On the ancient planet of Hyspero, the Doctor and Sam are involved in a bizarre power struggle by the Doctor's old flame, the Time Lady Iris Wildthyme. Breathtaking. That's the one word to sum up this novel. It combines fantasy, magic, science, a deadly serious fight for survival, along with richly comic moments. Iris Wildthyme appears in her old TARDIS, disguised as a red London bus that is smaller on the inside than on the outside. She is hopelessly in love with the Doctor and this lends a sad touch to her character. The banter between the Doctor and Iris is wonderful - those two have a long history and it shows. At the end of the book, we know that they will meet up again and it can't be too soon. Hyspero is a truly weird place, as are its' denizens. The opening scenes remind one of the Arabian Nights in flavour and atmosphere. This book is very different from the usual Doctor Who format and some peolpe will hate it for that. However, Doctor Who was never afraid to take creative risks and this novel is fully in keeping with that spirit. Highly recommended.
Title: The Scarlett Empress |
1/8/05
