Half-Life

Trix is looking for the Doctor and Fitz. They are on an alien planet where the Earth colony is going through some tough times. The ruler of Espero is in danger from his own wife. There are a rash of attacks by night creatures and there is an approaching mist that will kill every living being and re-invent them. The Doctor and Fitz have no idea what is going on because they have amnesia (Yes, it happened again!)

After an ageless story arc, Half-life seems to be the first non arced novel in quite some time. This story really takes the time to work on the characters and relationships. The Doctor and Fitz’s relationship is really the center piece in this story. There is a lot of work done with both parties as they experience each others habits and such. By the end of the story you are left with the feeling that their bond is as strong as some of the other companions of the past like Sarah Jane and Ace.

Trix is not left out of it either. This time we see into her mind and her thoughts and personality. For perhaps the first time we really learn about Trix. Basically, author Mark Michalowski has given character to her.

The supporting cast suffer in no way as Camalee, Imperator Tannalis and others really make the world of Espero alive and realistic. The back drop of religion and prejudice works perfectly. Even the bad guys of the piece create an interesting enough story to support the characterizations of this novel. There are other surprises in the novel as we may have had appearances by at least one previous companion (Not going to say who as this is left fairly obscure and may be important in the resolution of the 8^th Doctor novel series coming up very soon.)

I guess many fans are still waiting for the Doctor to get his memories back and this novel finally gives him the ability to do it. Short of telling you the result, I think the outcome is superb and could be the final word on the amnesia subject, at least for the novels.