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A review by nicholeb84
Shroud of Sorrow by Tommy Donbavand
2.0
Confession: I’m actually a bit of a fan of Doctor Who tie-in stories. They usually have issues, but they can also be really fun. It’s a bit like getting to see secret adventures that never make it into the television show.
Shroud of Sorrow is an Eleventh Doctor adventure and the first novel with new-ish companion, Clara “Oswin” Oswald. (FYI: I think this might be the only media tie-in novel featuring Eleven and Clara, which is really sad.)
Over All Thoughts:
Characters -
From the writing style alone, I’m guessing that the author - Mr. Tommy Donbavand - had only been shown the 2012 Christmas Special and told a bit about the second half of Series Seven. Why do I say this? Clara comes off as a lot of generic traits. She just doesn’t seem like herself. She actually comes off as a bit too whiny and complains a lot – not like the Clara I’ve seen. And while there is some flirty Whouffle (Doctor/Clara)dialogue, the chemistry between the Doctor and Clara is missing. Actually, the Doctor’s depth is missing; he just doesn’t seem like himself.
The rest of the characters (Mae, Warren, etc) come across as rather generic and just there to keep the story moving. No one really caught my eye or my attention.
Writing and Plot -
The writing style is fine, if over simplistic at times. And the plot is serviceable for a Doctor Who adventure. Though, I cannot help but this this would have worked better as a two-parter for a series of the show. The Shroud really could have used more development as an enemy and as a character itself. It felt rather, there.
I have to wonder why Rose Tyler and Donna Noble weren’t in the ‘Bad Memories’ Montage. To me, their goodbyes were the Doctor were heartbreaking and probably left a large impact on him (and on fans of the “New Who” Series.)
Overall, the novel is a rather fast paced read. (I read it in an hour and a half) And it does have some good moments. However, it’s not the best Doctor Who tie-in out there.
2/5 stars.
Shroud of Sorrow is an Eleventh Doctor adventure and the first novel with new-ish companion, Clara “Oswin” Oswald. (FYI: I think this might be the only media tie-in novel featuring Eleven and Clara, which is really sad.)
Over All Thoughts:
Characters -
From the writing style alone, I’m guessing that the author - Mr. Tommy Donbavand - had only been shown the 2012 Christmas Special and told a bit about the second half of Series Seven. Why do I say this? Clara comes off as a lot of generic traits. She just doesn’t seem like herself. She actually comes off as a bit too whiny and complains a lot – not like the Clara I’ve seen. And while there is some flirty Whouffle (Doctor/Clara)dialogue, the chemistry between the Doctor and Clara is missing. Actually, the Doctor’s depth is missing; he just doesn’t seem like himself.
The rest of the characters (Mae, Warren, etc) come across as rather generic and just there to keep the story moving. No one really caught my eye or my attention.
Writing and Plot -
The writing style is fine, if over simplistic at times. And the plot is serviceable for a Doctor Who adventure. Though, I cannot help but this this would have worked better as a two-parter for a series of the show. The Shroud really could have used more development as an enemy and as a character itself. It felt rather, there.
I have to wonder why Rose Tyler and Donna Noble weren’t in the ‘Bad Memories’ Montage. To me, their goodbyes were the Doctor were heartbreaking and probably left a large impact on him (and on fans of the “New Who” Series.)
Overall, the novel is a rather fast paced read. (I read it in an hour and a half) And it does have some good moments. However, it’s not the best Doctor Who tie-in out there.
2/5 stars.