Doctor Who: The Stealers Of Dreams

There is just something bemusing and yet clever about a work of escapist fiction whose underlying theme is, well, escapist fiction--its role and purpose, how drab and matter-of-fact our lives would be without it. As fictional universes go, that of "Doctor Who" may well be one of the best potential arenas in which to explore this theme, and Steve Lyons manages to milk that potential for all it's worth in this highly entertaining, nicely crafted, and slyly thoughtful science fiction adventure. "The Stealers of Dreams" as a story takes place at some indeterminate point near the end of the revived program's first series, apparently somewhere between "The Doctor Dances" and "Bad Wolf" (Doctor Who - The Complete First Series) and so features the relatively short-lived Ninth Doctor and his ever-popular companions Rose and Captain Jack. Lyons' portrayal of these characters is incredibly accurate and true-to-form while still being dynamic and creative (rather than, say, trying vainly to establish their personalities by merely mimicking catchphrases from the show). Their relationships as they were then are depicted convincingly, and Lyons has a surefire sensitive grasp of their interactions. Thrilling adventure and quirky humor blend properly. The style, atmosphere, and pacing of his storytelling feels right at home with the 2005 series while doing something a little different and tackling ideas better handled in prose than on screen. These are all pluses not to be taken for granted. The story at first seems like an edifying but predictable dystopian vision of a future where fiction, fantasy, and little white lies are outlawed by the powers that be so as to squelch creativity and any sort of thinking outside the box, keeping the populace passively content in their place. That alone would've been okay enough in and of itself. But Lyons takes this dependably good premise and, while exploring its consequences in compellingly creative and sometimes funny ways, gives it some deliciously unconventional twists and tweaks leading up to several skillfully foreshadowed yet intriguingly unexpected revelations. And that's when the Doctor saves the day, of course, but not in the way you were probably thinking at the start. I was thrown for a good loop a few times anyway, and loved every minute of it. I've read and enjoyed a few of the other recent Doctor Who novels, but this is by far the best-written and strongest overall, at least in my opinion. And it's the only one so far that failed to induce a slightly self-embarrassed feeling of being a thirty-something indulging in a book pitched primarily at bright teens. Though in the final analysis that's indeed what it is, but it's fantastic for anyone of any age who's looking for a little escapist fiction with an intelligent touch.

Great book and in great shape. Very pleased!

I have already read this book twice. That it has Captain Jack in it is a big plus. (How could you not like him?) Steve Lyons does a good job of depicting the Doctor and Rose. It's like watching the show, only better because you can take the book with you.

"Stealers of Dreams" is a clever puzzle. Without spoiling the plot, let me just say that you'll enjoy reading this book twice--once to gather the pieces of the puzzle, and the second time through in light of the solution. Steve Lyons has not only written a clever puzzle, but he has also captured the special dynamic of the relationship between the Doctor and Rose in the ninth series. Captain Jack is also in character and in his element. Although the book is a quick read, Steve Lyons has managed to write a book that transcends the age groups of Dr Who fans. Adult fans will be relieved that "Stealers" doesn't read like a young adult novel, and yet the book is appropriate for young fans. Highly recommended.

A book has to catch and hold my attention within at least the 1st or 2nd chapter for me to read through it and this one did it. It doesnt lag on tons of boring descriptions - those types really put me to sleep. You won't find those looooong boring bits here. You get our three heros landing on this earth colony where anything that's not real, fiction, is illegal and if you're caught imagining or telling lies you're sent off to the nut house for treatment. The why it happens, how they stop it There's some unexpected bits, things are completely what they seem in some parts...really had me going. good stuff read it