By: | Virtual Vikki, Red Bluff, CA, USA |
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| Date: | Wednesday 7 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
Back to Earth in 1968 as the Doctor is going into a bit of a depression (which if I recall lasts off and on for the next several books) and perhaps a visit to his favorite planet will cheer him up. In the village of Crook Marsham lives an old actor who once played Nightshade on the telly. His character was sort of a cross between Prof. Quatermass and Doctor Who. Now he is just an old actor. Many murders, what else is new, have been occurring. There is a radio telescope on the moor which is being bombarded by strange signals. Add for good measure some legends of the local civil ware and an ageless power and you have all the elements for a good Who story. Sort of reminiscent of the Image of the Fendall or The Horror of Fang Rock this books makes for good reading. This was voted by fans as one of the best of the first 12 New Adventures novels.
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| Great humor.. too much sex and violence |
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| What: | Sky Pirates! (New Adventures novels) |
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| By: | Virtual Vikki, Red Bluff, CA, USA |
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| Date: | Wednesday 7 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
By David Stone (the author of three Judge Dredd novels) he also wrote one of the solo Benny novels and two other NA's.
Avast, ye scurvies! Hoist the mainbrace, splice the anchor and join the Doctor and Benny for the maiden voyage of the good ship Schirron Dream, as it ventures into the fungral dark air spaces occupied by the Sloathes - those villainous slimy evil shape shifting monsters of utter and unmitigated evil that have placed a system under siege!"
There are several interior illustrations and one very unusual map-diagram in the back of the book.
The back of this book was very odd. The standard blurb about the New Adventures was replaced with this...
"Stories deeper, wider, firmer, plumper, perkier, yellower, crisper and with more incredibly bad jokes than you can shake a stick at, theNew Adventures take the TARDIS into previously unexplored realms of taste and stupidity."
A lot of people really hated this book. I thought it was the best book so far of the entire series. Some of the gags are fantastic. The humor is good. On the down side, there is quite a bit of sex near the beginning of the novel when Bennie and the Doctor take up working in a brothel. There is a bit of violence too. Perhaps a bit more than needed to be in the story. The pirate aspects are good. The characters are very very likable. I was glad it was one of the longest Doctor Who books to date. I was a bit sad when it was over. I wish it could have gone on longer.
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| Worth reading. Ending not so good. |
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| What: | Blood Heat (New Adventures novels) |
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| By: | Virtual Vikki, Red Bluff, CA, USA |
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| Date: | Wednesday 7 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 10 |
This story is one of the more innovative of the series. It tends to lage a bit about 1/3 of the way into the book for a chapter or so. I don't want to give too much away, but the ending does negate the action and leave the reader a bit unsatisfied. however, the adventure of getting to the end is well worth the time spent.
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| On a quest for treasure... |
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| What: | The Ultimate Treasure (BBC Past Doctor novels) |
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| By: | C. J.'s Dreamer, USA |
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| Date: | Tuesday 6 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 8 |
The Ultimate Treasure combines classic Dr. Who with the treasure seeking adventures of old. Christopher Bulis captures the characters of the Fifth Doctor and Peri with grace and accuracy, and you can just see them on this adventure. Also, the other characters may be seen as typecasted, but Bulis adds touches to them that make them unique enough to be true participants in the plot and not just background.
With plenty of twist and turns and a moral at the end, the plot is fun and imaginative with just enough hardship in it to keep it from being just a frilly story. There are many potentially fatal challenges/puzzles in keeping with the spirit of other such tasks found in many Dr. Who episodes. Adding a moral quest along with a physical one, the story is true old BBC televison Dr. Who, but it takes advantage of being a written work and thus delves deeper than could be done by means of a television performance.
For those of you who like the newer gloom-and-doom, moral-twisting, dark style that many of the newer Dr. Who novels have adopted, you many not like this book. For those of you looking for a reprieve and find yourself yearning for a new story but in the old spririt of the Dr. Who television series (where you still like the Doctor and his companions at the end of the story), then the Ultimate Treasure is the book for you.
All around, it is a fun adverture story and fairly light reading. The only thing I have to say bad about the book is that it needed one more proofreading before it hit the presses.
Take Care and Keep Reading!
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| Nice try....could be better |
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It is very hard to find a storyline that fits in with the doctrine and cannon of dr. who, and its even more difficult to set the story before the series stated with an unearthly child. time and relative was a good but really not what i'd consider a good pre-dr. who story. using susan as the point of view was a good idea but the book tried too hard to explain a bit about the doctor's past without giving too much away.
also, the idea of a being that lived on the earth during the ice age was a nice touch but got too silly with the killer snowmen routine.
| What: | Rags (BBC Past Doctor novels) |
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| By: | Simon, Sydney, Australia |
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| Date: | Monday 5 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 4 |
Didn't like this book much, which is a personal disapointment for me because I love the cover, it's one of my favorites. The Doctor was hardly in this story at all, and when he was, he wasn't doing anything. I don't mind a bit of blood and guts, but a story would be nice...
This book is available for trade at www.sf-books.com
| What: | The Book of the Still (BBC Eighth Doctor novels) |
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| By: | John Ellison, Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
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| Date: | Thursday 1 August 2002 |
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| Rating: | 5 |
I found "The Book of the Still" to be quite unimpressive. I am not sure whether Mr. Ebb was going for humor or just the plain absurd. In fairness, though it did involve "mobsters" and I have never really enjoyed that kind of story.
I was however very disappointed with the plot that seemed to jump from place to place while expecting the reader to take it all in stride. Sorry, the "explanations" at the end just seemed too contrived and even then, not everything is really explained (like a weird time event that allows Fitz to put his fingers where they shouldn't be).
I have also begun to despair that the series editor (still Raynor?) has stopped reading the books! Didn't we just see trench coated aliens in the previous story? And this is yet another story where time tech seems to be the focal point.
It's been two years since the destruction of Gallifrey and six months since they neutered the Doctor even further! I have never missed the Doctor's memories or his world more!
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| Great Book. A lot of answers! |
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A great book that answered all my questions about the Timelords. I always reckoned that the Timelords like the Master and Romana were so cool, it was a shame there wasn't much of a background, and so this book came along. Only cross? A bit too expensive at 30 quid!!! On the other hand, the writing, photos and illustrations probably more than make up for it
| What: | Matrix (BBC Past Doctor novels) |
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| By: | EDL Foster, Invercargill, New Zealand |
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| Date: | Sunday 28 July 2002 |
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| Rating: | 9 |
Quite basically, this is McCoy...but not as you know him.
Forget the recent American news documentary on the Ripper unmasking by acclaimed crime novelist, Patricia Cornwell, this book explores and uncovers the true story behind the most notorious (and mysterious) serial killer in known history.
It's also a kind of sequel to a documented scandalous legal trial on Gallifrey, which has the Doctor fighting his most dangerous foe, imaginable...
Himself.
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| Pertwee rules the universe |
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It's been a while since I last saw this story on TV, but it was always good fun to watch. The story is unusual in that itis divided into two sections.The scenes with the Doctor and Jo arriving on a ship in what seems to be Earth's past and finding the crew trapped in a time loop (see Groundhog Day) is very effective and very Twilight Zone-ish. Robert Holmes scripts well as usual and Harry himself, Ian Marter, makes an early appearance.The final moments with the ship's occupants realising that their trip seems to have taken forever and the old boy finally finishing his book and strangely haunting and touching, shades of the Bermuda Triangle mystery and the Marie Celeste. The other half of the story lets the whole thing down. The Pertwee era had spent three years firmly fixed to the ground. Dr.Who became a kind of 70s X-Files or an ongoing Quatermass serial with an unearthly hero, but season ten inspired Barry Letts to go plunging back into time and space with tacky, embarrassing results that lowered the tone of one of the best eras of the entire Dr.Who series. The scenes on the alien planet of Inter Minor are silly, cheap, obviously studio bound and filled with bad CSO work. The scenesin which the Doctor and Jo escape through the workings of the mini scope are similar to the Lost In Space episode Trip Through the Robot and inspire the viewer's imagination. All in all, it's about 50 to 60 percent of an all time classic and rest sucks like a vacuum cleaner. But all in all, the good outweighs the bad and Pertwee is still one of the absolute best Doctors. I'd say this DVD is well worth the price. But please...can we have some of the others now...seasons seven and eight for instance! The WHOLE seasons I mean,not just Spearhead from Space. Why Ambassadors of Death didn't make it to DVD recently is beyond me! What a story. But I digress! Long live Pertwee, long live Dr.Who!
