Doctor Who: Silhouette

Doctor Who:

Silhouette

by Justin Richards

***Some Reviews may Contain Spoilers***

Crown Publishing Group:  Fall 2014

ISBN:  9780804140881

Ever wish a book was an actual movie or television episode? This book is exactly that one that, once read, is definitely falling into that category.  Especially with the weak writing of Series 8 Doctor Who adventures.

The book is well written, and for an early book on the 12th Doctor, is a great portrayal of this version of the Doctor thus far in literary form.  I also am pleased that we see Vastra, Jenny and Strax in this adventure also portrayed very well minus the lesbian piece between Jenny and Vastra.  This is a novel my 12 year old can read and enjoy as a result.

Kudos to the creative use of the monsters, and unlike the many monsters in Doctor Who, the redemption quality at the end for them.  Also enjoyed was the final ending of the main bad guy as well, justice being served in great fashion.

The book is a fast paced story, and falling short of 250 pages, one can enjoy this one over a long weekend with some time to spare.  The plot does keep the reader guessing as to what will happen and how much of the seemingly fragmented story will tie together in the end.  One of the bad guys seemed to mimic a monster from an episode, so that helped in  retaining the guessing as to the plot.  Humor was well used here.  A scene most enjoyed was when one of the monsters attempts at 'connecting' with the Doctor using vague impressions of...well the reader will have to see.  The 12th Doctor's one liners are also present here which adds to this author's genuine grasp of the 12th Doctor.

While some depth was present, particularly for the Doctor in his 12th incarnation, much of the characters are not as explored as could have been.  It is appreciated that the companion, Clara, was put into the background in this adventure for parts of the story in order for the reader to enjoy some 12th Doctor time.  This again was nice as so much of Series 8 was disappointingly focused on Clara and the Doctor as the focus remains well missed in the television episodes.

All in all, a great adventure and a good first outing to be reviewed on the 12th doctor.

4 out of 5 Stars