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deannamartin113's review against another edition
4.0
Fairly good story with the 10th doctor and Rose. Kinda creepy.
scampr's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.75
The Feast of the Drowned is a pretty solid story that uses an Earth-based invasion to touch on Rose's home life - quite like the Slitheen two-parter from the show, but for early series 2.
Particular focus is given to Mickey, along with Rose's friend Keisha (whose brother is presumed dead after a suspicious naval incident, and acts as the hook into the plot).
The initial mystery of these dead sailors appearing as watery ghosts to lure their loved ones is really interesting, but I did find the eventual explanation a little disappointing, as there's a lot of technobabble and a bit of a tonal shift that comes with it. Nonetheless, it's a decent plot that is well paced, and accommodates a lot of good character exploration. I really enjoy the industrial and urban settings of this story, the eerie night-time vibe it has, and the somehow evil feeling of water it constructs.
In keeping with what I've mentioned, this is a very Rose-centric book - which isn't to say the Doctor is not prominent or well developed - he just takes a slightly more subdued role in the narrative than usual. If anything, this feels quite appropriate for what is a very early days Tenth Doctor.
For a good portion of the novel, he's investigating the naval offices, and ends up making an acquaintance in Vida, a researcher/operative who gets caught up in the conspiracy.
Meanwhile, Rose primarily sticks with Mickey and Keisha, fleshing out the complexities and tensions of her relationships with them now that her life revolves around the Doctor.
Midway through the characters and their different plotlines converge and there's some big moments and changes within the story, driving us into the conclusion - which as I said, is where things get a little formulaic for me. Everything does get wrapped up well though, and all the character arcs that the novel sought to explore reach a satisfying end.
All in all, there isn't an awful lot to say about this one - besides me not being a huge fan of the villains and slightly less engaged with the climax, I have no other nitpicks. It's a story that really thrives on its mystery, atmosphere and strength of character. An enjoyable reading experience that would fit perfectly within series 2!
Particular focus is given to Mickey, along with Rose's friend Keisha (whose brother is presumed dead after a suspicious naval incident, and acts as the hook into the plot).
The initial mystery of these dead sailors appearing as watery ghosts to lure their loved ones is really interesting, but I did find the eventual explanation a little disappointing, as there's a lot of technobabble and a bit of a tonal shift that comes with it. Nonetheless, it's a decent plot that is well paced, and accommodates a lot of good character exploration. I really enjoy the industrial and urban settings of this story, the eerie night-time vibe it has, and the somehow evil feeling of water it constructs.
In keeping with what I've mentioned, this is a very Rose-centric book - which isn't to say the Doctor is not prominent or well developed - he just takes a slightly more subdued role in the narrative than usual. If anything, this feels quite appropriate for what is a very early days Tenth Doctor.
For a good portion of the novel, he's investigating the naval offices, and ends up making an acquaintance in Vida, a researcher/operative who gets caught up in the conspiracy.
Meanwhile, Rose primarily sticks with Mickey and Keisha, fleshing out the complexities and tensions of her relationships with them now that her life revolves around the Doctor.
Midway through the characters and their different plotlines converge and there's some big moments and changes within the story, driving us into the conclusion - which as I said, is where things get a little formulaic for me. Everything does get wrapped up well though, and all the character arcs that the novel sought to explore reach a satisfying end.
All in all, there isn't an awful lot to say about this one - besides me not being a huge fan of the villains and slightly less engaged with the climax, I have no other nitpicks. It's a story that really thrives on its mystery, atmosphere and strength of character. An enjoyable reading experience that would fit perfectly within series 2!
cait331's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
riverstills's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
theevampyre's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
gjeebus_k's review against another edition
5.0
My first Doctor Who novel I would read, after I'd seen Series 1, 2 and 4. And it blew my mind!
The story takes place some time after the Tenth Doctor and Rose arrive back on Earth during Christmas. Although it's been a while since Rose went 'missing' for 3 months, the consequences come to light in this story. We get a better look at how Mickey handled the loss of his girlfriend, and how he still doesn't trust the Doctor.
Above that, we get to see the Doctor as we got to know him. A funny, caring but unforgiving Doctor who would do anything to save his friends.
A threat which seems like drowned people re-appear as ghost, turns out to be the plan of an alien invasion (as usual). But that doesn't mean this story is predictable and not enjoyable. On the contrary, this book knew to keep me at the edge of my seat.
The characters are well-written, and you do hope they'll make it out alive. Of course, you know Rose, Mickey and the Doctor will come out unharmed.
This may not be the best Doctor Who novel, but I sure enjoyed it a lot!
The story takes place some time after the Tenth Doctor and Rose arrive back on Earth during Christmas. Although it's been a while since Rose went 'missing' for 3 months, the consequences come to light in this story. We get a better look at how Mickey handled the loss of his girlfriend, and how he still doesn't trust the Doctor.
Above that, we get to see the Doctor as we got to know him. A funny, caring but unforgiving Doctor who would do anything to save his friends.
A threat which seems like drowned people re-appear as ghost, turns out to be the plan of an alien invasion (as usual). But that doesn't mean this story is predictable and not enjoyable. On the contrary, this book knew to keep me at the edge of my seat.
The characters are well-written, and you do hope they'll make it out alive. Of course, you know Rose, Mickey and the Doctor will come out unharmed.
This may not be the best Doctor Who novel, but I sure enjoyed it a lot!
ccoelophysis's review against another edition
4.0
So what if it's for young adults? Can't get enough of the 10th Doctor!
izumisano's review against another edition
3.0
I was actually really liking this story, until around the last 5 chapters where I suddenly got very bored.
d3anna28's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
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? No
5.0