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andrew_j_r's review against another edition
4.0
This is a really enjoyable book.
A the information at the back of the book states, it does differ in many mays from the televised version, and was also one of the first three Doctor Who novels ever published.
So what makes it so good? Well, the first thing is that, apart from our lead characters and their method of transport, this is not a Science Fiction story at all. Once the characters are enmeshed in events, there are no gimmicks to help them out. It is a story about how the character deal with the situation they are in.
Well, actually, to be really honest it's a story about Ian and Barbara. The Doctor and Vicki appear at the start and at the end, and for one chapter in the middle. The reason that this works is simply this: Ian and Barbara are great characters and you really feel for them. The story does suggest that they are in love in a way the TV show never did (although reading between the lines the actors clearly thought it ought to go that way, especially the way they play a certain scene in the opening episode of The Romans!) but even on TV the subtext was always there.
The historical characters are interesting, Richard the Lionheart is especially believable, as are Saladin and Saphadin. In fact the only person that is a bit of a cartoon villain is El Akir, with his mad cackling and harem and scarred face. But what ultimately happens to him is rather gratifying, and he never gets quite as far as being a moustache twirler!
This is definitely one of the better books in the range of novelisations, a shame David Whittaker only wrote a couple, it would have been nice to see more from him.
A the information at the back of the book states, it does differ in many mays from the televised version, and was also one of the first three Doctor Who novels ever published.
So what makes it so good? Well, the first thing is that, apart from our lead characters and their method of transport, this is not a Science Fiction story at all. Once the characters are enmeshed in events, there are no gimmicks to help them out. It is a story about how the character deal with the situation they are in.
Well, actually, to be really honest it's a story about Ian and Barbara. The Doctor and Vicki appear at the start and at the end, and for one chapter in the middle. The reason that this works is simply this: Ian and Barbara are great characters and you really feel for them. The story does suggest that they are in love in a way the TV show never did (although reading between the lines the actors clearly thought it ought to go that way, especially the way they play a certain scene in the opening episode of The Romans!) but even on TV the subtext was always there.
The historical characters are interesting, Richard the Lionheart is especially believable, as are Saladin and Saphadin. In fact the only person that is a bit of a cartoon villain is El Akir, with his mad cackling and harem and scarred face. But what ultimately happens to him is rather gratifying, and he never gets quite as far as being a moustache twirler!
This is definitely one of the better books in the range of novelisations, a shame David Whittaker only wrote a couple, it would have been nice to see more from him.
teadrinking_bibliophile's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
gingerreader99's review against another edition
4.0
A great way to start my Doctor Who novel adventures. A fun story of the First Doctor leaving me wanting more !
joe_spracklen17's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
One of the missing stories from the First Doctors era. I enjoyed reading this story, I have also listened to the audio version but I think I preferred the book, there are a few changes I think are much better and male for a better narrative.
This story obviously stars the First Doctor alongside his companions Vicki, Ian, and Barbara. The characterization is all very well done, Vicki isn't utilized much in this story which is a shame. Its main focus is on Ian and Barbara, some of the changes I mentioned have to do with them. Without too many spoilers, Barbara is kidnapped and Ian is tasked with rescuing her, in the novel he is more directly involved in her rescue and the two even share a kiss at the end (relationship confirmed? I hope so!).
Speaking of her kidnapping, this also has perhaps one of Doctor Who's simplest and worst villains. The one who kidnaps Barbara, the warlord El Akir, he is simply a crucial person and there is quite a disturbing and uncomfortable scene between him and Barbara.
The rest of the characters like King Richard and Princess Joanna are interesting to read, there is an interesting bit of historical drama going on with two sides at war, and both have people trying to stop the figuring and others who are prone to violence.
Also on a side note I love the illustrations that are in this book, there are several images depicting the scenes that are happening and I really enjoyed them. I'm not sure if that's the case for all the new Target novels, but if it is then I might enjoy reading some more from the series.
If you love the First Doctor then its definitely worth a read.
This story obviously stars the First Doctor alongside his companions Vicki, Ian, and Barbara. The characterization is all very well done, Vicki isn't utilized much in this story which is a shame. Its main focus is on Ian and Barbara, some of the changes I mentioned have to do with them. Without too many spoilers, Barbara is kidnapped and Ian is tasked with rescuing her, in the novel he is more directly involved in her rescue and the two even share a kiss at the end (relationship confirmed? I hope so!).
Speaking of her kidnapping, this also has perhaps one of Doctor Who's simplest and worst villains. The one who kidnaps Barbara, the warlord El Akir, he is simply a crucial person and there is quite a disturbing and uncomfortable scene between him and Barbara.
The rest of the characters like King Richard and Princess Joanna are interesting to read, there is an interesting bit of historical drama going on with two sides at war, and both have people trying to stop the figuring and others who are prone to violence.
Also on a side note I love the illustrations that are in this book, there are several images depicting the scenes that are happening and I really enjoyed them. I'm not sure if that's the case for all the new Target novels, but if it is then I might enjoy reading some more from the series.
If you love the First Doctor then its definitely worth a read.
scarletsky's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
bexsur's review against another edition
Was not keen on the writing style and found it difficult to fall into the book.
tempus's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this. I spaced it out over a few days, perhaps that's why I didn't find it as boring as others have?
Particularly the last few chapters with Haroun's backstory, it was a satisfying journey.
Particularly the last few chapters with Haroun's backstory, it was a satisfying journey.
avrilhj's review against another edition
4.0
The second of the printed Target novelisations that I've read - and I can understand their popularity, especially given that the books provided a chance to revisit episodes on those far-off days before videos and DVDs. Well-written, adapted by the author of the television episodes, with no budget or special effects' limitations, this is a very good children's book.
It does have a little more romance than the television programme: 'Barbara looked across at Ian, stretched out a hand and held his. A dozen unsaid words hung between them in the understanding of the moment. Modern people though they were, they had stepped into a world of chivalry and barbarism and Ian had not failed her. She had needed him and he had come for her. She knew, whatever the age, whatever the place, whatever the circumstances, he would measure up to her every expectation. She leant across her horse, put her arm around his neck and kissed him softly on the lips. She sat back again, her heart beating a little faster, a slight tinge of pink at her cheeks, holding his eyes with hers ...' - That never happened on the telly!
It does have a little more romance than the television programme: 'Barbara looked across at Ian, stretched out a hand and held his. A dozen unsaid words hung between them in the understanding of the moment. Modern people though they were, they had stepped into a world of chivalry and barbarism and Ian had not failed her. She had needed him and he had come for her. She knew, whatever the age, whatever the place, whatever the circumstances, he would measure up to her every expectation. She leant across her horse, put her arm around his neck and kissed him softly on the lips. She sat back again, her heart beating a little faster, a slight tinge of pink at her cheeks, holding his eyes with hers ...' - That never happened on the telly!
jazzab1971's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
3.0
Romance between Ian and Barbara!
ziwxbhld's review against another edition
1.0
Beautifully written, but tremendously boring. Sorry. I skipped great passages, marvelling at how well-written the introduction and the ending were, but despairing at how pointlessly interminable the rest of it was. Reading others' opinions, it appears I'm in something of a minority.