Catch Up

As always, it's easy to fall behind on reviews; especially when you have twenty or thirty other books to read. So, I fell behind in my review writing, [and sending my ratings in to the NA/MA rankigns], so here's a quick list of some books I haven't [and won't] get around to doing full reviews.

Actually, unlike some reviews, my thoughts are coming some weeks [or months :(] after I originally read them.

Invasion of the Cat-People by Gary Russell [7/10]

Nothing spectacular. I think an early Second Doctor is probably the most difficult era to handle -- because so little of it exists, and references to many of the things later stories would take for granted [Time Lords] feel out of place here. Cat-People gets caught up in a little of that. I'm also not a big fan of any of the MAs that set themselves in the 90s, as it's too easy to do the "out-of-time" stick.

System Shock by Justin Richards [7.5/10]

This has the same problem -- I enjoyed the plot a little more in this one, but seeing Sarah get confused around 90s technology doesn't do a lot for me. There are a couple reasonable twists on the alien invaders, and it certainly feels like it could be a Hinchcliffe story. The cover is one of the worst in the range, however.

The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Chris Bulis [9/10]

I liked this one a lot; Part of it is I enjoy the first Doctor/Barbara/Ian/Susan line up, especially when done well, and the characterizations felt right. Considering that William Hartnell saw the Doctor as a wizard like character, putting him in this story and in the delightful cover picture. It's nothing terribly earth shattering, but it is fun.

Cat's Cradle: Warhead by Andrew Cartmel [7.5/10]

Not really my style of a Doctor Who story. There are some very nice scenes in here, and it's written well. Of course, it's interesting to see Cartmel's seventh Doctor, and how he views the character. The linking theme is completely irrelevent, as it doesn't really tie into "Time's Crucible" at all.

The Also People by Ben Aaronovitch [9.5/10]

It has a nice, friendly computer called God, and the Time Lords have an exception clause for the Doctor in their treaties. Delightfully fun, with all of the characters working together well. What's this about a "Dark Doctor"? -- I don't see one here. Recommended.

Head Games by Steve Lyons [7.5/10]

Oh. Here he is. Mel gets another good portrayal, turning into one of the few sympathetic characters in the book. Not having read Conundrum, there was a bit of a hassle for me with the changes in the Land of Fiction. There's some interesting play with all of the Time's Champion stuff, but the Valeyard issues were done better in Millenial Rites.

Just War by Lance Parkin [10/10]

Excellent stuff. Most of the time, Doctor Who either has dealt with the Nazis through a stand in [like the Daleks], or even when they are around, they aren't the "real" enemy. It's important to be reminded that humans can be as evil as the Daleks from time to time. Highest Recommendation.