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traci1974's review against another edition
2.0
The story was ok, but the characterizations of the Doctor and the Ponds was way off. The Doctor in particular was just awful.
alexbennetts's review against another edition
4.0
Impressive! A DW novel that does interesting things with the form. Good charactets, original twist.
beth_books_123's review against another edition
4.0
This book, I personally think captures the essence of medical past. With the in depth knowledge of tuberculosis weaved throughout the book is incredible-it truly shows the quality of Goss' writing to be able to teach while read. I was actually studying TB at the time of reading this book (what a coincidence?) and found it a joy to read as it encompassed my passion and love for Doctor Who into what I was studying.
Don't panic though this is not a guide book in how not to get TB or consumption as it was once referred to (and is in the book), this book still captures the Doctor, Rory and Amy. Although I feel it was too focused on Amy and Rory, I prefer the Doctor taking the lead in the book as it is Doctor Who.
The only part of the book I found disappointing was the alien/monster/creature, it was really sad that there was no character to it I felt and I really enjoy the characters of aliens. Obviously I wasn't expecting an emotionless Dalek but with the introduction of a new alien, there was little focus or context which was hugely disappointing. This creature reminded me a lot of the Nestine Conscious with the 9th Doctor (Episode: Rose).
I would read it again but the alien was a disappointed, there was definitely a miss from Goss for further development in his intellectual writing.
Don't panic though this is not a guide book in how not to get TB or consumption as it was once referred to (and is in the book), this book still captures the Doctor, Rory and Amy. Although I feel it was too focused on Amy and Rory, I prefer the Doctor taking the lead in the book as it is Doctor Who.
The only part of the book I found disappointing was the alien/monster/creature, it was really sad that there was no character to it I felt and I really enjoy the characters of aliens. Obviously I wasn't expecting an emotionless Dalek but with the introduction of a new alien, there was little focus or context which was hugely disappointing. This creature reminded me a lot of the Nestine Conscious with the 9th Doctor (Episode: Rose).
I would read it again but the alien was a disappointed, there was definitely a miss from Goss for further development in his intellectual writing.
teadrinking_bibliophile's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
kandicez's review against another edition
3.0
This story is told through letters, journal entries and memories, so the point of view is continually changing. It took quite a lot of pages to get used to the narrative. Longer than it should have, I thought. Then about halfway through the book something is revealed that makes you want to go back and re-read the first half. Kudos to Goss for this twist, I just wish he could have delivered it in a more straightforward way.
This was definitely a proper Doctor story. He is the reluctant hero, who at times seems to be almost cruel. Later when we look back we see that his possible cruelty is simply kindness that we were unable to see or understand at the time. Smith's 11th Doctor was captured on the page perfectly. I doubted at first, but that middle of the book twist solidified Goss' handle on the character.
Amy and Rory were equally presented as themselves. I was torn, though, because despite getting their characters and personalities correct, Goss made a few continuity errors that I found almost unforgivable as a Who-vian. For instance, he has Rory remembering an interaction with Amy's father. WTF? And the memory occurred (supposedly) when they were adults. I didn't misunderstand, either, because I went back and read the surrounding pages to be certain this wasn't some of the witchery involved in the plot twist. Nope. Just poor research, editing, whatever. There were a few other notable discrepancies as well, but I'll leave it at one example.
The "alien" in this novel was equally Doctor worthy. Often we encounter "other" and see it as evil, out to destroy the planet or race, when in reality they are simply too alien for us to understand their motives. Thank goodness the Doctor understands for us and explains it all.
Overall it was an enjoyable read with a great twist.
This was definitely a proper Doctor story. He is the reluctant hero, who at times seems to be almost cruel. Later when we look back we see that his possible cruelty is simply kindness that we were unable to see or understand at the time. Smith's 11th Doctor was captured on the page perfectly. I doubted at first, but that middle of the book twist solidified Goss' handle on the character.
Amy and Rory were equally presented as themselves. I was torn, though, because despite getting their characters and personalities correct, Goss made a few continuity errors that I found almost unforgivable as a Who-vian. For instance, he has Rory remembering an interaction with Amy's father. WTF? And the memory occurred (supposedly) when they were adults. I didn't misunderstand, either, because I went back and read the surrounding pages to be certain this wasn't some of the witchery involved in the plot twist. Nope. Just poor research, editing, whatever. There were a few other notable discrepancies as well, but I'll leave it at one example.
The "alien" in this novel was equally Doctor worthy. Often we encounter "other" and see it as evil, out to destroy the planet or race, when in reality they are simply too alien for us to understand their motives. Thank goodness the Doctor understands for us and explains it all.
Overall it was an enjoyable read with a great twist.
sabregirl's review against another edition
4.0
The only thing that's stopping me from giving this five stars is the way that the story is told. Through perspectives of the Doctor, Amy and Rory as well as Dr. Bloom, Maria and Nevil. Way too many narrators and really could've been done in a completely different way. But it was unique and still got the point across. The story was great. But it seemed like the book could've been a whole lot shorter. There was a lot of nonsense in the book that lead up to the plot being revealed, which in the end was still confusing. I can tell you though I did not see Maria being a Familiar coming. I knew that Kosov and Dr. Blooms 'wife' were, they were easy to tell. But I like how in the end the Doctor made it all better, the Familiar took the form of Maria's mother and they went off traveling. Sweet. The constant reassurances of the Amy/Rory love was really annoying, it's everywhere, but we already knew Rory is the most important man in her life. And really? Even in the books I have to deal with Rory dying? I thought I could get away from Moffatisms in the books but apparently not.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorite audio Doctor Who adventures yet!
That might partly be due to Amy and Rory though - especially as Rory has a big part in this one ;)
I love the slightly crazy idea of all three of them losing their memory right in the beginning, and having to find out who they are over the course of the story.
Otherwise it has everything it needs. Fun, humor, suspense, a bit of goosebumps and of course some monsters.
That might partly be due to Amy and Rory though - especially as Rory has a big part in this one ;)
I love the slightly crazy idea of all three of them losing their memory right in the beginning, and having to find out who they are over the course of the story.
Otherwise it has everything it needs. Fun, humor, suspense, a bit of goosebumps and of course some monsters.
littlepanda's review against another edition
2.0
I got a bit lost in the plot since the story is divided between the different P.O.V. of the characters. Really not the best Doctor Who novel. I did not like the setting, a French mental hospital. I think the first few pages where interesting but the development really needed more work in my opinion. I would not say I enjoyed reading it, I read more out of dullness.