When Summer Falls The lord Of Winter Will Arise.... A Book review

I had no idea what to expect with this book. All I knew is that I had to see what connection it had with the world of Who. This short book was a delight. It was kind of like a mix of Nancy Drew, Harry Potter, but mainly Doctor Who. The main character, Kate Webster, is so obviously a young Clara, which I'll get back to in a minute. She was sassy, clever, curious, and headstrong. The year and ages are ambiguous, but I would guess about 12-14 for Kate. Like "Angel's Kiss" this book and even on Amazon kept up the pretense of being written  by Amelia Pond in 1954, but unlike the previous book, does not give the true author's name. This is the book that Artie was reading in "Bells of Saint John," and I am not ashamed to admit that while I didn't cry my eyes out at chapter 11 like Clara suggested, I did get teary eyed and had to blow my nose, so good job "Amelia Williams." 

The story centers on Kate, who has just moved to the small seaside town of Watchcomb. With her mother ill, or perhaps suffering from a depression, Kate is determined to find something worthwhile to do. On her search she discovers The Curator, in charge of the local museum, neighbor boy Armand, who warns Kate that his father kills people, a strange painting on a curious canvas, and rumors surrounding recent deaths. But it's the curious grey cat crossing her path that will be the first in a series of unplanned events that will change Kate's life completely. 

Getting back to The Curator. It's The Doctor. I'm not even going to pretend to put a disclaimer since it doesn't actually say it, but take my word for it, it's The Doctor. He speaks of events out of time, alludes to his shed being the TARDIS, mentions something being cool, and says he is between names at the moment. I am almost quite as sure that Kate is Clara helping The Doctor like she sent herself out to do. She even mentions souffles at one point. Then I came across this picture from "The Name of The Doctor." After Clara steps into The Doctor's timeline, she mentions living a thousand lives and we see this girl in the window. Coincidence? 

I highly recommend this book. You can pick up the Kindle version here at Amazon. It took me about an hour to read, but it was packed with adventure. I am looking forward to more quick read stories like this in the future. 

Kindle Book Review: The Angel's Kiss

When this little book came out after "The Angel's Take Manhattan" I thought it was supposed to be the book they were reading in the episode. I never noticed the book in the episode simply had the title "Melody Malone." But "The Angel's Kiss" is a prequel of sorts to the episode/book in the episode. There are definite links, like a mention of P.I. Garner and a cameo by Julius Grayle. We do get to see how Grayle got his angel. And the statue of the woman and boy are there, but it is definitely a River story, despite that name not being mentioned.

The whole book would probably fall flat for anyone who doesn't watch the show. There are many subtle nods to the show, but never any direct mention or connection of anything other than River and the angels. Only the barest hints at things like time travel, hallucinogenic lipstick, and The Doctor. That's okay, though, because I discovered that River can carry a story on her own. Justin Richards did a great job with her dialog. I found it easy to hear Alex Kingston's voice delivering the lines, which made her sexual innuendos funnier to read. He also provided an easy read that was a detailed story that moved swiftly. He did a good job of creating a late 30's feel.

The story is of Melody Malone, private investigator, taking a case from a top 30's movie star who has overheard plans to kill him. On their second meeting it is clear the case will not be simple when the star does not remember her. The story is pretty straightforward for the first half (4 chapters), but then Melody accepts the offer of studio executive Max Kleiner to visit the set, everything gets going, and a bit crazy. I would read another River story. Maybe some archaeological trips? It definitely gives me optimism about reading some of this author's other Doctor Who books that have come out.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the 'About the Author' page. Here is what it says:

"Melody Malone is the owner and sole employee of the Angel Detective Agency in Manhattan. She is possibly married but lives alone usually, and is older than both her parents. Sometimes.

Why not visit her website? Ah - probably because the internet hasn't been invented yet. Sorry, Sweetie."

Visit this link to get the book on Kindle from Amazon