(I'm trying out a new book review format) 

Title: Doctor Who: Shada by Gareth Roberts 

Overall Rating: 4.5/5 

Categories: 

- ☐ Fantasy 

- ✓ Science Fiction 

- ☐ Romance 

- ☐ Mystery/Thriller 

- ☐ Historical Fiction 

- ☐ Nonfiction 

- ☐ Memoir/Biography 

- ☐ Literary Fiction 

- ☐ Young Adult 

- ☐ Children's 

- ☐ Other: [Specify] 

Plot: 4.5/5 

• Brief Summary: A dangerous book goes missing, a mysterious man named Skagra is searching for Shada, and The Doctor and Romana go on a boat through Cambridge. 

Characters: 5/5 

• Main Character(s): This was the best characterization I've come across in a Doctor Who book so far, The Doctor and Romana were perfectly in character. I could hear the actors' voices in my head. Chris and Clare were also great characters, I enjoyed their growing relationship. 

Writing Style: 5/5 

• Pros: Roberts' writing style has got to be the best writing I've read in a DW book. I haven't read a book that has kept me hooked and wanting to read more in a long time. I loved the hint/nods to Douglas Adams as well, it wasn't overdone, but very tactfully used. 
• Cons: N/A 

Worldbuilding/Setting: 4/5 

• Thoughts: Some very immersive settings, I really liked the descriptions of the Time Vortex. 

Themes: Telepathy, Hidden Past, Time Lord Shenanigans 

Pacing: 4/5 

• Too Fast? Too Slow?: I felt the pacing was just right, though in the middle it did drag a bit. 

Ending: 4/5 

• Satisfying? Surprising? Unsatisfying?: I did not see the twist with Salayvin coming (I hope I spelled his name correctly.) I also thought that the ending on the alien beach and back at St Cedd's College was great. 

Overall Impression: I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes the Fourth Doctor. I'm curious to see how the TV and Big Finish stories stack up. 

Notes: There were a couple parts where there were talks about the Time Lords sweeping things under the rug, so to speak. This made me think of Division and The Timeless Child.