Title: A Big Hand for the Doctor
Author: Eoin Colfer
First published January 1, 2013
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.38
Overview
Twelve Doctors, twelve months, twelve stories: a year-long celebration of Doctor Who continues! The most imaginative names in children’s literature each craft their own thrilling tale about the time-traveling Time Lord. In this installment, we join the First Doctor in London during the year 1900.
The Doctor is on a mission to find his granddaughter Susan, but he’s up against more than he bargained for. With a beam of mysterious light and ruthless Soul Pirates on the loose, the Doctor must embark on a perilous journey into the unknown.
Will he succeed in his quest, or will he be forever lost in a strange, new world? Find out in A Big Hand for the Doctor by Eoin Colfer.
About the Author
Born in 1965, Eoin Colfer grew up in Wexford, a coastal town in the South-East of Ireland. Raised by his parents, both educators, and his four siblings, he went on to earn a degree from Dublin University before returning to Wexford to teach primary school.
Eoin has since lived and worked in various countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Italy. Following the success of his Artemis Fowl book series, he decided to retire from teaching and now focuses on writing full time.
He currently resides in Ireland with his wife and two children.
Editoral Review
Eoin Colfer’s novel, A Big Hand for the Doctor, takes readers on a thrilling adventure filled with eccentric characters and unpredictable twists. Colfer rose to fame with his popular Artemis Fowl series, and his latest work offers the same level of engaging storytelling and imaginative world-building.
Published in 2013, the novel is a part of the BBC’s Doctor Who series, which has been widely acclaimed by fans and critics alike. The novel is set in Victorian London and features the Eleventh Doctor, along with his companions, Clara Oswald and Vastra, a Silurian detective.
The story revolves around a mysterious artifact known as the Waystone, which is sought after by a wealthy collector and a deadly alien race. The Doctor and his team must navigate through numerous obstacles to track down the Waystone and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Colfer’s writing style is impeccable, and he masterfully captures the essence of Doctor Who. The novel is filled with humor, adventure, and suspense, and the characters are well developed and relatable.
The fast-paced plot keeps readers on their toes, and the unexpected twists ensure that there is never a dull moment. The author also introduces numerous historical and cultural elements, which add depth and realism to the world-building.
While A Big Hand for the Doctor is a thrilling adventure, it also offers valuable insights into the human condition. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and sacrifice, and the characters are deeply flawed yet ultimately heroic.
The nineteenth-century setting also provides a commentary on the social and political issues of the time, which are still relevant today. In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the plot to be too convoluted or the villains to be too one-dimensional.
Additionally, fans of the Doctor Who series who are looking for a deeper exploration of the Time Lord’s mythology may be disappointed. However, these flaws are minor and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, Eoin Colfer’s A Big Hand for the Doctor is an excellent addition to the Doctor Who canon. It is a thrilling adventure that captures the essence of the beloved series, while also offering valuable insights into the human experience.
Fans of Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series, as well as Doctor Who aficionados, are sure to love this book. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and engaging read.
RATING: 4/5 stars. The book is well written and engaging, with strong characters and an exciting plot.
The themes are relevant and thought-provoking, and the world-building is excellent. However, the plot may be too convoluted for some readers, and the villains may be too one-dimensional for others.
