Love and War
Love and War is a very good NA. It serves as the introduction story for Professor Bernice
Summerfield, aka Benny. I was intrigued by the plot, even if I found it a bit gloomy at times.
The story is a good old-fashioned "horror" story, and is very interesting. But it is the author's
contributions to Ace's character that make this novel shine, and her fans shouldn't miss it.
Recommended.
Companion: Ace. Introduces Benny.
Other books by Paul Cornell:
Timewyrm: Revelation
No Future
Human Nature
Happy Endings
Goth Opera
Oh No It Isn't! [Benny NA]
Back to the NA rankings page.
Human Nature
Human Nature is an interesting story, in which The Doctor is not himself for much of the
tale. The suppression of his personality for a very human one is the basis of much of the
story. It is a romantic tale in many ways, and an enjoyable contribution to the series.
I have ranked it around the middle...for me, the story is a bit slow, and one of the reasons
I like Dr. Who is his status as an alien. In this story, he surrenders that quality, which
reduced my enjoyment of an interesting tale. However, this novel consistently ranks near the
top of the Dynamic Rankings, showing that it has wide and varied support as one of the best
in the series, and I recommend that you read it. But please don't make it the only NA you
read.
Recommended.
Companion: Benny.
Other books by Paul Cornell:
Timewyrm: Revelation
Love and War
No Future
Happy Endings
Goth Opera
Oh No It Isn't! [Benny NA]
Back to the NA rankings page.
Happy Endings
Happy Endings is celebration of all things Who, a party for the readers (and writers)
of the Doctor Who "New Adventure" series. It is filled
with references to and visits from TV and book series characters, who are gathering
from throughout time and space in a small English village for the wedding of one of The Doctor's companions. This
book is absolutely wonderful, but I suggest waiting until you have read some of the
previous NA's before you read it. The great enjoyments of the book are the appearances of "old
friends," some of whom only appear in the book series. I'm sure I missed some of the references, and
can hardly wait until I can re-read this book after having read some of the earlier
ones. This book will be on my shelf forever.
Very highly recommended, but the more previous NA's you have read,
the more you will enjoy it.
Companions: Benny, Roz and Chris. Guest appearances by some past companions.
Other books by Paul Cornell:
Timewyrm: Revelation
Love and War
No Future
Human Nature
Goth Opera
Oh No It Isn't! [Benny NA]
Back to the NA rankings page.
Goth Opera
Goth Opera is the first book in the Virgin "Missing Adventure" series, and
is a very good book. The book is a sequel to the episode "State of Decay,"
and to the NA "Blood Harvest," but it is not really necessary to have read
the book to follow the events in this novel. With some great moments for Nyssa,
and an interesting theme of trust and honor running just below the surface, this
is a book worthy of your attention.
Recommended.
Contains the usual elements of violence found in vampire stories.
5th Doctor, with Nyssa and Tegan.
Other books by Paul Cornell:
Timewyrm: Revelation
Love and War
No Future
Human Nature
Happy Endings
Oh No It Isn't! [Benny NA]
Back to the MA rankings page.