Amazon.co.uk Review
Arriving on the ancient planet of Hyspero, the Doctor, and in particular Sam, set out innocently to enjoy the city which is said to have invented desire. Within no time Sam has stumbled upon a number 22 bus signed for Putney Common, which the Doctor recognises as the TARDIS of a fellow timelord, Iris Wildthyme, a flamboyant eccentric who has had a crush on him for all his lives. After rescuing her from a pit in the desert they join her in her quest for a team of former vigilantes known as the Four, consisting of an alligator man, a cyborg, a bearded woman and a mock turtle. Iris has a mission to bring them to the evil Scarlet Empress, who rules over Hyspero. But why? And what can the Scarlet Empress have that Iris needs so badly?
The Scarlet Empress begs comparison as much with novels of magic realism as with orthodox science fiction. Paul Magrs leaves behind the wobbly sets of the television series and luxuriates in the freedom of the novel form, interweaving seamlessly the comedy and humanity of his characters with the phantasmagoria of djiins and spirits they encounter. The result is a breathtaking romp of a tale which will delight aficionados and newcomers alike. --David Vincent
Synopsis
Arriving on the almost impossibly ancient planet of Hyspero, a world where magic and danger walk hand in hand, Doctor Who and Sam are caught up in a bizarre struggle for survival.