Lance Parkin has created something special in his contribution to the "Caught on Earth" Arc. Father Time is the rare book that takes all sorts of fanwanky ideas and manages to spin them into something fresh, yet familiar, comfortable yet exciting.

Many of the authors in the Doctor Who lines have been active deconstructionists, taking the concepts and ideas of Doctor Who and pulling them apart to see what makes them work. Parkin is actually interested in reconstruction, giving some of the familiar concepts an odd spin or two just to see what might happen. It's a familiar theme through some of his other offerings - The Infinity Doctors being the best example.

There is scarcely a flaw in this book. Character, plot and theme are all combined into a story which takes the reader on a cruise through the eighties seen through the Doctor's eyes. Structured as three novellas, Father Time stresses the three intersections of life between the Doctor and Miranda, as strange and terrifying events occur.

Unlike Paul Cornell with Avalon, who saves the best characterisation for his fave regulars, Lance Parkin gives every character a chance to shine, a definite development arc. From Ferrain and his minions from the future, to the gloriously created Miranda to the wonderfully ordinary Debbie, there are no one-dimensional cliches to be found.

Each of the three novellas has great set pieces in terms of plot and can stand on their own. However, Parkin manages to have them all blend together on the edges and in the background to add to the cohesiveness of the overall story. The prose itself is fabulous, drawing you in with it's simplicity, but never simplistic.

Niggles? All right, the third novella does slip a bit with a couple of twists I thought were a bit harsh, as well as being the most "Whovian" of the three. But because Parkin successfully carries the reader over emotionally, you don't notice the very minor flaws until you think back.

Overall, this is probably the best 8DA in the line and the jewel of the Caught on Earth Arc. This is a book that does improve on repeat readings, and something that will stick with you for a long time for all the right reasons.