Torchwood Soho: Ascension

Torchwood Soho #4

by James Goss

Is the end of the world really nigh? A number of groups believe so – and what’s odder, they’re all vanishing. Have they really gone to heaven, or is something far worse happening? It’s Torchwood. Obviously something far worse is happening.

1. Burning Bright - When carol singers on the runway bring down a plane, Torchwood investigate.

2. Chariot of Fire - The race is on to stop the world ending at midnight. Norton has it all under control.

3. The Invisible Worm - In Moscow, the true power of Ascension is revealed.

4. We Have Built Jerusalem - It's up to Lizbeth, Andy and Gideon to save the world now.

5. Dark Satanic Mills - Come on holiday, all ye faithful! What is going on on Salisbury Plain?

6. Fearful Symmetry - As the net tightens, does the human race have one last use for Torchwood?

Genres: Doctor Who

Audio CD

Published July 1, 2024

About the author

James Goss has written two Torchwood novels and a radio play, as well as a Being Human book. His Doctor Who audiobook Dead Air won Best Audiobook 2010. James also spent seven years working on the BBC's official Doctor Who website and co-wrote the website for Torchwood Series One. In 2007, he won the Best Adaptation category in the annual LA Weekly Theatre Awards for his version of Douglas Adams' novel Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency.

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torchwood: Soho has become, without a doubt, my favorite iteration of the series. These actors have GREAT chemistry and to listen to them is simply delightful. As for this particular release? Well, the shenanigans are hilarious, but there’s some underlying interpersonal conflicts that create some potentially impassable obstacles. And the threat to humanity has some present day ramifications that are horrifyingly familiar. Throughly entertaining and enjoyable.

[Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Goss has written and produced yet another Soho success, with no sign of stopping. Andy, Norton, Gideon and Lizbeth are once more saving the world whether the world wants saving or not, and never before has that been so literal. Around the world, faithful religious groups depart our earthly plane for paradise in ‘Ascensions’. Sensing something too good to be true, Torchwood snoops about as they tend to do, but the more they investigate, the more things appear to be different this time. Might these ascensions be really true? If that is the case, how will a world recovering from world war react to such a truth? How might they attempt to control heaven?

The Torchwood Soho range is a particular favourite of mine, but I must confess the rigid structure and repetitive themes and stakes were finally wearing a little thin by the end of the last release – The Unbegotten. To my delight, Ascension stands out from the rest of the releases by exploring the consequences of prolonged alien intervention, as well as the reputation that Torchwood, and particularly Norton, have built up for themselves. Storylines are continued from previous releases, as well as characters and relationships. Gideon and Norton are exploring their relationship further, Lizbeth is still seeing her ghostly girlfriend from Mandeville Walk (although her girlfriend is not featured in this story), and Andy appears actually trapped in the 1950s for the foreseeable future. Best of all are the numerous government officials, military men and shady undercover individuals whose tolerance and patience regarding Norton Folgate, have rather run out.

View the my full review here:
https://sonicreviewwho.wordpress.com/...

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had a nickel for every Torchwood story featuring people becoming immortal only to burned alive by the government and left in endless pain, I'd have two nickels-- which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

[Jordan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the exact kind of story that Torchwood should be telling!
The use of the Ascension camps story line was very chilling. Very reminiscent of COE and Miracle Day in how the Government is represented.
Highly recommended for any Torchwood fan.