Science Fiction Books > D Science Fiction Books

Is this a winner for the Doctor?

Advantages: Great plot, well written and fantastic characterisation
Disadvantages: The baddies are a little feeble

...the third book in the Doctor Who new series adventures, "Winner Takes All" by Jacqueline Rayner. I've heard, around the fandom, that most people aren't very impressed with this book, but I really enjoyed it. So much so that I read it in one sitting. **Blurb** (from the back of the book) Rose and the Doctor return to present-day Earth, and become intrigued by the latest craze - the video game, Death to Mantodeans. Is it as harmless as it seems? ...
...alien threat? And can the Doctor play the game to the end - and win? **Plot** (minor spoilers) Since the revival of Doctor Who, present-day Earth series seem to be the bane of the Doctor Who fandom. I, on the other hand, love them - especially whilst Rose was around; I found the banter between Jackie Tyler and the Doctor to be great, as well as the dynamic between the Timelord and Rose's ex Mickey Smith. So it's back to Earth for this story, when ...

amytheduck 16.07.2007 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Doctor Who: Winner Takes All - Jacqueline Rayner

Is Dune the best SF novel ever?

Advantages: Scope, detail, characters, worms, spice!
Disadvantages: I really can't think of any

I first read Dune back in 1985 mainly because there was a big movie of the book coming out. Since then I've read it a number of times and I think it's probably my favourite novel. The book can be read on many levels. I find myself enjoying it for two reasons. First of all it's a great adventure story with Paul and his mother on the run from the evil Harkonnens across the strange desert world. Different factions are working behind the scenes to leverage ...
...for the unique universe Herbert created. The details fly off the page. The descriptions of the Great Houses, the Sisterhood, the Guild are totally convincing. And the little details such as the workings of a stillsuit add more layers. If you've not read it then give it a chance. If you have read it then read it again! ...

chevron999 01.09.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Dune - Frank Herbert

Has time run out for the Doctor?

Advantages: Good plot, quick read
Disadvantages: Weak characterisation of the Doctor

...box set of ten new Doctor Who novels from ebay for a very cheap £5, and 'The Clockwise Man' is the first book in the set. It's the second Doctor Who novel that I've read, so I have something to compare it to. It's a good, quick read that should appeal to both adults and children alike. **Blurb** (from back of book) In 1920s London the Doctor and Rose find themselves caught up in the hunt for a mysterious murderer. But not everyone or everything ...
...faceless killers closing in, the Doctor and Rose must solve the mystery of the Clockwise Man before London itself is destroyed... **Plot** (minor spoilers) Being the very first of the New Adventure Doctor Who novels, this features the ninth Doctor (as played by Christopher Eccleston) and Rose Tyler. In my mind, this adventure takes place after "The Unquiet Dead" in series one, and this seems to fit as here, the Doctor and Rose seem to know each ...

amytheduck 06.07.2007 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Doctor Who: The Clockwise Man - Justin Richards

It's the closest thing to having Russell T Davies in your house.

Advantages: Really honest and insightful
Disadvantages: None

Originally posted on dooyoo. Before buying this I read the write ups and they all said something like "Any aspiring writer should read this book" or "Any Who fan should read this book" And yes, they should, but The Writers Tale is just as relevent for anyone who has ever wondered what goes on in TV, or is simply interested in the way other people think. This is one of those all too rare books where you get true insight into not just a person but ...
...I have ever read being as it is just a collection of emails sent between Ben Cook and Russell T Davies. Davies pulls no punches when talking about the processes of writing, admitting that there is no right way to write, and expressing his dislike of those who say that there is. It is fascinating to see TV royalty struggle with the same doubts that we all have, and wrestle with his perpetual procrastination, and google himself to be met with spirit-sapping ...

rhiannonalwen 05.10.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale - Russell T. Davies & Benjamin Cook

Hitch Hikers wasnt Adams' only book y'know.

Advantages: Great funny read. Nice charactures.
Disadvantages: Not as well known as Hitch-Hikers.

DOUGLAS ADAMS - DIRK GENTLY'S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY ------------------------------------------------------- So here i am, sat awake at a stupidly late hour, i cant sleep, which is pretty much how every night goes, well i thought to myself, why not read a good book, so completly at random i decided to pick up one of my old favourites, Dirk Gently's holistic detective agency. This is the first book in a trilogy which sadly never got finished ...
...fans didnt really take to Dirk Gently quite as well, this is a shame because there is actually a much more balanced storyline running through these books. The main reason most didnt take to this is that it didnt contain any of the Hitch hikers crew, or happen in space, but what it does have is great writing and an interesting if a tad confusing storyline. The story is about Richard Macduff, and a lot of strange things that occur around him, such ...

kylecoare 08.09.2003 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency - Douglas Adams