maxbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
hzcyr's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
librarycobwebs's review
adventurous
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
2.75
Really exasperated my issues with the politics of the Chibnall era. Putting Ace and her story about police defense of a hate crime with Yaz's blind support of the police is smart on Aldred's part but I think the story ultimately failed this message
kapellosaur's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I listened to this in Audio Book form, and Sophie Aldred's reading of it was superb. She nailed Thirteen's voice, and did convincing impressions of Seven, and Thirteen's companions.
I found the story itself a bit flat. The best bits were the small parts set in 1990, documenting the event that leads to Ace leaving the Doctor's company. There was some nice nods to other continuities in that, and there was some nice conflict, which the rest of the book lacked. At no point did I worry about the lives of anybody in the novel. The Doctor, Ace, and Thirteen's companions were all obviously untouchable, and I didn't care about any of the secondary characters enough to have any sense of peril for them.
I liked that this tied up some of Ace's loose ends, thoughthe central conflict between her and the Doctor didn't really feel like it reached any kind of resolution. There was a nod to it, but given how much deliberating went on in the narrative about it, I expected something more concrete—again, a difficult promise to fulfil given how unknowable the Doctor must be by necessity.
Overall, a fun enough romp, especially if you happen to like both Ace and Thirteen's companions, but only really half a book if you're just here for one or the other set of characters.
I found the story itself a bit flat. The best bits were the small parts set in 1990, documenting the event that leads to Ace leaving the Doctor's company. There was some nice nods to other continuities in that, and there was some nice conflict, which the rest of the book lacked. At no point did I worry about the lives of anybody in the novel. The Doctor, Ace, and Thirteen's companions were all obviously untouchable, and I didn't care about any of the secondary characters enough to have any sense of peril for them.
I liked that this tied up some of Ace's loose ends, though
Overall, a fun enough romp, especially if you happen to like both Ace and Thirteen's companions, but only really half a book if you're just here for one or the other set of characters.
sabregirl's review against another edition
5.0
Ace is my all time favorite companion, so when I saw that Sophie Aldred was writing a book about Ace and 13 I was super excited. In the original series we never saw what happened to Ace after the events of Survival. Just that years later when Seven is shot he is alone. To find out what happened to Ace and that Seven caused a huge rift between them was saddening but of course in character. Ace in this novel is amazing exactly the companion I know and love. Seeing her interactions with Thirteen was interesting, I like how Aldred handles the awkwardness of a companion meeting up with the doctor after years and meeting her new companions. (It reminded me of when Rose met Sarah Jane Smith— you had jealousy and then understanding) I know this was a one off book but I need more!!! Give me more Ace! It’ll be brilliant!
kilcannon's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad if you ignore the terrible aliens with their terrible names.
wearyoctopus's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
mark_atkinson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? N/A
3.75
It’s always nice to hear from the actors involved in the show showcase their creative talents off the screen. I like the portrayals of the main cast, Sophie Aldred knows Ace like the back of her hand. I’ll probably re listen to this as I had this on whilst driving for long stints, elements of the story are hazy (not the story’s fault, that’s mine).
Regardless, a nice listen.
Regardless, a nice listen.
tempus's review against another edition
I tried really hard to finish this but it just wasn't that interesting to me.
serafim's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75