What do you think?
Rate this book
Iris Wildthyme books
Enter Wildthyme
TIME AND SPACE. GOOD AND EVIL. GIN AND TONIC.He's a great novelist, clever and ironic - Russell T. DaviesA novel which takes us from a dusty secondhand bookshop in Darlington, clear across the galaxy aboard a celestial double decker bus - all the way to the outlandish world of Hyspero, and the throne room of the Scarlet Empress - and the very brink of the strange pocket dimension called The Obverse.This is a story about an object - a glass jar with mysterious contents - being the focus of a chase between Iris Wildthyme, Panda and their new friend Simon, and a bunch of gentlemen pirates of the Dogworld, who are determined to retrieve the strange jar and its even stranger contents.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
12 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 10, 2015
Humorous Fantasy and Science Fiction is a very hard thing to get right. The rare hits include Douglas Adams and the Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy and Terry Pratchett's Discworld books. Most books in this sub-genre are a miss and this one misses by the length of a double decker bus.
I think that the problem I had with this book is that it tries just too damn hard. It tries to be the Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, but also adds an unhealthily large dollop of Doctor Who for good measure. The main protagonist is Iris Wildthyme, who might as well be a female version of the Doctor. All I can say about this is that if the series ever gets around to having a female Doctor I hope it doesn't resemble this character because I would never watch the show again. The main antagonist have a very irritating habit of mumbling his words, which means that all his sentences end with "murmur, murmur" - it gets very old very fast.
The dialogue can best be described as clunky, and commits the cardinal sin (according to Stephen King) of using too many adjectives. Too often the story tells instead of shows as well. Finally, just when you think that the plot is getting us somewhere, it just *stops*, presumably to be continued in a sequel. It's one I won't be reading.
2 stars is generous, 1 1/2 stars would be closer to how I felt about this book.
I think that the problem I had with this book is that it tries just too damn hard. It tries to be the Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy, but also adds an unhealthily large dollop of Doctor Who for good measure. The main protagonist is Iris Wildthyme, who might as well be a female version of the Doctor. All I can say about this is that if the series ever gets around to having a female Doctor I hope it doesn't resemble this character because I would never watch the show again. The main antagonist have a very irritating habit of mumbling his words, which means that all his sentences end with "murmur, murmur" - it gets very old very fast.
The dialogue can best be described as clunky, and commits the cardinal sin (according to Stephen King) of using too many adjectives. Too often the story tells instead of shows as well. Finally, just when you think that the plot is getting us somewhere, it just *stops*, presumably to be continued in a sequel. It's one I won't be reading.
2 stars is generous, 1 1/2 stars would be closer to how I felt about this book.
November 1, 2014
I have read books with Iris in before but this was the first full length one. Just finished it. Loved it. Need to get the next one for Christmas. Got two Brenda and Effie next. Treated myself. It's high octane sci fi camp.
May 4, 2013
I've read a couple of Paul Magrs books before and was really looking forward to this one. Coupled with the fact that it's about a character he created for the Doctor Who range of novels in the 90s and is partly set in a bookstore I thought this would be right up my alley.
The Good: There is a wildly convoluted plot that only occasionally seems to get out of control. There a whole bunch of characters whom you might not like but are able to get a handle on at the very least. There are a wide variety of settings and ideas that keep the story sparking. It's well-written for the most part, feeling more than a little like Douglas Adams.
The Bad: After a while you get a little exhausted by the vast range of settings and characters that are thrown at you. I love a book in which nothing happens without a reason but Magrs throws so much at you that it can be difficult to keep up. THIS IS NOT A BAD THING, THOUGH! I just felt that here it got a little unwieldy. I also felt that some parts of the book were much better than others. Not an unnatural reaction, you say. Of course not, but it follows that there are some parts of the book that are worse than others. And - in this reviewers opinion - there were more than seemed usual in a book: the scenes in 1890s France, for example, just seemed a little superfluous as did the scenes at the Vincent Cosmo concert in 1973. Actually, they felt more rushed than anything: this is that rare book that perhaps could have dealt well with being a bit longer or split into two...
... which leads to my last grouse. This book ends with a very clear ending, but the story is in no way complete: villains are still at large, quests are unfinished, questions unanswered... this doesn't bother me except for the fact that at no point in the blurb, cover, title page is it made clear that this is Volume 1 in an ongoing series... which really does bother me because it changes my expectations of what I was getting out of this book. I may very well read future volumes of this, but I was more than a little miffed to discover that I'm not getting the end of this story. However, Mr Magrs is not the only author guilty of this so my overall rating and review are not affected.
The Good: There is a wildly convoluted plot that only occasionally seems to get out of control. There a whole bunch of characters whom you might not like but are able to get a handle on at the very least. There are a wide variety of settings and ideas that keep the story sparking. It's well-written for the most part, feeling more than a little like Douglas Adams.
The Bad: After a while you get a little exhausted by the vast range of settings and characters that are thrown at you. I love a book in which nothing happens without a reason but Magrs throws so much at you that it can be difficult to keep up. THIS IS NOT A BAD THING, THOUGH! I just felt that here it got a little unwieldy. I also felt that some parts of the book were much better than others. Not an unnatural reaction, you say. Of course not, but it follows that there are some parts of the book that are worse than others. And - in this reviewers opinion - there were more than seemed usual in a book: the scenes in 1890s France, for example, just seemed a little superfluous as did the scenes at the Vincent Cosmo concert in 1973. Actually, they felt more rushed than anything: this is that rare book that perhaps could have dealt well with being a bit longer or split into two...
... which leads to my last grouse. This book ends with a very clear ending, but the story is in no way complete: villains are still at large, quests are unfinished, questions unanswered... this doesn't bother me except for the fact that at no point in the blurb, cover, title page is it made clear that this is Volume 1 in an ongoing series... which really does bother me because it changes my expectations of what I was getting out of this book. I may very well read future volumes of this, but I was more than a little miffed to discover that I'm not getting the end of this story. However, Mr Magrs is not the only author guilty of this so my overall rating and review are not affected.
March 8, 2015
After being drawn in by the cover recommendation from Russell T. Davis, I found this to be an utter disappointment.
The character development is patchy, leaving you with a set of people who I found to not seem like people, I never found that I empathised with any of them or understood their motivations. The science element of the fiction was badly though out and not really interesting, with unconvincingly bizarre aliens living on shockingly habitable planets, and mostly coincidentally speaking English. I also greatly disapprove of books whose sole purpose seems to be to sell you the sequel, by ending at what is clearly the start of the main adventure. This leaves one with a feeling of having wasted a lot of time on just reading the introduction.
Overall an utter waste of reading time, as the proofreader obviously agreed - several spelling and grammar errors, and main characters even being referred to by the wrong names, which shatters the illusion as easily as the silly glass men, who would in no way be a sustainable species, particularly as a ruling class.
The character development is patchy, leaving you with a set of people who I found to not seem like people, I never found that I empathised with any of them or understood their motivations. The science element of the fiction was badly though out and not really interesting, with unconvincingly bizarre aliens living on shockingly habitable planets, and mostly coincidentally speaking English. I also greatly disapprove of books whose sole purpose seems to be to sell you the sequel, by ending at what is clearly the start of the main adventure. This leaves one with a feeling of having wasted a lot of time on just reading the introduction.
Overall an utter waste of reading time, as the proofreader obviously agreed - several spelling and grammar errors, and main characters even being referred to by the wrong names, which shatters the illusion as easily as the silly glass men, who would in no way be a sustainable species, particularly as a ruling class.
January 18, 2020
Not a lot happens in this book
you are waiting for some epic battle or plot twist and you think you get there and then the book ends
you are waiting for some epic battle or plot twist and you think you get there and then the book ends
June 20, 2020
Ah, Enter Wildthyme. A three-hundred-and-thirty-page long story, telling an epic journey that will decide the fate of the universe.
What an absolutely beautifully crafted novel.
Enter Wildthyme has more of a slightly more comical, surreal humour than the more outrageously comedic nature of other iris Wildthyme stories. It's a pantomime of magnificent proportions, but to simply call it a pantomime is an understatement. It's so much more.
The narrative decides against being a simple pastiche of Doctor Who, a trope the Iris Wildthyme series often goes to, and instead it forges its own unique passage by utilising various elements from Margs' previous creations.
The story is a long, but extremely enjoyable thrill ride, taking Iris and Panda, as well as their friends, some new, some old across an universe spanning journey in order to stop the highly dangerous, mesmerising Anthony Marvelle and his partner in crime, the Dog Pirate known as Missy, from reaching Hyspero, where he intends to set upon some malignant scheme yet unbeknownst to us, as Enter Wildthyme is only the first part of the story, as its sequel, Wildthyme Beyond, is the true conclusion to this space opera.
Simon and Kelly are two of the main characters the story focuses on, and too begin with, their personalities aren't to defined, but as the story sweeps on, as when they both meet Iris, their characters fully blossom. Simon is a trustworthy and enthusiastic man, and after reuniting in Darlington with Kelly, his best friend from years before, after he graduates from university.
Kelly feels she's gotten herself to a mind space where she's comfortable with. Calling her a control freak would be inaccurate, as she isn't controlling per se, though she does like to have a stable, safe, and controllable life. This is thrown out of the window as soon as Iris Wildthyme shows up, of course knocking everything out of control, causing Kelly a deal of distress, so much so she leaves Iris' motley crew off her Celestial Omnibus (her Tardis, in short), to live in Darlington by herself. Although, her importance is so great, Marvelle kidnaps her for his dastardly scheme.
The story has plenty of call-backs to a vast amount of Margs' previous works, as almost every character in this has appeared in stories beforehand, however context of these stories (mostly) isn't required. I went into this story pretty in the dark, and the only thing I felt a bit unsure of was Hyspero and its workings, as that planet and it's unique monarchy are contribute greatly to the plot, so I recommend reading the Scarlet Empress, as it's a pre-requisite I wish I had more knowledge of.
Pretty much every location and character in this story have appeared in many stories before: Barbra, a slightly overbearing but well intentioned sentient vending machine from the future first appeared in the NSA Sick Building; Jenny Winterleaf was one of Iris' previous companions; Magda, even though she's more of a minor character, was a mermaid Iris rescued in another story; The Dog Pirates and Hotel Miramar originated from Mad Dogs and Englishmen; Simon, Kelly, Terrence, and the Great Big Book Exchange appeared in a novel, Exchange, also by Margs (which I've also just bought off eBay as I'm curious to read the fully backstory of these characters); Vince Cosmos has just had his first spin-off audio drama and many more things, like the Ringpullworld, and a sly appearance of the Pescatons.
As this story is not directly tied to the Whoniverse, although by the amount of links to the Whoniverse it must take place in the DWU, the story can afford to be a bit more swear-y, as there are multiple instances of characters cursing, but instead of being crass as it easily could do, it has a good sense of knowing just exactly where and when to use language to further the drama.
I love the fact that the book has an uncanny, yet subtle self-aware pride in the fact that it's a book, as multiple lines throughout the story say how books are so great, and it's a clever little touch, that almost mirrors Iris' parodic nature.
Enter Wildthyme is easily one of the best stories that Paul Margs has written. Although Margs' quality is so often of a high standard, I often say that. I have no shame in saying it though, as I enjoy pretty much everything Margs-related.
This is also the first time I've jotted down the things I like, or rather love, for my eventual review, as there is so much to enjoy. I absolutely recommend it to everyone!
What an absolutely beautifully crafted novel.
Enter Wildthyme has more of a slightly more comical, surreal humour than the more outrageously comedic nature of other iris Wildthyme stories. It's a pantomime of magnificent proportions, but to simply call it a pantomime is an understatement. It's so much more.
The narrative decides against being a simple pastiche of Doctor Who, a trope the Iris Wildthyme series often goes to, and instead it forges its own unique passage by utilising various elements from Margs' previous creations.
The story is a long, but extremely enjoyable thrill ride, taking Iris and Panda, as well as their friends, some new, some old across an universe spanning journey in order to stop the highly dangerous, mesmerising Anthony Marvelle and his partner in crime, the Dog Pirate known as Missy, from reaching Hyspero, where he intends to set upon some malignant scheme yet unbeknownst to us, as Enter Wildthyme is only the first part of the story, as its sequel, Wildthyme Beyond, is the true conclusion to this space opera.
Simon and Kelly are two of the main characters the story focuses on, and too begin with, their personalities aren't to defined, but as the story sweeps on, as when they both meet Iris, their characters fully blossom. Simon is a trustworthy and enthusiastic man, and after reuniting in Darlington with Kelly, his best friend from years before, after he graduates from university.
Kelly feels she's gotten herself to a mind space where she's comfortable with. Calling her a control freak would be inaccurate, as she isn't controlling per se, though she does like to have a stable, safe, and controllable life. This is thrown out of the window as soon as Iris Wildthyme shows up, of course knocking everything out of control, causing Kelly a deal of distress, so much so she leaves Iris' motley crew off her Celestial Omnibus (her Tardis, in short), to live in Darlington by herself. Although, her importance is so great, Marvelle kidnaps her for his dastardly scheme.
The story has plenty of call-backs to a vast amount of Margs' previous works, as almost every character in this has appeared in stories beforehand, however context of these stories (mostly) isn't required. I went into this story pretty in the dark, and the only thing I felt a bit unsure of was Hyspero and its workings, as that planet and it's unique monarchy are contribute greatly to the plot, so I recommend reading the Scarlet Empress, as it's a pre-requisite I wish I had more knowledge of.
Pretty much every location and character in this story have appeared in many stories before: Barbra, a slightly overbearing but well intentioned sentient vending machine from the future first appeared in the NSA Sick Building; Jenny Winterleaf was one of Iris' previous companions; Magda, even though she's more of a minor character, was a mermaid Iris rescued in another story; The Dog Pirates and Hotel Miramar originated from Mad Dogs and Englishmen; Simon, Kelly, Terrence, and the Great Big Book Exchange appeared in a novel, Exchange, also by Margs (which I've also just bought off eBay as I'm curious to read the fully backstory of these characters); Vince Cosmos has just had his first spin-off audio drama and many more things, like the Ringpullworld, and a sly appearance of the Pescatons.
As this story is not directly tied to the Whoniverse, although by the amount of links to the Whoniverse it must take place in the DWU, the story can afford to be a bit more swear-y, as there are multiple instances of characters cursing, but instead of being crass as it easily could do, it has a good sense of knowing just exactly where and when to use language to further the drama.
I love the fact that the book has an uncanny, yet subtle self-aware pride in the fact that it's a book, as multiple lines throughout the story say how books are so great, and it's a clever little touch, that almost mirrors Iris' parodic nature.
Enter Wildthyme is easily one of the best stories that Paul Margs has written. Although Margs' quality is so often of a high standard, I often say that. I have no shame in saying it though, as I enjoy pretty much everything Margs-related.
This is also the first time I've jotted down the things I like, or rather love, for my eventual review, as there is so much to enjoy. I absolutely recommend it to everyone!
Read
December 24, 2022It’s quite an apt tittle really. It’s the first full length novel to feature the universe travelling Iris Wildthyme, who by the looks of it has been on several adventures already, and for me it was my entry into her mad life (which it can be for anyone else who reads it too). So not only does Iris enter the novel readers can enter into Iris. And I don’t mean that in a smutty way. She’s way too old for a start…
… I don’t want to give the wrong impression there isn’t anything smutty about Enter Wildthyme but there is buckets of fun placed on piles of adventure. And sometimes you just need a romp. I know I did. The outside world isn’t looking the best as I’m writing this but Paul Magrs took me on a proper journey. You see Magrs is one of those writers that gets people but doesn’t lecture or allow the darkness to take over.
There are dark moments here but Iris and her traveling companion Panda (who really is a Panda and toy shaped) along with new Celestial Omnibus passengers Simon (who returns to Darlington only to dragged across time and space) and the vending machine called Barbara (who despite her bulk quite handy in fighting off killer beasts).
Curiously Iris Wildthyme (according to Wikipedia) has had quite a career before teaming up with Dr Who and then going her own way again. She’s one of those characters I’ve heard about, much like Bernice Summerfield (though she started out as a New Adventures companion rather than being her own character), who I’ve wanted to read because of the Dr Who connection and curious as to how the work on there own.
And boy is Iris a character, she is mysterious (though we get a peek at her origins here), she is lively (drinking and singing songs that are only whispered in Bars as fables) and most importantly she is an adventurer. Now I’ve mentioned Dr Who and you can’t escape that there is going to be some comparisons.
Not only because the no 22 Celestial Omnibus has very TARDIS like qualities (I’m still a little confused how you fit a vending machine in one easily) but because of the nature of Iris. She shares the Doctors meddling tendencies but it also feels like universe has chosen her to be a ‘hero’.
I’m already a fan of another series of Paul’s, the Effie and Brenda Mysteries, so the thought of reading Enter Wildthyme gave me mixed feelings, could I like another of his creations? Am I fan of Paul’s or just Effie and Brenda? It’s not as daft as it sounds. Think Terry Pratchett I love his Discworld books but find it hard to care about his others. And there are other series by writers that I love because I love the characters.
In fact Iris is like that because she’s been allowed to slip into the hands of others and she is a force herself rather than a puppet of her creator but I have a feeling that her creator knows her best.
So what about the story? It starts with the loss of a glass jar and ends with… well that would telling but I literally couldn’t believe it stopped where it did. Talk about cliff hanger.
The characters get used interesting ways from the baddie of the piece that really needs to stop murmuring all the time to Magda, who is left holding fort (not very successfully) whilst everyone else has been kidnapped or off saving the universe. Nothing feels cardboard. Everyone has their own lives, which probable could be much less exciting if Iris hadn’t come into them.
But I for one am excited that Iris Wildthyme stopped her Celestial Omnibus and picked me up. I’m quite in spin still. Why don’t you come aboard? You know you what to.
… I don’t want to give the wrong impression there isn’t anything smutty about Enter Wildthyme but there is buckets of fun placed on piles of adventure. And sometimes you just need a romp. I know I did. The outside world isn’t looking the best as I’m writing this but Paul Magrs took me on a proper journey. You see Magrs is one of those writers that gets people but doesn’t lecture or allow the darkness to take over.
There are dark moments here but Iris and her traveling companion Panda (who really is a Panda and toy shaped) along with new Celestial Omnibus passengers Simon (who returns to Darlington only to dragged across time and space) and the vending machine called Barbara (who despite her bulk quite handy in fighting off killer beasts).
Curiously Iris Wildthyme (according to Wikipedia) has had quite a career before teaming up with Dr Who and then going her own way again. She’s one of those characters I’ve heard about, much like Bernice Summerfield (though she started out as a New Adventures companion rather than being her own character), who I’ve wanted to read because of the Dr Who connection and curious as to how the work on there own.
And boy is Iris a character, she is mysterious (though we get a peek at her origins here), she is lively (drinking and singing songs that are only whispered in Bars as fables) and most importantly she is an adventurer. Now I’ve mentioned Dr Who and you can’t escape that there is going to be some comparisons.
Not only because the no 22 Celestial Omnibus has very TARDIS like qualities (I’m still a little confused how you fit a vending machine in one easily) but because of the nature of Iris. She shares the Doctors meddling tendencies but it also feels like universe has chosen her to be a ‘hero’.
I’m already a fan of another series of Paul’s, the Effie and Brenda Mysteries, so the thought of reading Enter Wildthyme gave me mixed feelings, could I like another of his creations? Am I fan of Paul’s or just Effie and Brenda? It’s not as daft as it sounds. Think Terry Pratchett I love his Discworld books but find it hard to care about his others. And there are other series by writers that I love because I love the characters.
In fact Iris is like that because she’s been allowed to slip into the hands of others and she is a force herself rather than a puppet of her creator but I have a feeling that her creator knows her best.
So what about the story? It starts with the loss of a glass jar and ends with… well that would telling but I literally couldn’t believe it stopped where it did. Talk about cliff hanger.
The characters get used interesting ways from the baddie of the piece that really needs to stop murmuring all the time to Magda, who is left holding fort (not very successfully) whilst everyone else has been kidnapped or off saving the universe. Nothing feels cardboard. Everyone has their own lives, which probable could be much less exciting if Iris hadn’t come into them.
But I for one am excited that Iris Wildthyme stopped her Celestial Omnibus and picked me up. I’m quite in spin still. Why don’t you come aboard? You know you what to.
June 21, 2017
Humour and science fiction is a difficult act to pull off. Even Douglas Adams struggled after the first two Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy books. This book is a wacky story, Iris Wildthyme of the title is a time traveller whose mode of transport is a London #22 bus, which unlike the TARDIS of Dr Who fame is “smaller on the inside”. Doctor Who already used a London Bus to travel through space in “Planet of the Dead”(2009). Iris’s nemesis is a murmuring poet called Anthony Marvelle with a gun-toting poodle called Missy as a sidekick. Marvelle steals Iris’s pinking shears which are able to cut through the Very Fabric of space and time (Very Fabric is capitalised in the text and seems very like a Terry Pratchett touch). Travelling through the galaxy there seem to be no scientific problems to be overcome and communication with alien species is undertaken without any explanation of how they are communicating in English.
Much of the action centres around Darlington: “Darlington’s the entire gateway to the entire multiverse, believe it or not. “I find it difficult to suspend my disbelief. Simon who has been given a Darlington bookshop is a character like Arthur Dent or Rory in Dr Who, a rather clueless earthling taken along for the ride.
Oh, and there is a sentient vending machine called Barbra. I think maybe the author has had too much cheese too close to bedtime or something.
Much of the action centres around Darlington: “Darlington’s the entire gateway to the entire multiverse, believe it or not. “I find it difficult to suspend my disbelief. Simon who has been given a Darlington bookshop is a character like Arthur Dent or Rory in Dr Who, a rather clueless earthling taken along for the ride.
Oh, and there is a sentient vending machine called Barbra. I think maybe the author has had too much cheese too close to bedtime or something.
November 28, 2018
2 stars: tries to be something between Doctor Who and The Hitchhiker's Guide, but tries too hard.
The storyline: the whole storyline was based on an unclear something. The gang wants to stop someone from doing something, but what happens if that someone would succeed? Why do we want to stop them? The book also feels like it misses a few chapters. Usually, in a series, the first book has a defined ending, and the second book takes up where the first book stops, but this book just feels like it misses 3 chapters at the end.
The characters: it's great that there is such a diverse cast. We see different sexualities, someone in a wheelchair, a woman of colour heading the (all-woman) Torchwood equivalent. Too bad they are all quite flatly written. I especially hated Marvelle's dialogue, because he ends all his sentences like this murmur murmur. Starts to get quite annoying after a while. I could relate a bit to Kelly, tho.
The worldbuilding: Not sure? I guess this was quite nice usually, but sometimes they went too much for the slapstick comedy. I liked the glass, didn't like the furniture.
The atmosphere: I'm not sure if there even was an atmosphere to speak of. It all felt kind of hasty, fleeting, with disregard of information we got earlier in the story. It didn't draw me in, I felt more like a spectator.
Best part: I did like Barbra as a character, in general.
The storyline: the whole storyline was based on an unclear something. The gang wants to stop someone from doing something, but what happens if that someone would succeed? Why do we want to stop them? The book also feels like it misses a few chapters. Usually, in a series, the first book has a defined ending, and the second book takes up where the first book stops, but this book just feels like it misses 3 chapters at the end.
The characters: it's great that there is such a diverse cast. We see different sexualities, someone in a wheelchair, a woman of colour heading the (all-woman) Torchwood equivalent. Too bad they are all quite flatly written. I especially hated Marvelle's dialogue, because he ends all his sentences like this murmur murmur. Starts to get quite annoying after a while. I could relate a bit to Kelly, tho.
The worldbuilding: Not sure? I guess this was quite nice usually, but sometimes they went too much for the slapstick comedy. I liked the glass, didn't like the furniture.
The atmosphere: I'm not sure if there even was an atmosphere to speak of. It all felt kind of hasty, fleeting, with disregard of information we got earlier in the story. It didn't draw me in, I felt more like a spectator.
Best part: I did like Barbra as a character, in general.
November 6, 2017
When I started reading I was so excited. It started out with a mysterious object, an eccentric woman. So many planets and galaxies! This reminded me of the movie Valerian which I really enjoyed.
The murmur murmur made me so frustrated and laugh at the same time too xd
Halfway through, more near the end, I started to slack off. It was difficult to continue as I noticed wrong names were used in a sentence. Like they talk about Kelly, says Kelly. It was very confusing.
I do love the characters and variations of personalities. I wish I knew about their past though. Especially Iris and maybe Simon too because he got chosen for the journey but I don't see anything special with him?
The ending was more than disappointing. They are all happy while there is still the poet roaming around freely with a kidnapped friend, like what?!?! And where is Terrance? We haven't heard anything of him anymore.
So while the planets/ world and the plot was very nice, it had so much potential, the execution could have been so much better >.< I'm contemplating to read more from the iris books in the hope I'll understand more, or not to read more so I can't get more disappointed
The murmur murmur made me so frustrated and laugh at the same time too xd
Halfway through, more near the end, I started to slack off. It was difficult to continue as I noticed wrong names were used in a sentence. Like they talk about Kelly, says Kelly. It was very confusing.
I do love the characters and variations of personalities. I wish I knew about their past though. Especially Iris and maybe Simon too because he got chosen for the journey but I don't see anything special with him?
The ending was more than disappointing. They are all happy while there is still the poet roaming around freely with a kidnapped friend, like what?!?! And where is Terrance? We haven't heard anything of him anymore.
So while the planets/ world and the plot was very nice, it had so much potential, the execution could have been so much better >.< I'm contemplating to read more from the iris books in the hope I'll understand more, or not to read more so I can't get more disappointed
November 26, 2013
*Special Content only on my blog, Strange and Random Happenstance during I ♥ ♥ The Doctor (October-December 2013)
Iris Wildthyme has been hanging out in Darlington posing as a writer for their annual festival there. Getting herself on the guests list was cover for her investigation to help the annoying and sometimes pedantic secret organization MIAOW. Darlington is a hub for intergalactic travellers, which none of the town's residents seem to notice. There was a meteor shower that wasn't a meteor shower a week or so ago and a very dangerous artifact has fallen to Earth and has hopefully not ended up in the wrong hands. The hands it has landed in are Simon's. Simon is just moving back to town to take over the running of The Exchange, a bookshop that was his refuge when he stilled lived there. Despite his friend Kelly being the best employee ever, for some reason Simon was left The Exchange... and a mysterious glass object, one he quickly looses to the annoying poet Anthony Marvelle and his creepy poodle when they nick it from The Exchange.
Meeting Iris boozing it up at a party, Simon and Iris become fast friends and Simon confesses his lose while Iris confesses her secret, she is an adventuress in space and time with her double-decker bus that is outside. For some reason Simon believes everything she says and is soon aboard the celestial omnibus with Iris, a rather gruff and opinionated stuffed Panda, a sentient vending machine called Barbara, and a mission to thwart Anthony Marvelle. But not before a few more gin and tonics and nice little dinner and perhaps a lie down. Oh, life aboard the bus is never boring, that's for sure.
When I was little I always daydreamed about living on modes of transit. I'm not really sure why, except maybe that I always wanted to travel but at the same time wanted to stay at home, and living on boats or buses, well, then you got both. Or I could have inherited my grandfather's love of RVs and come retirement I'll be going around America in a Winnebago and even being a part of their monthly newsletter... For the longest time though my daydream was of a boat, a nice cosy little pirate ship all my own, and yes, it HAD to be a pirate ship. When I was older and saw The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert I revised my thoughts to a bus. Yes, a bus would be perfect. Now Iris's bus... well, that's a whole other dimension of awesome. Not only is it quintessentially British and has two floors, but it can travel through the maelstrom and take me to France during the height of the Belle Époque for dinner. I feel that Iris's home and my daydreams has made me a kindred spirit with her. She's made me revisit cosy daydreams of years gone by. Even if Paul's writing style wasn't already of the cosy, warm embrace with a cup of spicy tea on the side variety, well, that bus would have warmed my soul. As it is Enter Wildthyme was a loving embrace of a book that you just want to snuggle into.
There's something just wonderful in the interconnectedness of Paul's books. Being a fan of Brenda and Effie, I loved seeing little winks and nods to them. Paul's books are all of the same universe, but it's a fluid universe where things are like but not exact. So while we have pinking sheers that cut the fabric of time and space, which are like those in Brenda and Effie's adventures, can we actually say they are the same? In Paul's universe it really doesn't matter. They could be, they might be, but then again, who knows. It's that fluidity and that nudge and a wink that makes his books so much fun. We have Jessie working at the galactic Hotel Miramar... ah, but could this Jessie be like the Jessie who worked not at the Miramar in Whitby but for Mrs. Claus? The Jessie who had the sad fate of turning into a womanzie? Or perhaps this is a parallel Jessie, a Jessie with a better fate. Every little connection, every little joke just made me giggle and sigh with contentment. If I could find a way to move into these books where after a day of fighting evil and possibly a good old punch up I could settle down in a warm chair and just relax and chat with my fellow friends, now that would be the life. Having a stuffed Panda as a sidekick would just add to the awesome.
Ah, but I do have to address something now that will tie this in with the whole Doctor Who theme I've got going on the blog here. This book is part of the expanded Whoverse. Iris has shown up in four Doctor Who novels, spending time with the 3rd and the 8th Doctor, while in audio... well, she has been very prolific, and is ironically voiced by Katy Manning, Jo Grant from the 3rd Doctor's tenure (and it might be just me, but Anthony Marvelle reminds me of the 3rd Doctor, Jon Pertwee himself). So the Who credentials are solid, but how Whovian is Enter Wildthyme? I would say very, but not in a way you would think, it is more subversive. Iris operates by her own rules and her own methods that are almost diametrically opposite to what one of The Doctors would do. Sure, she has a TARDIS, sure she travels through space and time, but well, her TARDIS is smaller on the inside, he origins, they're a mystery. Sure The Doctor knows her, but is that because she is one of his kind of just one of his ilk. She sets more store in fun and gin and flashy clothes and getting a sing-song going then saving the world. Sure, she will get around to it, but after a nice meal and a party with friends. I've often wondered over the years, don't the companions get tired and hungry? Their lives are all action and adventure, which can be fun, but you do need to unwind. Iris is like the cathartic Doctor, doing all the things you've wanted to, letting your hair down and enjoying the ride. And boy, did I enjoy the ride.
Iris Wildthyme has been hanging out in Darlington posing as a writer for their annual festival there. Getting herself on the guests list was cover for her investigation to help the annoying and sometimes pedantic secret organization MIAOW. Darlington is a hub for intergalactic travellers, which none of the town's residents seem to notice. There was a meteor shower that wasn't a meteor shower a week or so ago and a very dangerous artifact has fallen to Earth and has hopefully not ended up in the wrong hands. The hands it has landed in are Simon's. Simon is just moving back to town to take over the running of The Exchange, a bookshop that was his refuge when he stilled lived there. Despite his friend Kelly being the best employee ever, for some reason Simon was left The Exchange... and a mysterious glass object, one he quickly looses to the annoying poet Anthony Marvelle and his creepy poodle when they nick it from The Exchange.
Meeting Iris boozing it up at a party, Simon and Iris become fast friends and Simon confesses his lose while Iris confesses her secret, she is an adventuress in space and time with her double-decker bus that is outside. For some reason Simon believes everything she says and is soon aboard the celestial omnibus with Iris, a rather gruff and opinionated stuffed Panda, a sentient vending machine called Barbara, and a mission to thwart Anthony Marvelle. But not before a few more gin and tonics and nice little dinner and perhaps a lie down. Oh, life aboard the bus is never boring, that's for sure.
When I was little I always daydreamed about living on modes of transit. I'm not really sure why, except maybe that I always wanted to travel but at the same time wanted to stay at home, and living on boats or buses, well, then you got both. Or I could have inherited my grandfather's love of RVs and come retirement I'll be going around America in a Winnebago and even being a part of their monthly newsletter... For the longest time though my daydream was of a boat, a nice cosy little pirate ship all my own, and yes, it HAD to be a pirate ship. When I was older and saw The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert I revised my thoughts to a bus. Yes, a bus would be perfect. Now Iris's bus... well, that's a whole other dimension of awesome. Not only is it quintessentially British and has two floors, but it can travel through the maelstrom and take me to France during the height of the Belle Époque for dinner. I feel that Iris's home and my daydreams has made me a kindred spirit with her. She's made me revisit cosy daydreams of years gone by. Even if Paul's writing style wasn't already of the cosy, warm embrace with a cup of spicy tea on the side variety, well, that bus would have warmed my soul. As it is Enter Wildthyme was a loving embrace of a book that you just want to snuggle into.
There's something just wonderful in the interconnectedness of Paul's books. Being a fan of Brenda and Effie, I loved seeing little winks and nods to them. Paul's books are all of the same universe, but it's a fluid universe where things are like but not exact. So while we have pinking sheers that cut the fabric of time and space, which are like those in Brenda and Effie's adventures, can we actually say they are the same? In Paul's universe it really doesn't matter. They could be, they might be, but then again, who knows. It's that fluidity and that nudge and a wink that makes his books so much fun. We have Jessie working at the galactic Hotel Miramar... ah, but could this Jessie be like the Jessie who worked not at the Miramar in Whitby but for Mrs. Claus? The Jessie who had the sad fate of turning into a womanzie? Or perhaps this is a parallel Jessie, a Jessie with a better fate. Every little connection, every little joke just made me giggle and sigh with contentment. If I could find a way to move into these books where after a day of fighting evil and possibly a good old punch up I could settle down in a warm chair and just relax and chat with my fellow friends, now that would be the life. Having a stuffed Panda as a sidekick would just add to the awesome.
Ah, but I do have to address something now that will tie this in with the whole Doctor Who theme I've got going on the blog here. This book is part of the expanded Whoverse. Iris has shown up in four Doctor Who novels, spending time with the 3rd and the 8th Doctor, while in audio... well, she has been very prolific, and is ironically voiced by Katy Manning, Jo Grant from the 3rd Doctor's tenure (and it might be just me, but Anthony Marvelle reminds me of the 3rd Doctor, Jon Pertwee himself). So the Who credentials are solid, but how Whovian is Enter Wildthyme? I would say very, but not in a way you would think, it is more subversive. Iris operates by her own rules and her own methods that are almost diametrically opposite to what one of The Doctors would do. Sure, she has a TARDIS, sure she travels through space and time, but well, her TARDIS is smaller on the inside, he origins, they're a mystery. Sure The Doctor knows her, but is that because she is one of his kind of just one of his ilk. She sets more store in fun and gin and flashy clothes and getting a sing-song going then saving the world. Sure, she will get around to it, but after a nice meal and a party with friends. I've often wondered over the years, don't the companions get tired and hungry? Their lives are all action and adventure, which can be fun, but you do need to unwind. Iris is like the cathartic Doctor, doing all the things you've wanted to, letting your hair down and enjoying the ride. And boy, did I enjoy the ride.
July 22, 2018
Bought this book, thinking it was a standalone. It isn't. Nowhere on the cover or the title page, or anywhere else for that matter, does it state that it is in fact part of a series. This fact is abruptly flung at you, when you realize that you are at the last page, which has honestly left me very annoyed.
It's a weird mix between doctor who and the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy, and although certainly not a bad book, not really good either.
It's a weird mix between doctor who and the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy, and although certainly not a bad book, not really good either.
April 9, 2018
The author had read Harry Potter, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Dr Who.
I don't mind that, but I do mind that even dyslexic me kept finding typos, not just spelling and homophones, but the hero's name changed at one point!
And, worst of all - it didn't end. I daresay they are hoping you will buy the next one, but I don't think so!
I don't mind that, but I do mind that even dyslexic me kept finding typos, not just spelling and homophones, but the hero's name changed at one point!
And, worst of all - it didn't end. I daresay they are hoping you will buy the next one, but I don't think so!
May 22, 2019
I enjoyed this but wish I had known going in that the story is not complete in this volume. (I also wish that the next book, Wildthyme Beyond!, were more readily available. Right now it costs $37 on Amazon.)
December 17, 2020
Excellent. I hated The Scarlet Empress when I read it, yet this has made me think of giving it another go. The plot zooms along. The voices of Panda and Iris leap out, the rhythm of how they have talked in audios beautifully matched. IMO Paul magrs best work.
July 10, 2019
Very British, very Dr Who, quite engaging characters, and then an annoying - because unresolved - ending which is clearly leading to a sequel.
February 3, 2023
This was great. Loopy and action packed. I’m going to have to see how the adventure resolves in the next book.
December 13, 2023
Perhaps for fans of the Dr Who universe, this will be more interesting. I did enjoy it for someone who doesn't read Sci-Fi predominantly. Might read the next one, might not.
April 22, 2012
By now you'd think that reading a new Iris story would be like pulling on comfy slippers. After all, it was back in the last millennium that I first came across the character shining out of the pages of a Doctor Who book like the sudden beautiful view across the hills that you sometimes get on the road to somewhere dreary. And since then there have been novels, short story collections and audios. You'd think I'd be bored.
But not at a bit of it, as this new Iris novel proves. True, Iris has recreated herself again, but that's part of the charm of the character as well as the perfect way to keep things fresh. Paul Magrs is incapable of writing dully and Iris, Panda and the Bus are the ideal foil for him, even more I think than his other fabulously mad series with Brenda and Effie. Actually, it's a bit surprising that Brenda doesn't make an appearance in here; almost everyone else does as Magrs pulls off the clever trick of introducing a plethora of new characters to first time Iris readers, while making their various introductions intetesting for more seasoned dabblers in the Magrs' universe.
Like one of those Hollywood spectaculars of the fifties and sixties, if you name a star from a previous Magrs' book he or she probably makes an appearance (even if only in cameo) in 'Enter Wildthyme'. Unlike those movies, however, I was never left thinking 'why the hell is John Wayne playing a Roman centurion?' Here everyone has a part to play and so, rather than over-filled or gratuitous, this book feels like a party to which we've all been invited by Iris, the reader included.
It'd be a bit pointless to go into detail about everyone who turns up and what role they play, but I can't let pass the opportunity to mention that Barbra the Vending Machine from 'Sick Building' and 'The Dreadful Flap' returns in all her stale-crisped glory. Even if the rest of the book were rubbish (which it isn't - it's great!) it'd be worth buying this just to see Barbra on the Bus.
They should invite Paul Magrs to write for Doctor Who on telly. This is the one sort of story missing from the series since it came back, a proper, mental, funny, sometimes sad, often daft extravaganza.
But not at a bit of it, as this new Iris novel proves. True, Iris has recreated herself again, but that's part of the charm of the character as well as the perfect way to keep things fresh. Paul Magrs is incapable of writing dully and Iris, Panda and the Bus are the ideal foil for him, even more I think than his other fabulously mad series with Brenda and Effie. Actually, it's a bit surprising that Brenda doesn't make an appearance in here; almost everyone else does as Magrs pulls off the clever trick of introducing a plethora of new characters to first time Iris readers, while making their various introductions intetesting for more seasoned dabblers in the Magrs' universe.
Like one of those Hollywood spectaculars of the fifties and sixties, if you name a star from a previous Magrs' book he or she probably makes an appearance (even if only in cameo) in 'Enter Wildthyme'. Unlike those movies, however, I was never left thinking 'why the hell is John Wayne playing a Roman centurion?' Here everyone has a part to play and so, rather than over-filled or gratuitous, this book feels like a party to which we've all been invited by Iris, the reader included.
It'd be a bit pointless to go into detail about everyone who turns up and what role they play, but I can't let pass the opportunity to mention that Barbra the Vending Machine from 'Sick Building' and 'The Dreadful Flap' returns in all her stale-crisped glory. Even if the rest of the book were rubbish (which it isn't - it's great!) it'd be worth buying this just to see Barbra on the Bus.
They should invite Paul Magrs to write for Doctor Who on telly. This is the one sort of story missing from the series since it came back, a proper, mental, funny, sometimes sad, often daft extravaganza.
March 20, 2012
Enter Wildthyme is a fun filled science fantasy romp through the galaxies in time and space travelling red double-decker bus (which is slightly smaller on the inside) with transtemporal adventuress Iris Wildthyme and her trusty sidekick Panda.
This book really has to be read to be believed. I mean how many books out there feature a 10 inch high stuffed Panda (whose name is also Panda and can also mix a mean gin and tonic as well as fix you a full English) as one its main characters, as well as a vending machine called Barbara, and sentient flying wardrobes, and poodles with hands?
Enter Wildthyme has all of these plus much, much more besides. If you like a lot of fun in your science fiction/fantasy then this is a book for you. If you are a fan of the work of Paul Magrs this is a book for you. If you are a Doctor Who fan who can see the silly side of the whole shebang then this is a book for you.
If you have read any previous books by Paul Magrs, then you will find something from one of them in this book as an awful lot of the characters have appeared before in various others works by Magrs, but the great thing about that, is that you don’t need to have read any of them to understand this book as it is all spelled out for you in this book, but if you do know a bit about his other work then this book will work on an entirely different level for you.
I am one of those people who have read quite a bit of Magrs other works featuring the lead character of Iris Wildthyme so consequently I really enjoyed this book on that different level, with all of its various references to his other Doctor Who work, and to the references to the series itself and other pop culture references that are peppered throughout the book, but it would be just as enjoyable to a newcomer to the character and the world that she lives in.
I can do nothing more than recommend that you read this book to see for yourself, as it really does need to be read to be believed!
This book really has to be read to be believed. I mean how many books out there feature a 10 inch high stuffed Panda (whose name is also Panda and can also mix a mean gin and tonic as well as fix you a full English) as one its main characters, as well as a vending machine called Barbara, and sentient flying wardrobes, and poodles with hands?
Enter Wildthyme has all of these plus much, much more besides. If you like a lot of fun in your science fiction/fantasy then this is a book for you. If you are a fan of the work of Paul Magrs this is a book for you. If you are a Doctor Who fan who can see the silly side of the whole shebang then this is a book for you.
If you have read any previous books by Paul Magrs, then you will find something from one of them in this book as an awful lot of the characters have appeared before in various others works by Magrs, but the great thing about that, is that you don’t need to have read any of them to understand this book as it is all spelled out for you in this book, but if you do know a bit about his other work then this book will work on an entirely different level for you.
I am one of those people who have read quite a bit of Magrs other works featuring the lead character of Iris Wildthyme so consequently I really enjoyed this book on that different level, with all of its various references to his other Doctor Who work, and to the references to the series itself and other pop culture references that are peppered throughout the book, but it would be just as enjoyable to a newcomer to the character and the world that she lives in.
I can do nothing more than recommend that you read this book to see for yourself, as it really does need to be read to be believed!
July 3, 2011
While this is the first full-length Iris Wildthyme novel, she's a character who's been around for a bit. She first appeared in Paul Magrs' first novel, Marked for Life. He incorporated her into a number of Doctor Who stories he's written. She stars in a series of short-story anthologies and audio CDs. This new novel is a long time in coming.
The story involves Iris, a mysterious traveler through time and space in a trans-dimensional double-decker bus, and her friends (Simon, a young gay man from modern-day London, Panda, a sentient stuffed panda, and Barbra, a sentient vending machine from the future) versus a mysterious, foppish poet with a mysterious plan. Of course, the journey involves a lot of eating, drinking, and music, and a lot of humor.
Paul Magrs always manages to tell a fast-paced, funny story that twists and turns in ways that are impossible to predict. In this book, he manages to incorporate elements from a great deal of his previous works, creating, if you will, a Magrs-verse. What's great is you don't need to know anything about earlier Iris stories, or that Simon is an older version of the protagonist from Exchange, or anything else to enjoy this book. It's the perfect starting point for Iris Wildthyme, which is as it should be.
While it's the perfect starting point, it's hopefully not an end point. Also like many of Magrs' stories, things don't wrap neatly up. That's like life, of course, where things don't always converge neatly on a happy ending. But, in this case, this really feels like the first installment of a series, and I really hope there are more in the works.
The story involves Iris, a mysterious traveler through time and space in a trans-dimensional double-decker bus, and her friends (Simon, a young gay man from modern-day London, Panda, a sentient stuffed panda, and Barbra, a sentient vending machine from the future) versus a mysterious, foppish poet with a mysterious plan. Of course, the journey involves a lot of eating, drinking, and music, and a lot of humor.
Paul Magrs always manages to tell a fast-paced, funny story that twists and turns in ways that are impossible to predict. In this book, he manages to incorporate elements from a great deal of his previous works, creating, if you will, a Magrs-verse. What's great is you don't need to know anything about earlier Iris stories, or that Simon is an older version of the protagonist from Exchange, or anything else to enjoy this book. It's the perfect starting point for Iris Wildthyme, which is as it should be.
While it's the perfect starting point, it's hopefully not an end point. Also like many of Magrs' stories, things don't wrap neatly up. That's like life, of course, where things don't always converge neatly on a happy ending. But, in this case, this really feels like the first installment of a series, and I really hope there are more in the works.
September 23, 2012
Magrs introduces (or re-introduces if you've read many of his other works) to a whole raft of eccentric characters having mad adventures.
Iris Wildthyme and her companion Panda (an animated stuff toy) arrive in their transdimensional omnibus (a red double-decker bus forever bound for Putney Common) in the seemingly normal northern town of Darlington. However, Darlington is no ordinary town, being nexus of time and space adventures and housing a branch of MIOAW (who protect earth from alien threats).
Magrs introduces us to these surprising facts through Simon and Kelly, two normal twenty-somethings who get caught up in the chase to stop Anthony Marvelle and his pink poodle Missy from doing untold damage to the universe. Not to mention stops off at Montmartre, a world inhabited by glass people and flying wardrobes, and the crew being joined by Barbra a sentient vending machine!
As usual Magrs gives us a topsy turvy view of the world that we can relate to through the believable and flawed characters. Fuuny and enjoyable. I initially thought it was a one-off book so expected the whole story to be resolved by the end, but there is a sequel (Beyond Wildthyme) so not everything gets sorted by the end of this book.
Iris Wildthyme and her companion Panda (an animated stuff toy) arrive in their transdimensional omnibus (a red double-decker bus forever bound for Putney Common) in the seemingly normal northern town of Darlington. However, Darlington is no ordinary town, being nexus of time and space adventures and housing a branch of MIOAW (who protect earth from alien threats).
Magrs introduces us to these surprising facts through Simon and Kelly, two normal twenty-somethings who get caught up in the chase to stop Anthony Marvelle and his pink poodle Missy from doing untold damage to the universe. Not to mention stops off at Montmartre, a world inhabited by glass people and flying wardrobes, and the crew being joined by Barbra a sentient vending machine!
As usual Magrs gives us a topsy turvy view of the world that we can relate to through the believable and flawed characters. Fuuny and enjoyable. I initially thought it was a one-off book so expected the whole story to be resolved by the end, but there is a sequel (Beyond Wildthyme) so not everything gets sorted by the end of this book.
October 17, 2013
TIME AND SPACE. GOOD AND EVIL. GIN AND TONIC.
A novel which takes us from a dusty secondhand bookshop in Darlington, clear across the galaxy aboard a celestial double decker bus... all the way to the outlandish world of Hyspero, and the throne room of the Scarlet Empress... and the very brink of the strange pocket dimension called The Obverse.
This is a story about an object - a glass jar with mysterious contests - being the focus of a chase between Iris Wildthyme, Panda, and their new friend Simon, and a bunch of gentlemen pirates of the Dogworld, who are determined to retrieve the strange jar and its even stranger contents.
it took me quite a while to get into this book, and i'm not sure why (i loved Mr Magrs' Brenda and Effie series) but it was quite a jolly romp and i'm glad i persevered.
A novel which takes us from a dusty secondhand bookshop in Darlington, clear across the galaxy aboard a celestial double decker bus... all the way to the outlandish world of Hyspero, and the throne room of the Scarlet Empress... and the very brink of the strange pocket dimension called The Obverse.
This is a story about an object - a glass jar with mysterious contests - being the focus of a chase between Iris Wildthyme, Panda, and their new friend Simon, and a bunch of gentlemen pirates of the Dogworld, who are determined to retrieve the strange jar and its even stranger contents.
it took me quite a while to get into this book, and i'm not sure why (i loved Mr Magrs' Brenda and Effie series) but it was quite a jolly romp and i'm glad i persevered.
September 4, 2014
An excellent and very entertaining read, my first introduction to Iris (about whom I've heard so much from friends). I loved the character of Panda, and the bizarre Barbra is like a character straight out of the Brenda & Effie universe. The novel had a good pace, plenty of humour, and ended on a note of suspense that has left me keen to track down the next instalment. Some characters are not particularly likeable, but the central ones are strong enough and enigmatic enough to carry the whiny ones along for the ride. The plot unfolds like an episode of Dr Who laced with LSD (which is saying something, really).
April 22, 2011
Thoroughly enjoyable and completely madcap adventures for space and time travelling Iris Wildthyme and her companions. Although Iris has featured in several Doctor Who BBC novels as well as more recent Obverse Books collections of her own short stories, it isn't necessary to know any of her back story to enjoy this book, and it works just as well for people new to the character as for old-timers. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a slice of time-travelling sci-fi/fantasy with a humorous and off-beat approach.
November 4, 2011
I'm very fond of Iris, but this standalone non-Whoniverse piece seemed a tad bright/breezy - hard to judge, though, it's just too long since I read TSE, MDE etc. May seem a little glib to those new to her adventures. Probably not fair for me to comment, as coming to Iris here without an idea of her qua meta-Who would likely be quite a different experience to encountering her with that in mind. Still quite enjoyable though; Magrs' deceptively simple style is a pleasure to read, and Iris is as charming/irritating/infuriatingly hard not to like as ever.
February 21, 2017
Premature review, but - fun for a certain generation of Doctor Who fans, and probably a wider readership, too, as we lurch through time and space in a double decker bus. The gin sloshes freely, and take care of the pinking shears.
June 19, 2013
A lightweight read with some amusing ideas but, for me, not up to the standard of most of the author's earlier work. I was disappointed at how much was left unresolved at the end, giving the impression that it wasn't a complete novel but just the first installment of a series, and one that didn't stand up well on its own.
June 28, 2011
Very funny book about hopping into other dimentional worlds and planets in a no22 Putney bus. Great read and can't wait for the next one to find out what happens next!
Paul has a great imagination and is a very quirky writer - love his work!
Paul has a great imagination and is a very quirky writer - love his work!
October 7, 2012
I'm a fan of Paul Magrs' writing; his Brenda and Effie series is delightful. I read and enjoyed his Doctor Who books featuring Iris, and I'm delighted that she can carry a novel on her own. Great fun and highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews