Rating: 
Summary: The Great Escape!
Review: At first, I thought I wasn't going to like this book. Its initial premise seemed too much like the 1989 television adventure, Battlefield. It certainly has similar elements: the Arthurian legend (although Avalon is pre-Arthur), a missing nuclear missile, the Brigadier, and Doris. A homage to Battlefield is not an image which conjures much hope for this as a piece of fiction, since Ben Aaronovitch's story was a disappointment after his excellent Rememberance of the Daleks. However, I've discovered that this novel doesn't leave you after you've finished reading.The Brigadier here is quite different from the character of the same name in Mark Gatiss' Last of the Gaderene. This is not to say that either of these authors have got him wrong. In Gatiss' book, the Brigadier is the character that we knew and loved from thirty years ago. The Shadows of Avalon presents the Brigadier as he is now (well, now as in the future - it's a temporal thing). For one thing, Lethbridge-Stewart has been promoted to General. However, everyone still calls him 'Brigadier'. For a moment, you can imagine that Paul Cornell has been delving into the files of Police Squad, ready to reveal that Lethbridge-Stewart was christened 'Brigadier' (like Frank Drebin's (sic) first name was always 'Lieutenant'), but he resists this. Due to events in past novels ('Happy Endings'), the Brigadier has also been rejuvenated, and there are some interesting scenes with him and an aged Munro. But although the Brigadier is youthful, he is far from happy, for his wife has died. This is on the back cover blurb, so it's not a spoiler. So, the Brigadier finds himself in the mythical land of Avalon, along with the Doctor. Avalon's home to the Catuvelauni, a Celtic tribe who fled there from the Romans. Also living there are the Faeries - don't groan - who are the original inhabitants. These Fair Folk bear little resemblance to popular images of fairies, and are more familiar in a malignant sort of way. With their presence, it would certainly seem that Avalon is a good bolt-holt for people running away from things, and it's as good an explanation of dragons as you're likely to find in the Doctor Who universe. It's not long before the Brigadier is caught in the midst of a civil war between these two peoples. Shadows of Avalon retains the contemporary political feel of recent EDAs, since this does resemble Kosovo at times. There was a great deal of fuss prior to the publication of the Shadows of Avalon due to Cornell's decision to portray a black Time Lord. In this aspect, it also resounds with Battlefield, since that story had a black woman as Brigadier. Initially, I thought Paul Cornell had failed in his good intentions, since the only explicit reference to Gandar's skin tone is one character describing him as a 'darkie'. However, this comes from a character whose perceptions have been affected by his living in our society. No one refers to Gandar as 'black' on Gallifrey, because his skin tone isn't an issue there. Most of the time he and his fellow agent, Cavis, dress up in disguises to perform their duties as agents, whether that means wearing monsters suits or the full Celtic look. Like every other character in this book however, Gandar isn't static - like the Brigadier, he develops and evolves with a great deal of compassion. Paul Cornell deals with racial conflict within these pages with a high degree of sophistication. So, like a lot of Doctor Who books nowadays, Shadows of Avalon opens at a relatively gentle, some might even say dull, pace. As usual, we're introduced to a lot of new characters who require some time to empathize with. But if you leave your copy of Shadows on the 08:47 from London Bridge to Hastings after scanning just a few opening pages, then you'd be missing the point. Doctor Who has graduated from the regular twenty five minute cliffhanger. Now the books tend to build up to a barnstorming end - and this is where Shadows of Avalon excels. The ending is a bungee jump into oblivion, with adrenaline even approaching excess. There are a few things which jar - one of the greatest elements of Doctor Who disappears with a whimper rather than a bang, and maybe the two Gallifreyan agents are a little too groovy to be taken seriously, like something out of Buffy. But then again, one of the agents is preordained Cavis, which I think must derive from Latin (what was that mosaic in Pompeii? 'Cave Canem'?). When you think about the Latin elements of the story, it soon becomes clear that there couldn't be a more appropriate setting for this story. There are ironies within ironies, until they alchemise into gold. Judging by the reaction of one of the characters, the Enemy has to be feared. This is a most stimulating novel, one which will stay with me for a long time. It's part of the ongoing story, stopping off here and there, like The Armageddon Factor of twenty year ago, and resounds with such quality as Edge of Darkness. These two aren't name-checked by Cornel, but I think I can see them. The Great Escape is certainly referred to, but given the nature of this novel, it's hardly gratuitous. Shadows of Avalon seems to resemble a classical work: there's a justification for every idea here. And combined with elements from Lawrence Miles' story arc? Sweeter than eye of newt. Of course, one can only imagine the Doctor's reaction to seeing Ian Chesterton in a German POW camp, but that's another story. Maybe it's the beginning. Whatever. I think that we can certainly let Paul Cornell get away with this one.
Rating: 
Summary: My favorite so far!
Review: Don't let the worst Doctor Who book cover on the shelf fool you! There are no flying alligators in this book! I've just reciently devoured ten of the Doctor Who books - reciently being within the last few months, and the books being eight 8th Doctor books, and 2 past Doctor books. This book was my favorite of all of these! I thought Father Time was the best (I'm not reading them entirely in order), but I was glad to have been showndifferently! The book grabbed me on the first page and didn't let go until I was through, and I am sorry that I finished it. You can see the "Top 500" review for a story synopsis - I'm just popping in to say READ IT. I guess I should say, if you like fantasy vs. reality - myth vs. military - and classic Doctor Who in a faster more modern more sophisticated light... then READ IT! Brilliant treatment of Compassion also, not to mention the Brigadier whose character is explored and made more real within these pages than I've ever experienced it before. Thank you Paul Cornell!
Rating:
Summary: Shadows of Avalon
Review: Good show; wonderful story.
I must say this book was very hard to put down even when sleep called desperately.
While the eighth Dr. is not my favorite, I purchased this book as the story line mentions Avalon of which I am most interested in.
To my delight Paul Cornell has written this book so that it reads like a fourth Doctor adventure and that was a welcomed surprise.
The intertwining of the Brigadier, dimension shifting, fairies, mages, et. al. is a rare mixture that is a treat for the mind and has you constantly wondering what will happen next. The problems and possibilities all mix well and make you wonder, "what if".
All 'round a must read. Bravo!
Rating: 
Summary: A Terrific Read!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Why? Well, it is well-paced, sheds new light on an old character and deals with some large events ably. Throw in some great bad guys, a shock or three and stir in a liberal dose of magic and you have a cracking book. Recommended!
Rating:
Summary: A Terrific Read!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Why? Well, it is well-paced, sheds new light on an old character and deals with some large events ably. Throw in some great bad guys, a shock or three and stir in a liberal dose of magic and you have a cracking book. Recommended!
Rating:
Summary: A New Beginning
Review: I've missed the Doctor. This is the first 8th Doctor adventure I bought. I was not disappointed. All of the Doctor Who elements are here. However,the fate of a planet doesn't hang in the balance.This time,the entire dimension of the Catuvalani is in jeopardy. The Doctor is stranded in Avalon after the destruction of his TARDIS. He fears Fitz and Compassion perished with it. It was good to see the Brigadier again. He gets involved while investigating the disappearance of a nuclear missile. I also liked the Gallifreyan agents.They are the fly in the ointment. The true nature of their mission was spectacular. It affects the life of the Doctor and his friends in a way I would have never expected. This book was not only a new beginning for the Doctor and his friends but me as well. It was the best place for me to start reading his adventures again. I don't think you'll be disappointed-enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!
Review: It'd been a long time since I read any DW books. While I was vacationing in the UK I snapped up as many DW books as I could lay my hands on....this being one of the first. I could NOT put it down, even though I had so many other things to do and see, this book sucked me in completely. Paul Cornell is really a topnotch writer. He reaches back into several previous books to pull hints and foreshadowings into a breathless conclusion that will surprise even the most jaded old-school fans. This story answers the question "what's up with Compassion lately?" in an extremely UNexpected way, and the Brigadier's character is fleshed out thoroughly. The fantasy elements are well drawn and the story ties its loose ends neatly without feeling forced, yet leaves you eagerly wondering what will happen next. Since I read this book,I've bought many of the books leading up to it, and the ones that follow it. Keep an eye on Compassion! Bravo Mr. Cornell!
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!
Review: It'd been a long time since I read any DW books. While I was vacationing in the UK I snapped up as many DW books as I could lay my hands on....this being one of the first. I could NOT put it down, even though I had so many other things to do and see, this book sucked me in completely. Paul Cornell is really a topnotch writer. He reaches back into several previous books to pull hints and foreshadowings into a breathless conclusion that will surprise even the most jaded old-school fans. This story answers the question "what's up with Compassion lately?" in an extremely UNexpected way, and the Brigadier's character is fleshed out thoroughly. The fantasy elements are well drawn and the story ties its loose ends neatly without feeling forced, yet leaves you eagerly wondering what will happen next. Since I read this book,I've bought many of the books leading up to it, and the ones that follow it. Keep an eye on Compassion! Bravo Mr. Cornell!
Rating:
Summary: Shadows Of Avalon
Review: It's all about the Brigadier, here--which is surprising, considering everything else that is going on: a big war trumped into existence by two Time Lords, Compassion suffering perhaps the biggest, most infinite identity-crisis one could have, the Doctor's TARDIS getting fragged, and magic versus technology. Plus, the Silurians, almost inexplicably, involved. Plus Romana, as President of Gallifrey, trying and failing to manipulate everything from afar, so that the war in Avalon can assist another, bigger, War, already determined and yet to come. Very busy book, with lots of heroics--especially on the part of the Brigadier--and some pretty bizarre developments that pile on top of each other so fast that explanations don't always seem fully explained before the next bizarre development comes rolling in. But the glue holds, barely, despite a King sleeping and dreaming an entire realm into existence while still walking around London, and Time Lords starting ridiculous wars that can shatter more than one reality, all so they can breed new time-travel technology that will help them up the timeline somewhere. I confess I had a lot of fun, despite the fuzzy logic, which I guess we'll call magic. The Brigadier's bizarre love-triangle with a ghost and a dreamwoman is intriguing, heart-wrenching, cathartic for him and the reader. Meanwhile, the Doctor talks too much like Batman at times, but as he converts to full superhero mode, you can't help cheering for him. Fitz is Fitz, so that's fine; Compassion isn't Compassion any more, so that's wondrous to behold, as she falls to her new life; and yes, the dragon on the cover looks too much like an alligator. But it all casts quite a spell, all the Faeries and nuclear warheads.
Rating:
Summary: Regular fans won't want to miss this one!
Review: Popular Doctor Who author Paul Cornell makes a welcome return to the series with this volume, which also features the return of popular supporting character Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. When the TARDIS is destroyed, the Doctor and his companions find themselves in the mythic land of Avalon, caught up in a war between the Celts and the Fair Folk. When a portal is opened up into our world, the British military becomes involved, and the story begins taking some very dark turns. As usual, Paul Cornell's true skill lies in his ability to get to the hearts of his characters. This time around, the focus is on the Brigadier, grieving for his lost wife, convinced that life holds nothing more for him. Naturally, this despair affects everything and everyone around him, including his relationship with the Doctor, showing their friendship in a new, different, and sometimes upsetting light. While this isn't Mr. Cornell's greatest Doctor Who story--there's a little too much running around and confusing battle sequences for my tastes--it's still a fun book. More importantly, big things are afoot. The end of this book took me completely by surprise, and should give this series a new focus and direction for the next year or so. Most licensed fiction is content to tread water, telling variations on the same story over and over again. With this book, Doctor Who really looks like it's trying to escape that fate. While this novel wraps up a story arc that has been running for the last six months, this book gives enough information that new readers familiar with the Doctor Who series can jump right in. One thing is for sure: these characters don't end up in the same place they started, and Doctor Who fans won't want to miss this volume.
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