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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
In Hummingbird, the 7th Doctor, Ace and Bernice go up against an Aztec god that feeds on death, criss-crossing history a number of times. I've never read an Orman Who book I didn't like and this was no different. Her research is, as always, impeccable, painting an authentic, gorgeously detailed pre-Cortez Mexico. The New Adventures are pretty dark compared to the show and this novel is part of that particular shift. Sometimes hard (the names, the paradoxes, the darkness), but worthy.
I like how this story deals with some adult themes and content that you don't see on the show. It makes the universe fuller and more believable.
Astonishingly good for a first novel, mashing up a deviously plotted story with better than average explorations of character and emotion for the series. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/2024/08/16/the-virgin-new-adventures-from-a-dimensional-joyride-to-a-peladonian-legacy/
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Gun violence, Violence, Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping
Minor: Blood
a big focus on the ancient Aztecs written by a white author in the 90s, with expected amounts of (not necessarily intentional) racism and fixation on the human-sacrifice and war-making aspects of the culture. A prominent villainous character is based on an Aztec god.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In terms of New Adventures stories, I liked this one a lot. It had a very Vertigo Comics vibe. Very serious, high stakes.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Mass/school shootings
Minor: Blood
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A pretty unique, high concept, dark adventure for 7, Ace and Benny. Pretentious isn't the correct word to describe this story but I did find it difficult to engage with. The actual plot, settings, characters, etc. I liked, but the way it was presented and written felt overcomplicated and alienating at times, so be prepared for the style you're in for. I have a suspicion that I would have much less of a problem on re-read, both in already understanding the events already but in paying off the timey-wimey elements of the story that only come together at the end. Good overall, just a little disappointing given the strong reputation of the story.
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1759557.html
This New Adventure takes the Doctor, Ace and Benny back and forth in time to crucial points like the murder of John Lennon and the sinking of the Titanic, on a trail originating in Mexico in the fifteenth and also twentieth centuries. There are consciousness-altering drugs and prose which reminded me of Ian McDonald, and a satisfying resolution to the pursuit of a mostly non-corporeal baddie.
This New Adventure takes the Doctor, Ace and Benny back and forth in time to crucial points like the murder of John Lennon and the sinking of the Titanic, on a trail originating in Mexico in the fifteenth and also twentieth centuries. There are consciousness-altering drugs and prose which reminded me of Ian McDonald, and a satisfying resolution to the pursuit of a mostly non-corporeal baddie.
There is so much to like about this novel that I'm not even going to bother with its few flaws (*cough* Beatles). The jeopardy is actually compelling, the settings are fantastic (I loves me some Aztecs. From a safe distance) the enemy is genuinely frightening, and then there's Ace kicking some Aztec ass. While the Doctor trips balls. Oh, and Bernice is in it, too. This wad my introduction to Bernice. Meh. But the native companion character mute than makes up for Bernice's blandness. Cristian is a latent psychic, a descendant of the Aztecs, and the focus/bait for the terrifying Blue. Poor guy.
All that and some great prose. Thank you, Kate Orman!
All that and some great prose. Thank you, Kate Orman!