Really strong start to this trilogy of 15th Doctor books

what a fun little story!!!! fifteen's charm was immediately conveyed through text, which isn't always easy to do with a new doctor. this was my first time reading him, and what a story to jump off from! classic in the way an episode gets you attached to the side characters, along with the ones you already know and love. a great time overall.

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

"Ruby Red: A Frozen Adventure of Aliens, History, and Heroics"

Ruby Red begins with a brisk, engaging pace that immediately feels like a quintessential Doctor Who cold open. The frosty Estonian setting, reminiscent of The Deviant Strain, transports us to a fresh locale in medieval times—a far cry from the usual futuristic or urban landscapes.

The historical backdrop of the Battle on the Ice between the Duchy of Estonia and the Republic of Novgorod is a fascinating choice. It’s always a treat when Doctor Who highlights lesser-known historical events, and this one is both visually evocative and thematically rich.

Characters that Shine

The Doctor and Ruby are well-realised in this story, though the Doctor feels slightly fuzzier around the edges compared to their TV counterpart. Ruby, however, is spot-on, capturing her TV personality with precision.

Ran, the alien mercenary on a rite of passage, is a standout. Her proactive nature and quick bond with the TARDIS team make her an engaging addition. The introduction of her Rentaran sisters brings some intrigue, though their presence feels more like a standard narrative detour than a fully fleshed-out subplot.

Pacing and Structure

The first half of the story mirrors the rapid pacing of a New Who episode, delivering a relentless barrage of action, danger, and alien mystery. These chapters are exhilarating but leave little room for deeper exploration of the historical setting.

The middle chapters slow down, offering backstory and character moments that feel serviceable but not groundbreaking. While these sections maintain interest, they lean into formulaic storytelling rather than pushing boundaries.

Action and Atmosphere

The latter half ramps up the action, blending elements of The Deviant Strain, Last Christmas, and Alien. The alien parasites and zombie hosts provide a creepy and chaotic foe, with the tension building to a nail-biting climax on the frozen lake.

Cook’s action writing is a highlight, capturing the peril and excitement with cinematic flair. The sequence on the lake is particularly thrilling, with icy dangers and high stakes that keep you on edge.

Missed Opportunities

While the historical setting is beautifully atmospheric, it feels underutilised in terms of plot. The Battle on the Ice and its cultural significance are overshadowed by the alien conflict, leaving the setting as more of a backdrop than an integral element of the story.

A Satisfying Conclusion

The climax is satisfying, with Ran’s heroic moment and the Doctor’s tense encounter with Genetrix inside the TARDIS providing strong payoffs. The narrative wisely takes time to wrap up its loose ends, giving the story a more rounded and complete feel.

The Verdict: A Chilling but Familiar Adventure

Ruby Red delivers a well-structured, action-packed adventure that captures the energy of a New Who episode. Its unique setting and intriguing characters shine, though the story occasionally feels constrained by its adherence to familiar Doctor Who tropes.

For fans of historical adventures and alien intrigue, this is a solid and enjoyable read, even if it doesn’t fully capitalise on its promising setup.

📝70/100

A compelling, pulse-pounding read. I really felt invested in all of the characters, even the ones that the narrative was unable to flesh out as much as the others (mainly Onfim). A good historical story makes you care about the fate of people that have been dead for centuries, and this certainly managed that. The aliens were compelling as well, with their complex family dynamic -- trying to show care for one another despite their vastly different perspectives on life and visions for Ran's future really struck a chord with me. The villain was legitimately chilling in its motives and actions (and its self-denial? Its refusal to acknowledge the fear that drove its monstrous conquest? Magnificent). And of course, the Doctor and Ruby were excellently realized. I love a good pair of besties in the TARDIS. My only complaint is that the conclusion was... somewhat underwhelming. It was a good ending, a nice 'hoist by their own petard' defeat that I love to see, but the execution was a little too quick and simple after everything it took to get there. On the whole, though, a thrilling read.