So...I just finished Engines of War...
Wow.
What an absolutely incredible read. It had me right from the very first page and from then on it did not let up at all - it's tense, exciting, hilarious, at some points quite terrifying; it's just a genuinely fantastic book.
I can't really hold it against Day because it was an anniversary special, had so much to do, and was only 75 minutes in length, but I never really felt it was a true exploration of the Time War, offering a mere glimpse into what it was like. This book goes even beyond, and delves deep into the horrors of this endless war, on both the Dalek and the Time Lord side - you see how the war is affecting these two ancient races and how they're all being pushed to the limits in order to survive; it's truly fascinating and Mann perfectly encapsulates this through some beautiful imagery and wonderful dialogue.
Thus bringing me onto the next point: the characterisation is astounding. I could hear John Hurt as the War Doctor, I could hear the Time Lords in all their majesty and pompousness, I could hear the harsh, metallic, tones of the Daleks. It felt real, like I was being transported into the very War itself. It's very surreal. What's more the companion Cinder is beautifully realised. She's an amazing character and one you take a liking to immediately. She's down-to-earth, level headed, strong, a fighter - everything you want to see in a companion. She fits alongside the War Doctor so well, at first a bit hesitant but then opening up and taking a liking to this strange and yet fascinating old man. They're a perfect fit really; both are war torn, tired from all the devastation they've seen in their life (or lives in the Doctor's case), and they help each other, they really do - they strike an unlikely bond and together they find a purpose and try and put a stop to the war that threatens to tear apart everything they love and hold dear.
The whole thing is just incredible. The twists had me screaming out in surprise in all the right places (one will tug at your heartstrings so much) and it was thrilling from start to finish. I really could not put this book down once I got into it - I was literally forcing myself to stop reading and to take my time with the book because I didn't want to rush. Just please, go out and buy this if you do not have it. It's essential reading which adds so much more poignancy to the 50th special. It's not only the best Doctor Who story I've ever had the pleasure of reading, it's one of the best pieces of fiction I've ever read. A true masterpiece.
10/10
What an absolutely incredible read. It had me right from the very first page and from then on it did not let up at all - it's tense, exciting, hilarious, at some points quite terrifying; it's just a genuinely fantastic book.
I can't really hold it against Day because it was an anniversary special, had so much to do, and was only 75 minutes in length, but I never really felt it was a true exploration of the Time War, offering a mere glimpse into what it was like. This book goes even beyond, and delves deep into the horrors of this endless war, on both the Dalek and the Time Lord side - you see how the war is affecting these two ancient races and how they're all being pushed to the limits in order to survive; it's truly fascinating and Mann perfectly encapsulates this through some beautiful imagery and wonderful dialogue.
Thus bringing me onto the next point: the characterisation is astounding. I could hear John Hurt as the War Doctor, I could hear the Time Lords in all their majesty and pompousness, I could hear the harsh, metallic, tones of the Daleks. It felt real, like I was being transported into the very War itself. It's very surreal. What's more the companion Cinder is beautifully realised. She's an amazing character and one you take a liking to immediately. She's down-to-earth, level headed, strong, a fighter - everything you want to see in a companion. She fits alongside the War Doctor so well, at first a bit hesitant but then opening up and taking a liking to this strange and yet fascinating old man. They're a perfect fit really; both are war torn, tired from all the devastation they've seen in their life (or lives in the Doctor's case), and they help each other, they really do - they strike an unlikely bond and together they find a purpose and try and put a stop to the war that threatens to tear apart everything they love and hold dear.
The whole thing is just incredible. The twists had me screaming out in surprise in all the right places (one will tug at your heartstrings so much) and it was thrilling from start to finish. I really could not put this book down once I got into it - I was literally forcing myself to stop reading and to take my time with the book because I didn't want to rush. Just please, go out and buy this if you do not have it. It's essential reading which adds so much more poignancy to the 50th special. It's not only the best Doctor Who story I've ever had the pleasure of reading, it's one of the best pieces of fiction I've ever read. A true masterpiece.
10/10