A review by blackngoldgirlsbookspot
Doctor Who: The Silent Stars Go By by Dan Abnett

4.0

4.5 stars
As a Whovian, I'm always looking to get my hands on the latest and most exciting products in the Who-niverse and I'm so happy to say that the books I've read in the 50th Anniversary collection are stellar! All the new Who-related things coming out this year that I've bought or received to review rock. The latest "product" being the last book in the 11 book series entitled The Silent Stars Go By which features the current Doctor as portrayed by Matt Smith and his recently departed companions Amy Pond and Rory Williams.

If you're at all a fan of the series you know that in recent years every winter the BBC has aired a Christmas special featuring the Doctor and his companions on an intergalactic, super-sized, Christmas themed adventure. The Silent Stars Go By is a Christmas special but in the form of a book -- and it's a wonderful, fun, fast-paced book to boot! It's perfect to take with you in your beach bag or to just snuggle under the sheets with.

The Silent Stars Go By begins, as most things that the Doctor is a part of -- with a bang. We're not talking Big Bang 2 as in the conclusion of series 5 but nevertheless, it's certainly an adventure. With Rory and Amy at the helm of the TARDIS along with the Doctor you might expect some fussing and nattering on between the Ponds and this book certainly has that, lending to an authentic Doctor Who feel. If you loved the brave and loyal Rory or bossy Amy and are missing them since their departure mid-season last year, then this is certainly a book to read.

Along with the Doctor and the Ponds, an old foe of the Doctor's as well as some new (and creepy!) creations made this one interesting story. I wasn't prepared to meet Transrats (shivers) let alone the Transhumans. They lent a new twist to the story that I did not see coming! The Doctor was not trying to protect Hereafter from one threat but many! The Silent Stars Go By is a really clever tale featuring an old alien race from the original series. What's really great is, if you want more adventures with the Doctor and the Ice Warriors they were brought back and revamped for an episode earlier this year.

For those who are Whovians or for those yet to be introduced to the Doctor and his many companions, I recommend giving this book a try. With loads of action and witty dialogue The Silent Stars Go By is my favorite Doctor Who book to date. If you're like me you're counting down the days until the 50th anniversary episode in November and you're in need of a Doctor Who fix. Reruns of the show, this book, and I'm sure the others in the series; are just what the doctor ordered to tide us Whovians over until then.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*