Reviews

Doctor Who: Love and War by Paul Cornell

shane's review against another edition

5.0

This one has a reputation. The Doctor, pitting his wits against the Hoothi ends up betraying those closest to him in a bid to save an entire world(maybe even worlds(plural)). Does one man, even such a man as the Doctor have the right to trade one single life for countless? He certainly seems to think so.

If you only read one Doctor Who novel in your entire life, make it this one.

gingerreader99's review against another edition

3.0

Even with quite a stellar if heartbreaking conclusion this just didn't wow me the way I had hoped. Ace felt off ? For most of the book that is, and I had to double back and read her wiki to put together why she's back with the Doctor and Bernice in later novels in the series (it adds up now knowing more of her story), not to mention it does frustrate me when characters fall in love within days of meeting someone, and the relationship with Jan just didn't seem to fit with the image I have of ace, but again some of the Ace content I've read comes after this so that may have soured my expectations.

The Doctor also was much darker than usual even for 7 and I appreciate the darker tones of the New Doctor Who adventures generally but this just wasn't the winner for me.

Still, I am looking forward to Transit after this and more New Doctor Who Adventures books in the future.

tempus's review against another edition

3.25

I really like Benny. Lisa Bowerman is incredibly funny.

This adaptation wasn't very satisfying to listen to. I love that the actors involvement make this story feel more tangible, but I wish they'd reprint the book so I could read it.

kmelion72's review

adventurous dark

4.0

spacephilosopher's review

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

philosopher_kj's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

philosopher_kj's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

isayhourwrong's review

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Benny my beloved 

plaidbrarian's review against another edition

3.0

This book holds a pretty important place in the "canon" of the New Adventures series of Doctor Who novels. It firmly establishes the Seventh Doctor as more than a cosmic chessmaster, but a real manipulator, willing to do whatever is needed to preserve the "good" no matter the cost. It breaks the bond between the Seventh Doctor and Ace, but good. And it introduces Berniece "Benny" Summerfield, a character who rivals many "official" companions in popularity, and indeed proved appealing enough to get her own spin-off series once Virgin Publishing lost the rights to put out books featuring the Doctor himself. And yet, most of what we get here is fungus, moping, and Ace thoroughly rutting a space hippie.

And it's disappointing, because I generally enjoy Paul Cornell's writing, as well as the few other TNAs I've read (as big of a Who fan as I am, I never got into these at the time), but this all seems so very... average. Particularly Benny. I know she becomes a great character, but besides a few moments of personality, she's mostly just there. She doesn't seem "special" enough to come on as the new companion, she just happens to be standing around when the job opens up. Also, I'm confused as to why the Doctor seems kind of Alzheimersy... he seems to keep thinking he's back in his original incarnation, confusing Ace with Susan and Dodo. But, again, I haven't read a lot of these, maybe that's explained elsewhere.

So, yeah, perfectly adequate Doctor Who and all, but not really worthy of the reputation it has achieved/

scampr's review

adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Paul Cornell has a pretty great track record when it comes to his Doctor Who content. This book serves as the introduction to Bernice Summerfield, and is a solid story as well! 
While this story is a little dense, and has some high concept and arty tendencies, it's still engaging and feels sincere. The great character work, themes and emotions brought a real balance to the complexities of the plot and cool sci-fi ideas that were explored.
The biggest strength for me was in the building of Bernice's new friendship with the Doctor, but delving into Ace's backstory and character growth was another highlight.