vikingschism's review
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
fullfledgedegg's review
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nwhyte's review
3.0
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1572064.html
Rather a good Seventh Doctor story, with Ace returning to the Doctor/Benny setup, and mysterious and murderous goings-on in orbit around the planet Lucifer, but in a setting invoking many of the more space operatic Who stories - particular shout-outs to Colony in Space and Caves of Androzani, but various others are also referenced. Lots of incidental characters who almost all get decent treatment (in narrative terms). We also have the reunion of the Doctor and Benny with an older, hardened Ace. Both authors went on to greater things than this, but it is a good start.
Rather a good Seventh Doctor story, with Ace returning to the Doctor/Benny setup, and mysterious and murderous goings-on in orbit around the planet Lucifer, but in a setting invoking many of the more space operatic Who stories - particular shout-outs to Colony in Space and Caves of Androzani, but various others are also referenced. Lots of incidental characters who almost all get decent treatment (in narrative terms). We also have the reunion of the Doctor and Benny with an older, hardened Ace. Both authors went on to greater things than this, but it is a good start.
kmccubbin's review
4.0
Given this book's reputation, I was surprised by how sharp and assured it was. To be fair, early on in the Virgin New Adventures, Ace is difficult, but Lane and Mortimere took to the challenge well and, instead of trying to bring her gingerly into the "Bitter Ace" era, just stopped pussyfooting around and threw her there. And, voila!, it works!
The book is a little more ambitious than the author's seemed ready for - tieing in a hodge-podge of religious iconography falls pretty flat, for example - but what they get right far outweighs any missteps.
I love the strange planetary/joined-moon phenomenon, the gentle lifts from Banks "Culture" series, the truly clever murder mystery tips, the Doctor and his companions' reverse look at events that they not only know will deteriorate, but the idea that all three of them have UNIQUE knowledge of the situation and, most of all, I love the actually disintegrating relationship of one of the show's greatest teams, The Seventh Doctor and Ace. It's the kind of revelatory character development that the NAs had been promising for a long time and this book finally got us there.
It feels like the series is hitting its stride here.
The book is a little more ambitious than the author's seemed ready for - tieing in a hodge-podge of religious iconography falls pretty flat, for example - but what they get right far outweighs any missteps.
I love the strange planetary/joined-moon phenomenon, the gentle lifts from Banks "Culture" series, the truly clever murder mystery tips, the Doctor and his companions' reverse look at events that they not only know will deteriorate, but the idea that all three of them have UNIQUE knowledge of the situation and, most of all, I love the actually disintegrating relationship of one of the show's greatest teams, The Seventh Doctor and Ace. It's the kind of revelatory character development that the NAs had been promising for a long time and this book finally got us there.
It feels like the series is hitting its stride here.
nukirisame's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
hammard's review
2.0
I had only read this last 5 years ago but went in with no memory of any of the plot and surprised I had given the novel only a single star (apparently one of three people to do this).
Going through I think this is a bit of a mixed bag. Both reading in order and knowing what is coming allows me to appreciate a bit more as this is doing a lot of setup for what is coming. Also I found some of the language and stylistic techniques really fascinating.
However, I felt the characterisation of the regulars left a lot to be desired (The Doctor in particular seems to be acting like a cartoon version of Hartnell) and the murder mystery combined with ancient all-powerful space weapon is not the tropes I enjoy reading. Finally, I think it was just far too long.
I haven't given more than 2 stars to any book since Love and War so far. I know I have some favourites coming up in a little while but I am hoping White Darkness or Shadowmind will be nicer surprises along the way.
Going through I think this is a bit of a mixed bag. Both reading in order and knowing what is coming allows me to appreciate a bit more as this is doing a lot of setup for what is coming. Also I found some of the language and stylistic techniques really fascinating.
However, I felt the characterisation of the regulars left a lot to be desired (The Doctor in particular seems to be acting like a cartoon version of Hartnell) and the murder mystery combined with ancient all-powerful space weapon is not the tropes I enjoy reading. Finally, I think it was just far too long.
I haven't given more than 2 stars to any book since Love and War so far. I know I have some favourites coming up in a little while but I am hoping White Darkness or Shadowmind will be nicer surprises along the way.
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