Scan barcode
alos3478's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
allaboutfrodo's review against another edition
3.0
OK. The interactions between the Doctor and Rory were kind of odd.
dannyfaust's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, this is a pretty solid Doctor Who story. It combines a lot of familiar sci-fi tropes--which is something that Doctor Who has been doing for almost 50 years--but manages to do so in a way that doesn't distract the reader from the story.
If I were pressed to nitpick, I'd say this:
(1) It takes a bit for the Doctor to properly appear and, when he and his companions finally arrive, the narrative seems to focus on the non-TARDIS-y folks a little more than I would have liked.
(2) The novel is set somewhere around the middle of season 5 (there are clear references to both "The Vampires of Venice" and "Amy's Choice") and, as such, we have sulky, jealous Rory. Sulky, jealous Rory is my least favorite Rory. However, Mr. Williams is still brilliant and watching him and Eleven figure out exactly what their relationship is was fun.
If I were pressed to nitpick, I'd say this:
(1) It takes a bit for the Doctor to properly appear and, when he and his companions finally arrive, the narrative seems to focus on the non-TARDIS-y folks a little more than I would have liked.
(2) The novel is set somewhere around the middle of season 5 (there are clear references to both "The Vampires of Venice" and "Amy's Choice") and, as such, we have sulky, jealous Rory. Sulky, jealous Rory is my least favorite Rory. However, Mr. Williams is still brilliant and watching him and Eleven figure out exactly what their relationship is was fun.
mom2bugnbee's review against another edition
4.0
This one was a bit difficult to follow. I will, however, give huge props to reader-who-also-played-Rory Arthur Darvill's impression of Matt Smith. Pretty fantastic.
spanishviolet's review against another edition
4.0
Much better than I had expected from just glancing at the cover. Rory is given a significant part to play that builds on his character's strengths and makes perfect sense for him, and the Doctor gets to run around being Doctor-y. Amy doesn't get so much to do, but when she's around she's perfectly in character. The guest aliens are interestingly different, and the story mixes sadness with a bit of hope in a very compelling way. I'm not sure what the Glamour was ultimately, but didn't mind that too much. A few good nods to Who continuity happen subtly in the background. Altogether a very enjoyable quick read.
anyrisse's review against another edition
3.0
A good book as always, lots of mystery, twists and turns. Keeps you hooked until the last word.
holly2kidsandtired's review against another edition
2.0
I love Doctor Who. And while I wasn't too sure at first, I love Matt Smith's Doctor. He owns the role now and it works. I love the show and I enjoy reading the tie-in novels.
Rory features prominently here and it was so nice to see him get some credit for being bright. I'm afraid that he will end up being the tin dog of the series and I like him too much for that to happen. Seeing him take more of a strong role here was refreshing.
This one sounded interesting and, for the most part, it was. The aliens who need rescuing are a fascinating breed and would make for interesting graphics were this a televised episode.
Sometimes the novels absolutely capture the Doctor's voice and sometimes they don't. This one tried too hard to capture Matt Smith's Doctor and it was easier for me to picture David Tennant's Doctor speaking the dialogue.
The story wasn't the easiest to follow and I found myself skimming some sections, but it was a light diversion while waiting for the Christmas special!
Rory features prominently here and it was so nice to see him get some credit for being bright. I'm afraid that he will end up being the tin dog of the series and I like him too much for that to happen. Seeing him take more of a strong role here was refreshing.
This one sounded interesting and, for the most part, it was. The aliens who need rescuing are a fascinating breed and would make for interesting graphics were this a televised episode.
Sometimes the novels absolutely capture the Doctor's voice and sometimes they don't. This one tried too hard to capture Matt Smith's Doctor and it was easier for me to picture David Tennant's Doctor speaking the dialogue.
The story wasn't the easiest to follow and I found myself skimming some sections, but it was a light diversion while waiting for the Christmas special!
grehee17's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
celiapowell's review against another edition
2.0
A light hearted Doctor Who adventure, not terribly enthralling - I was having withdrawals after the mid-season finale though.