Fear Itself

Review: A space station in trouble in this intriguing book.

How do you describe a situation descending into madness? Nick Wallace tackles the problem splendidly, telling the gripping story of a space disaster from several different time-frames.

One moment we're on Mars in the shocked aftermath, then we're above Jupiter, years before, and then we're in the same place, but some time later.

But what really went on? This book really does keep you guessing mercilessly, teasing the reader with constant revelations that prove to be dead ends, all the while unravelling its own perfectly tangled logic.

Nick Wallace has done an excellent job with this book – and it's a great way to meet the Eighth Doctor in print. Here he's travelling with his companions Anji and Fitz (she's suave, he chain-smokes), and is only just getting to grips with the TARDIS, having spent a century on Earth with amnesia.

The plot's almost impossible to explain without spoiling it – but one of its deep joys is that you'll meet a character on one page and decide "What a dull, horrid cliché... and then, thirty pages later you'll see how different they used to be, and suddenly you'll find their later self fascinating – what did turn a dancer and gourmet into a loveless sadist?

It's a great puzzle of a book. It's cleverer than you. It's only slightly smug about it.

Send us your comment now. We'll publish the best on this page.

sar
i read it to my 6 year old he love it but he is mad on doctor who

Natahl
This was a really good read ... a return to some of the best stories with Anji and Fitz. It was very clever and thoroughly enjoyable.

CyberScott
The best Eighth Doctor book since The Turing Test, it was a joy to read a stand alone novel without all the tedium of long running story arcs that bored the pants of me.

Dr Grace Holloway
This book is superb for the Eighth Doctor he has come into his own chacracter after regaining his memory he reminded me of the Doctor from the Eight Doctors back to his normal self & NO STORY ARCS YIPEEEEE!!!!!

Johnny Fanboy
Dustin, you are correct: this is the first Past Doc Adventure for the 8th Doc. They don't spell out which books it is set between, but it probably takes place between EarthWorld and Vanishing Point. Certainly not long after EarthWorld.

paul
One of the best eighth doctor books ever. And a delight to read one that wasn't part of those interminable story arcs.

Steve w
The 8th Doctor losing his memory AGAIN! How many books and Audio adventures do you see him lose his memory, I know of 4 occasions now! Be original BBC

The Rani
best book ever :)

ben the real youngest doctor who fan i'm 10
it's the best book ever it is so great i have read it 3 times already (and i am 10)

JJ
This sounds like a good book. It sounds that by skipping from place to place, it keeps you on edge.

theterriblezodin
I dare anyone not to get something out of this book - it is brilliant. There is a real sense of mystery and some jaw dropping moments as well as plenty of jeopardy. The structure of the novel helps the build up of suspense. The plot is string and the characters are very well fleshed out so that I cared what was happening or going to happen to them. Highly recommended.

Damian Jeremiah
Buy this book even though I've yet to finish it. Nick Wallace's skills as a writer are apparent from the opening few pages. He really does understand what makes good characterisation and I cant wait to find out whats happening.

Thomas Tyrrell
It's nice to have Anji back. She always was one of the best companions.

Andy
The season you call the 27th does not exist. Young Jamie is correct, the Eccleston series is the 1st. It's a new beginning. Rejoice!

Andy
To be really technical, unlike Who Fanatic, this is a book based on Doctor Who and not part of a season at all. Thanks for the review, though, chappy.

Dr Who fanatic
Are, this is based on the original series. The series you call the first is actually the second. To be real technical, it is the 27th season of Doctor Who. This Doctor is the one before Christoper Eccleston. And these books were based on the Doctor from "That Movie"!1!

Matt
It would seem weird going back to the eighth doctors past now that i know why he lost his memory and spent a century on earth. It sounds good but i would have preffered it if they continued his adventures.

Jon Witchell
I can't wait to read it. I've always loved stories revolving around time, and with the Doctor having to remember how the TARDIS works should hopefully work well for new fans. I look forward to grabbing my copy!

Merlin
I wish this book was part of the continuing Eigth Doctor books but they've ended havent they. If only it'd been longer.

Dustin
So this is a new book yes? Doesn't this make the first 8th Doctor book that's a Past Doctor book? Do they let you know which books it happens between?

Jimmy
BEST. DOCTOR WHO - EIGTH DOCTOR BOOK. EVER.!

Jamie The youngest doctor who fan i no (i'm 13)
Sounds good.... but however I like buying the Doctor Who books based on the 1st seris.

dk
wicked book absolutely brilliant. one of the best doctor who book i have ever read.

luke
this book sounds good, i may buy it and try to tackle it alongside the new ninth doctor novels.

Douglas carr
The 8th doctor starting to get very popular now.Probaly because of that movie!

The Doctor
It sounds a fairly good book, I might hire it from a libary before I buy it, I havent read any eighth Doctor books so it would be a good taster.

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