Scan barcode
A review by scampr
Doctor Who: Nightshade by Mark Gatiss
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.5
Following on from the Timewyrm arc and Cat's Cradle tirology, this is the very first standalone novel of the VNAs. I've yet to get my hands on those first seven books, but I get the sense that this one would've been a breath of fresh air for readers going through chronologically. Nightshade is a fantastic self contained story that has some good character work and thematic exploration, really fits the tone and ideas of the 7th Doctor's era, and delivers some great horror.
From what I'm aware the 1950s sci-fi Quatermass is the inspiration behind some of the concepts/vibes of this novel, as well as the titular Professor Nightshade character. Even though I'm not familiar with Quatermass, it was still pretty easy to understand these elements and find interest in what they uniquely brought to the story.
A gloomy and sheltered Northern town in the late 1960s makes for a great setting full of dark atmosphere and ominousness. The characters that populate Crook Marsham are well rounded and believable which is really important for the dark and horrific directions the plot takes to have its proper impact.
The Doctor and Ace are the standouts, characterised perfectly whilst also exploring new territory and personal conflicts that motivate the story. Close behind them is Trevithick (the elderly actor that formerly played Professor Nightshade), who becomes increasingly enjoyable as the story goes along and plays an interesting part in events.
Eldritch entities lurking beneath the earth and monsters that weaponise people's dreams and memories against them are by no means original concepts, but they're executed particularly well here with the imagery, action beats and theming they bring.
The story provides some great allegory and exploration of memory and nostalgia , both its effects on our main characters and on a meta level the reader/fans.
The concise pacing and tension makes this an engaging read, but there are a small handful of moments (and one specific, slightly irrelevant chapter) that drag by comparison.
My only other and very minor complaint is that this novel builds up certain stakes and emotions about something only to end very abruptly. From what I remember the following story Love and War doesn't really touch on this something, so while it isn't wholly the fault of Nightshade, it is still a little annoying that we don't get a full explanation or fallout for what was set up.
From what I'm aware the 1950s sci-fi Quatermass is the inspiration behind some of the concepts/vibes of this novel, as well as the titular Professor Nightshade character. Even though I'm not familiar with Quatermass, it was still pretty easy to understand these elements and find interest in what they uniquely brought to the story.
A gloomy and sheltered Northern town in the late 1960s makes for a great setting full of dark atmosphere and ominousness. The characters that populate Crook Marsham are well rounded and believable which is really important for the dark and horrific directions the plot takes to have its proper impact.
The Doctor and Ace are the standouts, characterised perfectly whilst also exploring new territory and personal conflicts that motivate the story. Close behind them is Trevithick (the elderly actor that formerly played Professor Nightshade), who becomes increasingly enjoyable as the story goes along and plays an interesting part in events.
Eldritch entities lurking beneath the earth and monsters that weaponise people's dreams and memories against them are by no means original concepts, but they're executed particularly well here with the imagery, action beats and theming they bring.
The story provides some great allegory and exploration of memory and nostalgia , both its effects on our main characters and on a meta level the reader/fans.
The concise pacing and tension makes this an engaging read, but there are a small handful of moments (and one specific, slightly irrelevant chapter) that drag by comparison.
My only other and very minor complaint is that this novel builds up certain stakes and emotions about something only to end very abruptly. From what I remember the following story Love and War doesn't really touch on this something, so while it isn't wholly the fault of Nightshade, it is still a little annoying that we don't get a full explanation or fallout for what was set up.