15 - White Darkness

In the Doctor’s first full adventure in our past since Nightshade, the late David A. McIntee brings us to Haiti during World War I, where political unrest, imperialism, espionage, zombis, and Lovecraftian horror collide.  It’s an atmosphere-driven story that verges into James Bond territory at times, and although it misses the mark with its characterization of the Doctor at times, it’s a decent entry in the franchise that I recommend checking out!

After a rough reunion with Ace, the Doctor decides that the group needs a holiday, but misses his target of Florida and lands in Haiti in 1915.  If you are a history buff or are more familiar with Haitian folklore, this book is probably right up your alley; McIntee clearly did his research, and even credits his sources in the foreword.  This is a story that harkens back to the edutainment of the Hartnell era, in which the Doctor is inadvertently dropped into history and we watch it play out before his eyes.  Before long, he and his companions are caught between President Jean Sam and his murderous general Etienne, a regiment of US Marines, and the crew of a secret German base, while a mysterious force reanimates the dead into zombis.  The main villain, a former slave from 18th century Nigeria named Mait, has made contact with a “Great Old One,” who has extended his life while he helps it reawaken.  McIntee creates a thrilling atmosphere in the first half, as the Doctor dashes around uncovering the mysteries of Port-au-Prince with the help of a couple Richard Mace-like side characters.

Unfortunately, this book fails in its characterization of the Doctor, who lacks the defining traits that Seven has displayed in all of his other adventures thus far.  Based on his dialogue, I got an impression closer to Three, or perhaps Big Finish’s reimagining of Six, rather than the brooding but clownish little man I’ve come to know and love.  He even wears a different outfit, so maybe this is supposed to be Seven deliberately trying to present himself differently?  I wouldn’t call his character bad per se, but it’s not very consistent.  I also found there to be some pacing issues, particularly in the second half of the story; McIntee is clearly a good writer, but his prose style is clearly better suited for the quieter investigative passages than the action scenes, which make up a good portion of the climax.

I personally didn’t find White Darkness very memorable, but most of it was quite entertaining, and I do recommend it if you enjoy Hartnell-style historicals or have a particular interest in Haitian history.  Onward to Shadowmind!