A delicate four stars. This novel will have less resonance for fans now, partly because the new TV series has dealt with many of these same issues but also because at the time this really was tying up a decade of fan debate over the Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy doctors. Lyons is always a fun read though, even if the context has somewhat faded. ( )

One of the better New Adventures with a wicked concept. Offers great insight into both the psyches of 7th Doctor and the 6th Doctor, as well as laying ground for a future confrontation between a forthcoming Doctor and the Valeyard (or even the 6th Doctor). Features a cornucopia of companions; including Benny, Ace, Mel, as well as a cameo for Glitz. ( )

http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2128105.html

this is the only spinoff novel (as far as I know) which unites Mel with the Seventh Doctor (and Ace as well, along with current regulars, Benny, Chris and Roz), in a slightly surreal tale where the Doctor must deal with his alter ego, Dr Who, emanating somehow from the Land of Fiction and threatening the universe, or at least the planet Earth and another world. It's a sequel to Lyons' earlier Conundrum, and I confess I had forgotten many of the salient plot points so found it a bit confusing in places. But it's interesting to see Lyons' style developing; he is now one of the better Who spinoff writers, and this was published almost two decades ago. ( )