Memories. They can elicit tears, laughter...even haunting memories that you've tried to put past you. But what if those memories weren't your own? What is they were created by a force greater than yourself for deception?
Daniel Blythe uses this concept in his 2009 Doctor Who story, "Autonomy." The Doctor has found himself battling the Nestenes, who are attempting to take over the universe, starting with Earth. How do they plan to do it? By taking advantage of consumerism amongst humans, of course! And it's up to the Doctor and a few new friends to save the world--if they can.
Now here's some things up front. I'm a Doctor Who fan, so when I saw this book sitting all by its lonesome in the comic book store, I grabbed it like a child going for candy from a pinata (It was serious, people. Very serious). So I have an idea of the whole "who is this Doctor fellow?" So right up my alley. For those that lack the slightest clue about the sci-fi series, I am going to suggest doing some homework prior to reading this book.
ANYWAYS, back to the writing. This was my first DW book, so I haven't had a chance to compare it to other books in the series or to any of Blythe's other works. But overall, I think he did a great job creating the hi-tech world for this futuristic show-down to take place--EXCEPT that unless technology is going to take Big Foot leaps and bounds, it's a little hard to swallow that this is taking place in 2013. I would have enjoyed if he had just said, 'Oh, what the heck," and placed it in 2013.
As for the Doctor, Blythe did a great job. At the time, the focus was on the 10th Doctor, portrayed by the witty Brit, David Tennant. The thing to note (depending on your DW knowledge) is that everyone has a favorite version of the Doctor. Each have their own quirks and Blythe was able to portray David Tennant's version perfectly to the smallest details. He even describes him through one of the characters as "a grinning, wild-haired madman in a brown suit." Perfect! As I was reading this, I could feel myself picturing this on the BBC as an extended episode or a mini-movie of sorts.
One quote in the book can help summarize the plot of this DW novel: "I mean, your life...you know it's real, don't you? You've lived it. How can it be faked? All those memories." And if those memories are created, what role does autonomy (not) play in life?
As for this book, consider it read, reviewed and staying on the bookshelf. On to the next!
