The Infinity Doctors

Book review by Brad Schmidt

Perhaps in reviewing such a novel as The Infinity Doctors, I could simply follow the author's example and consult past work, rehashing a number of themes until something familiar appears. Such an event isn't entirely unknown - take Terrance Dicks' work, for example - but it was somewhat surprising to see such a method employed by Doctor Who's shining pioneer Lance Parkin. It's easily forgiven, because The Infinity Doctors was intended to be a celebration of the entire era of Doctor Who, and succeeds admirably in such a difficult task.

Various familiar faces appear, but none are more familiar than the Doctor himself, which is surprising considering this Doctor is a hitherto unseen version. He is either what has been, what might have been or what will be, but seeing as this adventure is so captivating on its own merits, there's no point in trying to justify its inclusion into that ever-controversial ‘canon’. Instead, join the novel in its purpose and celebrate Doctor Who. Several characters' identities remain elusive until the end, but there's fun to be had in trying to identify them (however futile, I might add). A peace conference is held between two of Doctor Who's famous monsters, with alarming and familiar results for Gallifrey, and a familiar omnipotent being makes another return. Lance Parkin also picks up on a plot thread in Cold Fusion (but not quite so interestingly), and also adds a final coherency to Seeing I, justifying that novel's unexpected use of Gallifreyan mythology.

The Infinity Doctors may not be the most original I've read this year, but it's certainly one of the most entertaining. [4/5]