Editorial Review:

Product Description:
It's the start of a Cardiff autumn - the days are getting shorter, the dark evenings settling in. There's a part of Cardiff that no one goes to much. No crime, no murders, just... they stay away. A collection of old rundown houses and gloomy streets. Something's not quite right there, something is off-kilter. Except now, the Council are renovating the area. And a new company have been employed to do this. And look: they're going to organize street parties to show off the gentrified area. Clown and face-painters for the kids, street magicians for the adults. None of this is Torchwood's problem. Except that Tosh recognizes the man sponsoring the street parties when she's passing one day: Bills Manger!

This has got to be one of my favorite Torchwood stories. Gary Russell does a fantastic job getting the characters spot on.

The story opens with Captain Jack Harkness at a train station in Cardiff, looking for someone. Random, yes, but that's not the odd part. The odd part is that it's not 2008, oh no, but towards the end of WWII. I warn you now, this book will jump back and forth between past, present, and future and will get a bit confusing. Yet it is worth every moment of confusion, for Russell does a wonderful job at keeping up suspense while having the plot continue to develop. For you Janto fans out there, it has many cute, sweet, heartfelt, and domestic moments between the boys. This book also gives a little bit more insight into the mystery that is Bilis Manger, and further develops the mystery surrounding Jack. If you don't have this book you should buy it immediately.

Average Rating:

Rating: - Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Whimey
This has got to be one of my favorite Torchwood stories. Gary Russell does a fantastic job getting the characters spot on.

The story opens with Captain Jack Harkness at a train station in Cardiff, looking for someone. Random, yes, but that's not the odd part. The odd part is that it's not 2008, oh no, but towards the end of WWII. I warn you now, this book will jump back and forth between past, present, and future and will get a bit confusing. Yet it is worth every moment of confusion, for Russell does a wonderful job at keeping up suspense while having the plot continue to develop. For you Janto fans out there, it has many cute, sweet, heartfelt, and domestic moments between the boys. This book also gives a little bit more insight into the mystery that is Bilis Manger, and further develops the mystery surrounding Jack. If you don't have this book you should buy it immediately.

Rating: - Fast start, bad ending...
The idea of using Bill Manger as the center of the story really hooked me and also diving somewhat into Jack's past also added fuel to the fires of my interest. The idea that there may be something waiting for Jack added some spice to the plot. And I liked how the other characters were used, giving their own side issues and views. But the ending, sorry to say, did feel weak. Not that it felt rushed as much as not really well thought out, not polished. Which is weird, because Gary Russell isn't new to the craft of words. As he has written Doctor Who novels and is a part of the Doctor Who production team you would think he had some inside knowledge about Torchwood he could use to beef it up.
But no go. A weak chain in the, otherwise, fine collection of Torchwood books. So far.

---

Rating: - A must read!
If you are a Torchwood fan, and I assume you would be if you are viewing Torchwood books, then this book is for you! I felt this book is a great addition to the show and really gave some great character information and backgroud.

---

Rating: - Amateurish
The plot meandered through most of the book. The big "showdown" at the end didn't make a lot of sense. There is an original character that acts kind of like a hormonal fourteen year old. Every time he showed up I wanted to smack him. Actually, most of the characters acted like teenagers. The author knows the form that humor is supposed to follow but just can't quite get it right and the attempts end up feeling forced. The author also occasionally spells "Because" as "Cos" in the narrative. I would suggest staying away from this one and reading Slow Decay instead.
*SPOILERS*
The visions of the future were kind of neat, I thought. Bilis Manger is apparently just misunderstood. *rolls eyes* He needed to unleash that demon to kill everybody! It was for the good of the world! Stupid Jack, trying to stop people from dying.

---

Rating: - Best Torchwood book to date!
Of all the Torchwood books to date, this is my favorite! The characters were true to form, the plot was fascinating, and the writing was great. The ending felt a bit rushed, but sometimes the TV episodes end like that also. I actually enjoyed the character development and emotional delving more than the usual "action only" plots. Don't worry, there's plenty enough action for everyone. This book explored the nature of the character's souls, their weaknesses, and their strengths. The character of Gwen did not play as major a role in the book as usual, and actually that seemed a pleasant change. I prefer a plot that balances the Torchwood team's interaction - they're all fascinating in different ways. I loved that the author delved into the developing relationship between Jack and Ianto - everyone is always wondering what their true feelings are, the nature of their relationship, and if the affection is mutual. The ending leaves no doubt. If you're a Jack/Ianto fan, this book will leave you with happy tears.

see more

Related Items:

Trace Memory (Torchwood)

Something In The Water (Torchwood)

Another Life (Torchwood)

Slow Decay (Torchwood)

Torchwood - The Complete Second Season

Browse for similar items by category:

• Science Fiction & Fantasy
• Authors, A-Z
• Fantasy
• Gaming
• Large Print