I Am a Dalek by Gareth Roberts...

[fajrdrako]

I Am a Dalek by Gareth Roberts. The title's a giveaway, right? This is a Doctor Who story. A novella, actually. Marketed as a 'quick read', and it is.

I’ve read two other Doctor Who novels. Both were reasonably entertaining. Neither had the wit and wisdom and emotional power of the TV show. Both were... pleasant but shallow. One doesn't realistically expect more of a novel that is a spin-off of a TV show that's marketed to kids, but I had hopes.

I read I Am a Dalek because the public library had it, and I’m a Doctor Who addict not even looking for a 12-step programme. It was a free fix, right? I had low expectations. To my delight, this book was smart and witty and action-packed and had (to my mind) much more of the spirit of the TV show than the previous full-length novels I'd read. Roberts was particularly good at catching the tenth Doctor's distinctive voice.

Comments

[katesutton.livejournal.com]

I've read a couple and yes, they typically lack much of the appeal the show has. In fact, I picked The Paradise Planet up at the bookstore and could not even get more than a few pages in. Rose was unrecognizable, just some teenager. That said, if you haven't read Only Human, you should give it a try. Actually very good.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I have every intention of reading Only Human, just as soon as I can get my hands on a copy.

Your icon there is... spellbinding.

[katesutton.livejournal.com]

Nine is quite lovely, isn't he? I found all the ears and looks jokes a little odd. HOW can you not appreciate the beauty of Christopher Eccleston?

[jaceyangel.livejournal.com]

I got I Am a Dalek in my Christmas Stocking :D It was pretty damn good.... I wasn't expecting it.. I looked at it, and went 'you got me a children's book?!'
But still, DW... :D

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes; I'd ordered it from the library on the strength of its title - it's the only Doctor Who book they seem to have. When I saw it, I was disappointed - thought it was a kid's book - and then it turned out to be better than the books that looked as if they were for adults. It just goes to show that you shouldn't judge a book before you read it!