The Book Report #108
Episode #107
Doctor Who – Martha in the Mirror By Justin Richards
The Book
Published in 2008 by BBC Books, an imprint of Ebury Publishing. Ebury Publishing is a division of Random House Group Ltd.
My copy is a fourth-print hardback with 257 pages, with an acknowledgement and advertising for other books in the series.
What Did I Think?
A peace treaty is close to being signed, and two warring people are close to joining together to become one. But that could all come to an end if one general gets his way.
The doctor, the Tenth Doctor, has arrived with Martha to visit a museum, hoping to join a tour of a castle/fortress. That used to be run by monks. But of course, they arrive a little early, about a hundred years early, when the peace treaty is a day away from being signed.
As a gesture of goodwill, a replica of the Mortal Mirror is given as a gift to commemorate the treaty, since the original was destroyed.
…Or was it?
The Mirror
There is something in the mirror; if you look at it, your reflection might come out and kill you.
Janna is a little girl who has reign over the building and gardens. She did have a twin, but not anymore. The people of the castle have taken pity on her and have not interfered, allowing her to do whatever she wants. She has some things to deal with, and until she admits that, she will spin out of control.
The stars of the book are the two robots, who have spent their time – and it has been a long time – fixing all the problems the building has. They are a comedy duo and know everything that’s going on. Bill and Bot. Even though they aren’t major players in the story, they help it along by popping up now and then to provide some light entertainment.
This book flows nicely, and there is nothing that I hated about the story. Yes, the story does have mild references to Alice Through the Looking-Glass in parts, but the author is aware and makes sure you know he knows it, with Martha referencing it a few times. But all in all, this is a fun little story, and I am glad I read it. The running, which is always a thing; the mystery and solving the crimes about to happen; and saving several species of people from a continuous war.
Would I recommend?
Yes, I would recommend this book to any Doctor Who fan and those who are fans of the tenth Doctor and Martha. The author does a great job of creating realistic versions of the main characters. I would also recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick science fiction novel to pass a little time.
Please give the book a go.
Would you like to purchase your very own copy?
You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA and Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/USA, Barnes & Noble, or eBay UK/USA.
Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.
