LOVE Doctor Who?
If you have an adipose plushy,
If you've ever been The TARDIS for Halloween,
If you think bowties are cool,
If angelic garden statues are the stuff of your nightmares,
Then this list is for you.
Okay, lots of folks love the sci-fi phenomenon that just keeps giving. There's just something so tantalizing about the possibility of a million realities, all waiting to be tasted. If you're like me, you love all of the "new" Doctors--even if you have a favorite. But that's the thing, Doctor Who appeals to SO MANY different people, and for SO many different reasons!
So, when trying to recommend a book to a Whovian, you need to get to the root of their adoration.
If you love the Doctor, and are looking for some fantastic Young Adult reads, then let's get started.
Reasons we want to marry David Tenant love Doctor Who:
1. The Monsters
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I mean, there are books about this. Entire compendiums dedicated to the fervent fandom of monster-loving Whovians. And let's be honest. There are some excellent creepy creatures in all of the seasons. The angels--sorry about these, couldn't resist--are by far the creepiest in my opinion.
But if you like a little creep factor in your life, check out:
Scott Westerfeld
Cal is a host of an Earth-shattering virus that has caused his previous girlfriends to become ghoulish vampire-like beasts. He calls them "Peeps:" parasite positives. He hunts them for the ages-old Night Watch, but now he's not convinced that's enough. He needs to find the root of the disease fast, because the vampires are starting to become more rational. Not the hungry, empty creatures they were, but also not quite the normal humans they used to be.
This series is hilarious, guys. It's not JUST creepy. Cal is a narrator you just fall for. He's clever, able, and snarky. The plot is fast and you have to pay attention, much like a really good episode of the Doctor. The twists are totally unexpected, and the monsters....oh, you'll never it coming.
Bonus: See my full review of the sequel here!
Lani Taylor
Karou is an art student in Prague; as if this doesn't already make her interesting enough, she's also living a secret life. She knows about the other world, the one filled with angels and demons. Though, they've got nothing to do with fluffy white wings and little red devil horns. Karou's family is made up of Isa, a serpent with human features, Yazri, a bird-like woman, and Brimstone, a hulking and fearsome demon who sends Karou on strange missions to bring back...teeth. But there's more to these chimera, and their little secret shop, than even Karou knows. There's a war brewing, and it turns out she might just be in the middle of it.
This is probably my favorite series of all time, so I don't recommend it lightly. The writing is exquisite and it's filled with all the mystery, beauty, and darkness that we love in a Doctor Who season. This book is strange, I won't lie. It's YA like you've never seen it before. But it's So. Good. The chimera and angels are dangerous but somehow loveable, like the best of Doctor Who monsters, and it even has a bit of timey-wimey alternate reality goodness thrown in for extra flavor.
Just do me a favor. Read this book.
2. The companions
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Let's face it, the companions make or break a Doctor's run. They set the whole tone for us modest Earthlings and how we see the Doctor--as a madman, a heatthrob, or an idiot. We get so deeply invested in their stories because they're like us, mostly, except more awesome.
While older seasons included some non-Earthlings and one American as companion, the revival series have only cast British humans. They've all been female, except for Rory, who was really only a +1 on Amy Pond's adventure, anyway. For a pretty good ranking (I love it because it ranks Donna Noble as #2--she's so underappreciated) see here.
So, if you love the fierce female fighters in the new series, check out these books with some seriously stong heroines.
L.A. Meyer
Little orphan Mary Faber is orphaned in late 1700s England. She joins a gang of beggar ragamuffins just to keep herself alive. But when she decides that this isn't enough, she decides to disguise herself as a boy and join the British Navy. She is expecting adventure: to see the world and maybe even get rich on the way. But it's more dangerous than she thought out there on the sea. Her secret is always at risk, pirate ships are on the prowl, and there's a war afoot. Luckily her dreams are uncrushable, and she's resilient and resourceful enough to accomplish more than anyone--except Jacky herself--ever could've expected.
This series is a whirlwind. There are 12 books, each FILLED with riotous adventure. Jacky is awesome as a narrator. She's confident and doesn't take anyone's nonsense. She knows what she wants and fights against the whole world for it. But she's also hilarous. No one is perfect, Jacky especially. And when she makes a mistake, it's colossal. Her attitude is always upbeat and hopeful, except when she's muttering darkly about the idiots around her. And that deep cockney accent? Always a laugh.
Besides the cockney accent and other undeniably British elements, there are plenty of reasons for Whovians to love Jacky Faber's adventures. She is smart and resourceful, able to save the day in a moment's notice, like a companion has to be. It also offers an interesting alternative look at history, as Jacky of course inserts herself into some pretty darn important historical moments. (She meets Napoleon in My Bonny Light Horseman, for instance. He gives her a medal and is very polite.) Her strength in spite of her ever-practical terror, and her no-nonsense, save the day attitude remind me of my favorite companion, Donna. (I will fight you on this!)
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Kristin Cashore
She's known how to kill a man since childhood. Katsa is a graceling, born with extreme gifts. In their land, Gracelings are revered, feared, and respected. But as a unique kind of graceling, Katsa is forced into servitude to the crown, her own ruthless tyrant of an uncle. She longs for freedom, but fears her own deadly skills. Then, she meets Po, a graceling gifted with fighting skills.
This fantasy is a world unlike our own, where warriors wield swords and duel, and magic is as common as water. The spellbinding story is a trendsetter in YA, unlike anything you've read. When I read it, I was in love. I became a medieval fantasy fan for life. For Whovians who also loved the historical time travel episodes such as the Robin Hood adventure, and the Viking episode, this will pack a double punch. The world-building is intricate without being dry, and I fell in love with the Seven Realms as much as I love Katsa and Po. The details are so rich. The magic was believable and so tied into their way of life that it felt natural. If I had a grace, I would totally choose flying!
Katsa is a tough girl, but not unrelatable. Her violent skills don't make her a violent, wicked person, and she holds to a rigid code of honor. Her quest for freedom is something we can all admire, and something that we can all relate to, in a way (even if we aren't all rockstar assassins). Closest (modern) companion doppelganger would probably be Amy Pond or Martha Jones, smart women who aren't afraid of a fight. You have no doubt that they're gonna save the day, and probably the save the boy, too.
I also highly recommend checking out Cuddlebuggery if you love fantasy and fandom; their reviews are fantastic!
3. The Romance
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While the one-sided longings of the Doctor-companion relationships might make some fans irate, there's no denying that a little romantic tension here and there adds interest to the show. Not to mention, the companions' love interests are often an important plot point and there's lots of love and heartbreak to go round. I mean, Amy & Rory? Best love story of all time!
If you love the love, here's some Uber Romantic Reads:
Maggie Stiefvater
Grace has always been fascinated by the wolves behind her house. The same wolves that, once, dragged her off of her swing set and into the woods, where she was almost eaten alive. But there's one wolf in particular she is mesmerized by. For some reason, it doesn't feel quite...animal.
Sam only has a few months each year of humanity before the cold sets in and he becomes the monster again: the wolf. As a wolf, he becomes less and less aware of Sam and more aware of the wolf. He fears he will lose himself.
When Grace meets Sam, she knows his eyes. She learns his secret, and Sam has one more reason to fight the wolf. To stay Sam.
This series isn't new, exactly. Born out of the Twilight Era of supernatural romance, it nonetheless stands out as undoubtedly the most masterfully written and, in my opinion, the most heart-achingly beautiful.
The love between Sam and Grace is so everyday. It's born out of normal, innocent interactions that grow into more. There's not an insta-love reaction, despite Grace's obsession with the wolves and Sam's pretty, wolfy eyes. I love how they grow as characters and grow to love each other in a sweet, loverly way. I'm not gonna lie, I fell in love with both of them. That's what will appeal to Whovians, I think. A realistic relationship based on personal growth, not teeny heartthrobby swooning (although I'm a fan of this, too).
Take Rory and Amy, for instance. They meet in a weird way, but eventually get to know each other and fall in love, almost by choice, because they value the other person as a person, as well as romantically. How long did Rory wait for Amy? Oh, several centuries, you say? That's love. And it's the kind we see in Shiver as well. Sam and Grace fight for each other.
Also, I've said it before and I'll say it again: Maggie Stiefvater is the queen of YA. If you aren't familiar with my adoration, see my review of Ballad.
Cynthia Hand
Clara recently found out that she's an angel-blood: 1/4 angel, 3/4 human. This means that she was put on Earth for a purpose, but Clara isn't sure, in spite of her mother's pressing, what it is. Visions of a forest fire and a boy she's supposed to save hint at her purpose, but then, it gets complicated.
I didn't include a thorough description of the book because I didn't want to give away ANYTHING about this phenomenal read. The book description on the cover/Goodreads Is not satisfactory. It might sound like a typical, annoying teen romance with a Mary Sue character and a love triangle.
Trust me. It's not.
Whovians will love this book because, like Who, it's genre-busting. The writing is terrific, the characters are believable and loveable, and the setting is dreamy. I want to live in Jackson Hole, now (not even kidding). The romantic relationship is authentic, slow-growing, and healthy! There's betrayal, confusion, tension, heat, and all the feels that make for a great romance read, but without any eye-rolling.
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For Who fans, I made sure to pick a love story that feels just right, but it also has that supernatural aspect to make it more interesting. The plot is fast, and it's so mysterious that I was totally hooked. It's just action packed enough to satisfy fans and romantic enough to leave you starry-eyed! And it's not just me who thinks so:
“Hand debuts with an engrossing take on the angel mythos... an engaging and romantic tale with solid backstory.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))
“Hand has crafted a story of angels among us that is intriguing and believable while appealing to those interested in the paranormal.” (Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA))
4. Space Travel
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Of course you can't have a list of Doctor Who recommendations without some space books! The Doctor flies through space in his TARDIS, and we get to see the stars and planets like never before. I especially love any episode where space ships are involved; say the future, or other worlds. And when the Earth completely MOVED in space to join the other planets in some mysterious battle? Forget about it.
I'll admit, this was the hardest category to recommend for me. Strangely enough, I haven't read very many spacey books. I just haven't found many good YA space travel books that speak to me. However, I do have a couple that I can confidently recommend to those smarties who like their books to be scientifically solid, and also filled with awesome space action.
Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Lilac is an upper crust passenger aboard the luxury liner Icarus. Tarver, a cynical soldier, is serving aboard the ship. But something goes wrong. The ship--big enough to hold a city of thousands upon thousands--travels too close to a planet and implodes. The only survivors, Lilac and Tarver have to travel across a rough and unfamiliar terrain to seek out help. But the truth is stranger than they expected.
Sounds like Titanic in Space? Almost, but not quite. I picked it up with this notion in mind, and was a little disappointed by what it actually was. However, the disappointment didn't last. This book is strange, eerie, and different. It's written so well, and I especially loved Tarver as a narrator. They're both cool characters, sure to please Whovians who love getting to know strange new worlds and unfamiliar, futuristic characters. Booklist calls them "characters of depth, complexity, and strength, young people who alternately elicit the reader’s admiration, frustration, and sympathy." There's plenty of mystery to keep you guessing. There's even a cool, somewhat supernatural element to the planet that makes it feel like the creepiest of Who episodes. Remember the zombie infection on Mars? **shudder**
Still need proof that this book isn't an angsty sad fest, and actually really rocks? Read the Goodreads reviews here.
Stitching Snow (2014)
R.C. Lewis
Essie is used to the subzero temperatures on Thanda, an isolated mining planet on the outskirts of the galaxy. In fact, she has a good reason to hide out here. So she's content with her loyal mining drones--of her own invention--as her only friends. Until Dane crash lands on her planet, and puts her at risk of discovery. What follows is a nonstop journey across space, 4 different planets, and a galactic war that Essie--is that even her real name?--is desperate to stay out of.
This novel is a loose spin on Snow White, except the dwarves are quirky robots and the evil king and queen are all-powerful space lords who are even more despicable than the original Stepmom tale. Interested yet? Essie is a talented mechanic,which is super cool to read, and her secret is well-kept throughout the story, which kept me guessing even though I thought I knew the answer (turns out I didn't!). Dane turns out also to be a likeable character, though it took me some time. Trust me on this, keep reading! It gets awesome!
I especially love how many different planets we get to see. It's like several episodes of Star Trek or Who, all rolled into one. Each has a distinct climate and culture that are so unique and cool to read about. Their adventures there feel like fun steps towards the Boss Fight: Essie's home planet, war-ridden and prisonlike, though she lives in luxury there. All of these worlds and details weave together in a fast paced journey that is spacey enough for the sci-first lovers and princess enough for the fairytale fans. As Publisher's Weekly says:
"In this interplanetary retelling of Snow White, debut author Lewis reveals a talent for worldbuilding and creating complex, memorable characters. As Essie owns up to her past and takes control of her fate, SF and fairytale fans alike will enjoy watching her beat the odds and find romance in the process."
You'll have fun trying to pick out all the native tale elements in there, as well!
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Still need proof that this book isn't an angsty sad fest, and actually really rocks? Read the Goodreads reviews here.
R.C. Lewis
Essie is used to the subzero temperatures on Thanda, an isolated mining planet on the outskirts of the galaxy. In fact, she has a good reason to hide out here. So she's content with her loyal mining drones--of her own invention--as her only friends. Until Dane crash lands on her planet, and puts her at risk of discovery. What follows is a nonstop journey across space, 4 different planets, and a galactic war that Essie--is that even her real name?--is desperate to stay out of.
This novel is a loose spin on Snow White, except the dwarves are quirky robots and the evil king and queen are all-powerful space lords who are even more despicable than the original Stepmom tale. Interested yet? Essie is a talented mechanic,which is super cool to read, and her secret is well-kept throughout the story, which kept me guessing even though I thought I knew the answer (turns out I didn't!). Dane turns out also to be a likeable character, though it took me some time. Trust me on this, keep reading! It gets awesome!
I especially love how many different planets we get to see. It's like several episodes of Star Trek or Who, all rolled into one. Each has a distinct climate and culture that are so unique and cool to read about. Their adventures there feel like fun steps towards the Boss Fight: Essie's home planet, war-ridden and prisonlike, though she lives in luxury there. All of these worlds and details weave together in a fast paced journey that is spacey enough for the sci-first lovers and princess enough for the fairytale fans. As Publisher's Weekly says:
"In this interplanetary retelling of Snow White, debut author Lewis reveals a talent for worldbuilding and creating complex, memorable characters. As Essie owns up to her past and takes control of her fate, SF and fairytale fans alike will enjoy watching her beat the odds and find romance in the process."
You'll have fun trying to pick out all the native tale elements in there, as well!
5. The Time-Wimey Time Travel
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Robin Hood, Shakespeare, revolutionary France, and Victorian London are just a few memorable visits the Doctor's taken on Earth's timeline. And just like Doctor Who, these novels take their own spin on the past:
Leviathan (2009)
Scott Westerfeld
It's wartime in Europe. After the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, prince Aleksander--heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne--is on the run. His country is a Clanker country, who thrive by building and operating larger-than-life machinery, such as his giant walker, which he uses to escape.
Deryn, a commoner in England, dreams of flying, so she joins the fight by disguising herself as a boy to fight for the Darwinists, who are perfecting the science of genetic engineering to mix animal and machine. Aboard the flying ship--a living whale filled with engines and machinery, Deryn has to hide her secret from the other midshipmen, or risk being tossed out of the good fight.
When Alek and Deryn meet, both sides of the war come crashing down on them.
Scott Westerfeld
It's wartime in Europe. After the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, prince Aleksander--heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne--is on the run. His country is a Clanker country, who thrive by building and operating larger-than-life machinery, such as his giant walker, which he uses to escape.
Deryn, a commoner in England, dreams of flying, so she joins the fight by disguising herself as a boy to fight for the Darwinists, who are perfecting the science of genetic engineering to mix animal and machine. Aboard the flying ship--a living whale filled with engines and machinery, Deryn has to hide her secret from the other midshipmen, or risk being tossed out of the good fight.
When Alek and Deryn meet, both sides of the war come crashing down on them.
Steampunk fans say WHAT!? This book takes steampunk and basically multiplies it by science.
Steampunk (x) Science (=) Leviathan
I love both characters, and the split between points of view really added to the experience, though I often find switches annoying. Deryn is fun to read because she's smart but totally snarky. She doesn't take insults or condescension. She works so hard, though, that you can't help but root for her. Alek is broody, and rightly so. He's kind of a yin to Deryn's yang. The Clankers vs. Darwinists really fits well into this switch between points of view as well, because this way you get to learn about both sides directly from the source.
Whovians will like the totally out-there world Westerfeld has built. Remember when The Doctor and River Song broke time and every moment in history sort of smooshed together in an epic chaotic mess? Yeah, it's like that.
Except it makes sense.
Born Wicked (2012)
Jessica Spotswood
Cate Cahill is a witch. That's all there is to it. Her mom was a witch, her sisters are witches, and there's nothing she can do to change that, no matter how dangerous it is in New England to be a witch--when the Brotherhood is always watching you. This alternative history puts a new spin on the Salem Witch Trials.
I binged this entire book in one day. It's enthralling. It's a recognizable world, but not the history we know. The Brotherhood, a religious cult, rule 20th century America. Witches are still imprisoned, but the burnings haven't been popular for centuries. Victorian customs still abound--ladies and gentlemen dress and act properly.
The real star of this show is the lovely sister relationship. Tess, Cate, and Elena are all very different, but are held together by Cate's love and protection after their mother's death. Their magic is even a secret from their father, so it's really the sisters vs. the world. I love the way they grow and change throughout the series. And Finn Belastra is definitely the most dashing book hero in alternative historical YA fiction.
Who fans, remember "The Shakespeare Code?" Somehow, this reminds me of that episode. The 3 witches are really carrionites in disguise and try to take over the planet. In Born Wicked, the witches are disguised as nuns who live in the convent for their own safety, while the Brotherhood rules the city. It's another, very different, take on the early witch trials. And bonus--Cate Cahill has a serious Martha Jones factor.
Booklist calls it "An intriguing story of witchcraft, family responsibility, and unrequited love."
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Steampunk (x) Science (=) Leviathan
I love both characters, and the split between points of view really added to the experience, though I often find switches annoying. Deryn is fun to read because she's smart but totally snarky. She doesn't take insults or condescension. She works so hard, though, that you can't help but root for her. Alek is broody, and rightly so. He's kind of a yin to Deryn's yang. The Clankers vs. Darwinists really fits well into this switch between points of view as well, because this way you get to learn about both sides directly from the source.
Whovians will like the totally out-there world Westerfeld has built. Remember when The Doctor and River Song broke time and every moment in history sort of smooshed together in an epic chaotic mess? Yeah, it's like that.
Except it makes sense.
Jessica Spotswood
Cate Cahill is a witch. That's all there is to it. Her mom was a witch, her sisters are witches, and there's nothing she can do to change that, no matter how dangerous it is in New England to be a witch--when the Brotherhood is always watching you. This alternative history puts a new spin on the Salem Witch Trials.
I binged this entire book in one day. It's enthralling. It's a recognizable world, but not the history we know. The Brotherhood, a religious cult, rule 20th century America. Witches are still imprisoned, but the burnings haven't been popular for centuries. Victorian customs still abound--ladies and gentlemen dress and act properly.
The real star of this show is the lovely sister relationship. Tess, Cate, and Elena are all very different, but are held together by Cate's love and protection after their mother's death. Their magic is even a secret from their father, so it's really the sisters vs. the world. I love the way they grow and change throughout the series. And Finn Belastra is definitely the most dashing book hero in alternative historical YA fiction.
Who fans, remember "The Shakespeare Code?" Somehow, this reminds me of that episode. The 3 witches are really carrionites in disguise and try to take over the planet. In Born Wicked, the witches are disguised as nuns who live in the convent for their own safety, while the Brotherhood rules the city. It's another, very different, take on the early witch trials. And bonus--Cate Cahill has a serious Martha Jones factor.
Booklist calls it "An intriguing story of witchcraft, family responsibility, and unrequited love."
And Now a Bonus: For Those Who Loved The Shakespeare episodes
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Lisa Mantchev
Bertie lives in the theatre, where all Shakespeare characters truly exist alongside her in an immortal state. They are her family. Her parents are gone. And it's not until she writes her own story in the all-powerful Book--performed for her on the magical stage--that she can remember and find them again.
This story is magical, and so exquisitely written. Read it. Especially if you love Shakespeare.
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All cover images from:
goodreads.com
All gifs from:
giphy.com
Reviews citations:
"Unearhtly." Rev. of Unearthly. Publishers Weekly Nov. 2010. Web.
Amazon.com. "Unearthly." Amazon. Web.
"These Broken Stars." Rev. of These Broken Stars. Booklist Nov. 2013. Web.
"Stictching Snow." Rev. of Stitching Snow. Publishers Weekly Oct. 2014. Web.
"Born Wicked." Rev. of Born Wicked. Booklist Jan 2012.
Want more Doctor Who YA Lit recommendations? Check out this list.
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All cover images from:
goodreads.com
All gifs from:
giphy.com
Reviews citations:
"Unearhtly." Rev. of Unearthly. Publishers Weekly Nov. 2010. Web.
Amazon.com. "Unearthly." Amazon. Web.
"These Broken Stars." Rev. of These Broken Stars. Booklist Nov. 2013. Web.
"Stictching Snow." Rev. of Stitching Snow. Publishers Weekly Oct. 2014. Web.
"Born Wicked." Rev. of Born Wicked. Booklist Jan 2012.
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