Scan barcode
plants_and_bees's review against another edition
3.0
Ha! So, uhm, this one took me A WHILE.
Which is kind of surprising because the stories are so short but I kind of abandoned them quite soon.
But here we are today and I finished the boxset!!
So I think this will be my first combined review of short stories, I'm just going to post the reviews I have for each book down here.
(Note: I've read these short stories over the years and didn't read them in the right order, my way of critically reading books has been altered a lot and so some stories may be rated higher than I would nowadays)
Book 1:
A big hand for the doctor
Rating: 2/5 stars
"I need an entire hand just to do up my shirt in the mornings. Humans put buttons in the most awkward places even when they are quite aware that Velcro exists."
This was ehh, I liked the whole idea of it being the origin story of Peter Pan. Other than that not that great.
I only watched one episode of the first doctor, but what I've seen I didn't feel that it was the same doctor that I read about in this short story?
It didn't really work for me and only gets the stars for the Peter Pan idea.
Book 2:
The nameless city
Rating: 2.5/5
While I thought book 1 had more problems where it clashed with the canon at least I cared for that story.
This story I really did not care for really and I was also questioning the whole thing where the timelords pretty much stole the special seeds to make the TARDIS and stuff, I don't know it was weird and I thought the story wasn't put together well. It felt like two completely different stories, the book part felt like a completely different story then when they went to the nameless city and was only tied together by a tiny plot point. Did not really care for it.
Book 3:
The spear of destiny
Rating: 3/5 stars
This was definitely more interesting then the first two,
I liked the origin story of Norse Mythology according to doctor who it was really interesting and a fun twist on it.
To be honest I didn't see the I guess sort of twist coming which was fun.
Wasn't very sure what to think of the whole spear that was used on Jesus part but I suppose they needed a plot.
Book 4:
The roots of evil
Rating: 3.5/5
The best of the first four so far, this story was actually quite interesting and fun.
The doctors character seemed to really shine through and it was enjoyable to read.
I liked how it was written like it is normally filmed, it has the same build up as an episode which was fun!
Book 5:
Tip of the tongue
Rating: 3.25/5
This was enjoyable, I loved quite a bit of Ness' work and to be honest have read way better work by him (more than this is still one of my favorite books)
It was definitely not bad but also nothing special.
Book 6:
Something borrowed
Rating: 2.75/5
To be honest I thought this story was quite predictable. Yes the villain was a surprise but the hints in the first pages weren't too subtle and so I could very fast figure out how it was going to end.
It definitely wasn't bad.
I just wasn't really intrigued either and giving it 3 stars just simply felt too high still.
Book 7:
The ripple effect
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Finally!! A story with the daleks! That absolutely made this story get extra points!
It was an interesting plot and only had no more than a handful of cheesy sentences (way less than the other ones in this series so far)
I definitely enjoyed this one.
Book 8:
Spore
Rating: 4/5 stars
This was one of the more enjoyable stories!
I was intrigued by the plot even though it may be more of the typical science fiction plots I enjoyed it a lot.
I don't really have a lot more to add though (also possibly because I'm writing this review 3 days later and it's such a short story there isn't much to remember I suppose.)
Book 9:
The beast of babylon
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Even though nine only had one season and it's been quite some time since I watched it last he was once again very vivid. I love how all these authors from these little books got the doctors very right and vivid on paper.
The story was really interesting and Ali was a very interesting character, it's nice to actually be able to read from one of the aliens minds. To see what they think and read how their thoughts lead to certain actions. Really interesting!
Book 10:
The mystery of the haunted cottage
Rating: (So I actually never rated this one? But I remember enjoying this one the most so 4.5/5 stars)
Ten was written so well, I read everything with his accent and voice it really was Ten. [weeelll.. weeell..] [did miss allons-y though]. Martha was great too, I love all Tens companions and Martha was great once again. Both of them made me laugh, the way they speak to each other.
The story is about the Doctor and Martha being trapped in a storybook Martha read when she was a kid. It’s about the troubleseekers [which kind of reminded me of Scooby doo]
You’ll find more characters like Rapunzel and Dracula with some Harry Potter scenery. It was a nice read, and for such a tiny book so well worked out. Very nice how the writer fits this whole world with plot and outcome in such a tiny book.
This book gave me a good laugh and I really enjoyed reading it.
Book 11:
Nothing o'clock
Rating: 4/5 stars
This was a really good one! I wish that this one was an episode! the story was really interesting and well written. the characters were once again very vivid and I just overall enjoyed it a lot.
Book 12:
Lights out
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Once again a great story! I liked that at one point I realized at what exact point this story would have taken place in the series and it made if feel more like it was part of the series. tho some 'scientist' parts were a bit confusing to me it was all cleared up at the end of the story. very enjoyable.
Total rating: 3.3 stars
Which is kind of surprising because the stories are so short but I kind of abandoned them quite soon.
But here we are today and I finished the boxset!!
So I think this will be my first combined review of short stories, I'm just going to post the reviews I have for each book down here.
(Note: I've read these short stories over the years and didn't read them in the right order, my way of critically reading books has been altered a lot and so some stories may be rated higher than I would nowadays)
Book 1:
A big hand for the doctor
Rating: 2/5 stars
"I need an entire hand just to do up my shirt in the mornings. Humans put buttons in the most awkward places even when they are quite aware that Velcro exists."
This was ehh, I liked the whole idea of it being the origin story of Peter Pan. Other than that not that great.
I only watched one episode of the first doctor, but what I've seen I didn't feel that it was the same doctor that I read about in this short story?
It didn't really work for me and only gets the stars for the Peter Pan idea.
Book 2:
The nameless city
Rating: 2.5/5
While I thought book 1 had more problems where it clashed with the canon at least I cared for that story.
This story I really did not care for really and I was also questioning the whole thing where the timelords pretty much stole the special seeds to make the TARDIS and stuff, I don't know it was weird and I thought the story wasn't put together well. It felt like two completely different stories, the book part felt like a completely different story then when they went to the nameless city and was only tied together by a tiny plot point. Did not really care for it.
Book 3:
The spear of destiny
Rating: 3/5 stars
This was definitely more interesting then the first two,
I liked the origin story of Norse Mythology according to doctor who it was really interesting and a fun twist on it.
To be honest I didn't see the I guess sort of twist coming which was fun.
Wasn't very sure what to think of the whole spear that was used on Jesus part but I suppose they needed a plot.
Book 4:
The roots of evil
Rating: 3.5/5
The best of the first four so far, this story was actually quite interesting and fun.
The doctors character seemed to really shine through and it was enjoyable to read.
I liked how it was written like it is normally filmed, it has the same build up as an episode which was fun!
Book 5:
Tip of the tongue
Rating: 3.25/5
This was enjoyable, I loved quite a bit of Ness' work and to be honest have read way better work by him (more than this is still one of my favorite books)
It was definitely not bad but also nothing special.
Book 6:
Something borrowed
Rating: 2.75/5
To be honest I thought this story was quite predictable. Yes the villain was a surprise but the hints in the first pages weren't too subtle and so I could very fast figure out how it was going to end.
It definitely wasn't bad.
I just wasn't really intrigued either and giving it 3 stars just simply felt too high still.
Book 7:
The ripple effect
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Finally!! A story with the daleks! That absolutely made this story get extra points!
It was an interesting plot and only had no more than a handful of cheesy sentences (way less than the other ones in this series so far)
I definitely enjoyed this one.
Book 8:
Spore
Rating: 4/5 stars
This was one of the more enjoyable stories!
I was intrigued by the plot even though it may be more of the typical science fiction plots I enjoyed it a lot.
I don't really have a lot more to add though (also possibly because I'm writing this review 3 days later and it's such a short story there isn't much to remember I suppose.)
Book 9:
The beast of babylon
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Even though nine only had one season and it's been quite some time since I watched it last he was once again very vivid. I love how all these authors from these little books got the doctors very right and vivid on paper.
The story was really interesting and Ali was a very interesting character, it's nice to actually be able to read from one of the aliens minds. To see what they think and read how their thoughts lead to certain actions. Really interesting!
Book 10:
The mystery of the haunted cottage
Rating: (So I actually never rated this one? But I remember enjoying this one the most so 4.5/5 stars)
Ten was written so well, I read everything with his accent and voice it really was Ten. [weeelll.. weeell..] [did miss allons-y though]. Martha was great too, I love all Tens companions and Martha was great once again. Both of them made me laugh, the way they speak to each other.
The story is about the Doctor and Martha being trapped in a storybook Martha read when she was a kid. It’s about the troubleseekers [which kind of reminded me of Scooby doo]
You’ll find more characters like Rapunzel and Dracula with some Harry Potter scenery. It was a nice read, and for such a tiny book so well worked out. Very nice how the writer fits this whole world with plot and outcome in such a tiny book.
This book gave me a good laugh and I really enjoyed reading it.
Book 11:
Nothing o'clock
Rating: 4/5 stars
This was a really good one! I wish that this one was an episode! the story was really interesting and well written. the characters were once again very vivid and I just overall enjoyed it a lot.
Book 12:
Lights out
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Once again a great story! I liked that at one point I realized at what exact point this story would have taken place in the series and it made if feel more like it was part of the series. tho some 'scientist' parts were a bit confusing to me it was all cleared up at the end of the story. very enjoyable.
Total rating: 3.3 stars
booksarahlife's review against another edition
4.0
Like the series, these stories are so much fun!!!
Really versatile, good quality, loved it.
1. a big hand for the Doctor by Eoin Colfer: 3 stars - a bit dull compared to the other stories
2. the nameless city by Michael Scott: 4 stars - The necronomicon and the Nameless city, hell yeah!!
3. the spear of destiny by Marcus Sedgwick: 4 stars - Gotta love vikings!
4. the root of evil by Philip Reeve: 3 stars - I'm a tree, I'm a tree, I'm a tree!
5. the tip of the tongue by Patrick Ness: 4 stars - funny cause it's the truth :-)
6. something borrowed by Richelle Mead: 5 stars - crazy wedding party!
7. the ripple effect by Malorie Blackman: 5 stars - good Daleks? Brilliant!
8. spore by Alex Scarrow: 3 stars - slimey!
9. the beast of Babylon by Charlie Higson: 2 stars - sounded nothing like the 9th Doctor
10. the mystery of the haunted cottage by Derek Landy: 5 stars - trapped in a world of books? Again brilliant!
11. nothing o' clock by Neil Gaiman: 5 stars - my favourite Doctor by one of my favourite writers, win win!
12. lights out by Holly Black: 4 stars - positively creepy!
Really versatile, good quality, loved it.
1. a big hand for the Doctor by Eoin Colfer: 3 stars - a bit dull compared to the other stories
2. the nameless city by Michael Scott: 4 stars - The necronomicon and the Nameless city, hell yeah!!
3. the spear of destiny by Marcus Sedgwick: 4 stars - Gotta love vikings!
4. the root of evil by Philip Reeve: 3 stars - I'm a tree, I'm a tree, I'm a tree!
5. the tip of the tongue by Patrick Ness: 4 stars - funny cause it's the truth :-)
6. something borrowed by Richelle Mead: 5 stars - crazy wedding party!
7. the ripple effect by Malorie Blackman: 5 stars - good Daleks? Brilliant!
8. spore by Alex Scarrow: 3 stars - slimey!
9. the beast of Babylon by Charlie Higson: 2 stars - sounded nothing like the 9th Doctor
10. the mystery of the haunted cottage by Derek Landy: 5 stars - trapped in a world of books? Again brilliant!
11. nothing o' clock by Neil Gaiman: 5 stars - my favourite Doctor by one of my favourite writers, win win!
12. lights out by Holly Black: 4 stars - positively creepy!
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.
aelsherif's review against another edition
4.0
I quite enjoyed this collection of short stories, featuring a story for each of the first 12 Doctors. Not being familiar with some of the reincarnations and villains of the classic Doctor Who, this served as a nice introduction to some elements I wasn’t aware of without being too overwhelming given the stories’ short length.
For the most part, the writers were able to capture their reincarnations’ essences, definitely the collection I needed to rekindle my Doctor Who enthusiasm and maybe encourage me to do a quick rewatch.
A Big Hand For The Doctor by Eoin Colfer:
I didn’t like this one, apart from the Doctor’s affection towards his granddaughter, neither the plot nor the sci-fi was anything close to remarkable.
The Nameless City by Michael Scott:
Really nice, I find this book igniting my desire to know as much of Doctor Who as possible, being introduced to Jamie who seems theoretically to be a very good match to the Doctor, and the Archons, villains in the age where Gallifrey was relevant and their origins still explored. The writing was really good, characters are nice but I felt the ending in this one came a bit out of nowhere.
The Spear of Destiny by Marcus Sedgwick:
One of my favourites; vikings, fake history, mythology, the Master and a very good companion in Jo.
The Roots of Evil by Philip Reeve:
The Fourth Doctor is the one I know the most out of ClassicWho, and he didn’t disappoint as a character, not a big fan of Leela though. I found the story amusing and the tree plot was creative along with the reference to Eleven’s episode which I quite enjoyed. Wanted something more for Four, but I guess that was ok.
Tip of the Tongue by Patrick Ness:
I like the stories where the Doctor is not heavily involved, this one was weak though. Felt like a Goosebumps story.
Something Borrowed by Richelle Mead:
My introduction to the Rani, quite an interesting character, I’m surprised she didn’t turn up in NuWho. Not very original but it’s always nice to see people who had known the Doctor for some time. Not very memorable.
The Ripple Effect by Malorie Blackman:
I liked this one, good Daleks which are actually good and not acting part of a plan posed for a good plot. I always find stories where the Doctor actually changes his mind about something even so slightly proves to be an interesting read. I also liked the style of the writing, I may try out something by Malorie Blackman sometime.
Spore by Alex Scarrow:
I found the concept of a bacterial-type organism that preserves intelligent beings quite interesting. The resolution was not the most satisfying and it all went down a bit too easily.
The Beast of Babylon by Charlie Higson:
My least favourite, there isn’t a real story and it reminded me of series eleven’s writing. I didn’t like the Starmen not Babylon. I enjoyed the new companion and incorporating the plot into the storyline of series 1 was a nice touch.
The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage by Derek Landy:
The story about how the Doctor and Martha are trapped into a storybook out of Martha’s childhood reads. Loved it, Ten’s character was captured perfectly and the plot, while not really original, was so much fun. Seemed to have one too many references to books and stories for a moment there, Martha’s character here was so much cooler than the boring, lame one I remember from the series. The writing in this one was so good, another author I will be keeping an eye for.
Nothing O’Clock by Neil Gaiman:
That was brilliant, the Kin were fantastic as the villain and the plot and story would make an incredible episode, especially since it fits so well with what was happening in series 5 and 6. Hands down the best story in the collection.
Lights Out by Holly Black:
I guess it was ok but I felt that the author didn’t really get the tone of Twelve correctly, and it turns out this was published a mere two month after his first episode, so I guess that makes sense. The story is weak but very well told, the impact of the Doctor was very small and I wasn’t sure which episode was the one referenced in the story.
For the most part, the writers were able to capture their reincarnations’ essences, definitely the collection I needed to rekindle my Doctor Who enthusiasm and maybe encourage me to do a quick rewatch.
A Big Hand For The Doctor by Eoin Colfer:
I didn’t like this one, apart from the Doctor’s affection towards his granddaughter, neither the plot nor the sci-fi was anything close to remarkable.
The Nameless City by Michael Scott:
Really nice, I find this book igniting my desire to know as much of Doctor Who as possible, being introduced to Jamie who seems theoretically to be a very good match to the Doctor, and the Archons, villains in the age where Gallifrey was relevant and their origins still explored. The writing was really good, characters are nice but I felt the ending in this one came a bit out of nowhere.
The Spear of Destiny by Marcus Sedgwick:
One of my favourites; vikings, fake history, mythology, the Master and a very good companion in Jo.
The Roots of Evil by Philip Reeve:
The Fourth Doctor is the one I know the most out of ClassicWho, and he didn’t disappoint as a character, not a big fan of Leela though. I found the story amusing and the tree plot was creative along with the reference to Eleven’s episode which I quite enjoyed. Wanted something more for Four, but I guess that was ok.
Tip of the Tongue by Patrick Ness:
I like the stories where the Doctor is not heavily involved, this one was weak though. Felt like a Goosebumps story.
Something Borrowed by Richelle Mead:
My introduction to the Rani, quite an interesting character, I’m surprised she didn’t turn up in NuWho. Not very original but it’s always nice to see people who had known the Doctor for some time. Not very memorable.
The Ripple Effect by Malorie Blackman:
I liked this one, good Daleks which are actually good and not acting part of a plan posed for a good plot. I always find stories where the Doctor actually changes his mind about something even so slightly proves to be an interesting read. I also liked the style of the writing, I may try out something by Malorie Blackman sometime.
Spore by Alex Scarrow:
I found the concept of a bacterial-type organism that preserves intelligent beings quite interesting. The resolution was not the most satisfying and it all went down a bit too easily.
The Beast of Babylon by Charlie Higson:
My least favourite, there isn’t a real story and it reminded me of series eleven’s writing. I didn’t like the Starmen not Babylon. I enjoyed the new companion and incorporating the plot into the storyline of series 1 was a nice touch.
The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage by Derek Landy:
The story about how the Doctor and Martha are trapped into a storybook out of Martha’s childhood reads. Loved it, Ten’s character was captured perfectly and the plot, while not really original, was so much fun. Seemed to have one too many references to books and stories for a moment there, Martha’s character here was so much cooler than the boring, lame one I remember from the series. The writing in this one was so good, another author I will be keeping an eye for.
Nothing O’Clock by Neil Gaiman:
That was brilliant, the Kin were fantastic as the villain and the plot and story would make an incredible episode, especially since it fits so well with what was happening in series 5 and 6. Hands down the best story in the collection.
Lights Out by Holly Black:
I guess it was ok but I felt that the author didn’t really get the tone of Twelve correctly, and it turns out this was published a mere two month after his first episode, so I guess that makes sense. The story is weak but very well told, the impact of the Doctor was very small and I wasn’t sure which episode was the one referenced in the story.
notwaverly's review against another edition
3.0
Listened to this for some stress-free crafting audio. Some of these are just ok, some of them are really good. My favorite was The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage.
(This isn't like... amazing literature. In the same vein as the Star Wars books, when you pay attention to some of the writing it doesn't really hold up. But it's similar to the feeling of having a tv show running in the background while I'm working.)
Looking for more reads like this, especially series that aren't emotionally intense and are mostly just fun adventure romps with some mystery. Bonus points for fantasy/sci fi. Let me know if you have any recommendations!
(This isn't like... amazing literature. In the same vein as the Star Wars books, when you pay attention to some of the writing it doesn't really hold up. But it's similar to the feeling of having a tv show running in the background while I'm working.)
Looking for more reads like this, especially series that aren't emotionally intense and are mostly just fun adventure romps with some mystery. Bonus points for fantasy/sci fi. Let me know if you have any recommendations!
julicamile's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
artransvet's review against another edition
4.0
12 different stories based on the 12 different Doctors from the Doctor Who TV series. Most of the stories were wonderful, but a few of them were a little slow. Any real Doctor Who fan will enjoy these stories.
readuntilthelastpage's review against another edition
5.0
“And I don't need to look clever. I am clever. The fact that I look clever is merely a bonus.”
MY WHOVIAN HEART IS SO HAPPY! This book was just like listening to 12 episodes of Doctor Who! I have such a love/hate relationship with anthologies and short story collections, but this one was FANTASTIC! I enjoyed every story, and even the ones that weren't my favorite I still thought were really good!
If you love Doctor Who, I highly recommend picking up this wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey book!
ALSO: The audiobook for this is really good! A lot of the narrators did a stellar job of doing impressions of the Doctor!
majber's review against another edition
3.0
Some were really good, some quite bad. Most of them just ok