One of the first VNA's I attempted to read back around 2017/18, I only got around 50 pages in before being sidetracked until this month and finally completing it, in quite quick time. Not one of my favourites, but definitely better than I feel the general consensus is. Rereading those first 50 pages I find so many scenes have stayed in my head, the prologue is a lovely couple of pages, the Doctor and Kadiatu have a lovely scene in a bar, the guest cast are interesting. Aaronovitch injects a lovely amount of diversity here, something Classic Who did not have enough of. The world building is strong, and the location headings for each change of perspective is a very helpful way if keeping track of where we are. Bernice, on her first adventure following her introduction last novel, is sadly sidelined and we don't get to spend much time with her as she is possessed for most of the story. She still has moments to shine, but it's not as many as would be ideal for a new companions first proper adventure.  I feel some of the writing in action sequences and describing the technology can be a bit muddled and I did find myself losing focus at points, somewhat unclear as to what was happening. A glossary in the back was helpful, moreso for the terminology of this future setting.

Overall rate this a 7. It is above half of Timewyrm and all of Cats Cradle, but not as good as the previous couple of novels. But it is an intriguing experience and one I look forward to rereading in a few years.