Doctor Who: Eden Rebellion: 15th Doctor Novel

Doctor Who: New Series Adventures #66

by Abi Falase, Genesis Lynae (Narrator)

On the crystalline planet of Yewa, the Gardens of Kubuntu are a true Eden, said to be the most peaceful destination in the universe. At least, until the Doctor and Ruby arrive.

Ancient rivalries between Yewa and its more prosperous sister world of Bia are being stirred by forces unknown, threatening to plunge its people into anarchy. With Ruby swept up in the fire of the Yewan rebellion, the Doctor finds dark secrets buried deep in the planet’s ancient history – and his hopes for a lasting peace hanging by a thread. For sinister guardians stalk the Gardens of Kubuntu, while an implacable enemy plots in the shadows – and in plain sight…

Genres: Doctor Who, Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published November 14, 2024

Reviews

[Paul Flint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thrilling new series adventure. It takes you into the action from the very first page. An exciting and worthwhile read. Getting two new ones today so very excited. Highly recommended

[Gabriel Mero · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really "get" this one. I found it hard to follow at times and my mind wandered a lot.

[Joe Kessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion this is the best of the three original Fifteenth Doctor novels released this year (i.e. not counting the episode novelizations), for the simple reason that author Abi Falase does a better job than the other writers at capturing the distinctive happy-go-lucky tone of the latest Time Lord and his friend Ruby Sunday, rather than having them seem like a generic Doctor-companion team. The timing may be largely to thank there, as the two previous titles were put out alongside the TV season starring those protagonists, giving Ruby Red's Georgia Cook and Caged's Una McCormack little if any time to incorporate the duo's on-screen characterizations into their manuscripts. This next volume, published five months later, presumably didn't place a similar constraint upon Falase.

With that being said, however, I'm not especially impressed with the actual story here, which falls into the competent-yet-forgettable zone of the heroes investigating a strange situation and helping to resolve it, with a twist at the end that doesn't land with much impact. A prosperous world of alien telepaths is brewing discontent among the have-nots! It's fine, and firmly in the standard sci-fi wheelhouse for Doctor Who plots, but there's nothing here that's gripped me beyond noting that the time-travelers sound more like themselves on this particular adventure.

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[Lucy-May · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite characterisations of The Fifteenth Doctor & Ruby Sunday (including on the show); Falase has really captured their friendship within the pages of this story, & the plot wasn’t too bad either! Definitely the best of the NSAs with Fifteen so far.


(Spoiler incoming)
Although a kiss solving everything was a little underwhelming.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those odd novels where the plot leaves me uninterested, but it comes secondary to being a showcase for the new Doctor. Abi Falase gives a fireworks display of all Ncuti Gatwa's brilliance as the 15th Doctor, and it all but obliterates the rest of the story. Now I love great characterization...I just wish there had been a more interesting plot attached to it.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure what all the 3’s are about. I thought this was pretty good and engaging. Wonder if the audiobook format helped. Kinda funny how The Doctor wonders about clothes regenerating. Also interesting that he remembers Midnight. The author must’ve been told what was up.

[Natasha Maddock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this. Whilst I enjoyed the story I found the narrator irritating and slow.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

Calling all Doctor Who fans! This book is a must read! I was on the edge of my seat till the very end. This author weaves a complex tale of love and betrayal. The Doctor and Ruby Sunday are portrayed perfectly 👌

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I’m really starting to get a feel for Ncuti’s Doctor and these books definitely help to flesh out his character as supplement to the main show.

I’m loving the ‘fun’ness of his Doctor and his relationship with Ruby which I feel we didn’t quite get the full story of. It’s a compelling story although didn’t quite hook me as much as others have in previous Who books, but as with episodes, it’s all personal preference.

I enjoyed getting to explore a new chapter of their adventures with the Doc and Ruby so it was well worth a read. The audiobook made this for me though and Genesis Lynea was a sure fire 5/5 for narration.

[Toby Sutton-Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a nice set-up for an NSA with a story that easily feels believable within the Whoniverse. Admittedly some of the guest characters were a little generic and their names were all very similar, something you can pull off in the show but slightly less so within a novel. There were some really nice emotional beats and I feel that Falase got the voices of the Doctor and Ruby down to a tee, I hope we get more Who stories from them.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid NSA to end this years batch, is slightly too confusing for its own good at times but wraps up satisfyingly enough. Always a joy to experience more of this Tardis team and fingers crossed for more next year

[Mic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as strong as Ruby Red or Caged. Makes me excited for Joy To The World but besides that it was alright

[Kelsey Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

One problem I have with these newer DR Who novels is that they are too short. This story was fine, but just fine. Maybe it would have had more of an impact had it been able to be fleshed out.

[Ethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as good as Ruby Red that I previously enjoyed, but still an enjoyable ride with the season 1 Tardis team.

[Cassiopeia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I’ll start this by saying that I know the author and am in the acknowledgments of the book so might be a little biased - but I loved this book! A total feast for the imagination. I was completely immersed in the planet of Yewa and hooked by the unfolding drama.

It really captures the flirty charm and irrepressible energy of Ncuti’s doctor as well as his heart(s) and emotional depth taking time to explore the weight of his identity as a Galifrean and the many different faces he’s worn through the years and how this motivates him to good, but can also cloud his judgement.

You also get a really joyful depiction of the Doctor and Ruby’s relationship. There are lots of if-you-know-you-know moments for Dr Who fans but also loads of intertextual references for anyone who is reading this as a standalone novel. If a rainy childhood Saturday included cartoons in the morning, a book in the afternoon, and Dr Who before bed then this covers all the bases with the Doctor and Ruby’s internal monologues peppered with nods to both childhood nostalgia and iconic episodes. It makes the characters super relatable and I wanted to be right there with them catching jokes!

Beyond the characters I was so gripped by the story itself - the mystery, the slipperiness of the plot as the Doctor struggles to hold all the pieces together, the clues scattered throughout to let you attempt to work out what was going on for yourself - as a reader I loved being given the agency to attempt to pull together the pieces of the puzzle alongside the Doctor and Ruby. A more patient reader might have solved it, but instead I just couldn’t put the book down and devoured it all in one day!

I mentioned this at the start of my review but the book creates a truly vivid experience of Yewa. A literal feast for the senses - emotions and feelings became tastes and flavours; colours, smells and sounds were painted so richly that I was completely immersed. Sounds cliché but I honestly feel like I’ve been to another world.

[Jordan Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Eden Rebellion is a solid novel entry to the Doctor Who universe.

The world and the characters were well detailed, creating an interesting setting.

I think of the three original Fifteenth Doctor novels, this one captures the characterisation of The Doctor, Ruby and their relationship in the most satisfying way.

However all that still unfortunately results in an overall forgettable adventure.

That's not to say Eden Rebellion is bad, because it definitely isn't; but coming to write this review a few days after finishing it I had to review how the story actually ended.

I could remember the main story beats but some of the more intricate details were already lost to me.

That could be a personal problem but I see that as a sign that it just didn't quite leave any lasting mark on me.

You can tell it's been written by someone who already has an understanding of the Doctor Who universe and enjoys it themselves. The book follows a tried and tested Doctor and Companion format and could easily be translated to screen.

Again, Eden Rebellion isn't bad, it's a great use of the medium to extend the Doctor Who universe and the characters and world are detailed (maybe in hindsight, to the detriment of the story), but the journey it takes you on is still fun and enjoyable.

Ultimately if you're looking for more Fifteenth Doctor stories I recommend Eden Rebellion.

[Garry Elric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi yes, tis I.


I don’t think I’ve ever had the doctors voice come through so clearly and so fast before. Is it because Fifteen says things like ‘babes’? Maybe. But the cadence and everything was spot on even before that. That’s skill. Talent even.

The description of the culture here was so fascinating, and I couldn’t help but vividly imagine everyone with their tattoos and the world around them. I was itching to find out what the influence was, and was VERY pleased to see Falase name drop them in the authors note. (Acknowledgements? I read too much fanfic.) I will definitely be looking further into their culture!


Oh! And I love any book that can be summarised with the sentence ‘Let’s go lesbians!’. So frankly, this was going to be a winner no matter what.

[Nicholas Whyte · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/eden-rebellion-by-abi-falaise/

A Fifteenth Doctor book which is yet another story of rebels against the system, with world-building so complex that I am afraid I got lost in it, and loads of characters who barely have time to establish themselves before the book ends (or they get killed). Yes, it’s an important anti-colonial narrative; yes, there are a lot of Doctor Who stories that have this theme; but most of them are better executed. Heart in the right place, perhaps needed twice as much space (or substantial editing).

[Lottie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Echoing the sentiments of many others, it isn't as strong as the other novelisations and I struggled to understand the world-building at times. I also noticed a shift in the dialogue language between this book and Ruby Red or Caged. This one felt as if I was having a text conversation with someone significantly younger than me. Whilst it may work on screen, it doesn't quite work as well in the novel.

[Connor Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really been a massive fan of the franchise as much as I used to be, back in the 2010’s. However this was a great book if you are looking to enter the path of rediscovery, it is perfect, if you want to Segway back into the franchise again like I have found myself doing. Only given 3 stars as I’m still familiarising with the concepts and relationships. Writing was excellent and filled with Witty humour.

[Dee Marsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first half of this novel alot more than the second half. I feel the mystery became too complicated for its own good and the reveals felt a bit flat. On the whole I enjoyed the story and the supporting cast of characters was definitely this novel's greatest strength.

[Penelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those from the doctor who book range id love to see on screen!

[Alyx Payge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very odd read for me. I found the overall point when the book eventually got there to be compelling, but the prose and circumstances leading to that point were very muddled and confused.

[Graeme O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling 15th Doctor and Ruby adventure that sometimes is difficult to visualise but is fully in keeping with the spirit of the tv series.

[DrAshleyWho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admired how dense and alien the world-building was and in some ways it’s the one that perfectly captures the tone and ideas of RTD2 in its exploration of political themes, in this case civil unrest, terrorism and exploitation of cultures (I can tell much of this is a personal story for writer Abi Falase and their fury at the treatment of the indigenous population of Hawaii and Jamaica in a similar way to Inua Ellams’ The Story and the Engine, though this wishes it has the power and originality as that masterpiece), but it’s hampered by slow pacing and hollow side-characters despite Ncuti’s Doctor being characterised to absolute perfection. The ending where it’s revealed everything that goes wrong is all the work of some shape-shifting monster feeding off hate is such a cop-out when the main villain should’ve been the upper-class royals that turned out to be manufacturing the crisis and fuelling hate against the Bia to further their selfish needs.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tackling my TBR 2025:
SEPTEMBER- one of the five lowest pages TBR!

I must catch up to this series - 2.5*

I battled through but it wasn't for me AT ALL.
Only two more until I've caught up....