| THE TOMORROW WINDOWS by Jonathan Morris |
| Story 69 Synopsis: Tate Modern is holding a new exhibition : The Tomorrow Windows. The brainchild of Charlton Mackerel, its grand opening is thwarted by an electron bomb that destroys the building. Trix finds its perpetrator, Martin, and goes off with him. The Doctor and Fitz hook up with Charlton, who is being pestered by the Ceccecs. Charlton is trying to use the Windows to alert planets to their impending doom, so he can persuade them to change their ways. Martin opposes Charlton, and the Galactic Heritage Trust that he works for. Visiting Shardybarn is a failure, and Valuensis alerts them to the issue of sale of planets. It becomes clear that someone is driving up the costs of the planets in the auctions, and estate agent Dittero Shandy is to blame. He is killed by one of the bidders, Vorshagg. Martin hired Prubert Gastridge, a hack actor, to pretend to be a god for hundreds of GHT-protected planets, changing their destiny to a point where they would destroy themselves, and leave the planets ripe for sale. Gastridge intorduced a selfish meme, and the Doctor tries to thwart a few of these. Trix has been got at by Martin, and the Doctor works out that he intends to make one final visit. Though Trix destroys the Ceccecs, Martin wants to stop Astrabel Zar, Charlton's mentor, and the creator of the Tomorrow Windows. They all travel to Gadrahadradon, the 'most haunted planet in the galaxy'. Gastridge stops Martin killing Zar, and the young Zar, whom the old Zar was coming to see, is given the information for the Tomorrow Windows by the Doctor. Charlton pledges to continue using the Windows to save the worlds infected by the selfish meme. |
| Review:- Morris says he wrote this in memory of Douglas Adams, and dedicates the book to him, although it's not meant to be a pastiche of his style. It's certainly the best thing Morris has written, clever yet accessible, tricksy yet entertaining - and as a planet-hopping extravaganza, it manages to make several thought-provoking comments, without making the mistake of seeming obviously preachy. Martin and Charlton are the two main forces here, with Prubert Gastridge the pawn in the game. All are well-motivated, although I'd be hard pushed to describe either of the former - I took the view that Charlton took his name in part from Cameron Mackintosh - though I couldn't say how accurate the portrayal is. Gastridge is more obvious, both in his manner, and the hallmarks of his career. It seems that most of the story is inspired by his penchant for shouting, and a famous throwaway line in a film - but given the affection displayed for him, I assume he's blessed. Trix has some development, as she continues to evade her past, and Martin's threats to know her help her focus on stopping him. It is suggested that Trix isn't her true name, either - so whether this plot goes on is forgotten is worth waiting to find out. Fitz gets some work to do, both in his escapades on Estebol, and when he has to conclude who is sabotaging the auction. His character is also presented with a future that he likes the look of, which might be a suggestion that he is finally ready to move on. The Doctor gets plenty to do, thankfully, and he is beginning to rely on his memories (although this may not be what it appears). He tries to save the day time after time, and never gives up on keeping the universe working. It is one of his most assured adventures in years. On the whole, this is the first standalone book in many, many years - and it's also one of the best. |
| Disclaimer: I own a copy. |