Doyle

Do I Dare Disturb the Universe (Doctor Who)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 21st May 2009 (7)
Tags: Short Story
(9K)

Summary: "Mickey, you can't go inviting aliens to tea at your nan's because you think they look a bit lonely. God help us if the invasion fleet lands when we haven't got the milk in."

I liked this. The humour was dry, and the author captured Romana's voice. And Mickey and Jake, and snark. With just a little touch of seriousness. Also, it ties in with canon nicely.

Domestic Goddess (Torchwood)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 21st May 2009 (8)
Tags: Short Story
(7K)

Summary:Cooking, in theory, sounds simpler than crazed shapeshifting vampire aliens. In theory.

The "heroine can't cook" thing is a bit of a cliche, but this story managed to charm rather than irritate. It helps that I love Gwen/Rhys, and both of them were spot on.

The Fate of the Earth Depends on It, Probably (Black Books/Torchwood)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 30th March 2008 (8)
Tags: Short Story, Crossover
(19K)

Summary:A moment of madness on a certain internet auction site leads Torchwood to Manny's door. Bernard is even less happy than usual.

I have mixed feelings on this one. It was recced on Calufrax, with the indication that you didn't have to have seen "Black Books" to enjoy it, and I think that's true. Treat it as an "outsider" view of the Whoniverse, and it works. The writing style is also delightful, in a sharp, dark, wry way.

Then Bernard was bellowing for his tea, and Fran was tumbling through the door with a dazed look on her face, as if the face of Jesus had just appeared in her cornflakes and given her next week's lottery numbers.

The only thing that prevents me from endorsing this heartily is that it's just a bit too cynical and unlikeable (a bit like Torchwood itself, I guess). The three characters in question don't seem to be actually likeable. Reminds me of "Red Dwarf". I suspect I wouldn't enjoy "Black Books" if I saw it.

The Great Bikini Incident (The Key to Time Remix) (Buffy/Doctor Who)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 27th September 2008 (5)
Tags: Short Story, Crossover, AU
Characters: Dawn Summers, Jack Harkness
(10K)

Summary: Dawn Summers is suspicious of the three electricity inspectors outside her sister's Rome apartment.

This was a remix and expansion of a drabble, giving it context and more of a plot. And more zany wierdo fun. Banter, and wierdness, and the Doctor apologizing in advance for Jack... did I mention this was fun?

Great Things Have Happened (Doctor Who)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 10th August 2008 (5)
Tags: Short Story
(11K)

Summary:Evelyn gets sent on a Christmas errand. If only she knew what for...

I like the little touches in this, the little details, such as the books. Even if the story hadn't had a point, it would have been a lovely little slice-of-life story.

They Came to Norway to Eat Our Brains (Doctor Who)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 7th June 2008 (8)
Tags: Short Story
(32K)

Summary: Post-Doomsday. The Torchwood base at Darlig ulv Stranden has a problem with zombies. Well, one zombie (suspected). And when the pictures come through in London, Rose is shocked to realise who it is.

SWith a title like that, you can tell that there's going to be Torchwood-level insanity, yes. There are so many good bits in this. Not just the concept (which is cool), not just the way everyone's in character, but yes, the banter, and the style. This was fun.