Doctor Who: Engines of War Review

Okay, so yeah, I'm finally getting around to reviewing Engines of War by George Mann. And I've got two words for you: Time War. Yup, it's a book featuring the War Doctor as the Doctor, and his 'companion', Cinder. It plays out during the last days of the Time War, leading into Day of the Doctor. Onto the review!

Synopsis:
The Time War is leading to an end, but the Daleks are coming up with a weapon that could turn the tide of the war-and the universe. Desperate to try and stop the Daleks, the Doctor is forced to team up with a Dalek Fighter named Cinder to try and stop the Dalek forces. But with enemies on all sides, who can they trust? And who will win the war?

Overview:
I had faith in this book. I practically counted down the days to it's release date. I've read a Doctor Who book by George Mann before, called Paradox Lost and I loved it so much that I ended up reading it too many times. Was I disappointed in Engines of War? Not even in the slightest bit. The book was awesome; it had a very different tone from the show: whereas in the show you know that eventually things will be alright, but with this book, you don't. You  honestly can't tell at times if the Doctor will save the day. The book has plenty of references to things from the Classic series, as well as things mentioned in the New series. Characterization wise, Mann hits the nail on the head perfectly: throughout the whole book, I could practically hear John Hurt's voice in my head, and it's easy to imagine everyone else too. Cinder works nicely as a companion, but in a 'I'm a warrior and I'm not going to put up with your crap but you're cool' sort of way. The two compliment each other nicely, and she is definitely the companion that the War Doctor most certainly needed. The Dalek threat is real, and although I skipped most of the parts with the Daleks' point of view (I like to not know things that the main characters doesn't, adds a level of suspense for me), the Daleks are definitely the Daleks. While the book is crammed pack with references, it never feels like it's trying to shove them down your throat. And also, Gallifrey is shown in all it's War-Torn glory.

Overview:
4.5