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Doctor Who: New Series Adventures #12
[Doctor Who: The Price of Paradise] (By: Colin Brake) [published: May, 2012]
Laylora, the Paradise Planet. A world of breath-taking beauty, where peace-loving aboriginals live in harmony with their environment. Or do they? The Doctor and Rose arrive to find that the once-perfect eco-system is showing signs of failing. The paradise planet has become a death trap as terrifying creatures from ancient legends appear and stalk the land Is there a connection between the human explorers who have crash-landed and the savage monsters?What secret lies at the heart of the natives ancient ceremonies? And what price might one human have to pay to save the only home he has ever known? When a planet itself becomes sick, can there be a cure? The Doctor and Rose find themselves in a race against time to find out.Featuring the Doctor and Rose as played by David Tennant and Billie Piper in the hit series from BBC Television.
Paperback
First published September 21, 2006
23 people are currently reading
2162 people want to read
About the author
Colin Brake
50 books33 followersColin Brake is an English television writer and script editor best known for his work for the BBC on programs such as Bugs and EastEnders. He has also written spin-offs from the BBC series Doctor Who. He currently lives and works in Leicester.
Brake began working on EastEnders in 1985 as a writer and script editor, being partly responsible for the introduction of the soap's first Asian characters Saeed and Naima Jeffery. From there, he went on to work as "script executive" on the popular Saturday night action adventure program Bugs, before moving to Channel 5 in 1997 to be "script associate" on their evening soap Family Affairs.
In the early 2000s, Brake wrote episodes of the daytime soaps Doctors and the revival of Crossroads.
Away from television, Brake had his first Doctor Who related writing published as part of Virgin Publishing's Decalog short story collection in 1996. He then had his first novel Escape Velocity published by BBC Books in February 2001 as part of their Eighth Doctor Adventures range based on the television series Doctor Who. At the time, Brake was quoted as saying how appropriate it was that he was now writing for Doctor Who, as he was briefly considered as Eric Saward's replacement as script editor on the show - a job that eventually went to Andrew Cartmel instead.
Brake followed Escape Velocity with the Past Doctor Adventure The Colony of Lies in July 2003, and then with the audio adventure Three's a Crowd from Big Finish Productions in 2005. His Tenth Doctor Adventure The Price of Paradise was released in September 2006. He has also written an audio for their Bernice Summerfield range, and a short story for their Short Trips range.
Brake began working on EastEnders in 1985 as a writer and script editor, being partly responsible for the introduction of the soap's first Asian characters Saeed and Naima Jeffery. From there, he went on to work as "script executive" on the popular Saturday night action adventure program Bugs, before moving to Channel 5 in 1997 to be "script associate" on their evening soap Family Affairs.
In the early 2000s, Brake wrote episodes of the daytime soaps Doctors and the revival of Crossroads.
Away from television, Brake had his first Doctor Who related writing published as part of Virgin Publishing's Decalog short story collection in 1996. He then had his first novel Escape Velocity published by BBC Books in February 2001 as part of their Eighth Doctor Adventures range based on the television series Doctor Who. At the time, Brake was quoted as saying how appropriate it was that he was now writing for Doctor Who, as he was briefly considered as Eric Saward's replacement as script editor on the show - a job that eventually went to Andrew Cartmel instead.
Brake followed Escape Velocity with the Past Doctor Adventure The Colony of Lies in July 2003, and then with the audio adventure Three's a Crowd from Big Finish Productions in 2005. His Tenth Doctor Adventure The Price of Paradise was released in September 2006. He has also written an audio for their Bernice Summerfield range, and a short story for their Short Trips range.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
September 7, 2021
The Doctor and Rose answer a distress signal from a group of scientists who have crashed on the paradise planet of Laylora.
During their visit they notice that the previously perfect eco-system is showing signs of falling...
With freak natural disasters becoming commonplace and a great monster in The Wikitu, this novel has all the enjoyable elements that make a good Doctor Who story.
Ten and Rose are both captured perfectly and a simple but effective message of the damaging impacts of altering a plants environment is a good message to give younger readers.
During their visit they notice that the previously perfect eco-system is showing signs of falling...
With freak natural disasters becoming commonplace and a great monster in The Wikitu, this novel has all the enjoyable elements that make a good Doctor Who story.
Ten and Rose are both captured perfectly and a simple but effective message of the damaging impacts of altering a plants environment is a good message to give younger readers.
June 25, 2019
A book based on the television series with David Tennant as The Doctor an Rose as his companion. In this one, they travel to a planet that is considered paradise. It isn't as inhabitants are disappearing and earthquakes are happening with more strength and frequency. Is these events related and can they be explained?
I enjoyed this book and I had no problem picturing this as an episode of the series. I thought the author did an excellent job with the portrayal of Rose. As for the portrayal of Tennant's Doctor, I thought it was a little generic and can be attributed to any incarnation of The Doctor. Nothing stood out to make me say that is David Tennant's Doctor. I actually can say that about the book. Nothing stood out. Everything was fine but nothing really grabbed me to make my eyes go wide. The plot, the characters, and the twists were serviceable but nothing amazing. If I was to make a comparison to the television series, it would be like a filler episode that was watchable but you would probably never watch it again.
I can honestly say this is a middle of the road book from this universe. I have read better and I have read worse. It is a quick read and I am glad that I read it as I do like having a new adventure with characters that are no longer on the show.
I enjoyed this book and I had no problem picturing this as an episode of the series. I thought the author did an excellent job with the portrayal of Rose. As for the portrayal of Tennant's Doctor, I thought it was a little generic and can be attributed to any incarnation of The Doctor. Nothing stood out to make me say that is David Tennant's Doctor. I actually can say that about the book. Nothing stood out. Everything was fine but nothing really grabbed me to make my eyes go wide. The plot, the characters, and the twists were serviceable but nothing amazing. If I was to make a comparison to the television series, it would be like a filler episode that was watchable but you would probably never watch it again.
I can honestly say this is a middle of the road book from this universe. I have read better and I have read worse. It is a quick read and I am glad that I read it as I do like having a new adventure with characters that are no longer on the show.
August 7, 2016
3.5/5 stars
Initial Thoughts Upon Finishing
A super action-packed Doctor Who adventure with nasty monsters and plenty of entertaining moments. I particularly liked how this one had a large focus on the planet itself that the Doctor and Rose visit and not just the aliens that they meet.
The Price of Paradise
The Price of Paradise is a really exciting and quite action-packed Doctor Who adventure. I had some mixed feelings reading it but overall I thought it was a good adventure. This was definitely one of those stories that was Whovian to the T but as a book was “good”.
The story follows the Doctor and Rose as they follow a stress signal of a ship that, previously, we’d found out had just about crash landed on a planet called Laylora. The people on this ship were in search of a paradise planet that was thought to be mythical - alas! It exists. Of course, being in a Doctor Who novel means that there’s absolutely no way that it’s paradise. Duh.
I thought the thrill of the adventure was good fun and very typically Doctor Who. I loved the Doctor in this one as he manages to almost spontaneously take control of every situation. We had interesting dynamics between the Doctor and Rose, the crash-landed humans, and the native humoids of the planet (they were basically human but with four fingers, I think).
If ever you were in search of a classic Whovian story pulling the tradition plug of humans ruining everything but the Doctor finding a reason to love them and make you feel not quite so terrible about being human - THIS IS IT.
The Doctor & Rose
I thought these two were excellent in this book. They did absolutely everything in character and acted how I would expect them to act in various situations. I was a bit upset that we didn’t get more together time with the two of them - but as usual, the Doctor often ends up separated from his companion (either on purpose or he just loses them #TypicalDoctor).
Rose was such a flirt in this one (or at least, I imagined she was). There’s a rather dashing native bloke around her age who’s full of good ideas and reminds Rose of both the Doctor and Mickey (which I thought was an interesting combination?). But she manages to pull some tricks out of the bag and be kick-ass and useful and overall live up to her reputation as the most awesome Doctor Who companion (I’m not biased AT ALL).
The Doctor was really funny in this one. We got to see one of my favourite sides of him. He is often noticing things about people that just about everyone else (maybe with the exception of Rose) misses. We know there are some things up with some characters (good and bad things) and he’s on the money with his quizzical looks and thoughtful gazes.
He was all up everything that I needed and wanted the Doctor to be in this book. And he “comes to the rescue” of these people in a wonderfully eccentric manner that will make you roll your eyes - but then probably give him credit for thinking fast.
What I Liked
I liked a lot of things about this adventure, namely the characters and how in sync they were with their TV representatives. I liked the story and I thought we had a wealth of complex and interesting characters. Not to mention the odd splash or two or heroic deaths (it just wouldn’t be Doctor Who without that, would it?).
However, I found myself only wanted to rate this 3.5 stars without really knowing why. It ticked a lot of boxes but I think whilst this would have made a FANTASTIC TV episode, I don’t think it would’ve been one of my favourites. It definitely lacked an OH! moment when everything comes together. There’s not the biggest plot twist in this - I think I saw it coming or at least wasn’t knocked off my rocking chair at its revelation.
My reaction to the plot thing that should have made me go wooow
Summary
Overall, I thought this was a really good story that ticks a lot of boxes. I would recommend this to Whovians, especially those who have enjoyed other Doctor Who novels. I think this story slightly lacked in some areas but, yes, I thought it was good and sooo close to getting a shiny 4 star rating.
Happy reading!
Initial Thoughts Upon Finishing
A super action-packed Doctor Who adventure with nasty monsters and plenty of entertaining moments. I particularly liked how this one had a large focus on the planet itself that the Doctor and Rose visit and not just the aliens that they meet.
The Price of Paradise
The Price of Paradise is a really exciting and quite action-packed Doctor Who adventure. I had some mixed feelings reading it but overall I thought it was a good adventure. This was definitely one of those stories that was Whovian to the T but as a book was “good”.
The story follows the Doctor and Rose as they follow a stress signal of a ship that, previously, we’d found out had just about crash landed on a planet called Laylora. The people on this ship were in search of a paradise planet that was thought to be mythical - alas! It exists. Of course, being in a Doctor Who novel means that there’s absolutely no way that it’s paradise. Duh.
I thought the thrill of the adventure was good fun and very typically Doctor Who. I loved the Doctor in this one as he manages to almost spontaneously take control of every situation. We had interesting dynamics between the Doctor and Rose, the crash-landed humans, and the native humoids of the planet (they were basically human but with four fingers, I think).
If ever you were in search of a classic Whovian story pulling the tradition plug of humans ruining everything but the Doctor finding a reason to love them and make you feel not quite so terrible about being human - THIS IS IT.
The Doctor & Rose
I thought these two were excellent in this book. They did absolutely everything in character and acted how I would expect them to act in various situations. I was a bit upset that we didn’t get more together time with the two of them - but as usual, the Doctor often ends up separated from his companion (either on purpose or he just loses them #TypicalDoctor).
Rose was such a flirt in this one (or at least, I imagined she was). There’s a rather dashing native bloke around her age who’s full of good ideas and reminds Rose of both the Doctor and Mickey (which I thought was an interesting combination?). But she manages to pull some tricks out of the bag and be kick-ass and useful and overall live up to her reputation as the most awesome Doctor Who companion (I’m not biased AT ALL).
The Doctor was really funny in this one. We got to see one of my favourite sides of him. He is often noticing things about people that just about everyone else (maybe with the exception of Rose) misses. We know there are some things up with some characters (good and bad things) and he’s on the money with his quizzical looks and thoughtful gazes.
He was all up everything that I needed and wanted the Doctor to be in this book. And he “comes to the rescue” of these people in a wonderfully eccentric manner that will make you roll your eyes - but then probably give him credit for thinking fast.
What I Liked
I liked a lot of things about this adventure, namely the characters and how in sync they were with their TV representatives. I liked the story and I thought we had a wealth of complex and interesting characters. Not to mention the odd splash or two or heroic deaths (it just wouldn’t be Doctor Who without that, would it?).
However, I found myself only wanted to rate this 3.5 stars without really knowing why. It ticked a lot of boxes but I think whilst this would have made a FANTASTIC TV episode, I don’t think it would’ve been one of my favourites. It definitely lacked an OH! moment when everything comes together. There’s not the biggest plot twist in this - I think I saw it coming or at least wasn’t knocked off my rocking chair at its revelation.
My reaction to the plot thing that should have made me go wooow
Summary
Overall, I thought this was a really good story that ticks a lot of boxes. I would recommend this to Whovians, especially those who have enjoyed other Doctor Who novels. I think this story slightly lacked in some areas but, yes, I thought it was good and sooo close to getting a shiny 4 star rating.
Happy reading!
October 14, 2024
"better paradise lost than paradise never seen." ✨
August 31, 2022
A very fun addition to DW canon. I enjoyed the Doctor and Rose's chemistry, and the way they worked together, along with the Laylorans, to solve the problem.
The discussion of environmentalism and humanity was also quite interesting and in tune with the values I appreciate about the show.
And I absolutely caught that Douglas Adams reference. 👏👏
Some dated language/stereotypes and the lagging writing style, as well as 10 and Rose being not the most in-character, made this not as good as other DW novels I've read, but it was still a fun jaunt.
The discussion of environmentalism and humanity was also quite interesting and in tune with the values I appreciate about the show.
And I absolutely caught that Douglas Adams reference. 👏👏
Some dated language/stereotypes and the lagging writing style, as well as 10 and Rose being not the most in-character, made this not as good as other DW novels I've read, but it was still a fun jaunt.
September 17, 2024
Doctor Who: The Price of Paradise (Doctor Who: New Series Adventures #12) by Colin Brake is a solid Doctor Who adventure, but I wish I get a better sense of Rose in this story.
June 23, 2015
Goodness, this was bad. I wouldnt have finished it if I hadnt been sitting in a waiting room with no other book on me. The story is so dry, the characters wooden, Rose and the Doctor hardly interact and when they do it's just so... boring. So really: the dialogue sucks, the world sucks, the species suck (they got different hands than humans? big fucking wow), the writing sucks.
February 21, 2025
2025 52 Book Challenge - 14) Climate Fiction
I think this might be one of the worst Doctor Who novels I've read. I found it so incredibly boring that I fell asleep in the middle. The plot moved so slowly that it might as well be non existent and the characters were dull to the point of tedium.
I think this might be one of the worst Doctor Who novels I've read. I found it so incredibly boring that I fell asleep in the middle. The plot moved so slowly that it might as well be non existent and the characters were dull to the point of tedium.
February 3, 2018
Tennant was a bit more recognisable in this one, but the Doctor was still pretty generic in places.
I guessed the secret behind the Witiku fairly early on, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment at all.
I guessed the secret behind the Witiku fairly early on, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment at all.
May 5, 2016
I'd give it zero stars if I could. I didn't even get four chapters in.
I'm not going to finish the book. *gasp* I never don't finish books. Even if I don't like them I will finish them. But the writing in this book is HORRIBLE!! I hate how he's written Rose- "Rose was certain that the next thing she felt would be sharp pain as those viscious talons sliced into her and she just hoped they wouldn't cut anything too vital- like a major blood vessel!" Not only is that an annoying run-on sentence, that doesn't sound like rose /at all/. Rose is one of my dearest characters and that's the whole reason I bought this book.
Hey, at least now I have hopes of being published.
I'm not going to finish the book. *gasp* I never don't finish books. Even if I don't like them I will finish them. But the writing in this book is HORRIBLE!! I hate how he's written Rose- "Rose was certain that the next thing she felt would be sharp pain as those viscious talons sliced into her and she just hoped they wouldn't cut anything too vital- like a major blood vessel!" Not only is that an annoying run-on sentence, that doesn't sound like rose /at all/. Rose is one of my dearest characters and that's the whole reason I bought this book.
Hey, at least now I have hopes of being published.
April 17, 2023
Λοιπόν λοιπόν λοιπόν
Εδώ η καλή η κριτική
Doctor Who: The price of paradise<3
Ας αρχίσω από τα θετικά:
Έχοντας δει την σειρά, στην περίοδο των πρωταγωνιστών μας (Tennant as the Doctor and Piper As Rose), μπορώ να πω, πως το βιβλίο ταιριάζει άνετα στους χαρακτήρες, είναι γραμμένο πάνω σε αυτούς και θα μπορούσα να δω τον Brake σαν βασικό σεναριογράφο! Καθώς διάβαζα, μπορούσα να φανταστώ τα σκηνικά, τις εκφράσεις, τις εμφανίσεις των πρωταγωνιστών, κάτι βασικό για εμένα.
Η πλοκή ήταν αρκετά ενδιαφέρουσα, βέβαια, προβλέψιμη, καθώς όπως προείπα, το βιβλίο είναι βασισμένο στην σειρά, ακολουθεί το μοτίβο των επεισοδίων εκείνη την περίοδο (2η σεζόν, οποίος ενδιαφέρεται)
Κάθε χαρακτήρας είχε να σου διδάξει κάτι, καθως είχε μέσα και πολλά ωραία quotes, ακόμα και οι "νέοι" χαρακτήρες, ήταν καλογραμμένοι.
Επίσης μου αρέσει το design του βιβλίου, καθώς ο τίτλος και τα κεφάλαια, εκτός από τα αγγλικά, είναι γραμμένα και στα γκαλιφρεϊανά (την μητρική γλώσσα του πρωταγωνιστή μας, του Doctor)
Σίγουρα, άμα δεν έχεις δει την σειρά, δεν μπορείς να το διαβάσεις, πόσο μάλλον να το ανακαλύψεις. Οι χαρακτήρες βγάζουν άλλο νόημα, η χημεία τους δεν θα σε βγάλει, πάρα σε λάθος συμπεράσματα (καλά, όχι τόσο λάθος, αλλά κάτι ξέρω παραπάνω, trust me ;) )
Βέβαια, δεν χρειάζεται να έχεις δει και όλη την σειρά, παλιό και σύγχρονο. Αν έχεις δει το κομμάτι με αυτούς τους δύο, το βιβλίο βγάζει το απόλυτο νόημα.
Είναι μια περιπέτεια, που θα ήθελα να δω στην οθόνη!
Όσο για την βαθμολογία, υπήρχαν στιγμές που ήθελα να του βάλω 2, υπήρχαν στιγμές που ήθελα να του βάλω 4. Για αυτό και κατέληξα στο 3. Δεν ξέρω τι φταίει (σίγουρα όχι η πλοκή), αλλά με κούρασε. Ίσως το γεγονός, ότι ήταν η πρώτη φορά που διάβαζα βρετανικά αγγλικά, ίσως τα μικρά γράμματα, δεν έχω ιδέα! Αλλά μου πήρε αρκετό καιρό.
Συμπέρασμα: Για έναν whovian*, είναι μια ωραία περιπέτεια, ανάλαφρη, για να θυμηθεί τους καιρούς των πρωταγωνιστών μας!
Για κάποιον non whovian, ίσως του περάσει αδιάφορο, θα καταλάβω γιατι.
*Whovian: κάποιος/α/ο που ανήκει στο fandom της βρετανικής σειράς του BBC, Doctor Who!
Εδώ η καλή η κριτική
Doctor Who: The price of paradise<3
Ας αρχίσω από τα θετικά:
Έχοντας δει την σειρά, στην περίοδο των πρωταγωνιστών μας (Tennant as the Doctor and Piper As Rose), μπορώ να πω, πως το βιβλίο ταιριάζει άνετα στους χαρακτήρες, είναι γραμμένο πάνω σε αυτούς και θα μπορούσα να δω τον Brake σαν βασικό σεναριογράφο! Καθώς διάβαζα, μπορούσα να φανταστώ τα σκηνικά, τις εκφράσεις, τις εμφανίσεις των πρωταγωνιστών, κάτι βασικό για εμένα.
Η πλοκή ήταν αρκετά ενδιαφέρουσα, βέβαια, προβλέψιμη, καθώς όπως προείπα, το βιβλίο είναι βασισμένο στην σειρά, ακολουθεί το μοτίβο των επεισοδίων εκείνη την περίοδο (2η σεζόν, οποίος ενδιαφέρεται)
Κάθε χαρακτήρας είχε να σου διδάξει κάτι, καθως είχε μέσα και πολλά ωραία quotes, ακόμα και οι "νέοι" χαρακτήρες, ήταν καλογραμμένοι.
Επίσης μου αρέσει το design του βιβλίου, καθώς ο τίτλος και τα κεφάλαια, εκτός από τα αγγλικά, είναι γραμμένα και στα γκαλιφρεϊανά (την μητρική γλώσσα του πρωταγωνιστή μας, του Doctor)
Σίγουρα, άμα δεν έχεις δει την σειρά, δεν μπορείς να το διαβάσεις, πόσο μάλλον να το ανακαλύψεις. Οι χαρακτήρες βγάζουν άλλο νόημα, η χημεία τους δεν θα σε βγάλει, πάρα σε λάθος συμπεράσματα (καλά, όχι τόσο λάθος, αλλά κάτι ξέρω παραπάνω, trust me ;) )
Βέβαια, δεν χρειάζεται να έχεις δει και όλη την σειρά, παλιό και σύγχρονο. Αν έχεις δει το κομμάτι με αυτούς τους δύο, το βιβλίο βγάζει το απόλυτο νόημα.
Είναι μια περιπέτεια, που θα ήθελα να δω στην οθόνη!
Όσο για την βαθμολογία, υπήρχαν στιγμές που ήθελα να του βάλω 2, υπήρχαν στιγμές που ήθελα να του βάλω 4. Για αυτό και κατέληξα στο 3. Δεν ξέρω τι φταίει (σίγουρα όχι η πλοκή), αλλά με κούρασε. Ίσως το γεγονός, ότι ήταν η πρώτη φορά που διάβαζα βρετανικά αγγλικά, ίσως τα μικρά γράμματα, δεν έχω ιδέα! Αλλά μου πήρε αρκετό καιρό.
Συμπέρασμα: Για έναν whovian*, είναι μια ωραία περιπέτεια, ανάλαφρη, για να θυμηθεί τους καιρούς των πρωταγωνιστών μας!
Για κάποιον non whovian, ίσως του περάσει αδιάφορο, θα καταλάβω γιατι.
*Whovian: κάποιος/α/ο που ανήκει στο fandom της βρετανικής σειράς του BBC, Doctor Who!
March 18, 2021
Als mein erstes Doctor Who Buch wusste ich hier nicht so recht, was ich damit anfangen sollte.
Irgendwie kannte man die Charaktere und irgendwie waren sie doch ein ganz kleines bisschen anders als sie sein sollten.
Die Story an sich war zwar relativ spannend und irgendwo auch interessant, hat sich aber viel bei den Dr Who üblichen Erklärungen für alles und jeden, die überhaupt keinen Sinn machen bedient. Die "nicht-Doctor" Charaktere hatten alle ein großes Schild auf der Stirn mit "ich bin wichtig für die Story", weswegen die Story auch arg vorhersehbar war.
Recht kurzes Buch, man kommt gut durch, aber man vergisst auch schnell was überhaupt passiert ist.
Dem Buch hätte es gut getan nicht zum Doctor Who Universum zu gehören, sondern als eigenständiges Buch ausgearbeitet zu werden.
Insgesamt war das Buch wie eine dieser Folgen, die man schaut, am Ende alles vergisst und sich denkt "huh .. ok".
Irgendwie kannte man die Charaktere und irgendwie waren sie doch ein ganz kleines bisschen anders als sie sein sollten.
Die Story an sich war zwar relativ spannend und irgendwo auch interessant, hat sich aber viel bei den Dr Who üblichen Erklärungen für alles und jeden, die überhaupt keinen Sinn machen bedient. Die "nicht-Doctor" Charaktere hatten alle ein großes Schild auf der Stirn mit "ich bin wichtig für die Story", weswegen die Story auch arg vorhersehbar war.
Recht kurzes Buch, man kommt gut durch, aber man vergisst auch schnell was überhaupt passiert ist.
Dem Buch hätte es gut getan nicht zum Doctor Who Universum zu gehören, sondern als eigenständiges Buch ausgearbeitet zu werden.
Insgesamt war das Buch wie eine dieser Folgen, die man schaut, am Ende alles vergisst und sich denkt "huh .. ok".
May 4, 2024
Solid Doctor Who story - aliens, twists, Rose helps, the Doctor saves the day. Nothing exciting, but fine.
September 11, 2017
Was listening the audiobook. I almost love more to listen these stories then to read them. Nicely narrated.
August 26, 2022
Great ideas but falls a little flat when it does get a little environmental but still the idea of a planet having an immune system is pretty cool. The setting and the villains cool and I do like that their is not really a true villain just a threat that has to be overcome since everyone is just trying to solve the same problem but from different positions.
April 23, 2013
I enjoyed this book, though I think I need to listen to it again at home instead of when im driving to and from work and am thinking about work lol, I did enjoy listening to it being read by Shaun Dingwell - Pete Tyler in the series
September 30, 2016
This was a good DW story, but I wasn't wowed by it. I thought The Doctor and Rose were written well and the world was good, but the ending was predictable. Still, on the whole, it was a fun read and I'm glad I read it.
July 14, 2021
I love the tenth Doctor so this was an entertaining and easy read.
However, fanfiction is free, easier to find and quicker to access, and most of the fanfiction I’ve read is legitimately better quality of writing than this book. So I’ll be sticking to that in future.
However, fanfiction is free, easier to find and quicker to access, and most of the fanfiction I’ve read is legitimately better quality of writing than this book. So I’ll be sticking to that in future.
May 7, 2017
A great Doctor Who adventure!
October 1, 2025
Doctor Who: The Price of Paradise by Colin Brake is a solid, classic-style adventure featuring the Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler. The story takes place on Laylora, the so-called "Paradise Planet," a world of stunning natural beauty where the native population lives in harmony with their lush, vibrant environment or at least, that’s how it seems at first. But when the Doctor and Rose arrive, they find that Laylora’s delicate ecosystem is starting to collapse. Add in terrifying creatures from ancient legends and a group of human explorers who’ve crash-landed on the planet, and things quickly spiral into chaos.
The book’s strongest aspect is its setting. Laylora is described so vividly that you can practically feel the warm sun and hear the rustling trees. It’s an immersive backdrop that contrasts nicely with the darker, more sinister turns the story takes. The idea of a planet becoming "sick" and the way it ties into environmental themes makes it feel relevant and thought-provoking, without being too heavy-handed.
The Doctor is in peak form here clever, resourceful, and full of moral conviction. Rose, as always, is a great companion, showing her usual mix of compassion and bravery. Their dynamic is well-written, with plenty of witty banter that captures the essence of their on-screen chemistry. Holly, a member of the human explorers, adds an interesting layer to the story, though some of the supporting characters feel a bit underdeveloped.
The plot moves along at a steady pace, with enough mystery and danger to keep you hooked. That said, the story leans a little too hard on some familiar tropes ancient rituals, misunderstood natives, and a "big bad" reveal that’s not entirely surprising. It’s enjoyable, but it doesn’t break much new ground in the Doctor Who universe.
Overall, The Price of Paradise is an entertaining, easy read that feels like a classic Doctor Who episode. While it doesn’t hit the heights of some other novels in the series, it’s a solid choice for fans looking for a mix of adventure, mystery, and a touch of ecological sci-fi.
The book’s strongest aspect is its setting. Laylora is described so vividly that you can practically feel the warm sun and hear the rustling trees. It’s an immersive backdrop that contrasts nicely with the darker, more sinister turns the story takes. The idea of a planet becoming "sick" and the way it ties into environmental themes makes it feel relevant and thought-provoking, without being too heavy-handed.
The Doctor is in peak form here clever, resourceful, and full of moral conviction. Rose, as always, is a great companion, showing her usual mix of compassion and bravery. Their dynamic is well-written, with plenty of witty banter that captures the essence of their on-screen chemistry. Holly, a member of the human explorers, adds an interesting layer to the story, though some of the supporting characters feel a bit underdeveloped.
The plot moves along at a steady pace, with enough mystery and danger to keep you hooked. That said, the story leans a little too hard on some familiar tropes ancient rituals, misunderstood natives, and a "big bad" reveal that’s not entirely surprising. It’s enjoyable, but it doesn’t break much new ground in the Doctor Who universe.
Overall, The Price of Paradise is an entertaining, easy read that feels like a classic Doctor Who episode. While it doesn’t hit the heights of some other novels in the series, it’s a solid choice for fans looking for a mix of adventure, mystery, and a touch of ecological sci-fi.
July 3, 2024
(Synopsis) - Laylora - the Paradise Planet. A world of breath-taking beauty, where peace-loving aboriginals live in harmony with their environment. Or do they? The Doctor and Rose arrive to find that the once-perfect eco-system is showing signs of failing. The paradise planet has become a death trap as terrifying creatures from ancient legends appear and stalk the land.
(Review) - This book had everything it needed to pull me in, alien world that is known as the paradise planet where the aliens that live there live in harmony with eachother and the world. It really gave me the vibes of a fern gully or Avatar the way the premises is conveyed to the audience. So everything is there to really pull somebody like me into this story as well as adding in DW into the mix, this should of been a lay up. But sadly for me it was good but very middle of the road. And i think the reason for this was that the doctor didn't feel like the 10th doctor, don't get me wrong sometimes he did, but the rest of the time he could of been any doctor you wanted them to be. But as that's my opinion, you might read this and it might not bother you. It's just something i noticed early on and pulled me out a little, but either way it's a good story worth reading as the idea and concepts are there and looking after the environment is an important lesson for children to learn at an early age. It just didn't pull me in as much as i hoped it would.
3/5 Stars GoodReads ⭐⭐⭐
55/100 GingerPoints 🔥
(Review) - This book had everything it needed to pull me in, alien world that is known as the paradise planet where the aliens that live there live in harmony with eachother and the world. It really gave me the vibes of a fern gully or Avatar the way the premises is conveyed to the audience. So everything is there to really pull somebody like me into this story as well as adding in DW into the mix, this should of been a lay up. But sadly for me it was good but very middle of the road. And i think the reason for this was that the doctor didn't feel like the 10th doctor, don't get me wrong sometimes he did, but the rest of the time he could of been any doctor you wanted them to be. But as that's my opinion, you might read this and it might not bother you. It's just something i noticed early on and pulled me out a little, but either way it's a good story worth reading as the idea and concepts are there and looking after the environment is an important lesson for children to learn at an early age. It just didn't pull me in as much as i hoped it would.
3/5 Stars GoodReads ⭐⭐⭐
55/100 GingerPoints 🔥
July 15, 2021
So this was a good story, truly loved getting more inforamtion about the mystery piece by piece. That's all good.
There is a lot that's wrong.
The Doctor and Rose barely share forty pages together which yeah. I want The Doctor and his companion to bounce off each other in stories like with 10 and Donna later. But there is none of that here. Even the times they do spend together is ehhh.
Loved the overall story. The monsters and how they are the way that they are. And the planet itself all worked wonderfully. Trully great stuff.
I hate to say this but The Doctor felt really bland in this. Perhaps that's a bit to harsh. But last Doctor Who novel I read was The Blood Cell which was just so 12th Doctor it couldn't be anyone else.
The Doctor could be swapped with any other incarnation without issue.
Good but flawed.
There is a lot that's wrong.
The Doctor and Rose barely share forty pages together which yeah. I want The Doctor and his companion to bounce off each other in stories like with 10 and Donna later. But there is none of that here. Even the times they do spend together is ehhh.
Loved the overall story. The monsters and how they are the way that they are. And the planet itself all worked wonderfully. Trully great stuff.
I hate to say this but The Doctor felt really bland in this. Perhaps that's a bit to harsh. But last Doctor Who novel I read was The Blood Cell which was just so 12th Doctor it couldn't be anyone else.
The Doctor could be swapped with any other incarnation without issue.
Good but flawed.
February 27, 2022
A bitter-sweet story with an open ending that could lead to yet another story if the author ever wants to get back to these characters.
I was a little apprehensive about the comparison to native american people, and there might be some lines in this book that are ignorant enough to be unwillingly racist. But thankfully this line of thought got dropped quickly and the reader is left to discover a planet that helds rather interesting anomalies.
Pro:
- bit of sociology
- ethical discussions
- calmer and less techno-babbly adventure than most DW novels
Con:
- slight bit of racism, only by ignorantly reproducing stereotypes from Western movies, but still
- necessary, but sad ending
- one really meaningless death that held no relevance for the plot whatsoever
I was a little apprehensive about the comparison to native american people, and there might be some lines in this book that are ignorant enough to be unwillingly racist. But thankfully this line of thought got dropped quickly and the reader is left to discover a planet that helds rather interesting anomalies.
Pro:
- bit of sociology
- ethical discussions
- calmer and less techno-babbly adventure than most DW novels
Con:
- slight bit of racism, only by ignorantly reproducing stereotypes from Western movies, but still
- necessary, but sad ending
- one really meaningless death that held no relevance for the plot whatsoever
August 28, 2024
So - The Price of Paradise. I must say the pace of this book is great and it is easily read within a couple of hours. Without saying too much, there are some lovely, endearing characters in this novel and there are some wonderfully human moments (keep an eye out for the character arc of the Professor).
I think Brake also nails the latter friendship between the 10th Doctor and Rose, the sarcastic humour and witty remarks but also the real love that develops in the pair before the events of "Doomsday".
I originally gave this review 4/5 but then I realised I really don't have any downside to this novel. It is great fun, very wholesome, and is written exceptionally with great imagery. 5/5 all the way!
I think Brake also nails the latter friendship between the 10th Doctor and Rose, the sarcastic humour and witty remarks but also the real love that develops in the pair before the events of "Doomsday".
I originally gave this review 4/5 but then I realised I really don't have any downside to this novel. It is great fun, very wholesome, and is written exceptionally with great imagery. 5/5 all the way!
November 30, 2017
Like most DW books, it has an interesting concept that is eventually let down by a predictable ending--in the case of the Price of Paradise, the Doctor seems very slow to the chase--As a reader, you will work out the solution to most problems, and work out what's causing each problem, much earlier than the Doctor does which makes for a sometimes irritating read.
On the other hand, the world is interesting and there is even a nice exploration element to it (Which I wish had been expanded on) The secondary characters are quite interesting, and I even worried about a few of them on occasion and the Doctor is just as fun to follow.
Worth a read, but nothing extraordinary.
On the other hand, the world is interesting and there is even a nice exploration element to it (Which I wish had been expanded on) The secondary characters are quite interesting, and I even worried about a few of them on occasion and the Doctor is just as fun to follow.
Worth a read, but nothing extraordinary.
May 25, 2021
Just a rough review - may edit at a later date but I've got exams atm
(2.5/5☆)
I would just rate this as 'meh'.
The storyline was an interesting one; it all started fitting together around 2/3rds of the way in. Although I'm still slightly confused what Professor Shulough's sketchy obsession with finding the trisilicate was but maybe I missed that part.
Also a bit disappointed as Rose's character felt like it had no depth after reading the New Series Adventures with Martha. I adored Rez though! Why couldn't they make him a companion? :(
Still reckon this is one of the best plots I've read of the NSAs so far though.
(2.5/5☆)
I would just rate this as 'meh'.
The storyline was an interesting one; it all started fitting together around 2/3rds of the way in. Although I'm still slightly confused what Professor Shulough's sketchy obsession with finding the trisilicate was but maybe I missed that part.
Also a bit disappointed as Rose's character felt like it had no depth after reading the New Series Adventures with Martha. I adored Rez though! Why couldn't they make him a companion? :(
Still reckon this is one of the best plots I've read of the NSAs so far though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2019
Not sure if this book would be relevant to the current generation of Year 6 (who I would recommend it to), but if they're known for being big fans of sci-fi and have mentioned an interest in Doctor Who, this could be one for them. I read it as a young person and enjoyed it as it combines tribal culture (on another planet) with an ominous other-worldly threat that is a common trope with sci-fi. Might be worth a recommendation if they like sci-fi, want something fun to read and happen to be a whovian!
June 26, 2017
This book was fine. It wasn't the worst book I've ever read but it was by no stretch of the imagination the best. Much of the plot was predictable and seemed stereotypical. Rose is my favorite companion, and I was disappointed by her portrayal in this book. That said, Ten is my favorite Doctor and he was characterized quite well. It was easy to picture David Tennant doing and saying what Colin Brake had written.
May 17, 2020
This book could have been so good if the author hadn't decided to describe the inhabitants of the planet Laylora by using an amalgamation of stereotypes about indigenous populations in the Americas as shorthand. As a story this book is really good, it's well paced, the characters have clear arcs and depth as warranted by their page time, we get into their heads in a rewarding way, I really want to like it, but I'm just very uncomfortable by the racial implications.
May 4, 2023
i throughly enjoyed this book, the plot was actually really captivating and the idea of a sentient planet is just so cool, literally the only reason it’s not 5 stars is Rose has this weird moment where she thinks one of the guys is attractive when he’s literally like “no older than 17” and she’s 19/20, bit ooc my girl rose would never 😞 but apart from that tiny issue i thought the lore was concise and unique and i was left feeling happy at the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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