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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I am a huuuuuge Doctor Who fan, and my favorite Doctor is definitely David Tennant's Doctor. That being said, if you are not already a Doctor Who fan, this book is probably not for you. You will be totally lost, because it references episodes in the series fairly frequently.
The only thing that would have made this book better is one of his "companions" (preferably Donna since she's my favorite), but alas, he makes this journey alone. But, in true Doctor style, he makes plenty of friends along the way, and there are some pretty cool characters in this novel. Keep an eye out for Koral. She's pretty hard core.
I love the Daleks, evil though they may be. I thought this book gave us some fascinating insight into how the Daleks strategize and how their society works. This book also pulls in some ethical and humanitarian commentary about war and human (or humanoid?) rights, which I can always appreciate.
I certainly recommend this book to Doctor Who and Dalek fans.
The only thing that would have made this book better is one of his "companions" (preferably Donna since she's my favorite), but alas, he makes this journey alone. But, in true Doctor style, he makes plenty of friends along the way, and there are some pretty cool characters in this novel. Keep an eye out for Koral. She's pretty hard core.
I love the Daleks, evil though they may be. I thought this book gave us some fascinating insight into how the Daleks strategize and how their society works. This book also pulls in some ethical and humanitarian commentary about war and human (or humanoid?) rights, which I can always appreciate.
I certainly recommend this book to Doctor Who and Dalek fans.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
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:
Complicated
This novel is an absolutely amazing showcase of what happens when you place a mysterious person such as the Doctor with humans absolutely crushed by war. The Doctor's relationship with all of the Wayfinder crew is absolutely thoroughly entertaining but even more so with Major Jon Bowman. Normally humans trust the Doctor right away and follow him blindly but it was nice to see a different dynamic similar to the space crew in waters of mars where none of the crew especially the Captain trust the Doctor and they instead see him as a selfish secretive dangerous man but since the Tenth Doctor is not the crazy timelord victorious its nice to see Jon Bowman eventually trust the Doctor. It's shocking how out of the crew he was one of the only two to survive. Its incredible how Baxendle made me go through so many emotions about the characters.
The Doctor, wow all I can say is that the characterisation is absolutely golden and through Baxendle's incredible writing you can tell it's written after season 4 but before his time lord victorious era. Every single line written felt like it could come directly out of David Tennants mouth. It's as if Baxendle has found one of Russel T Davies old scripts and turned it into a novel. That's how spot on Tens character is. I also loved seeing the more vunerable side of Ten and what happens when the villian is able to mess with him too much.
The Daleks oh man the Daleks. They are once again written absolutely incredibly and way better than the TV show has ever written them. The concept of the Dalek war prisons and Dalek X were absolutely terrifying. Baxendle is able to create an amazing villain that even gets the Doctor fearful and lose his optimism a tad. The Daleks were threatening here and you generally felt angry with every kill they made in the book.
Overall an absolutely incredible novel that explores themes like humanity, empathy and moral codes. A Doctor Who novel that won't let you down at all.
Update as of my 2024 Reread: Rounded down half a star cos the authors toxic political views make The Doctor a bit out of character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, War
This really felt like a 10th Doctor story and fitted well with what had been established in the show. The characters of the bounty hunters were very well developed, even for those who didn't last very long. Thinking back, I really felt as if I had watched this and not read it as there some impressively realised settings. One of the better Doctor Who books and one of the better Dalek stories.
My only gripe was the resolution at the end, but it was fundamentally Doctor Who so I shouldn't have been surprised.
My only gripe was the resolution at the end, but it was fundamentally Doctor Who so I shouldn't have been surprised.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Good read. The Tardis lands on a planet in error. Something apparently draws it there and it puts the Doctor in the wrong time and place. He decides to explore around since he's there on Hurala and see what's what. He ends up being captured in a cell and unable to get out. The difficulty is brought to life by the presence of a skeleton. A group of Dalek bounty hunters is in need of fuel and lands on the planet because it was a fueling station and hope to find some fuel remaining. When they land, they discover the Doctor tapping Morse SOS and free him. But the Daleks are lying in wait and they are captured.
I was a little concerned when this one arrived, because the last "companion-less" adventure I read was lackluster.
But this one was great!! Get those Daleks, Doctor!! Loved it.
But this one was great!! Get those Daleks, Doctor!! Loved it.
Let's see here:
Tenth Doctor - check
The Daleks - check
New characters - check
Dark theme - check
I will map out the reasons why this novel is one of the best Doctor Who novels.
***Spoilers***
The biggest one is the Daleks. Its no secret that they are based on the Nazis of WW2 but here it is clear. Their cruelty is much more evident here than in many of their stories. Doctor Who on screen is a family show but the Daleks are a mature villain. This book demonstrates that: Daleks here torture people in barbaric ways, ranging from paralysing legs, electric shocks, surgical experiments and working humans as slaves and delaying killing people by a second with their gun sticks so victims truly feel their agonising death. Even the Doctor faces such torment. Torture serves as a big moral dilemma all characters find themselves in and reminds us how quickly lust for revenge takes over. Even the Doctor can’t help but gloat and mock a nearly dead Dalek post torture. The infamous Dalek X tops this off, with his distinct design and how he strikes even into his own troops. The book also ends with the Doctor mocking him, a dark turn rarely captured correctly in recent tales. In short, this book does the Daleks right: the ultimate in racial cleansing and embodiment of despising the other, something which the TV show has had mixed results with since RTD left have really struggled with.
The second is the characterisation of the group of bounty hunters the Doctor finds himself with. First there was Stella who ticked all the boxes of ideal companion: smart, quick witted, curious asking the right questions and she is killed off quickly, sparking the catalyst for all the characters in the story. This also leads the Doctor into difficulty gaining trust from the rest of the crew, which makes for great exploration into how not everyone is instantly magnetised to trust the Doctor.
Then we have Scrum, a well meaning scientist who is overwhelmed by the situation he faces. We have Cuttin Edge, a tough soldier who resists Dalek torment and torture but has a fire inside him, demonstrated in his selfless sacrifice to ensure the others live. We also have Koral, a woman who parallels the Doctor as the last of her species and provides intrigue in her stealthiness. Then there is Bowman, whose life as a successful warrior only to steal a spaceship and be a renegade heavily parallels the Doctor and beings them into conflict. All of them are distinct and memorable. Plus, the novel has the bravery to kill them, something recent Doctor Who really shies away from.
The only part that is a tad forced is the cheesy ending with Bowman and Koral confessing their love to each other before Bowman sacrifices himself. Although, its the sort of thing that, if I picture Rory and Amy in their place, really works well. Plus, this is still a teen/young adult level novel so I forgive it for these sentiments
***Spoilers end***
This book is amazing. It's one of the few that I wish could have been brought to life on screen, especially with David Tennant at the helm. One of the best Dalek stories ever wrote, in writing and on screen.
For the Whovian, especially those who loved the direction the Tenth Doctor went in towards the end of his life, this book is perfection.
Tenth Doctor - check
The Daleks - check
New characters - check
Dark theme - check
I will map out the reasons why this novel is one of the best Doctor Who novels.
***Spoilers***
The biggest one is the Daleks. Its no secret that they are based on the Nazis of WW2 but here it is clear. Their cruelty is much more evident here than in many of their stories. Doctor Who on screen is a family show but the Daleks are a mature villain. This book demonstrates that: Daleks here torture people in barbaric ways, ranging from paralysing legs, electric shocks, surgical experiments and working humans as slaves and delaying killing people by a second with their gun sticks so victims truly feel their agonising death. Even the Doctor faces such torment. Torture serves as a big moral dilemma all characters find themselves in and reminds us how quickly lust for revenge takes over. Even the Doctor can’t help but gloat and mock a nearly dead Dalek post torture. The infamous Dalek X tops this off, with his distinct design and how he strikes even into his own troops. The book also ends with the Doctor mocking him, a dark turn rarely captured correctly in recent tales. In short, this book does the Daleks right: the ultimate in racial cleansing and embodiment of despising the other, something which the TV show has had mixed results with since RTD left have really struggled with.
The second is the characterisation of the group of bounty hunters the Doctor finds himself with. First there was Stella who ticked all the boxes of ideal companion: smart, quick witted, curious asking the right questions and she is killed off quickly, sparking the catalyst for all the characters in the story. This also leads the Doctor into difficulty gaining trust from the rest of the crew, which makes for great exploration into how not everyone is instantly magnetised to trust the Doctor.
Then we have Scrum, a well meaning scientist who is overwhelmed by the situation he faces. We have Cuttin Edge, a tough soldier who resists Dalek torment and torture but has a fire inside him, demonstrated in his selfless sacrifice to ensure the others live. We also have Koral, a woman who parallels the Doctor as the last of her species and provides intrigue in her stealthiness. Then there is Bowman, whose life as a successful warrior only to steal a spaceship and be a renegade heavily parallels the Doctor and beings them into conflict. All of them are distinct and memorable. Plus, the novel has the bravery to kill them, something recent Doctor Who really shies away from.
The only part that is a tad forced is the cheesy ending with Bowman and Koral confessing their love to each other before Bowman sacrifices himself. Although, its the sort of thing that, if I picture Rory and Amy in their place, really works well. Plus, this is still a teen/young adult level novel so I forgive it for these sentiments
***Spoilers end***
This book is amazing. It's one of the few that I wish could have been brought to life on screen, especially with David Tennant at the helm. One of the best Dalek stories ever wrote, in writing and on screen.
For the Whovian, especially those who loved the direction the Tenth Doctor went in towards the end of his life, this book is perfection.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Delightful. Felt like I was on an adventure with my favourite Doctor, yup the 10th is my fav. Fast paced and fun, pure escapism for the Doctor Who Fan. And of course it involves the scariest trash cans with plungers you ever met.