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“DECEIT: A SCATTERED ATTEMPT AT A DARKER WHO”

Peter Darvill-Evans aims for a mix of science fiction and fantasy in Deceit, creating a setting that feels like an adult take on The Androids of Tara or State of Decay. There's a clear effort to build a sense of continuity, with references to past adventures, the Doctor and Benny’s exhaustion, and the ongoing problems with the TARDIS. Given how loosely connected many of the Virgin New Adventures (VNA) had been up to this point, this attempt to tie things together is welcome, particularly in addressing the TARDIS’s instability.

The worldbuilding is solid, establishing a future humanity that has colonised multiple planets and suffered the aftermath of a war with the Daleks. The medieval-style society on the main planet is intriguing, adding a layer of contrast between technology and tradition. However, while the setting has potential, the novel struggles to turn it into a compelling narrative.

ACE RETURNS – A NEW, HARDENED VERSION

Ace’s sudden reappearance as part of a group of mercenaries is one of the novel’s biggest surprises. Having been absent for several books, she returns in a radically altered form—tougher, more confident, and embracing a "sexy mercenary" persona. She’s strong-willed and pragmatic, unafraid to manipulate those around her to achieve her goals. This version of Ace, now deeply immersed in violence and warfare, is quite different from the rebellious teenager who once travelled with the Doctor, and while her development makes sense, it’s jarring to have so little context for her transformation.

The Doctor and Ace’s reunion in the Zero Room at the end of Part 2 is a highlight, offering a moment of emotional depth as they catch up and momentarily set aside their differences. It also helps clarify the TARDIS’s contamination and its effect on the Doctor, tying into the book’s overarching themes of instability and change.

ABLSOM DAAK – THE UNDISPUTED STAR OF THE SHOW

One of the novel’s biggest draws is the inclusion of Doctor Who comic-book favourite Abslom Daak, the infamous Dalek Killer. He’s as brutish and violent as ever, yet his presence injects a level of energy and fun that much of the book lacks. His interactions with Ace and Agent Defries create an interesting dynamic, and while he remains a simple character, he’s undeniably entertaining.

FORGETTABLE SUPPORTING CAST AND A WEAK VILLAIN

While the Doctor, Ace, and Daak are engaging to various degrees, the rest of the supporting cast is largely forgettable. Agent Defries is a solid enough presence, but Britta, Lacuna and Francis fail to leave any real impression. Francis, in particular, feels like a half-hearted attempt at a new semi-companion, but he never develops into anything meaningful.

The novel’s biggest problem is its lack of a strong villain. Pool, with his grand ambitions of using block transfer computations to build a perfect universe, technically fills this role, but he never feels particularly threatening or compelling. Without a clear antagonist driving the conflict, the book struggles to maintain tension or narrative focus.

PACING PROBLEMS AND A BLOATED STRUCTURE

Darvill-Evans structures the novel like a Classic Doctor Who serial, dividing it into six lengthy parts. While this approach could have worked in theory, the chapters are far too long, making the pacing sluggish. The plot takes an eternity to get going—if it ever truly does—and much of the book consists of characters wandering around or engaging in dialogue without any real momentum.

At over 300 pages, Deceit is the longest VNA yet, but the prose doesn’t justify the length. The writing lacks the flair needed to make the meandering narrative engaging, and the book feels like a slog as a result. The second half, in particular, drags so much that it’s tempting to skim through just to reach the end.

ACTION AND CONNECTIONS TO THE VNA ARC

When the novel does bother with action, it’s generally well-handled, particularly the sequences involving Daak and Ace. These moments provide brief flashes of excitement, but they’re too infrequent to make up for the book’s slow pace.

On a positive note, Deceit does a better job than many previous VNAs at integrating itself into the ongoing arc, addressing the Doctor’s recent struggles and the instability of the TARDIS. This sense of continuity is appreciated, even if the execution of the main story is lacking.

📝VERDICT: 3/10

Deceit has interesting elements—a darker, battle-hardened Ace, the return of Abslom Daak, and a welcome attempt at continuity—but it ultimately fails to come together into a satisfying novel. The pacing is too slow, the villain is forgettable, and the plot lacks direction, making it a frustrating read. While there are enjoyable moments, particularly in the interactions between the Doctor, Ace, and Daak, the novel as a whole feels like a chore to get through.