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nwhyte's review
3.0
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1418628.html
The setting is a familiar Whovian one (most recently seen in The Eleventh Hour): rural England, alien menace, the Doctor sorts it out. To be specific, we're in a Yorkshire village in December 1968; Gatiss packs in a lot of detail, including some memorable characters - the staff of the local radio observatory; the young man who develops a relationship with Ace; the elderly actor who used to play Professor Nightshade on telly (a mixture between Quatermass and the First Doctor). Gatiss says in the notes that he was trying to write a Who book that really belonged more in the horror genre; it works for me.
The setting is a familiar Whovian one (most recently seen in The Eleventh Hour): rural England, alien menace, the Doctor sorts it out. To be specific, we're in a Yorkshire village in December 1968; Gatiss packs in a lot of detail, including some memorable characters - the staff of the local radio observatory; the young man who develops a relationship with Ace; the elderly actor who used to play Professor Nightshade on telly (a mixture between Quatermass and the First Doctor). Gatiss says in the notes that he was trying to write a Who book that really belonged more in the horror genre; it works for me.
plaidbrarian's review
3.0
Starts off as a compelling, legitimately spooky ghost story, but about halfway through devolves into that old Doctor Who chestnut, the "base under siege" story. And there's a subplot involving a retired actor who once played a part on TV that was more or less Professor Quatermass, and though he gets a few good scenes, it doesn't really lead anywhere. It's too bad, too, because Gatiss absolutely nails the characterization - it's easy to envision Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred saying this stuff as actual TV dialog - and, like I said, he's good with the scares. It's a decent read, but it could have been great.
Oh, and interestingly, even if only to me, this was the first book I read entirely digitally via Stanza on my iPod. And while it wasn't as enjoyable as an actual book, I didn't hate the experience. I guess I'm ready for the future. So where the hell's my Elroy Jetson rocket belt?
Oh, and interestingly, even if only to me, this was the first book I read entirely digitally via Stanza on my iPod. And while it wasn't as enjoyable as an actual book, I didn't hate the experience. I guess I'm ready for the future. So where the hell's my Elroy Jetson rocket belt?
nukirisame's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
shane's review
3.0
I wanted to give this a four but the ending just felt like a complete betrayal to me. The Doctor acted entirely out of character as far as I can see and even now I fail to see the reason for such a blatant and it has to be said, nasty turn off events.
The author said it was supposed to be resolved in the next novel, but for whatever reason, wasn't. it just didn't make any sense for him to lie so blatantly to Ace like that, especially over something that meant so much to her.
Anyway, I'm still looking forward to the next one since it has a terrific reputation as one of the best in the series.
The author said it was supposed to be resolved in the next novel, but for whatever reason, wasn't. it just didn't make any sense for him to lie so blatantly to Ace like that, especially over something that meant so much to her.
Anyway, I'm still looking forward to the next one since it has a terrific reputation as one of the best in the series.
alicea's review
4.0
Doctor Who: Nightshade by Mark Gatiss was an incredibly dark adventure with a most beloved character (in a version I'm entirely unfamiliar with) and his companion (again I have no history with Ace). Centered around a small village, The Doctor and Ace are up against a foe that is ruthless in its carnage and hunger. An entity that reveals itself in the form of loved ones long since dead and buried, it seems nigh on impossible that there is a way to stop its growing into a creature that can devour the planet in its entirety. However, lifelong lovers of the Time Lord with a made up name know that he's nothing if not persistent. I warn you that this book is firmly in the horror genre rather than specifically sci-fi so keep that in mind if you're looking to read it.
hammard's review
4.0
I believe this was the first 7th Doctor VNA I read. It made sense as it was available on the BBC website and was the first standalone after the opening two arcs. As such it made quite an impression on me and is one I have returned to often.
It is the first book in the series that really makes use of the novel length to do what is an old fashioned gothic horror style. The actual action doesn't get going until about two-thirds of the way through, instead getting such cliffhangers "The Doctor looked up from his book and chewed his lip thoughtfully" or "The Doctor looked at her steadily. Ace nodded. She knew where."
Yet this is never boring, as Gatiss manages to convey a real sense of creeping menace and emotional consequence. He also outlines a very important theme for this series, that you cannot wallow in nostalgia and have to move forward.
There are a couple of points that do drag it down a bit for me. First of all some of the elements are a touch similar to Timewyrm Revelation. Whilst it probably wouldn't have mattered as much at the time, coming 8 months after, reading these opening volumes over the course of a few weeks it is noticeable. Secondly, the ending is disturbing even by the VNA standards, and whilst it is haunting I don't feel the explanations we will get for The Doctor's actions really justify the narrative choice.
But overall a great book, I probably put only Cornell's work higher in these early days of the series.
It is the first book in the series that really makes use of the novel length to do what is an old fashioned gothic horror style. The actual action doesn't get going until about two-thirds of the way through, instead getting such cliffhangers "The Doctor looked up from his book and chewed his lip thoughtfully" or "The Doctor looked at her steadily. Ace nodded. She knew where."
Yet this is never boring, as Gatiss manages to convey a real sense of creeping menace and emotional consequence. He also outlines a very important theme for this series, that you cannot wallow in nostalgia and have to move forward.
There are a couple of points that do drag it down a bit for me. First of all some of the elements are a touch similar to Timewyrm Revelation. Whilst it probably wouldn't have mattered as much at the time, coming 8 months after, reading these opening volumes over the course of a few weeks it is noticeable. Secondly, the ending is disturbing even by the VNA standards, and whilst it is haunting I don't feel the explanations we will get for The Doctor's actions really justify the narrative choice.
But overall a great book, I probably put only Cornell's work higher in these early days of the series.
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