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Doctor Who: Virgin New Adventures #39
Doctor Who: Original Sin
I'm playing with a fire so dangerous I could scorch eternity.
The last words of a dying alien send the Doctor and Bernice to thirtieth-century Earth in an attempt to avert an unspecified disaster. Before they can even unpack they’ve been arrested by the Adjudicators and sentenced to death by the Imperial army. Their attempts to prove their innocence take them from the mosaic planet Purgatory to a prison inside a star.
Meanwhile, Adjudicators Roz Forrester and Chris Cwej have their own problems. Investigating a series of apparently motiveless murders, they have stumbled upon a conspiracy with sinister overtones. On the run and out of luck, the only people they can turn to are their chief suspects: the Doctor and Bernice.
And as they run, someone is watching them. Someone who knows the Doctor of old...
The last words of a dying alien send the Doctor and Bernice to thirtieth-century Earth in an attempt to avert an unspecified disaster. Before they can even unpack they’ve been arrested by the Adjudicators and sentenced to death by the Imperial army. Their attempts to prove their innocence take them from the mosaic planet Purgatory to a prison inside a star.
Meanwhile, Adjudicators Roz Forrester and Chris Cwej have their own problems. Investigating a series of apparently motiveless murders, they have stumbled upon a conspiracy with sinister overtones. On the run and out of luck, the only people they can turn to are their chief suspects: the Doctor and Bernice.
And as they run, someone is watching them. Someone who knows the Doctor of old...
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 1995
3 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Andy Lane
89 books338 followersSee also works published as Andrew Lane
During 2009, Macmillan Books announced that Lane would be writing a series of books focusing on the early life of Sherlock Holmes. The series was developed in conjunction with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lane had already shown an extensive knowledge of the Holmes character and continuity in his Virgin Books novel All-Consuming Fire in which he created The Library of St. John the Beheaded as a meeting place for the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.
The first book in the 'Young Sherlock Holmes' series – Death Cloud – was published in the United Kingdom in June 2010 (February 2011 in the United States), with the second – Red Leech – published in the United Kingdom in November of that year (with a United States publication date under the title Rebel Fire of February 2012). The third book – Black Ice – was published in June 2011 in the UK while the fourth book – Fire Storm – was published originally in hardback in October 2011 with a paperback publication in March 2012. The fifth book, Snake Bite was published in hardback in October 2012 and the sixth book, Knife Edge was published in September 2013. Death Cloud was short-listed for both the 2010 North East Book Award. (coming second by three votes) and the 2011 Southampton's Favourite Book Award. Black Ice won the 2012 Centurion Book Award.
Early in 2012, Macmillan Children's Books announced that they would be publishing a new series by Lane, beginning in 2013. The Lost World books will follow disabled 15-year-old Calum Challenger, who is co-ordinating a search from his London bedroom to find creatures considered so rare that many do not believe they exist. Calum's intention is to use the creatures' DNA to help protect the species, but also to search for a cure for his own paralysis. His team comprises a computer hacker, a free runner, an ex-marine and a pathological liar.
During 2009, Macmillan Books announced that Lane would be writing a series of books focusing on the early life of Sherlock Holmes. The series was developed in conjunction with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Lane had already shown an extensive knowledge of the Holmes character and continuity in his Virgin Books novel All-Consuming Fire in which he created The Library of St. John the Beheaded as a meeting place for the worlds of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who.
The first book in the 'Young Sherlock Holmes' series – Death Cloud – was published in the United Kingdom in June 2010 (February 2011 in the United States), with the second – Red Leech – published in the United Kingdom in November of that year (with a United States publication date under the title Rebel Fire of February 2012). The third book – Black Ice – was published in June 2011 in the UK while the fourth book – Fire Storm – was published originally in hardback in October 2011 with a paperback publication in March 2012. The fifth book, Snake Bite was published in hardback in October 2012 and the sixth book, Knife Edge was published in September 2013. Death Cloud was short-listed for both the 2010 North East Book Award. (coming second by three votes) and the 2011 Southampton's Favourite Book Award. Black Ice won the 2012 Centurion Book Award.
Early in 2012, Macmillan Children's Books announced that they would be publishing a new series by Lane, beginning in 2013. The Lost World books will follow disabled 15-year-old Calum Challenger, who is co-ordinating a search from his London bedroom to find creatures considered so rare that many do not believe they exist. Calum's intention is to use the creatures' DNA to help protect the species, but also to search for a cure for his own paralysis. His team comprises a computer hacker, a free runner, an ex-marine and a pathological liar.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 20, 2023
Hanging onto Morbius’s mind-bending equipment while his past lives were dragged from him, one by one . . . Letting the Zygons’ bistronic radiation short- circuit through his body . . . Lying, squirming, while Davros’s mind probe ripped his memories to shreds … Screaming soundlessly as Abaddon’s tiny thought parasites worked their way through his neuronic pathways, burning as they went …
‘Point taken,’ he admitted. ‘Nobody can argue from a privileged position.’ ‘Thank you. I repeat my question: why do you think that murder is wrong?’
-
!! SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Put it simply. Absolutely brilliant.
Andy Lane has written some of my favourite extended universe novels. From Empire of Glass, All-Consuming FIre, Blood Heat, and now Original Sin.
I haven't read Original Sin, but I have listened to the big finish adaptation first. Thinking about it, I think big finish did it a great disservice and cut a lot of fine, important and philosophical details out. But I suppose it's such a chunky novel, they could have only done so much.
This novel was rich in character and plot. From the moment I opened it, I was hooked. I adored the exploration of Earth's future and the variety of different alien species we came across. Roz and Chris immediately came to life (though don't ask me how to pronounce Cwej!). And I even loved Beltempest (Despite him being now who he says he is).
Just when you think you know all your characters, he creates even more wonderful, weird and atmospheric characters. Zebulon Pryce was fascinating, and I loved his and the Doctor's philosophical debate about the rights and wrongs of murder.
Andy wrote so many beautiful quotes, many I have highlighted through out my read on my kindle. But when I get a new physical copy, I will later tab it.
Just simply wonderful. I think this will remain one of my favourite novels in the vnas range.
One of my favourite things about the virgin new adventures is the Doctor quoting from Irving Braxiatel's Armaggedon every time he tries to stop an alien using dangerous and outlawed weapons.
Like yes!! Use Brax's s Armaggedon convention with pride. It's probably one of the best things Irving Braxiatel ever did in his political career. (Especially with Andy Lane having written Empire of Glass himself!)
‘Point taken,’ he admitted. ‘Nobody can argue from a privileged position.’ ‘Thank you. I repeat my question: why do you think that murder is wrong?’
-
!! SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Put it simply. Absolutely brilliant.
Andy Lane has written some of my favourite extended universe novels. From Empire of Glass, All-Consuming FIre, Blood Heat, and now Original Sin.
I haven't read Original Sin, but I have listened to the big finish adaptation first. Thinking about it, I think big finish did it a great disservice and cut a lot of fine, important and philosophical details out. But I suppose it's such a chunky novel, they could have only done so much.
This novel was rich in character and plot. From the moment I opened it, I was hooked. I adored the exploration of Earth's future and the variety of different alien species we came across. Roz and Chris immediately came to life (though don't ask me how to pronounce Cwej!). And I even loved Beltempest (Despite him being now who he says he is).
Just when you think you know all your characters, he creates even more wonderful, weird and atmospheric characters. Zebulon Pryce was fascinating, and I loved his and the Doctor's philosophical debate about the rights and wrongs of murder.
Andy wrote so many beautiful quotes, many I have highlighted through out my read on my kindle. But when I get a new physical copy, I will later tab it.
Just simply wonderful. I think this will remain one of my favourite novels in the vnas range.
One of my favourite things about the virgin new adventures is the Doctor quoting from Irving Braxiatel's Armaggedon every time he tries to stop an alien using dangerous and outlawed weapons.
Like yes!! Use Brax's s Armaggedon convention with pride. It's probably one of the best things Irving Braxiatel ever did in his political career. (Especially with Andy Lane having written Empire of Glass himself!)
March 15, 2023
It's been a long time since I've read a virgin new adventure novel. I had attempted to do a marathon on this series of books but about halfway, it just fell through in the end especially since I had become more interested in horror novels, etc. But every now and again I like to pick up a Doctor Who novel to remind myself why I loved reading these so much.
The Doctor and Bernice having learned of a terrifying event soon to happen on thirtieth-century Earth, go to investigate. Roz Forrester grieving over the loss of an old colleague is teamed up with Chris Cwej, at first she finds him annoying and irresponsible but as they find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that affects the human empire on a grand scale, they start to find an understanding in one another. Riots are occurring on Earth, people are turning to murderous violence out of the blue, and in the midst of it all, is an old enemy who has been waiting for The Doctor to return for such a long time.
Andy Lane has written a spectacular space opera epic that is incredibly well pieced together, with a beautiful sense of prose when it comes to world-building and rich characterization. It's in some ways a fan service novel, especially with the return of an old villain who was an absolute joy to read and discovering his involvement in the story, but it still remains an incredibly well-written piece of fiction. Our new companions are terribly interesting as well, Chris is a sweetheart, whilst Roz is a grieving woman with prejudices of her own that I presume over time she will overcome.
Overall: One of the best Virgin New Adventure novels, such a tight and brilliant story that's dark, funny, bleak, exciting, and most of all epic. 10/10
The Doctor and Bernice having learned of a terrifying event soon to happen on thirtieth-century Earth, go to investigate. Roz Forrester grieving over the loss of an old colleague is teamed up with Chris Cwej, at first she finds him annoying and irresponsible but as they find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that affects the human empire on a grand scale, they start to find an understanding in one another. Riots are occurring on Earth, people are turning to murderous violence out of the blue, and in the midst of it all, is an old enemy who has been waiting for The Doctor to return for such a long time.
Andy Lane has written a spectacular space opera epic that is incredibly well pieced together, with a beautiful sense of prose when it comes to world-building and rich characterization. It's in some ways a fan service novel, especially with the return of an old villain who was an absolute joy to read and discovering his involvement in the story, but it still remains an incredibly well-written piece of fiction. Our new companions are terribly interesting as well, Chris is a sweetheart, whilst Roz is a grieving woman with prejudices of her own that I presume over time she will overcome.
Overall: One of the best Virgin New Adventure novels, such a tight and brilliant story that's dark, funny, bleak, exciting, and most of all epic. 10/10
November 3, 2021
I will gladly give this 4 stars. I really wasn't sure at first but the book got better as it progressed. I also found myself quite fond of Roz and Cwej(I enjoyed the joking about his name). Overall it was a solid and exciting adventure and I enjoyed the connection to a previous adventure as well.
July 23, 2024
About how I expect and hope a Who novel to be. Reasonably interesting new characters, weirdness, violence comical, not grimdark. Maybe the odd reference to a previous story.
January 24, 2021
A book that manages to take the less-than-stellar depiction of life in the 30th century (as seen in the 1972 story "The Mutants") and flesh it out with considerable detail, drama, and humour. It's a great introduction to two new companions, and it's one hell of a surprise sequel...specifically, the LAST character that you'd ever except to feature in a Doctor Who sequel...
May 9, 2025
Having strayed very far from the domains of the Doctor Who television series, the New Adventures series finally, 30+ novels in, gives us a story with all the elements of a classic Doctor Who television serial, with none of the excruciating crossover nonsense. The story is pretty straightforward. The Doctor and Bernice get into some trouble on the planet Oolis, and a dying Hith tells Benny not to travel to Earth in the 30th century. This piques the Doctor's curiosity, so off they go. In the 30th century, Earth is in its expansionist empire phase, conquering alien worlds for the "benefit" of the aliens, and terraforming the aliens' planets. Earth itself is a radically split society made up of floating "over cities" where the middle and upper classes live, and the degenerating lower cities, the remains of the old world, on the ground below. The left out and left behind live in the lower cities, scrambling for existence. Yes, it is some political messaging, but not out of character for Doctor Who. Earth is being hit by an outbreak of senseless, violent murders. As with most empire cultures, Earth is a police state managed by "adjudicators." The rest of the empire is controlled by the military elite Landsknecht. Both organizations are pretty harsh and murderous, and both have been corrupted by a shadowy figure lurking in the background, a figure who knows The Doctor of old, and who desperately wants the TARDIS.
Andy Lane has good control of the pacing for the most part, although things get a bit hectic in the last 20 pages. He characterizes The Doctor and Benny pretty well. This is Doctor 7 of 1989 in manner and attitude, not the broody, whiny, self-absorbed do-nothing of so many of the previous New Adventures novels. And, thankfully, he isn't the master schemer either. This is The Doctor most fans like, making it up as he goes along, getting caught up in something he doesn't quite understand, and spending most of the story figuring out what he's involved in. Another pleasing aspect of this novel is that while there is much violent death, Lane does not dwell on it like previous New Adventures writers who had to describe in slow-motion detail every drop of blood, every severed limb, every implement of torture and destruction, and every exact pain they cause.
Where I have my reservations is mostly in the science that Lane describes. Much of it is pure nonsense. For instance, the events of the novel take place over the course of about two days. In that time, The Doctor manages to visit two additional planets, not by TARDIS, but by good old hyperdrive spaceship, as if a trip across lightyears takes only an hour or so. Even in the Earth settings, Lane has no sense of the time it would take to travel from one point to another. Similarly, he introduces a mysterious kind of radiation as the cause of the murder spree. This radiation acts like no radiation currently known. Another area of reservation is that so many characters are just so ready to commit murder without it much bothering them that the murder spree and the evil baddies do not seem all that much out of the norm for Earth in the 30th century. No military organization that I know of could operate like the Landsknecht and last for very long.
In total, Original Sin gives a Doctor Who fan some relief from the excesses and mistakes of previous New Adventures novels. It's quite readable, and the problematic parts do not spoil the story as a whole. It makes a good introduction to the two new companions as well: Roz and Chris. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if Goodreads allowed it.
Andy Lane has good control of the pacing for the most part, although things get a bit hectic in the last 20 pages. He characterizes The Doctor and Benny pretty well. This is Doctor 7 of 1989 in manner and attitude, not the broody, whiny, self-absorbed do-nothing of so many of the previous New Adventures novels. And, thankfully, he isn't the master schemer either. This is The Doctor most fans like, making it up as he goes along, getting caught up in something he doesn't quite understand, and spending most of the story figuring out what he's involved in. Another pleasing aspect of this novel is that while there is much violent death, Lane does not dwell on it like previous New Adventures writers who had to describe in slow-motion detail every drop of blood, every severed limb, every implement of torture and destruction, and every exact pain they cause.
Where I have my reservations is mostly in the science that Lane describes. Much of it is pure nonsense. For instance, the events of the novel take place over the course of about two days. In that time, The Doctor manages to visit two additional planets, not by TARDIS, but by good old hyperdrive spaceship, as if a trip across lightyears takes only an hour or so. Even in the Earth settings, Lane has no sense of the time it would take to travel from one point to another. Similarly, he introduces a mysterious kind of radiation as the cause of the murder spree. This radiation acts like no radiation currently known. Another area of reservation is that so many characters are just so ready to commit murder without it much bothering them that the murder spree and the evil baddies do not seem all that much out of the norm for Earth in the 30th century. No military organization that I know of could operate like the Landsknecht and last for very long.
In total, Original Sin gives a Doctor Who fan some relief from the excesses and mistakes of previous New Adventures novels. It's quite readable, and the problematic parts do not spoil the story as a whole. It makes a good introduction to the two new companions as well: Roz and Chris. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if Goodreads allowed it.
March 3, 2018
I heard from a friend that this novel was simply amazing and he recommended I go out and experience it and so I did. I have to say that I’m not massively fond of proper hard line science fiction stories but I chose to give this one a chance. I’m so glad I did!
This story sees the introduction of two VNA companions, Roz Forrester and Chris Cwej and reading their first story was a joyful experience. I was unsure wether or not I was going to like the characters but now I can safely say I think they’re two nice creations. Andy Lane has done a really good job of fleshing out these characters and made me care about them quite a bit.
I loved the whole mystery of the story and I was eager to find out who the mystery man was working away behind the scenes. This a man who has met the doctor once before, a very long time ago and when I found out who this man was towards the end, I was gob-smacked! I won’t say who this old foe is as I want other readers to experience this great plot twist.
The 7th doctor is well characterised here as is Bernice Summerfield. The supporting characters are well written and I thought they worked well int he story. One character I liked in particular was Professor Pryce who is an intelligent scientist but has a dark history of inflicting pain on his victims as well as having no remorse for who he kills.
I was impressed by how well Andy Lane created various worlds and galaxies in the book and created many layers to each planet making it feel like it could actually exist in the Doctor Who universe.
The aliens of the story are called the Hith and are from a planet called Hithis. Sometimes I would get confused to which Hith is which as some of them have quite long complicated names like Powerless Freindliness or Waiting for Justice. It did take me a while to get used to the Hith Character names but I got there in the end.
Overall Original Sin is a marvellous VNA! Definitely recommended if you like the characters Chris and Roz. A thoroughly enjoyable read and one that hardly ever drags due to is truly engaging story.
This story sees the introduction of two VNA companions, Roz Forrester and Chris Cwej and reading their first story was a joyful experience. I was unsure wether or not I was going to like the characters but now I can safely say I think they’re two nice creations. Andy Lane has done a really good job of fleshing out these characters and made me care about them quite a bit.
I loved the whole mystery of the story and I was eager to find out who the mystery man was working away behind the scenes. This a man who has met the doctor once before, a very long time ago and when I found out who this man was towards the end, I was gob-smacked! I won’t say who this old foe is as I want other readers to experience this great plot twist.
The 7th doctor is well characterised here as is Bernice Summerfield. The supporting characters are well written and I thought they worked well int he story. One character I liked in particular was Professor Pryce who is an intelligent scientist but has a dark history of inflicting pain on his victims as well as having no remorse for who he kills.
I was impressed by how well Andy Lane created various worlds and galaxies in the book and created many layers to each planet making it feel like it could actually exist in the Doctor Who universe.
The aliens of the story are called the Hith and are from a planet called Hithis. Sometimes I would get confused to which Hith is which as some of them have quite long complicated names like Powerless Freindliness or Waiting for Justice. It did take me a while to get used to the Hith Character names but I got there in the end.
Overall Original Sin is a marvellous VNA! Definitely recommended if you like the characters Chris and Roz. A thoroughly enjoyable read and one that hardly ever drags due to is truly engaging story.
July 31, 2023
Lane has a delicious writing style (Chapter 7 being a particularly sadistic delight), and his keen detail to worldbuilding is 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 impeccable. Let me rephrase that, his worldbuilding 𝘪𝘴 impeccable, but I feel he distracts from the story by introducing new characters only for them to get murdered in their introduction scene. Initially, it was a compelling form of world-building but began to feel tiresome after a while.
This was my first VNA, but I do have passing familiarity with our companions from Big Finish. I haven't much to say about Benny or Chris but thought they were both well characterized, particularly Summerfield. However, the best written characters in the book were Roz and Powerless Friendless.
Both Forrester and Powerless Friendless had every inch of their grief, trauma, and anxiety painted vividly all over their characterization, which I found to be the most compelling. There was a particular aspect about Roz that I thought was a bold decision for a companion, but I don't wish to spoil.
The book started to lose me with their two antagonists. The first antagonist had these unnunanced ethical debates about (Spoilers, I guess?) with The Doctor that 𝘥𝘪𝘥 into the themes of the book 𝘣𝘶𝘵 were overly pretentious and a mishandling of the subject matter.
Towards the end, the big bad looming throughout the book was revealed. They explained their masterplan with dreary exposition, and then The Doctor 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 defeated them in the next chapter. I must admit, the way The Doctor defeated them was pretty badass but quite easily the weakest aspect of the book.
Although the antagonists were weak and the plot a tad flimsy throughout the book, I think the solid characterization of the protagonists and excellent worldbuilding make it worth a read.
This was my first VNA, but I do have passing familiarity with our companions from Big Finish. I haven't much to say about Benny or Chris but thought they were both well characterized, particularly Summerfield. However, the best written characters in the book were Roz and Powerless Friendless.
Both Forrester and Powerless Friendless had every inch of their grief, trauma, and anxiety painted vividly all over their characterization, which I found to be the most compelling. There was a particular aspect about Roz that I thought was a bold decision for a companion, but I don't wish to spoil.
The book started to lose me with their two antagonists. The first antagonist had these unnunanced ethical debates about (Spoilers, I guess?) with The Doctor that 𝘥𝘪𝘥 into the themes of the book 𝘣𝘶𝘵 were overly pretentious and a mishandling of the subject matter.
Towards the end, the big bad looming throughout the book was revealed. They explained their masterplan with dreary exposition, and then The Doctor 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 defeated them in the next chapter. I must admit, the way The Doctor defeated them was pretty badass but quite easily the weakest aspect of the book.
Although the antagonists were weak and the plot a tad flimsy throughout the book, I think the solid characterization of the protagonists and excellent worldbuilding make it worth a read.
September 29, 2021
This is definitely an above-average VNA novel, and one of the better ones so far (I'm reading them in order). The two new companions for this story - and future ones - are interesting, and I like that we get bits of their backstories scattered through the novel until at the end you understand their personalities and motivations.
I didn't predict the villain 'reveal' at the end of the story, although I'm not sure enough hints were dropped to allow for this. It would perhaps have been better done a bit earlier in the book, as there are a few pages of discussions between the villain and the Doctor - which mostly consists of ret-conning - and then they're easily defeated. It's a shame as the villain is really good in their original story, so this feels a bit of a let-down in comparison.
Overall, I found this easy to read and enjoyable - unlike a few VNAs to date where I've been reading them for the sake of going through the series in order rather than because they're good in their own right.
I didn't predict the villain 'reveal' at the end of the story, although I'm not sure enough hints were dropped to allow for this. It would perhaps have been better done a bit earlier in the book, as there are a few pages of discussions between the villain and the Doctor - which mostly consists of ret-conning - and then they're easily defeated. It's a shame as the villain is really good in their original story, so this feels a bit of a let-down in comparison.
Overall, I found this easy to read and enjoyable - unlike a few VNAs to date where I've been reading them for the sake of going through the series in order rather than because they're good in their own right.
April 21, 2025
Really enjoyed it. A nice introduction to Chris and Roz, who will be right at home in Seven's now rather expansive TARDIS crew.
The villain was a fantastic choice. The way they were teased throughout the whole book was a stroke of genius from Lane, and I think they were a great choice. A fine balance between appropriate and bringing back a forgotten gem for more reason than just the sake of it.
In fact, the whole plot overall is constructed really well. Certain things happen and then a few pages later, something else will happen, and you'll be thinking "Wait, how? Didn't X just happen before Y?" But rest assured, everything gets addressed and tidied up for a nice neat conclusion, just in time for our TARDIS crew of four to galavant off on their way.
The villain was a fantastic choice. The way they were teased throughout the whole book was a stroke of genius from Lane, and I think they were a great choice. A fine balance between appropriate and bringing back a forgotten gem for more reason than just the sake of it.
In fact, the whole plot overall is constructed really well. Certain things happen and then a few pages later, something else will happen, and you'll be thinking "Wait, how? Didn't X just happen before Y?" But rest assured, everything gets addressed and tidied up for a nice neat conclusion, just in time for our TARDIS crew of four to galavant off on their way.
June 28, 2020
Really enjoyed Original Sin for the most part. Considering it's one of the longer New Adventures, the pacing is actually pretty decent, and the worldbuilding is engaging, if pretty grim.
Chris and Roz get introduced well, and we get to know them quite well from this first appearance. While they barely have any interaction with the Doctor for most of the book, they both have fun dynamics with Benny, so I'm quite happy to see that there's a fair few books with this line-up ahead of me.
Chris and Roz get introduced well, and we get to know them quite well from this first appearance. While they barely have any interaction with the Doctor for most of the book, they both have fun dynamics with Benny, so I'm quite happy to see that there's a fair few books with this line-up ahead of me.
February 24, 2021
A stronger critique of empire than All-Consuming Fire because the same problem actually underpins the entire thing, and in general I think I've liked both of Lane's future set stories more. I have my issues (Beltempest didn't quite work for me) but this is definitely my favourite of his VNAs.
March 23, 2025
Pretty decent introduction of two new companions, plus a highly imaginative depiction of the Earth Empire alluded to during the run of the classic show but not especially developed there. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/202...
November 12, 2024
This drowns in world building for about the first 200 pages before finally picking up in its last act. When the surprise villain appears, he's rather entertaining, but he's seen rarely and has no direct impact for most of the story.
June 19, 2021
I must say that I'm not overly impressed with the New Adventures series
March 8, 2025
Wow! Not just a great Doctor Who book, but a great sci-fi book in general! You could have removed all the Doctor Who elements and it would still have been a compelling novel. Loved it.
July 13, 2024
Relativement ce à quoi je m'attendais : mise en place longue pour un climax beaucoup trop rapide. Cela dit l'évolution de la crise sur Terre avec les flashs infos en début de chaque chapitre, l'antagoniste final et les nouveaux compagnons étaient forts charmants et appréciables !!
September 12, 2015
Introducing two new companions
22 February 2012
I read this book namely because it was the book that introduced two new companions to Doctor Who, Chris and Roz, and the problem with series like this is that it can be hard to read them in order. When I was reading this I tended to jump back and forth between the books, which made it difficult to see any real continuity (and to know anything about the companions). However, most of the action in most of the books were pretty self contained. While I may have found continuity difficult, it would have been moreso for the authors with one book a month being released.
As for books, I tend to judge them on literary merit and to be honest most books written these days have little to no such merit (despite some trying). These books are purely for entertainment purposes, and are targeted towards Doctor Who fans who needed their dose of original Doctor Who during the period when it was not being produced (such as people like me). When it comes to any book though, it is not just literary merit that I look at, but also whether it is easy to read and entertain. I found these books entertaining, which is why I continued to return to them, however these days there are many other books that I am being drawn towards so unfortunately the Doctor Who books are being relegated to the past (though I am still tempted to buy some of the newer ones, if only to see what they are like).
Some have suggested that the title 'Original Sin' gives the book some purpose, and have suggested that the original sin of the Western World is raising a certain race above that of other races. The truth be told, this is not really original to the Anglo-American Empire. Empires throughout history have raised their own people above people of other races and cultures. The Greeks did it and the Israelites did it (the Romans were more inclusive with regards to their conquered people, however that was something that developed over a long period of time).
In Judeo-Christian religion, the original sin is rebellion against God. I will not necessarily repeat the Genesis story here because I really do not believe that it has anything to do with the book. In many cases there are issues of rebellion in Doctor Who. However, in a lot of these cases, the rebellion is against a wicked governor or ruler, though in another sense the bad guys could be rebelling against a legitimate governor or ruler. However, it really all depends on the story, and once again I do not believe that many of these books are written for any specific merit (though it is not always the case).
22 February 2012
I read this book namely because it was the book that introduced two new companions to Doctor Who, Chris and Roz, and the problem with series like this is that it can be hard to read them in order. When I was reading this I tended to jump back and forth between the books, which made it difficult to see any real continuity (and to know anything about the companions). However, most of the action in most of the books were pretty self contained. While I may have found continuity difficult, it would have been moreso for the authors with one book a month being released.
As for books, I tend to judge them on literary merit and to be honest most books written these days have little to no such merit (despite some trying). These books are purely for entertainment purposes, and are targeted towards Doctor Who fans who needed their dose of original Doctor Who during the period when it was not being produced (such as people like me). When it comes to any book though, it is not just literary merit that I look at, but also whether it is easy to read and entertain. I found these books entertaining, which is why I continued to return to them, however these days there are many other books that I am being drawn towards so unfortunately the Doctor Who books are being relegated to the past (though I am still tempted to buy some of the newer ones, if only to see what they are like).
Some have suggested that the title 'Original Sin' gives the book some purpose, and have suggested that the original sin of the Western World is raising a certain race above that of other races. The truth be told, this is not really original to the Anglo-American Empire. Empires throughout history have raised their own people above people of other races and cultures. The Greeks did it and the Israelites did it (the Romans were more inclusive with regards to their conquered people, however that was something that developed over a long period of time).
In Judeo-Christian religion, the original sin is rebellion against God. I will not necessarily repeat the Genesis story here because I really do not believe that it has anything to do with the book. In many cases there are issues of rebellion in Doctor Who. However, in a lot of these cases, the rebellion is against a wicked governor or ruler, though in another sense the bad guys could be rebelling against a legitimate governor or ruler. However, it really all depends on the story, and once again I do not believe that many of these books are written for any specific merit (though it is not always the case).
October 16, 2023
(I really need to get better at reviewing these in a timely matter considering I finishhed this a month-and-a-half ago.) Original Sin is the 39th Virgin New Adventure. It sees the Seventh Doctor and companion Bernice Summerfield investigating something dangerous going on on Earth in the 30th Century. People are going crazy and murdering friends, co-workers, etc for no discernable reason with no discernable motive. Very quickly, the Doctor and Benny are on the run. On top of this we meet two adjudactors (think police) Roz Forrester and Chris Cwej, who, in the process of investigating one of these motive-less murders, discover a web of corruption that sets them on the run. It's a fun read, gritty and dark but with moments of levity and humor. It's also a companion introduction story as Chris and Roz go on to travel with the Doctor and Benny at the end. A good jumping-on point for the New Adventures if you can track down a copy. P.S. - It was also adapted as Doctor Who: Original Sin, an audio drama by Big Finish.
June 27, 2020
On reread this is so close to being great but unfortunately falls down at the end.
To start with the good, the character work is excellent and Roz and Chris in particular are well setup to be the companions for this final stretch of the VNAs.
The themes are also interesting, debating what is the right to kill and who has moral justification, putting The Doctor's actions up against police officers, imperialists, experimental surgeons, megalomaniacs and freedom fighters.
The plot is also a good one with the idea of some technology causing people to become violent and the Doctor and Benny caught up in a murder investigation.
However, what happens at the end is disappointing. Keeping spoilers light:
1. Throughout the whole book we are teased this is an old enemy of The Doctor but by using them it creates a problem that the story ends up being really backward facing and peppered with pointless continuity references. Since the launching of the VMAs the New Adventures had largely been forward facing. As the start of the final chapter it feels a missed opportunity.
2. The solution at the end is a real let down. Just blowing some stuff up and violence. Given all the moral conundrum it almost felt like it ran out of pages.
3. There is a mystery established about Beltempest's identity... Which is then never explained.
So a good story if you want a bit of a fun but not as great as it could be.
To start with the good, the character work is excellent and Roz and Chris in particular are well setup to be the companions for this final stretch of the VNAs.
The themes are also interesting, debating what is the right to kill and who has moral justification, putting The Doctor's actions up against police officers, imperialists, experimental surgeons, megalomaniacs and freedom fighters.
The plot is also a good one with the idea of some technology causing people to become violent and the Doctor and Benny caught up in a murder investigation.
However, what happens at the end is disappointing. Keeping spoilers light:
1. Throughout the whole book we are teased this is an old enemy of The Doctor but by using them it creates a problem that the story ends up being really backward facing and peppered with pointless continuity references. Since the launching of the VMAs the New Adventures had largely been forward facing. As the start of the final chapter it feels a missed opportunity.
2. The solution at the end is a real let down. Just blowing some stuff up and violence. Given all the moral conundrum it almost felt like it ran out of pages.
3. There is a mystery established about Beltempest's identity... Which is then never explained.
So a good story if you want a bit of a fun but not as great as it could be.
July 17, 2019
I am currently only about two-thirds through this book, but am reviewing it early because I'm getting bored by it and already want to move on.
Original Sin is not one of the best new Adventures, but not one of the worst. It's demonstrative of how the Doctor Who writers agree on a future history that is exactly the opposite of Star Dreck's. It's a nasty milieu, a quasi-dystopia in which an arrogant Earth Empire has brutally dominated (often destroyed) many alien civilizations. While not particularly enjoying their vision, I appreciate it for displaying a much better understanding of human nature than the foolish meliorism of Gene Roddenberry. It's not Roddenberry but it's not Philip K. Dick either.
What's disgusting is not the Earth of Lane's future history; it's the prevailing fad among the future human characters. Popular, though not ubiquitous, is a process called "body-beppling" in which humans deliberately have themselves genetically mutated to rememble...whatever they want. One supporting character here has body-beppled himself into an elephant man, while Adjudicator (and eventual new companion) Chris Cwej resembles...well, I say it's a lion, but the characters seem to consider it a teddy-bear. Idiots. I got pretty tired of Cwej stroking his "golden fur."
This wasn't an unpleasant waste of my time, but I'm not sure I'll keep the book, much less re-read it.
Original Sin is not one of the best new Adventures, but not one of the worst. It's demonstrative of how the Doctor Who writers agree on a future history that is exactly the opposite of Star Dreck's. It's a nasty milieu, a quasi-dystopia in which an arrogant Earth Empire has brutally dominated (often destroyed) many alien civilizations. While not particularly enjoying their vision, I appreciate it for displaying a much better understanding of human nature than the foolish meliorism of Gene Roddenberry. It's not Roddenberry but it's not Philip K. Dick either.
What's disgusting is not the Earth of Lane's future history; it's the prevailing fad among the future human characters. Popular, though not ubiquitous, is a process called "body-beppling" in which humans deliberately have themselves genetically mutated to rememble...whatever they want. One supporting character here has body-beppled himself into an elephant man, while Adjudicator (and eventual new companion) Chris Cwej resembles...well, I say it's a lion, but the characters seem to consider it a teddy-bear. Idiots. I got pretty tired of Cwej stroking his "golden fur."
This wasn't an unpleasant waste of my time, but I'm not sure I'll keep the book, much less re-read it.
October 16, 2014
I tend to be a bit very when Doctor Who does hard SciFi stuff. Not necessarily because I don't think that these two things don't mix very well from the outset, it's more because the writers tend to become overtly serious when they're telling such type of stories, thus making them somewhat dry and exhausting to follow. (Ben Aaranovitch's "Transit" comes to mind. Or Tom Baker's last season on TV.) "Original Sin" occasionally falls into the same trap, but in this case I didn't mind so much because Lane's writing is actually rather beautiful and very descriptive.
Still, at times I found myself losing track of the plot or at least ending up a little confused about exactly things were connected. Or weren't connected. And I'm not even terribly sure if I truly got the ending.
But eh, anyway. It's a pretty solid book and a good introduction for the new companions Chris and Roz.
Still, at times I found myself losing track of the plot or at least ending up a little confused about exactly things were connected. Or weren't connected. And I'm not even terribly sure if I truly got the ending.
But eh, anyway. It's a pretty solid book and a good introduction for the new companions Chris and Roz.
December 23, 2009
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2069151.html[return][return]Andy Lane has rarely disappointed me, and this New Adventure, introducing new companions Roz Forrester and Chris Cwej, is up to his usual standards, with lots of good ideas - mollusc-like aliens resenting their recent defeat by humanity; a peculiar radiation that induces homicidal psychosis in its victims; a richly imagined array of settings, including a bootleg medical centre in the former church of St James Garlickhythe; and the rather glorious return of an old enemy who has been very active behind the scenes for centuries - all disciplined reasonably well.
December 14, 2009
New Adventure (NA) with Benny, Roz and Chris. Interesting, well-depicted, and the characters are well-realised, but little actually happens (which makes the characters look useless) and a huge number of things contradict each other (i.e. every time you have a grasp of something, the opposite happens). I'm a lot smarter than the author, which is really annoying. There is far too much filler. Seems to move slower and slower as the reader comes to realisations an increasing number of pages earlier than the Doctor does.
September 12, 2012
A good "trad" novel. The high point is the detailing of an interesting point in Earth's future history. The introduction of new companions is also well done, as is the detailing of a new alient race.
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