Perhaps the best characterisation of the Doctor and Companions I have seen in a book yet - the Fourth Doctor, Sarah Jane and Harry, are so true to the nature of their characters within the show, that their words and mannerisms are immediately imagined and heard when reading. They all come across so effortlessly charming within this story, that it is such a dream and joy to read. All characters are also served brilliant moments which show off what makes them fan favourite characters too - moments of humour, moments of humanity and kindness, and moments which show the strengths of their agency and their autonomy.

The story itself, is a story of two halves, with a nice narrative thread connecting these. The Doctor discussing his actions with the Time Lords, again positioned as a trial again, is absolutely fascinating to delve into the motivations of the Doctor - generally as a heroic Time Lord, and with smaller decisions within the narrative.

The two halves are incredibly distinct. The first, is a foreboding, body horror story which hooks you in with the sheer terror. It is described and built richly, that you feel the atmosphere deeply. The Scarecrows are a great threat, and you are scared for the main characters, and the villagers, particularly the well developed and endearing side character Sophonisba.

The second half, may not be as strong as the first, but because this is less focused. However, this instead gives us something incredibly unique, while in the vein of an Adams story, with a complex and developed villain. The lack of rules, and sharp turns and twists this story takes in the second half is explained well narratively, due to the nature of the threat, and the nature of fear. Perhaps too many elements were added here and time to let this breathe instead of twist and turn so dramatically would have been beneficial - nonetheless it is a great development of the story, and works fantastically within the narrative.

And the surprise appearances of future incarnations is a joy - the release of this story timed well with the Thirteenth Doctor's first series, and it was nice to bring and cross into this, bringing close the themes essential to the character of the Doctor, and making stark similarities between incarnations, which is a beautiful and touching addition.