Fraser, Tom, Beth, Ethan, Jess T and Jess P from Warblington School tell us what they think of The Vampire of Paris, volume five of The Darksmith Legacy - a linked series of novels with additional online elements. CONTAINS SPOILERS!
What is the story about?
Jess P: The Doctor and Gisella have escaped from the Deadbringers and have landed in Paris in search of Varlos.
Ethan: But when they arrive, they find strange things happening when the sun goes down...
What are the characters like?
Fraser: I liked that Varlos wasn't as I expected him!
Ethan: The characters in this book are a bit different as they are mostly 19th Century Parisians rather than another group of space travellers. That makes them more interesting to me.
Beth: I liked how Gisella's character developed in the book.
Jess T: Nicolas was a good character as he was an interesting mix of old person and child!
Was it exciting?
Jess T: The excitement levels in this book rose and fell.
Beth: Some parts were really exciting, but other parts were not as exciting as other books.
Tom: The book was exciting as there was always something happening. The idea of a time vampire was very original.
Ethan: The book was different from the others and contained many plot twists and suspense and a lot of tension.
Jess P: I liked this book as it was set in a familiar place. We have just returned from a school trip to Paris!
Were there any particular highlights?
Jess P: I liked the bit where the vampire transformed the children as it had a good description of the vampire.
Ethan: When the Doctor, Gisella and Varlos confront the vampire and the Agent. That was a particular highlight for me
Tom: The whole concept of a Time Vampire was good and made me think.
Beth: The ending was EPIC!!!
Jess T: The fight on the Eiffel Tower was great, but could have been longer to increase the tension.
Fraser: I liked that this book had fewer puzzle pages and more "data bank" facts. I learnt more about Paris, as well as it contributing to the story. The revelation about Gisella gave a really unexpected twist to the story.
What were your least favourite bits?
Jess T: It was a bit slow to begin with.
Fraser: There wasn't much explanation when they killed the first monster.
Jess P: The bit when they were running from the vampire seemed to drag a bit.
Tom: No real lowlights for me.
Beth: Some parts were instantly forgettable.
What do you think of the story so far?
Jess T: Good, but it would be better if some of the characters from previous books reappeared.
Beth: The books are obviously well thought out and it is interesting to see how different authors interpret each others' writing.
Tom: The book lives up to the expectations set by book 4 and also ends on a cliff hanger.
Ethan: I think the story so far has been varied and for the most part exciting as well. Although one or two books have been less exciting than the others, they have generally kept up the pace throughout the series.
Does this book make you want to read on?
Ethan: Like the other books in the series, this one does make me want to read on. As a series they have been varied enough to make me curious about what comes next.
Tom: I always wanted to read on as the book kept me interested all the way through.
Jess T: Definitely! The cliff-hanger at the end was AMAZING!
Would you recommend it?
Tom: Yes - to any Doctor Who fan of about 10 or more.
Jess T: Yes - to a confident reader of any age 7+.
Ethan: It's a little scarier than the other books. I would say it is suitable for anyone over about 8 or 9.
What do you think of the website?
Jess P: It needs to change as it is following the same format as before.
Beth: The website is becoming very repetitive.
Jess T: I agree.
What score would you give the book?
Tom: I would give it 8/10 as it is varied and exciting.
Jess P: 7/10 - needs more tension and suspense.
Beth: 9/10. I liked it!
Ethan: 8/10 - an enjoyable romp!
Fraser: 8/10 - I didn't understand the comment about the Doctor speaking Welsh!
Jess T: 8/10.
Thanks to Bruce Ashcroft for arranging the review and photo.
