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zoeb2101's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
eyreguide's review against another edition
4.0
The story is framed by the ending of Season 4 and Donna's memory loss, but most of it actually takes place soon after "The Sontaran Stratagem." This novel touchingly focuses on the Doctor's friendship with Donna and the relationships between Donna and her mother and grandfather. While Donna's mum, Sylvia comes off pretty tetchy and unsympathetic in the TV show most times, this story gives her more heart and background, especially with the death of Donna's dad. I really enjoyed reading more about the Noble family and how they are not perfect, but they do love each other and support each other even if one doesn't actually believe in what the other is doing. I think the highlight of this book is the family aspect, especially because it draws the Doctor into it and it's always interesting to see him out of his element.
The evil from the Dark Times is a much updated (upgraded?) version of a villain from the Classic series (first seen in an adventure with the Fourth Doctor) and because the villain uses our new technologically savvy world as the means to take over the planet, the danger feels very real, and is used to good effect. But the evil is so very powerful, that the Doctor's solution felt a little rushed over and confusing and it was easiest to just take the Doctor's plan for granted that it worked. It's really not that big of a deal, because the story is so engaging from the start, and the focus on character development - with the Noble family, and the side characters that Gary Russell so deftly paints in a few scenes - made this such a fun adventure. I am also really impressed by how well Gary captured Donna's sarcastic teasing, Wilf's general adorableness and the beauty and pathos in Wilf's love interest, Netty. And it is lovely that this book provides closure (now somewhat unnecessarily) to Donna's ending in Season 4.
The evil from the Dark Times is a much updated (upgraded?) version of a villain from the Classic series (first seen in an adventure with the Fourth Doctor) and because the villain uses our new technologically savvy world as the means to take over the planet, the danger feels very real, and is used to good effect. But the evil is so very powerful, that the Doctor's solution felt a little rushed over and confusing and it was easiest to just take the Doctor's plan for granted that it worked. It's really not that big of a deal, because the story is so engaging from the start, and the focus on character development - with the Noble family, and the side characters that Gary Russell so deftly paints in a few scenes - made this such a fun adventure. I am also really impressed by how well Gary captured Donna's sarcastic teasing, Wilf's general adorableness and the beauty and pathos in Wilf's love interest, Netty. And it is lovely that this book provides closure (now somewhat unnecessarily) to Donna's ending in Season 4.
em_dash_'s review against another edition
5.0
A great story, but Bernard Cribbins reading the audiobook is even more delightful.
jadziadax's review
4.0
amazing that we now live in a world where the epilogue is no longer gut wrenching for Donna fans!
_ellisnoble_'s review
5.0
A posteriori, leggere di un milionario che coi suoi device informatici fornisce a una minaccia aliena di distruggere quasi la Terra fa più paura di quando venne scritto in origine...
BTW, questo libro ha il sapore dell'ultima grande avventura del duo DoctorDonna, dando molto più spazio alla famiglia Noble, rendendo Sylvia più tridimensionale e meno str*nza e dando modo a Wilfred di esser parte attiva di un'avventura col Dottore... recuperatelo perché merita!
BTW, questo libro ha il sapore dell'ultima grande avventura del duo DoctorDonna, dando molto più spazio alla famiglia Noble, rendendo Sylvia più tridimensionale e meno str*nza e dando modo a Wilfred di esser parte attiva di un'avventura col Dottore... recuperatelo perché merita!
tandemjon's review
3.0
Not bad but also not brilliant (!) Wilf, Donna d Sylvia seemed to be just about spot on, but I felt the doctor didn't really capture the David Tennant Doctor properly. It also felt a bit like the Doctor didn't actually do much to stop the threat either. I did enjoy it though, but felt it could have been better.
lisa_pizza's review against another edition
2.0
I did like how Russell dived into the background of the Nobles and Wilfred, making Sylvia a more sympathetic character, but otherwise I didn't really enjoy this book. I can't place my finger on it exactly but it just wasn't a story I cared about. I get the whole connection between Donna's memory loss and Netty's alzheimers and playing with our feelings with the tragedy of it all, but the action parts of the book were just meh. The Doctor and Donna and Wilf were certainly in character, but their character was reliant upon dialogue alone. I didn't feel the descriptions were all that colorful and neglected to depict the characters quirks that I love so much. I've read better Doctor Who books.
beth_books_123's review
3.0
A great 10th doctor adventure - 3*
I have missed the Doctor Donna and Wilf so much. I have missed the dynamics of the relationship between Donna and the Doctor: their quirky banter that just keeps you smiling. Wilf - oh Wilf! I have missed Wilf so much. He is such a strong and fierce character.
I really enjoyed this story. Okay the plot wasn't as exciting and page-turning as other books in this series. However, as a result of the characters being so strong, I didn't mind that much.
I have missed the Doctor Donna and Wilf so much. I have missed the dynamics of the relationship between Donna and the Doctor: their quirky banter that just keeps you smiling. Wilf - oh Wilf! I have missed Wilf so much. He is such a strong and fierce character.
I really enjoyed this story. Okay the plot wasn't as exciting and page-turning as other books in this series. However, as a result of the characters being so strong, I didn't mind that much.
nelllikestoread's review against another edition
Bad. Very bad writing. Might return at some point.
happysami's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Gun violence and Death