2007 Book Log #12: The Clockwise Man, by Justin Richards

[annathepiper]

As I've posted about on my journal earlier, the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, completely sold me on being a Doctor Who fan at last. And as I have also lamented, Mr. Eccleston held the role for entirely too little time. So I was rather interested when I was browsing at the University Bookstore the other day and found out that the BBC has been releasing hardback Ninth and Tenth Doctor novels. I picked up the first one, The Clockwise Man, by Justin Richards. Disappointing read, unfortunately. The bones of a good plot were there, and it did rather feel like a Doctor Who episode at least in terms of the story, but the writing was very pedestrian--and Richards' fascination with sentence fragments, while not quite as pronounced as Annie Proulx's, was still enough to grate.

Worse yet, the author seemed to have very little grasp of how to write either the Doctor or Rose as characters. There were little bits here and there all throughout the book that just made no sense--for example, a bit where the Doctor is talking to Rose and seems unable to remember the word 'syllable', and as if he somehow doesn't have a perfect grasp of English. Which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

I may check out other Ninth or Tenth Doctor novels by different authors, but I dunno yet. This one was not exactly encouraging. Two stars.

Comments

[devichan.livejournal.com]

The Dr. Who Ratings Guide (http://pagefillers.com/dwrg/frameless.htm)... for your viewing (and perhaps contributing) pleasure.

Justin Richards can edit, but the man can't write.

[annathepiper]

Thank you very much for the link!

[eveshka.livejournal.com]

Try The Stone Rose or the Resurrection Casket. Feast of the Drowned was a bit predictable.

[annathepiper]

Excellent, thanks for the recommendations! I'd noticed The Stone Rose at the U bookstore; I'll see if it's still there next time I'm there.

[eveshka.livejournal.com]

No problem! They're Tenth Doctor works, but I have the audio versions and they are quite good even abridged.

[annathepiper]

Oh, I like me some Ten as much if not more so than Nine. ;) When I was at the bookstore before, I just wound up picking up the Nine book since Tennant's actually still in the role, so I'm not as hard pressed to read about Ten...

... but then, he's also still got Rose in those books and I'm going to miss her a LOT.

[(Anonymous)]

Yeah, but I'm sure Martha will be up to the task of being a new companion. :)

[eveshka.livejournal.com]

...that anonymous idiot was me. -.-

[annathepiper]

No problem, happens to me more often than I'd like!

And I'm certainly willing to give the new Companion a shot, even though she's got a tough act to follow. :)

[eveshka.livejournal.com]

Well, David said that the dynamic is different, and that the "Doctor wasn't looking for a new 'best friend'... or so he thought."

David also said Russell was genius with the interactions, so I think we're in for a treat. :D

[annathepiper]

Neat! More reasons to look forward to it. I still haven't watched "The Runaway Bride", but I think we'll be able to squeeze that in by the end of the month.

[petrukio.livejournal.com]

If you're interested in seeing Chris Eccleston again, he currently has a role on _Heroes_, which airs on Mondays.

[annathepiper]

So I've heard. :) But I don't have time to take on another TV show right now--I'm quite maxed out, what with BSG, Lost, and Dresden.