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chuckstafer's review against another edition
5.0
A really great compilation of stories from some talented authors. Many of these stories would make excellent episodes.
futurama1979's review against another edition
4.0
⟶ 3.6/5 stars. Star rating averaged from individual story ratings.
A Big Hand for the Doctor- This one was really cute; the high point for me was when it talked about 1 and Susan's relationship, because those moments were so sweet and he's such a good granddad. The plot wasn't super original and it wasn't long enough to really get into anything but it was serviceable and I liked the little ending. 3/5
The Nameless City- I wish SO BAD that this had been a little longer/expanded into a novel or audio because the concept of this one was so great and the descriptions and the narration style just gave you such a good picture of stuff. The concept was so good and it was well executed too, and something that came up as a problem in the later stories - the Doctor just being A Doctor and not having a strong character voice for the specific one in the story - was not here at all. The dialogue was really in-character. 5/5
The Spear of Destiny- To be honest this one was kind of lame. There were moments I enjoyed and little character bits or plot tricks that were good, but it kind of just fell flat. The plot wasn't super perilous and gripping, the dialogue - especially for Jo; poor Jo - was generic, and it didn't leave me with any strong impressions. 1/5
The Roots of Evil- Okay this one I also didn't enjoy a ton, just maybe because of the writing or the fact that the author didn't try to establish/get you invested in any of the supporting characters. The concept was super cool though, and so was the ending. 2/5
Tip of the Tongue- I really liked this one so much! The worldbuilding was really strong, and the setting and the POV character and how the author focused almost more on real-life historical and social issues than on the sci fi plot going on were all really compelling. I also liked how the Doctor wasn't a huge figure in it, and wasn't even there for most of it, just coming in at the end to explain things. It was nice to see what a Dr Who episode would look like to one of the supporting/non-main characters. 4/5
Something Borrowed- This one was okay! Like. Extremely okay. Middle of the road. In a nice way, like there weren't that many things I didn't like in it. I like 6 and I like Peri and I like the Rani, so it was totally enjoyable for me. The plot was really light and fluffy and sort of unsubstantial but it was in-character and funny. 3/5
The Ripple Effect- This one was super fascinating. I loved seeing this alternate reality they presented and I like how it tested the Doctor's convictions. Not a favourite story by any means, but good for examining the Doctor's character akin to how they did in the episode "Dalek." 4/5
Spore- Oh this one is so close to being a 5/5. The concept was fascinating and dark and Annihilation-esque, the resolution was cool, and the setting and atmosphere were so well done and so strong. The one issue with this one was the Doctor's characterization. Like I know 8 is one of the more obscure Doctors but he has a really strong character voice which was just. not here at all. He was so totally written as just a generic Doctor. 4/5
The Beast of Babylon- I love when the author chose to set this one - I just really like stories that take place between when 9 leaves and comes back at the end of "Rose." And aaaa!!! Non-human companion! I really really liked Ali and I thought she was such a strong character! The concept of the story was okay; it seemed to focus more on Ali's character and her relationship with the Doctor, which was good! I wish he'd taken her along though. 5/5
The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage- This one was super fun. As someone who read a ton of those super long series of kids' mystery and investigation books when I was little, I definitely vibed with the plot and setting. Like, those were super cool. Perfect, actually. But the end was a little inconclusive and the Doctor was falling under generic Doctor writing, and Martha was falling under generic companion writing a tiny bit too. 4/5
Nothing O'Clock- The plot of this one was so good, and there were moments in it that were genuinely really unsettling. The villain was really well done. My biggest issue was that the resolution happened so quickly and so not-climactic-ally; it was over in one second, and not even in a really satisfying way. It felt like they didn't have to work at all to win, or even do anything. Super great concept though. 3/5
Lights Out- AAA!! This one might be my favourite in the whole book. This one was in first person POV, which I would usually be a little wary of in a Dr Who story, but it used it so brilliantly and every second of it was written with such class. Like, the POV character is introduced, established, and developed well within the first two pages, and he's a really compelling character. Then the setting is great, then the slow realization of what's actually happening is even better. The Roger Ackroyd-type twist was so genius. 5/5
A Big Hand for the Doctor- This one was really cute; the high point for me was when it talked about 1 and Susan's relationship, because those moments were so sweet and he's such a good granddad. The plot wasn't super original and it wasn't long enough to really get into anything but it was serviceable and I liked the little ending. 3/5
The Nameless City- I wish SO BAD that this had been a little longer/expanded into a novel or audio because the concept of this one was so great and the descriptions and the narration style just gave you such a good picture of stuff. The concept was so good and it was well executed too, and something that came up as a problem in the later stories - the Doctor just being A Doctor and not having a strong character voice for the specific one in the story - was not here at all. The dialogue was really in-character. 5/5
The Spear of Destiny- To be honest this one was kind of lame. There were moments I enjoyed and little character bits or plot tricks that were good, but it kind of just fell flat. The plot wasn't super perilous and gripping, the dialogue - especially for Jo; poor Jo - was generic, and it didn't leave me with any strong impressions. 1/5
The Roots of Evil- Okay this one I also didn't enjoy a ton, just maybe because of the writing or the fact that the author didn't try to establish/get you invested in any of the supporting characters. The concept was super cool though, and so was the ending. 2/5
Tip of the Tongue- I really liked this one so much! The worldbuilding was really strong, and the setting and the POV character and how the author focused almost more on real-life historical and social issues than on the sci fi plot going on were all really compelling. I also liked how the Doctor wasn't a huge figure in it, and wasn't even there for most of it, just coming in at the end to explain things. It was nice to see what a Dr Who episode would look like to one of the supporting/non-main characters. 4/5
Something Borrowed- This one was okay! Like. Extremely okay. Middle of the road. In a nice way, like there weren't that many things I didn't like in it. I like 6 and I like Peri and I like the Rani, so it was totally enjoyable for me. The plot was really light and fluffy and sort of unsubstantial but it was in-character and funny. 3/5
The Ripple Effect- This one was super fascinating. I loved seeing this alternate reality they presented and I like how it tested the Doctor's convictions. Not a favourite story by any means, but good for examining the Doctor's character akin to how they did in the episode "Dalek." 4/5
Spore- Oh this one is so close to being a 5/5. The concept was fascinating and dark and Annihilation-esque, the resolution was cool, and the setting and atmosphere were so well done and so strong. The one issue with this one was the Doctor's characterization. Like I know 8 is one of the more obscure Doctors but he has a really strong character voice which was just. not here at all. He was so totally written as just a generic Doctor. 4/5
The Beast of Babylon- I love when the author chose to set this one - I just really like stories that take place between when 9 leaves and comes back at the end of "Rose." And aaaa!!! Non-human companion! I really really liked Ali and I thought she was such a strong character! The concept of the story was okay; it seemed to focus more on Ali's character and her relationship with the Doctor, which was good! I wish he'd taken her along though. 5/5
The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage- This one was super fun. As someone who read a ton of those super long series of kids' mystery and investigation books when I was little, I definitely vibed with the plot and setting. Like, those were super cool. Perfect, actually. But the end was a little inconclusive and the Doctor was falling under generic Doctor writing, and Martha was falling under generic companion writing a tiny bit too. 4/5
Nothing O'Clock- The plot of this one was so good, and there were moments in it that were genuinely really unsettling. The villain was really well done. My biggest issue was that the resolution happened so quickly and so not-climactic-ally; it was over in one second, and not even in a really satisfying way. It felt like they didn't have to work at all to win, or even do anything. Super great concept though. 3/5
Lights Out- AAA!! This one might be my favourite in the whole book. This one was in first person POV, which I would usually be a little wary of in a Dr Who story, but it used it so brilliantly and every second of it was written with such class. Like, the POV character is introduced, established, and developed well within the first two pages, and he's a really compelling character. Then the setting is great, then the slow realization of what's actually happening is even better. The Roger Ackroyd-type twist was so genius. 5/5
midday_pigeon's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
teadrinking_bibliophile's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lexisunshine's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.25
Loved: pretty much everything! I love the Doctor, I love his adventures, the companions, the villains. I also loved all the writers’, especially Neil Gaiman’s, different takes.
Didn’t love: basically nothing. The only thing is that some of the stories don’t have as much resonance with me as an exclusively Nu-Who watcher.
Didn’t love: basically nothing. The only thing is that some of the stories don’t have as much resonance with me as an exclusively Nu-Who watcher.
teachinsci's review against another edition
4.0
As with all short story collections, this was a bit up and down in quality although the two poorest stories came at the beginning and the end. Each story (other than those two and one other) were well told and really gave you a feel of the Doctor presented. My favorites though were (inclusively) the seventh through eleventh stories. Each of these could have been an episode of the show unto themselves and the authors were obviously fans of the show.
If you love Doctor Who, in any of its regenerations, you would enjoy this book.
If you love Doctor Who, in any of its regenerations, you would enjoy this book.
tandemjon's review against another edition
I semi enjoyed these, they're too short but in most of the episodes they capture the doctor well. I just felt thr plots didn't have enough time to develop and felt a bit underwhelming.
hidekisohma's review against another edition
4.0
So having little to no knowledge of most of the doctors, i feel like i was in a pretty good position to be unbiased and see exactly how i feel about the different doctors and their mannerisms. the only doctors i had seen any episodes at the time of reading were the 1st, 11th, and 12th. and from reading these, i have to say, i definitely have more of a feeling of how they behave. some more than others.
As they're mini stories, it's much easier to read as you don't have invest 300+ pages on a doctor who you have no idea if you'd like. But long story short, here's what i thought of each doctor's story
1st: I enjoyed it. I didn't expect to see hartnell's doctor doing some peter pan cane fighting, but it was very entertaining. also i like eoin's writing style as i like artemis fowl. the 1st is also my favorite doctor so it was fun overall
2nd: i know hardly anything about doctor #2, but his story was interesting. the necronomicon and glass bad guys along with his kilt wearing companion was pretty fun.
3rd: it was an average story with an average payoff. i didn't dislike it by any means, but it just felt very average. although the 3rd doctor personality wise is still fun.
4th: the story of the tree planet was interesting, and the doctor was okay. the only thing i didn't like about it was how i felt like there were references i was missing. except it turned out there wasn't. that was just strange.
5th: the 5th doctor was barely in this one. he cameoed. that's about it. the actual story wasn't very good. masks that make people tell the truth. he takes the masks away from people. the end. wow. exciting. i wish it had more of him as he seems like he'd be a fun doctor to learn about.
6th: this plot has been done to DEATH. evil person wants to marry someone for an evil purpose and good person has to stop the wedding. the 6th doctor was fine and i didn't have an issue with the characterization, but when the premise for your story was even done in GUMMI BEARS, then maybe you need to come up with a different plot.
7th: this was by far the worst of the stories. They end up in an alternate universe where dalaks are good and ALL the doctor does is complain and whine about how dalaks can't ever be good and this is wrong and blah blah blah. I was actually kind of annoyed and disgusted with the doc in this one. Unlike the 5th, it actually had a plot, but the doctor was so whiny it ruined the mildly interesting story.
8th: I enjoyed the mannerisms of the doctor in this one. i want to get to know him more, but the story itself wasn't very good. it's like every "unknown slime thing killing everyone in a town" premise. didn't really care for the story, but i liked this doctor.
9th: Honestly, the only reason this one got me mad was because the companion in this one was actually way better than the actual companion he travels around with in the show (since reading this story i saw an episode of leather jacket man) in this story he had a badass lobster warrior girl. Why couldn't SHE have been the 9th doctor's companion? That would have been awesome! instead we get whiny flirt girl. The story itself was all right, not great, but i'm more mad at this one for showing me the wasted potential of the 9th doctor.
10th: The story started out really good and i was having a LOT of fun with the different book references they make. I also LOVE landy's writing style with his quick back and forths (you can totally tell this is the same guy who wrote skullduggery pleasant and he writes this exactly the same) the only thing that disappointed me was the ending. the ending did not impress me at all and i was actually quite disappointed with it. very lackluster ending.
11th: This one was kind of stupid. ex-prisoner wearing masks and buying everyone's house? i mean...that's kind of lame the doctor was a tad annoying in this one and the villain's motivations and subsequent defeat were kind of ...meh. not great overall. Also, i have to say this. out of all the stories, this was the only one where i went "wow. i do NOT like this style of writing. at all." turns out it was written by Neil Gaiman. so you know...that made sense.
12th: not a fan that for some reason this story was in first person and was from the point of view of a dude who hung around with the doctor for JUST this story. the story itself felt way too short and rushed. the doctor was all right though it was just not a story you should have told in 30 pages.
in order of best to worst for me it goes
First, Second, Fourth, Third, Tenth, Ninth, Eighth, Twelfth, Sixth, Fifth, Eleventh, Seventh
Overall, hovering somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4. but since i can't do half stars, i'm going to give it a 4. Most of the stories ranged from good to all right. Sad there were some stinkers in there, but with 12 stories and 12 separate authors, that's bound to happen.
As they're mini stories, it's much easier to read as you don't have invest 300+ pages on a doctor who you have no idea if you'd like. But long story short, here's what i thought of each doctor's story
1st: I enjoyed it. I didn't expect to see hartnell's doctor doing some peter pan cane fighting, but it was very entertaining. also i like eoin's writing style as i like artemis fowl. the 1st is also my favorite doctor so it was fun overall
2nd: i know hardly anything about doctor #2, but his story was interesting. the necronomicon and glass bad guys along with his kilt wearing companion was pretty fun.
3rd: it was an average story with an average payoff. i didn't dislike it by any means, but it just felt very average. although the 3rd doctor personality wise is still fun.
4th: the story of the tree planet was interesting, and the doctor was okay. the only thing i didn't like about it was how i felt like there were references i was missing. except it turned out there wasn't. that was just strange.
5th: the 5th doctor was barely in this one. he cameoed. that's about it. the actual story wasn't very good. masks that make people tell the truth. he takes the masks away from people. the end. wow. exciting. i wish it had more of him as he seems like he'd be a fun doctor to learn about.
6th: this plot has been done to DEATH. evil person wants to marry someone for an evil purpose and good person has to stop the wedding. the 6th doctor was fine and i didn't have an issue with the characterization, but when the premise for your story was even done in GUMMI BEARS, then maybe you need to come up with a different plot.
7th: this was by far the worst of the stories. They end up in an alternate universe where dalaks are good and ALL the doctor does is complain and whine about how dalaks can't ever be good and this is wrong and blah blah blah. I was actually kind of annoyed and disgusted with the doc in this one. Unlike the 5th, it actually had a plot, but the doctor was so whiny it ruined the mildly interesting story.
8th: I enjoyed the mannerisms of the doctor in this one. i want to get to know him more, but the story itself wasn't very good. it's like every "unknown slime thing killing everyone in a town" premise. didn't really care for the story, but i liked this doctor.
9th: Honestly, the only reason this one got me mad was because the companion in this one was actually way better than the actual companion he travels around with in the show (since reading this story i saw an episode of leather jacket man) in this story he had a badass lobster warrior girl. Why couldn't SHE have been the 9th doctor's companion? That would have been awesome! instead we get whiny flirt girl. The story itself was all right, not great, but i'm more mad at this one for showing me the wasted potential of the 9th doctor.
10th: The story started out really good and i was having a LOT of fun with the different book references they make. I also LOVE landy's writing style with his quick back and forths (you can totally tell this is the same guy who wrote skullduggery pleasant and he writes this exactly the same) the only thing that disappointed me was the ending. the ending did not impress me at all and i was actually quite disappointed with it. very lackluster ending.
11th: This one was kind of stupid. ex-prisoner wearing masks and buying everyone's house? i mean...that's kind of lame the doctor was a tad annoying in this one and the villain's motivations and subsequent defeat were kind of ...meh. not great overall. Also, i have to say this. out of all the stories, this was the only one where i went "wow. i do NOT like this style of writing. at all." turns out it was written by Neil Gaiman. so you know...that made sense.
12th: not a fan that for some reason this story was in first person and was from the point of view of a dude who hung around with the doctor for JUST this story. the story itself felt way too short and rushed. the doctor was all right though it was just not a story you should have told in 30 pages.
in order of best to worst for me it goes
First, Second, Fourth, Third, Tenth, Ninth, Eighth, Twelfth, Sixth, Fifth, Eleventh, Seventh
Overall, hovering somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4. but since i can't do half stars, i'm going to give it a 4. Most of the stories ranged from good to all right. Sad there were some stinkers in there, but with 12 stories and 12 separate authors, that's bound to happen.
ankertjes's review against another edition
4.0
the books weren't all that good, but the last ones were amazing!