Fraser, Tom, Beth, Ethan, Jess T and Jess P from Warblington School tell us what they think of the third volume of the The Darksmith Legacy - a linked series of novels with additional online elements. CONTAINS SPOILERS!
What is the story about?
Tom: The Doctor travels to Karagula because he is chasing the Agent and the crystal.
Jess T: The Doctor ends up helping the villagers looking for their children who have all been taken away by a mysterious stranger.
What are the characters like?
Fraser: The characters were more varied than in the previous books. I liked the young boy, Lorton.
Jess T: I liked him too as he seemed about our age. It was easy to relate to him.
Jess P: It gives a good description of the main monster.
Tom: I found the descriptions of most of the characters very brief.
Beth: The Darksmiths became quite confusing as they weren't really described.
Ethan: Like the other books, this one features a few new characters. One of the "baddies" is quite unusual.
Was it exciting?
Fraser: The story was exciting. I liked the description at the beginning about how the Timelords had never dared visit Karagula. This helped build the tension.
Jess T: I felt it wasn't as fast paced as the others, and so I preferred it.
Jess P: It was a good read, but it needed more excitement.
Tom: It had a good plot and good content.
Beth: Exciting in parts, and I felt it built up a lot of suspense.
Ethan: The book was exciting enough. The writer managed to keep the pace going throughout the entire book, not allowing it to slow down.
Were there any particular highlights?
Beth: I liked how it leaves clues and hints about the ending and how it built the tension. The ending was great!
Tom: Good bits of humour, another good simile (p25) and a good mysterious plot.
Ethan: Definitely the sections of the story that play out inside the cathedral, such as the Doctor's meeting with the mysterious Shas-Raklat.
Jess T: When they found out about the Dreramspinner.
What were your least favourite bits?
Fraser: I thought it was too easy for the Doctor and Lorton to get into the Dark Cathedral.
Jess T: The ending seemed a bit "random".
Tom: I thought the descriptions were too light.
What do you think of then story so far?
Beth: I like that the story slowly reveals information - it's very cryptic.
Tom: Although I enjoyed the book on its own, it doesn't live up to my expectations after the first two.
Ethan: I think the story so far is good as it is (on the whole) varied and included a different sub-plot in each book.
Does this book make you want to read on?
Jess T: Compared to the others, there was no real cliff-hanger to make you want to carry straight on to the next book.
Tom: It improved when the Doctor reached the village and that made me want to read on. I would read the fourth book after this despite any frailties this book might have.
Ethan: This book definitely makes me want to read the rest of the series as it was interesting and gripping.
Would you recommend it?
Tom: Yes, to any Doctor Who fan or any 8 - 14 year old.
Jess P: I feel it lends itself more to younger readers.
Jess T: It's a good, quick read.
Beth: Yes, to 9 - 13 year olds, not just fans.
What do you think of the website?
Beth: Really good, but I hope it varies more as it progresses.
Jess T: It's getting repetitive. They need to make new challenges.
Jess P: It's good, but it's the same as before.
What score would you give the book?
Tom: 6/10 as it was a good individual book, but let the series down especially on its description of characters.
Ethan: I would give this book 7/10 as it had a good storyline, but was let down by being a little too similar to other books in the series.
Jess P: I would give it 8/10 because it has good suspense, but it needs more description.
Jess T: 7/10 - it wasn't as good as the last book, but still OK.
Thanks to Bruce Ashcroft for arranging the review and photo.
