Scan barcode
riverofhorton's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I didn't enjoy this one, despite it being Norse Myth based, and in the Whoniverse, which on the face of it should have made for a new favourite story. There was, sadly a distinct lack of Loki. Without Loki around to get into trouble, the Norse Myths wouldn't have even happened.
Since Frey is now canonically the Master, I did find myself wondering if Freyja is actually Missy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
saroz162's review against another edition
3.0
This little story almost seems to take place in an alternate universe: one in which the Brigadier asks the Doctor to call on the High Council of Time Lords for help, Jo is grumpy and dislikes the Doctor's dress sense, and the Doctor can raise his body temperature to steam-dry his own river-soaked clothes at will. It's all a little off-kilter, although the author includes enough detail about sonic screwdrivers and temporal grace to imply he really has watched Doctor Who—just maybe not in a while.
I'm actually strongly reminded of the 1970s Doctor Who annuals, where no character looks or acts quite like themselves. Plus, the prose here is a little simplistic—it smacks of "writing for kids"—and the Doctor often stops the story dead to lecture Jo in a pompous, semi-educational style about the Vikings, the historical Spear of Destiny, and so on. I don't know if this reflects Sedgwick's own YA style (I know he has written other stories about Vikings), or if some of it might be editorial remit, but either way, it felt a little bit like it was doing what Doctor Who has almost never done with history: focused so much on the details that it keeps the audience a little bit at arm's distance from engaging with the story.
I'm actually strongly reminded of the 1970s Doctor Who annuals, where no character looks or acts quite like themselves. Plus, the prose here is a little simplistic—it smacks of "writing for kids"—and the Doctor often stops the story dead to lecture Jo in a pompous, semi-educational style about the Vikings, the historical Spear of Destiny, and so on. I don't know if this reflects Sedgwick's own YA style (I know he has written other stories about Vikings), or if some of it might be editorial remit, but either way, it felt a little bit like it was doing what Doctor Who has almost never done with history: focused so much on the details that it keeps the audience a little bit at arm's distance from engaging with the story.
izumisano's review against another edition
3.0
I can't find a happy medium with the Doctor Who stories. These short stories are too short while the novels are way to long (even at 250 pages). They need to be like 100-150 pages in order to properly tell the tale without going over board
beth_books_123's review against another edition
4.0
A great read - 4*
I do like the third doctor and I did enjoy the plot which focused on the Viking era. I didn't particularly enjoy the portrayal of the Nordic Gods. They missed out Loki, I mean, come on! He is my favourite and he wasn't even mentioned.
Still a great read.
I do like the third doctor and I did enjoy the plot which focused on the Viking era. I didn't particularly enjoy the portrayal of the Nordic Gods. They missed out Loki, I mean, come on! He is my favourite and he wasn't even mentioned.
Still a great read.
scottpm's review against another edition
4.0
Great short story featuring the third Doctor. The story read like it was an episode of the series. It also had long time foe featured.
lessa_riel's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
obscuredbyclouds's review against another edition
3.0
Cute story about the doctor and his companion traveling to the Vikings to get Odins alien spear. Some cringe worthy stuff (mainly the vikings description and also ... Hitler had the spear, too? Meh) but overall a nice adventure.
wayfaring_witch's review against another edition
4.0
This story had a great Classic Who feel with UNIT as the start of Jo and the doctors adventure to find a spear that causes some sort of time anomaly (vague plot device) . This brings us to a museum and viking times, and an encounter with the Master. Had a great pace, wish we could have stayed longer!