Author: Justin Richards

Originally published: May 2005

Read: May 2024 (and probably in 2005 but I cant remember!)

Context:This is my first new Series adventure, read some time ago (I have memories of sitting in bright sunshine sitting outside Uni of Bristol posh faculty buildings in a lunch break for my very first real job as a research assistant). I can vividly remembering being amazed there were new dr who books again….

THE REVIEW

What I thought: I enjoyed this a lot, and was really pleased wi the characterisation of the 9th doctor and Rose (their relationship shines through). I also liked the clockwise cats and associated bad dude. Great final third, exciting and very pacey.

What I felt? A very strong connection to this one, something about the 9th Doctor that massively appeals to me. I was so disappointed he didn’t get a second season this is the next best thing (ok third after 9’s BF return). I was fearful on this reading that it would be somehow more ‘child like’ or too simplistic but it was neither of these things. Ok, it isn’t the VNA or EDA deep but it’s defo solid and at times refreshingly different.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Daleks (a very promising start to the 9th Doctor novels)

What am I left thinking?

• If there will be any continuity between these stories
• If we will see the return of any classic monsters in the New Series 9th doc books
• If I will have the patience to wait for other incarnation stories!

Memorable bits

– The fight in the clocktower at the end – the mini HB format, love it!