Scan barcode
philosopher_kj's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
ulrikemaria's review against another edition
3.0
sobs i feel like there was so much wasted potential here in terms of themes and homoeroticism... loads of words spent on random aliens, and just way too much of characters going from place to place, being separated, being reunited etc.
the moment where koschei becomes the master/the confrontation with the doctor is Good, but thats because by nature its going to be good. it just could have been better imo :(.
the moment where koschei becomes the master/the confrontation with the doctor is Good, but thats because by nature its going to be good. it just could have been better imo :(.
nwhyte's review
http://nhw.livejournal.com/1145131.html?#cutid2[return][return]McIntee has managed to flesh out the future galactic federation with Draconians, Terileptils and a hexapod from Alpha Centauri; he brings the Doctor, Jamie and Victoria there straight from an adventure with the Menoptera on Vortis; and of course most gloriously he brings in a bearded gentleman called Koschei who has his own Tardis and (this is hardly a spoiler) by the end of the story has decided to call himself "the Master" in future. [return][return]Added to all of this, the plot actually makes sense! We have an isolated human colony under investigation by both Federation and alien fleets, and OK, we end up with a story that has certain similarities to Colony In Space except that it is better. Of course Koschei (the future Master) wants to seize control of the secret at the heart of the colony, and the Doctor must prevent him; but matters are complicated by the fact that Koschei has an assistant who is not aware of what he is up to, and who is herself not entirely what she seems. Giving him a travelling companion is a great idea, and it's amazing that it took the TV series until 2007 to do so (and then Lucy Saxon is not quite the same thing). All very good fun.
esperata's review
5.0
First off, this is a well thought out story that combines galactic conflict, powerful temporal manipulation, friendship and betrayal. Every character is given a personality so that the story feels more real.
The highlight of this book though is the development of the Master, showing how in fact he came to be that person. Unlike in many TV stories where he is either stereotyped as simply insane or evil, the author explores how he was once the Doctor's friend. To that end he is given a life story that, while not excusing his behaviour or ruling out insanity, gives us an understanding of how someone the Doctor once considered a friend could fall so far. It is interesting that the author noted he was being investigated by the Time Lords for instability, though his investigator regarded him as "the most level-headed man I know", leaving open the question of a fall into madness that TV producers have since developed.
The highlight of this book though is the development of the Master, showing how in fact he came to be that person. Unlike in many TV stories where he is either stereotyped as simply insane or evil, the author explores how he was once the Doctor's friend. To that end he is given a life story that, while not excusing his behaviour or ruling out insanity, gives us an understanding of how someone the Doctor once considered a friend could fall so far. It is interesting that the author noted he was being investigated by the Time Lords for instability, though his investigator regarded him as "the most level-headed man I know", leaving open the question of a fall into madness that TV producers have since developed.
hammard's review
3.0
Whilst problematic in many ways and perhaps overly fannish the characters are so well drawn I could not help but be drawn in.
More...