| TIMELESS by Stephen Cole |
| Story 65 Synopsis: The Doctor finally gets the TARDIS back to the correct Earth, and returns the book to its shop. Meanwhile, the Timeless organisation are moving people from alternate Earths to the real one, whilst Daniel Basalt kills off their selves here. The Doctor puts a stop to this, and also Sabbath's plan to use diamonds to seed the universe with humanity. Anji finally puts down some roots, and Trix takes her place. |
| Review:- Well, after months of waiting, we have a conclusion to the multiple universe saga. And from my point of view, it's a good one. Certainly, this is a readable, well-paced book that settles up recent developments, whilst keeping others open-ended, and even begins new journeys. Anji has been a companion subject to a lot of criticism, but she manages to get through her final story quite fittingly, getting a little help with readjusting to her life, and one last drama with the Doctor. The multiple universe element has been confusing, and often disappointing, but here it all works nicely. The conclusion ties in well, and allows for Sabbath to reveal some of his intention, although I'm not entirely sure it makes sense. The ending, certainly, is less than obvious. But I gained a better sense that the notions started with The Ancestor Cell will be carried on, and there will be no turning back of the clock. Basalt is a mildly terrifying brute, although it's sad to realise that he is no more special than many killers are. His internal monologues never really give him a chance to excel, especially with Sabbath remaining top villain of the parish. Stacy has her own tragic background, which I for one did not predict, although it does make sense. She comes across very well for a 1-off character, and almost makes the reader yearn for the days when the Doctor picked up companions seemingly at random. Comparatively, Trix has already been around for a while, and her official start as a companion allows her a test run helping Fitz out. She seems an interesting proposition, in a similar mould to Turlough, although time will tell. It always does. :-) Guy Adams, central McGuffin character, comes across as believable, and it is reassuring that he does recognise the trouble he is in, although his final intended fate seems strange in the extreme. He also has the important role of softening Anji up for life back home. Fitz is a remarkable character who shows no signs of stopping. After nearly 5 years, his exit seems as unlikely as ever. Perhaps that will be next on the agenda... Chloe, Erasmus and Jamais are a strange bunch. Their motives are woeful, but their history is poignant. Chloe's constant calling Anji "Mum" is a bit of a giveaway, but at least sets up an almost happy ending for them all. Sabbath has to cope with the realisation that he may not be in as full command as he thinks. What his ultimate fate will be, is a matter of some mystery. Kalicum, our new ongoing villain, seems a weaselly rascal from the get-go, and his background and motivation will presumably come in the not-too-distant future. The Doctor is the Doctor. He gets put through the ringer, and has some close encounters with his past. Quite how much he now knows is left unsaid. But I doubt this book will be the last of it. He also pulls the winning goal out of the hat at the 11th hour, which is nice. I enjoyed this book, and so far, it's the best BBC EDA of 2003. With one result to come, of course... Can we wait for Emotional Chemistry..? |
| Disclaimer: I own a copy. |