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Doctor Who NSA Anthologies #6
Doctor Who: The Missy Chronicles
Know your frenemy.
‘I’ve had adventures too. My whole life doesn’t revolve around you, you know.’
When she's not busy amassing armies of Cybermen, or manipulating the Doctor and his companions, Missy has plenty of time to kill (literally). In this all new collection of stories about the renegade Time Lord we all love to hate, you'll discover just some of the mad and malevolent activities Missy gets up to while she isn't distracted by the Doctor.
So please try to keep up.
‘I’ve had adventures too. My whole life doesn’t revolve around you, you know.’
When she's not busy amassing armies of Cybermen, or manipulating the Doctor and his companions, Missy has plenty of time to kill (literally). In this all new collection of stories about the renegade Time Lord we all love to hate, you'll discover just some of the mad and malevolent activities Missy gets up to while she isn't distracted by the Doctor.
So please try to keep up.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2018
108 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Cavan Scott
842 books433 followersis a freelance comic writer and author. He is best known for his work on a variety of spin-offs from both Doctor Who and Star Wars, as well as comics and novels for Vikings, Pacific Rim, Sherlock Holmes, and Penguins of Madagascar.
Cavan Scott, along with Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, Daniel Jose Older, and Charles Soule are crafting a new era in the Star Wars publishing world called Star Wars: The High Republic. Cavan's contribution to the era is a comic book series released through Marvel Comics titled Star Wars: The High Republic.
Cavan Scott, along with Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, Daniel Jose Older, and Charles Soule are crafting a new era in the Star Wars publishing world called Star Wars: The High Republic. Cavan's contribution to the era is a comic book series released through Marvel Comics titled Star Wars: The High Republic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
June 9, 2018
It’s Missy’s time!
This is an anthology featuring six short stories with Missy, the female regeneration of The Master.
The rating for the book is an average sum of the ratings of each short story.
DISMEMBERMENT
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Writer: James Goss
The Master has just regenerate into a female form, and you can bet that he… err… she is kinda disoriented due that.
The Master had a ritual after each regeneration, since any Time Lord got exhausted after that changing process, The Master had a lifetime membership is the infamous “Scoundrels Club”, a selected private club for the most sinister criminals on England, and not matter that The Master has returned to the club with a different face, in many occasions, The Master had take the assigned chair and asked for a drink, while he gain strenght again and deciding the next move…
…but there is a tiny weeny problem this time…
…The “Scoundrels Club” is a men only private club…
…and while The Master technically wasn’t a man, but an alien, to the eyes of the others members and the club’s council, The Master had been a man…
…until now…
…and due this unexpected situation, The Master is asked to leave the club…
…a big mistake, for the club’s members…
…since The Master is a very vindictive person…
…with access to a Time Machine!
..and no morals!
During this adventure, The Master will also meet a collaborator who will hint a new and better aproppiate way to refer…
…herself…
…Missy!
LORDS AND MASTERS
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Writer: Cavan Scott
Usually, when the Time Lords wanted that some task would be done without a clear direct connection with them, they had used the reluctant services of the rogue member of their species, The Doctor…
…however, the nature and expected outcome of a particular mission, involving a creature with the natural ability of manipulating time, the Time Lords opted for another rogue compatriot…
…Missy!
Similar like done before with The Doctor, the Time Lords take control of Missy’s TARDIS to assure the services of her.
However, Missy is not puppet of anyone!
But also, Missy is not fool!
The Time Lords will wish to do their dirty work for themselves!
TEDDY SPARKLES MUST DIE!
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Writer: Paul Magrs
Mary Poppins meets Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, in a very twisted way, when Missy assumes the duties of a governess in 1920’s London, along with the reluctant assistance of an odd talking teddy bear with unique skills, they’ll change the fate of three children…
…to the benefit of Missy’s personal plans, of course!
However, tutoring children is a tricky profession and even an evil Time Lady won’t find that, an easy work.
THE LIAR, THE GLITCH AND THE WAR ZONE
Rating: *** ( 3 stars )
Writer: Peter Anghelides
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe takes a wrong turn in Venice, when Missy’s TARDIS crashes against a Gryphon’s time vessel, causing a literally race against time to reach a key technological piece, essential to both parties, if they don’t want to get stuck there.
And remember, while Missy is learning to be a better person than her former regenertions…
…she is still The Master, and at the bottom…
…she always will choose…
…her own benefit over others’.
GIRL POWER!
Rating: ** ( 2 stars )
Writer: Jacqueline Rayner
A wonderful premise done in a tedious way.
Missy is locked up, under the surveillance of the Twelfth Doctor and Nardole, but…
…she manages, in the middle of seemingly innocent petitions for stuff…
…to accomplish a “chat room” with many of the most prominent women in history, interchanging ideas between the group.
Yes, the concept had A LOT of potential but I felt that the way that it was developed by the author denied the expected fun and entertainment of the tale.
ALIT IN UNDERLAND
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Writer: Richard Dinnick
Alice in Wonderland turns upside down in deep space, in the middle of the events of the TV episodes World Enough and Time and The Doctor Falls, when Missy joins forces with…
…kinda herself…
…The Master (in his “Harold Saxon” persona) to look a way to escape from the gigantic Mondasian colony ship and its doomed course to a black hole.
However, the two versions of The Master, got a “companion”, Alit, a young girl who wants to know what there is beyond her humble “town”.
The Master and Missy interchange an amusing conversation comparing their own experiencies on each regenerations and what have “they” done on even previous versions.
This is an anthology featuring six short stories with Missy, the female regeneration of The Master.
The rating for the book is an average sum of the ratings of each short story.
DISMEMBERMENT
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Writer: James Goss
The Master has just regenerate into a female form, and you can bet that he… err… she is kinda disoriented due that.
The Master had a ritual after each regeneration, since any Time Lord got exhausted after that changing process, The Master had a lifetime membership is the infamous “Scoundrels Club”, a selected private club for the most sinister criminals on England, and not matter that The Master has returned to the club with a different face, in many occasions, The Master had take the assigned chair and asked for a drink, while he gain strenght again and deciding the next move…
…but there is a tiny weeny problem this time…
…The “Scoundrels Club” is a men only private club…
…and while The Master technically wasn’t a man, but an alien, to the eyes of the others members and the club’s council, The Master had been a man…
…until now…
…and due this unexpected situation, The Master is asked to leave the club…
…a big mistake, for the club’s members…
…since The Master is a very vindictive person…
…with access to a Time Machine!
..and no morals!
During this adventure, The Master will also meet a collaborator who will hint a new and better aproppiate way to refer…
…herself…
…Missy!
LORDS AND MASTERS
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Writer: Cavan Scott
Usually, when the Time Lords wanted that some task would be done without a clear direct connection with them, they had used the reluctant services of the rogue member of their species, The Doctor…
…however, the nature and expected outcome of a particular mission, involving a creature with the natural ability of manipulating time, the Time Lords opted for another rogue compatriot…
…Missy!
Similar like done before with The Doctor, the Time Lords take control of Missy’s TARDIS to assure the services of her.
However, Missy is not puppet of anyone!
But also, Missy is not fool!
The Time Lords will wish to do their dirty work for themselves!
TEDDY SPARKLES MUST DIE!
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Writer: Paul Magrs
Mary Poppins meets Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, in a very twisted way, when Missy assumes the duties of a governess in 1920’s London, along with the reluctant assistance of an odd talking teddy bear with unique skills, they’ll change the fate of three children…
…to the benefit of Missy’s personal plans, of course!
However, tutoring children is a tricky profession and even an evil Time Lady won’t find that, an easy work.
THE LIAR, THE GLITCH AND THE WAR ZONE
Rating: *** ( 3 stars )
Writer: Peter Anghelides
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe takes a wrong turn in Venice, when Missy’s TARDIS crashes against a Gryphon’s time vessel, causing a literally race against time to reach a key technological piece, essential to both parties, if they don’t want to get stuck there.
And remember, while Missy is learning to be a better person than her former regenertions…
…she is still The Master, and at the bottom…
…she always will choose…
…her own benefit over others’.
GIRL POWER!
Rating: ** ( 2 stars )
Writer: Jacqueline Rayner
A wonderful premise done in a tedious way.
Missy is locked up, under the surveillance of the Twelfth Doctor and Nardole, but…
…she manages, in the middle of seemingly innocent petitions for stuff…
…to accomplish a “chat room” with many of the most prominent women in history, interchanging ideas between the group.
Yes, the concept had A LOT of potential but I felt that the way that it was developed by the author denied the expected fun and entertainment of the tale.
ALIT IN UNDERLAND
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Writer: Richard Dinnick
Alice in Wonderland turns upside down in deep space, in the middle of the events of the TV episodes World Enough and Time and The Doctor Falls, when Missy joins forces with…
…kinda herself…
…The Master (in his “Harold Saxon” persona) to look a way to escape from the gigantic Mondasian colony ship and its doomed course to a black hole.
However, the two versions of The Master, got a “companion”, Alit, a young girl who wants to know what there is beyond her humble “town”.
The Master and Missy interchange an amusing conversation comparing their own experiencies on each regenerations and what have “they” done on even previous versions.
May 6, 2018
It's 2018 and I'm back on my Doctor Who bullshit.
I FINALLY FINISHED A BOOK. IT'S A MIRACLE. It's that part of the semester where exams are getting closer and there are 18723232 assignments due, so I haven't had much time to read. rip.
The Master(Missy) has been a favourite character of mine for a while(love those chaotic morally grey characters!), so I was excited to dive into this short story collection. I've said this before, but I always tend to struggle with short fiction; things either feel too underdeveloped or I desperately want to read more, so I'm left feeling rather out of sorts whenever I finish a novella or anthology like this. That being said, I did enjoy this collection overall, though there were definitely a few stories I favoured over others. I don't think there's really much point going into too much detail, since they are short stories and a description of each is given in the blurb/synopsis, but if you like Missy, it's definitely worth a read.
individual short story ratings:
1) Dismemberment | James Goss ➸ ★★★★★
2) Lord and Masters | Cavan Scott ➸ ★★★★
3) Teddy Sparkles Must Die! | Paul Magrs ➸ ★★½
4) The Liar, the Glitch and the Warzone | James Goss ➸ ★★★½
5) Girl Power! | Jacqueline Rayner ➸ ★★★★★
6) Alit in Underland | Richard Dinnick ➸ ★★★.75
extra thoughts? idfk i'm rambling, y'all
Though you see them doing some pretty godawful things in the show, it's almost easy to forget just how terrifying the character is when you're watching. Reading about Missy brutally murdering + maiming people kinda puts things back into perspective, though you can see that character development from season 10 shining through in Girl Power! and Alit in Underland.
The one thing I still don't understand is the sexism/misogyny from some of the Time Lords. I know the 'canon' can be a little shaky, but I think it's pretty well established now that they don't really have gender roles - their regenerations aren't locked to any gender, so it doesn't really make sense for a) there to be misogyny if they're all bouncing between genders every regeneration, and/or b) for them to have shitty human gender roles throughout their very alien society in the first place. I suppose you could argue that the Master adopts some of them to piss off the Doctor, but it still doesn't explain his aversion to regenerating as a woman ("women are fickle" etc etc). buuuuuuuuuuut I digress. That's a whole 'nother can of worms lmao
I FINALLY FINISHED A BOOK. IT'S A MIRACLE. It's that part of the semester where exams are getting closer and there are 18723232 assignments due, so I haven't had much time to read. rip.
The Master(Missy) has been a favourite character of mine for a while
individual short story ratings:
1) Dismemberment | James Goss ➸ ★★★★★
2) Lord and Masters | Cavan Scott ➸ ★★★★
3) Teddy Sparkles Must Die! | Paul Magrs ➸ ★★½
4) The Liar, the Glitch and the Warzone | James Goss ➸ ★★★½
5) Girl Power! | Jacqueline Rayner ➸ ★★★★★
6) Alit in Underland | Richard Dinnick ➸ ★★★.75
extra thoughts? idfk i'm rambling, y'all
Though you see them doing some pretty godawful things in the show, it's almost easy to forget just how terrifying the character is when you're watching. Reading about Missy brutally murdering + maiming people kinda puts things back into perspective, though you can see that character development from season 10 shining through in Girl Power! and Alit in Underland.
The one thing I still don't understand is the sexism/misogyny from some of the Time Lords. I know the 'canon' can be a little shaky, but I think it's pretty well established now that they don't really have gender roles - their regenerations aren't locked to any gender, so it doesn't really make sense for a) there to be misogyny if they're all bouncing between genders every regeneration, and/or b) for them to have shitty human gender roles throughout their very alien society in the first place. I suppose you could argue that the Master adopts some of them to piss off the Doctor, but it still doesn't explain his aversion to regenerating as a woman ("women are fickle" etc etc). buuuuuuuuuuut I digress. That's a whole 'nother can of worms lmao
March 27, 2018
not to be dramatic but missy is the love of my life
missy's books requests, in order (Girl Power! by Jacqueline Rayner)
1. Book on the history of ‘this ridiculous planet, let’s see why he likes it so much’.
2. A book on the history of this ridiculous planet ‘that actually has some women in it’.
3. A book on women in the history of this ridiculous planet ‘which isn’t just about who they’re married to’.
4. A book on smashing the patriarchy.
anyway, what are these 6 stories:
1. Dismemberment by James Goss
missy get's thrown out of All Men club. they shouldn't have done it. missy murders some rich white men who wronged her. also this is where she chooses herself the name. 10/10, loved it a lot.
2. Lords & Masters by Cavan Scott
high ranked time lords who are really shitty people are trying to cross the queen of evil. she wouldn't let them. (also missy asked yayani out on an ice cream date and you arent allowed to disagree). great story, never forget that the queen of evil is Actually The Queen Of Evil. 8/10!
3. Teddy Sparkles Must Die! by Paul Magrs
there are three kids, whose old governess disappears and a new one Really Scary appears and she has some weird talking teddy bear with her. shenanigans ensue. 6/10 because it was kind of boring. missy is amazing though
4. The Liar, The Glitch & The War Zone by Peter Anghelides
missy's tardis is temporarily broken and she's being chased by space gryphons. i feel like this story was trying too hard at being a time traveling story, it was very confusing at times. and kind of boring. 5/10
5. Girl Power! by Jacqueline Rayner
this one is my absolute favorite! missy reads books on women in earth's history and tries to assemble a squad called MADAM - missy's army for the demotion of all men. she then proposes to Kill All Men. also her take on sexism is spot on. i loved this story so damn much!! the ending is perfect and my twissy feelings are bursting. also there are robotic chickens. 11/10
6. Alit in Underland by Richard Dinnick
this is a multimaster story that takes place during the s10 season finale. i honestly would read 200k more words about missy and the master. also it was kind of bittersweet but i liked it. ALSO it gave me my new favorite canon about missy and the doctor watching Frozen together. 9/10
i hope the doctor who extended universe will have more missy because she's incredible and is probably my most favorite character out of all new who. (definitely out of moffat's era). i wish we could've had her in one season with jodie whittaker's doctor because it would've been INCREDIBLE. or maybe a tv show spin off. but it'll never happen anyway so gimme at least more books and audiodramas with michelle.
missy's books requests, in order (Girl Power! by Jacqueline Rayner)
1. Book on the history of ‘this ridiculous planet, let’s see why he likes it so much’.
2. A book on the history of this ridiculous planet ‘that actually has some women in it’.
3. A book on women in the history of this ridiculous planet ‘which isn’t just about who they’re married to’.
4. A book on smashing the patriarchy.
anyway, what are these 6 stories:
1. Dismemberment by James Goss
missy get's thrown out of All Men club. they shouldn't have done it. missy murders some rich white men who wronged her. also this is where she chooses herself the name. 10/10, loved it a lot.
2. Lords & Masters by Cavan Scott
high ranked time lords who are really shitty people are trying to cross the queen of evil. she wouldn't let them. (also missy asked yayani out on an ice cream date and you arent allowed to disagree). great story, never forget that the queen of evil is Actually The Queen Of Evil. 8/10!
3. Teddy Sparkles Must Die! by Paul Magrs
there are three kids, whose old governess disappears and a new one Really Scary appears and she has some weird talking teddy bear with her. shenanigans ensue. 6/10 because it was kind of boring. missy is amazing though
4. The Liar, The Glitch & The War Zone by Peter Anghelides
missy's tardis is temporarily broken and she's being chased by space gryphons. i feel like this story was trying too hard at being a time traveling story, it was very confusing at times. and kind of boring. 5/10
5. Girl Power! by Jacqueline Rayner
this one is my absolute favorite! missy reads books on women in earth's history and tries to assemble a squad called MADAM - missy's army for the demotion of all men. she then proposes to Kill All Men. also her take on sexism is spot on. i loved this story so damn much!! the ending is perfect and my twissy feelings are bursting. also there are robotic chickens. 11/10
6. Alit in Underland by Richard Dinnick
this is a multimaster story that takes place during the s10 season finale. i honestly would read 200k more words about missy and the master. also it was kind of bittersweet but i liked it. ALSO it gave me my new favorite canon about missy and the doctor watching Frozen together. 9/10
i hope the doctor who extended universe will have more missy because she's incredible and is probably my most favorite character out of all new who. (definitely out of moffat's era). i wish we could've had her in one season with jodie whittaker's doctor because it would've been INCREDIBLE. or maybe a tv show spin off. but it'll never happen anyway so gimme at least more books and audiodramas with michelle.
March 22, 2018
The Master started back in Terror of the Autons when he escaped from Gallifey prison & arrived on earth in a Tardis shaped horse box in 3rd Doctor's time with Jo Grant then was in his early 50s with beard & Smoked big cigars since then he has been a diseases skull faced & stole another bearded man meet the Valyard ,along with the cat people & exterminate by the Daleks come back as a slippery snake & after time wars got new 13 set of bodies & then went on to be the PM Mr.Saxon of UK & aged the Doctor returned to Gallifey again but in all that were does Missy fit?
This female side of anti dark villain of are favourite Doctor here we have six short stories about Missy the Mary Poppins on acid & sonic umbrella with dark fluting with the 12th Doctor her exoticness of Death & we left wondering is she really gone?
Where does she fit in the master's time line,if Rodger Delgardo was last Master were are all 1-12 ? before skull face in Deadly Assign ?
All she wanted was to put her feet up & have cuppa but her club was MEN ONLY so she gets her own back!
The Time Lords need a job done & goody two shoes is unavailable so it next best thing -Missy they must be mad.
1920s & a new school governess arrives with Talking Teddy & evil grin into Mary Poppins of evil with sonic umbrella.
Time Ram is not good idea the Doctor has done it few times so when Missy rams another ship in the vortex she ends up in right mess in Venice
Dear Doctor from Mr.N A Rdole this when she is in the vault on earth before ending up meeting himself there is lot of chickens too
Finally we return to Goody Two shoes ,himself & herself along with metal scarecrows you know what sort.
I read this in one day it is very funny but was Shame that had no earlier stories or crossover with other Doctors but still good laugh.My favourite story has to be Teddy Sparkles must Die!
Dismemberment
The Liar,The Glitch & The war Zone
Lords & Masters
Alit In Underland
One Day Wonder No.1 23/3/18
This female side of anti dark villain of are favourite Doctor here we have six short stories about Missy the Mary Poppins on acid & sonic umbrella with dark fluting with the 12th Doctor her exoticness of Death & we left wondering is she really gone?
Where does she fit in the master's time line,if Rodger Delgardo was last Master were are all 1-12 ? before skull face in Deadly Assign ?
All she wanted was to put her feet up & have cuppa but her club was MEN ONLY so she gets her own back!
The Time Lords need a job done & goody two shoes is unavailable so it next best thing -Missy they must be mad.
1920s & a new school governess arrives with Talking Teddy & evil grin into Mary Poppins of evil with sonic umbrella.
Time Ram is not good idea the Doctor has done it few times so when Missy rams another ship in the vortex she ends up in right mess in Venice
Dear Doctor from Mr.N A Rdole this when she is in the vault on earth before ending up meeting himself there is lot of chickens too
Finally we return to Goody Two shoes ,himself & herself along with metal scarecrows you know what sort.
I read this in one day it is very funny but was Shame that had no earlier stories or crossover with other Doctors but still good laugh.My favourite story has to be Teddy Sparkles must Die!
Dismemberment
The Liar,The Glitch & The war Zone
Lords & Masters
Alit In Underland
One Day Wonder No.1 23/3/18
February 2, 2024
I absolutely love Missy; Michelle Gomez incarnation of the Master is one of my top 3 characters of Doctor Who and this is a very fun read for anyone who likes her. Some of the stories in this book are better than others in my opinion but over whole it felt like the character I know and love.
Missy is deviously murderous and unhinged. Love her to pieces.
I’m gonna include some quotes about her murders and mayhems, and also her brilliance, because she cracks me up.
Dismemberment ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best story. Amazing.
‘I have a time machine and absolutely zero morals. Plus, I’m exceptionally spiteful.’
‘I know, this must all be terribly scary for you. All this death. It’s morbid, isn’t it? Mind you, you’re a surgeon. You must have a strong stomach. Shall we whip it out and have a peek?’
Lords and Masters ⭐⭐⭐⭐,5
Reaching into a jacket pocket, she pulled out a small leather - bound notebook, flipping through its yellowed pages until she found a list written in blood. Briefly, she wondered whose it was.
‘The Tavosian Union will fight to the death to protect it. Do I really have time to commit genocide?’ A grin spread across her face and she snapped the book shut. ‘What am I talking about? I’ll make time.’
‘Should she be able to do that?’ [Yayani talking to the General]
‘No,’ Missy said, rotating the holographic image on its axis, ‘but I never let that stop me.’
Teddy Sparkles ⭐⭐
I didn't like either the plot or the portrayal of Missy .
The Liar, the Glitch and the Warzone ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A good story. She’s a menace 😂
Whichever way you turned, there were people full of love and energy and enthusiasm.
Missy hated them all.
‘Don’t hurt me! I’m just a little child.’
‘In my experience,’ said Missy, ‘that makes it easier to hide the body.’
‘Didn’t my assistant tell you?’
Missy thought about the charred heap of ashes she’d kicked under the desk in the outer office. ‘He wasn’t chatty.’
Girl Power! ⭐⭐⭐
Ok and fun but not the best. The inclusion of the Doctor and Nardole in this was great.
My general advice would be to kill all men, but I suppose it’s all right if you want to keep a few as pets. Or decorations. Or kitchen utensils.
IDIOTIC MAN SAYS: ‘Calm down, dear.’
RESPONSE: Stay calm. Stab him.
Alit in Underland ⭐⭐⭐⭐
So nice to see the two Master together, I loved their scenes in World Enough and Time and The Doctor Falls, with their similarities and differences; Missy had changed throughout season 10 and it shows.
She acted kind of nice but also a bit scary, too. Like she almost had a heart but not quite.
‘I’ve been watching a lot of children’s films recently.’ Missy fiddled with her umbrella and it made a whirring sound. ‘We watched Frozen together.’
‘We?’
Missy shot the Master a guilty, apologetic look from under her eyelashes.
The Master turned away in disgust. ‘Was he torturing you?’
‘That’s it!’ Missy called above the roar of rain and gunfire. ‘Give the plan some welly!’
The Master blew her a kiss and fired the screwdriver.
January 4, 2019
Nice easy read involving the adventures of Missy. I liked the variety of adventures across time and space Missy had and I liked how it addressed where it left off with the Master and Rassilon in the end of time.
And the Mary Poppins references from Paul Margs and hint of Iris Wildthyme inspiration which had to be done and loved it.
I also loved the short story Girl Power. That made me giggle a few times!
And the Mary Poppins references from Paul Margs and hint of Iris Wildthyme inspiration which had to be done and loved it.
I also loved the short story Girl Power. That made me giggle a few times!
July 8, 2019
A good collection of short stories involving the unstoppable Missy along with plenty of cameos and epic dangers, mostly miraculously averted and \ or reversed. Obviously it is meant mostly for the avid fans, but even the rest will find amusing moments to spare. Her character juxtaposition with the doctor's is always adorable.
July 25, 2022
Really impressive character development trajectory considering different authors for each of 6 stories. Lots of fun quirky bits and great continuity sprinkled throughout. Sentiment of feminism weaved throughout but not always done seamlessly - felt a bit forced at times - but still appreciate that no other dr who book is likely to be as pro-woman as this lol
July 28, 2018
This reads like very sophisticated Doctor Who fanfic. I love the show and I love the extraordinary character of Missy, so I was very interesting to see how she would be portrayed in book form, as it allowed me to get to know our frenemy a bit more.
The six short stories are all a very similar length, and they get progressively better as the book goes on. What I like most was how the later stories tied in with the events and timeline of the show itself.
Some of the writers get the characterisation absolutely spot-on, especially Paul Magrs in 'The Liar, The Glitch and The Warzone', while others adopt some very interesting approaches. One of the stories reads like a fable, another is made up entirely of letters, articles, and social media posts.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, which, as part of a readathon, I began at 12.30am and have just finished at 10.45am, with three hours of sleep in between! Missy is such a great and unpredictable character, and that often shines through.
The six short stories are all a very similar length, and they get progressively better as the book goes on. What I like most was how the later stories tied in with the events and timeline of the show itself.
Some of the writers get the characterisation absolutely spot-on, especially Paul Magrs in 'The Liar, The Glitch and The Warzone', while others adopt some very interesting approaches. One of the stories reads like a fable, another is made up entirely of letters, articles, and social media posts.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, which, as part of a readathon, I began at 12.30am and have just finished at 10.45am, with three hours of sleep in between! Missy is such a great and unpredictable character, and that often shines through.
April 1, 2018
A great anthology collection of stories featuring Michelle Gomez incarnation of the evil Timelord.
The aspect that I enjoyed the most whilst reading the five stories was the fact that they were in chronological order in Missy’s life.
The first story explains how in this body, the Timelord chose the name Missy.
Whilst the last fits in seamlessly with the Series 10 finale.
The collection boasts authors that are well known to Doctor Who fiction, it makes for a strong line up of stories.
My personal favourite was Girl Power! by Jacqueline Rayner.
The aspect that I enjoyed the most whilst reading the five stories was the fact that they were in chronological order in Missy’s life.
The first story explains how in this body, the Timelord chose the name Missy.
Whilst the last fits in seamlessly with the Series 10 finale.
The collection boasts authors that are well known to Doctor Who fiction, it makes for a strong line up of stories.
My personal favourite was Girl Power! by Jacqueline Rayner.
March 15, 2019
Another anthology review! I always love doing these because you get much more book for your buck. It feels like buying a few little books instead of one big one.
Anyway. I'll review all short stories individually and then average it out to the stars you see above. You can see it already, but I don't know anything yet as I type this.
Let's go...
Dismemberment - James Goss - 5/5
When I started this anthology, I was worried they were going to make Missy the hero, because that's easier to write. Missy's a villain, but to write a story around a villain and make them root for her is very, verrry difficult. Just ask the people who wrote Infinity War.
But I was quickly disabused of that worry when I read Dismemberment, because oh boy Missy is so Missy here. Goss manages to completely nail her voice, every sentence spoken by Missy in this film feels like it's Michelle Gomez saying it, in all her insanity. This was a fun, Missy-filled ride beginning to end. But a tough act to follow.
Lords and Masters - Cavan Scott - 4/5
Maybe it's because Dismemberment is simply a really tough act to follow, but I found this story to be a little disappointing. It's almost as good as Dismemberment, but... not quite. The premise is fun for sure; Missy is forced to do good as she's forced to by the High Council of Gallifrey. The characters are nailed down well, and Missy's voice, while not as good as with Dismemberment, is still written down pretty well.
But there are a few things in the ending that left me scratching my head, that I still don't quite get. That's where the character arcs fall flat, hence the one star loss. Pity, because it's good otherwise.
Teddy Sparkles Must Die - Paul Magrs - 3/5
This story had a lot of ambition and not enough time or patience to actually pull it off. The first half is fantastic, with Missy being Missy and being a weird nanny; it's a role that suits her oddly well, although the question remains why she does this. However, no worry, there's a surprisingly good explanation for this. It's like the opposite of Superdickery, with a villain suddenly doing good things and you're left to wonder why.
But the second half is where everything comes crashing down on the story as it fails to pull through on its promises. Suddenly Missy's doing good stuff and while Magrs tries to make her still sound as Missy, he fails because her motivations here are suddenly less well-explained. The resolution felt hasty.
Pity.
The Liar, The Glitch and the War Zone - Peter Anghelides - 4/5
Now we're talking! This was all back to fun Missy who does fun stuff in Venice and is forced into a pickle. Once again, Missy's voice is really good and fun, and when she does good stuff, it's always with a little twist, a little Missy musing that tells you this isn't her usual manner of doing things. It's very effective.
But I'm confused about the end. I have no idea what they're trying to say there and it comes a bit out of the blue.
Girl Power! - Jacqueline Rayner - 5/5
I am a sucker for Found Footage-stories, I recently just finished one, and this is told in a similar manner. It's also about smashing the patriarchy, about Missy doing good things (but is she?), and it stars Nardole and the Doctor as well. Nonetheless, Missy remains the central focus, and boy, she does some... things? I don't want to give anything away. Let's just say that this is in her transition period, and her doing good things is dealt with extremely well. If they are good things at all. Nobody knows.
Also, Rayner immediately has Nardole's voice down, as well as his usual sarcasm. This was a LOT of fun.
Alit in Underland - Richard Dinnick - 4/5
The last one was... not the best one, per say, but still also good. It's still in Missy's transition period, and it's still done very well. It takes place during the final episode of the tenth season. Dinnick doesn't quite manage to get the voices right, but Missy's still the best one and the plot is a lot of fun as well.
All of those scores average to a... 4.166. That's a solid four stars for Missy.
This one was definitely one of the better anthologies. River's anthology promised a story on what River was like without the Doctor, but ultimately failed to deliver. It's very telling that in this anthology, there's only one story with the Doctor, and even there the story still's about Missy centrally and she doesn't fall into some kind of companion-esque role. Unlike with River's, where the Doctor was there just about half the time. It's comparable to Ashildr's anthology, honestly.
Fun beginning to end, and if you want to get to know Missy better, do try this one!
Anyway. I'll review all short stories individually and then average it out to the stars you see above. You can see it already, but I don't know anything yet as I type this.
Let's go...
Dismemberment - James Goss - 5/5
When I started this anthology, I was worried they were going to make Missy the hero, because that's easier to write. Missy's a villain, but to write a story around a villain and make them root for her is very, verrry difficult. Just ask the people who wrote Infinity War.
But I was quickly disabused of that worry when I read Dismemberment, because oh boy Missy is so Missy here. Goss manages to completely nail her voice, every sentence spoken by Missy in this film feels like it's Michelle Gomez saying it, in all her insanity. This was a fun, Missy-filled ride beginning to end. But a tough act to follow.
Lords and Masters - Cavan Scott - 4/5
Maybe it's because Dismemberment is simply a really tough act to follow, but I found this story to be a little disappointing. It's almost as good as Dismemberment, but... not quite. The premise is fun for sure; Missy is forced to do good as she's forced to by the High Council of Gallifrey. The characters are nailed down well, and Missy's voice, while not as good as with Dismemberment, is still written down pretty well.
But there are a few things in the ending that left me scratching my head, that I still don't quite get. That's where the character arcs fall flat, hence the one star loss. Pity, because it's good otherwise.
Teddy Sparkles Must Die - Paul Magrs - 3/5
This story had a lot of ambition and not enough time or patience to actually pull it off. The first half is fantastic, with Missy being Missy and being a weird nanny; it's a role that suits her oddly well, although the question remains why she does this. However, no worry, there's a surprisingly good explanation for this. It's like the opposite of Superdickery, with a villain suddenly doing good things and you're left to wonder why.
But the second half is where everything comes crashing down on the story as it fails to pull through on its promises. Suddenly Missy's doing good stuff and while Magrs tries to make her still sound as Missy, he fails because her motivations here are suddenly less well-explained. The resolution felt hasty.
Pity.
The Liar, The Glitch and the War Zone - Peter Anghelides - 4/5
Now we're talking! This was all back to fun Missy who does fun stuff in Venice and is forced into a pickle. Once again, Missy's voice is really good and fun, and when she does good stuff, it's always with a little twist, a little Missy musing that tells you this isn't her usual manner of doing things. It's very effective.
But I'm confused about the end. I have no idea what they're trying to say there and it comes a bit out of the blue.
Girl Power! - Jacqueline Rayner - 5/5
I am a sucker for Found Footage-stories, I recently just finished one, and this is told in a similar manner. It's also about smashing the patriarchy, about Missy doing good things (but is she?), and it stars Nardole and the Doctor as well. Nonetheless, Missy remains the central focus, and boy, she does some... things? I don't want to give anything away. Let's just say that this is in her transition period, and her doing good things is dealt with extremely well. If they are good things at all. Nobody knows.
Also, Rayner immediately has Nardole's voice down, as well as his usual sarcasm. This was a LOT of fun.
Alit in Underland - Richard Dinnick - 4/5
The last one was... not the best one, per say, but still also good. It's still in Missy's transition period, and it's still done very well. It takes place during the final episode of the tenth season. Dinnick doesn't quite manage to get the voices right, but Missy's still the best one and the plot is a lot of fun as well.
All of those scores average to a... 4.166. That's a solid four stars for Missy.
This one was definitely one of the better anthologies. River's anthology promised a story on what River was like without the Doctor, but ultimately failed to deliver. It's very telling that in this anthology, there's only one story with the Doctor, and even there the story still's about Missy centrally and she doesn't fall into some kind of companion-esque role. Unlike with River's, where the Doctor was there just about half the time. It's comparable to Ashildr's anthology, honestly.
Fun beginning to end, and if you want to get to know Missy better, do try this one!
Read
May 18, 2018Six tales of the Doctor's nemesis in their most recent body, opening with a marvellous one from James Goss in which that body causes problems - the Master having long been a member of an exclusive gentlemen's club for the least gentlemanly of gentlemen, Missy is outraged to learn that she is no longer welcome. Gruesome vengeance ensues, and if certain of the victims seem oddly familiar from the headlines, well, that's just a bonus. I especially enjoyed the description of Missy's smile as how a spider would smile if it could. Other highlights include Paul Magrs' black comedy which, in a development that should come as no surprise to those familiar with his work, really leans in to the Mary Poppins echoes of Missy, and expands from there to take in the whole corpus of children's fantasy to which Poppins belonged - not least the inescapable notes of cruelty which later adaptations would generally try to dodge. There are no outright duds - even the weakest story here has a few great lines and an appealingly cheeky cameo. But it does feel a bit remiss that they couldn't get more than one female writer. Still, Jacqueline Rayner does her best to make up for it with a wonderfully ridiculous epistolary number that puts the Missy into misandry.
August 6, 2024
i love missy so was really excited for this collection, especially as i loved the ashildr and river collections, and this one is rated well, but idk this one just fell a bit short for me :/ i feel they, especially the first two, did a good job of capturing missy’s vibe at least but just doesnt love the actual stories.
loved lords and masters and girl power, the rest were a bit meh
- dismemberment - thought it was interesting to explore the impact of missy being a women. this one grossed me out haha
- lords and masters - loved seeing time lord politics. don’t really get why she shrunk yayani but oh well
- teddy sparkles must die - nothing to say except i didn’t enjoy this at all lol
- the liar the glitch and the war zone - loved the name, found the story confusing/boring
- girl power - another fun title, thought it was a really fun story - especially loved seeing nardole and 12!! i wish we got more of this trio (or foursome if we add bill). disappointing for womanhood to be equated with xx chromosomes though….
- alit in wonderland - was excited for this one bc of the setting but it fell short/not much really happened? but idk if id appreciate it more if i watched the finale so it was fresh in my mind
loved lords and masters and girl power, the rest were a bit meh
- dismemberment - thought it was interesting to explore the impact of missy being a women. this one grossed me out haha
- lords and masters - loved seeing time lord politics. don’t really get why she shrunk yayani but oh well
- teddy sparkles must die - nothing to say except i didn’t enjoy this at all lol
- the liar the glitch and the war zone - loved the name, found the story confusing/boring
- girl power - another fun title, thought it was a really fun story - especially loved seeing nardole and 12!! i wish we got more of this trio (or foursome if we add bill). disappointing for womanhood to be equated with xx chromosomes though….
- alit in wonderland - was excited for this one bc of the setting but it fell short/not much really happened? but idk if id appreciate it more if i watched the finale so it was fresh in my mind
November 10, 2018
Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Beatrix Potter... There were so many references to famous stories to spice things up.
Quite a wild ride. The first short stories 'Dismemberment' 'Lords and Masters' 'Teddy Sparkles' and 'The Liar the Glitch and the War Zone' were all deliciously evil. I thoroughly enjoyed Missy's version of revenge and mayhem. And it was great to know how she came to choose her name. I loved the tone and style of writing - I could just see and hear her laugh and caper her way through all that death and destruction.
The last few stories though... hm... I was a bit disappointed. I need to re-watch the episodes with Missy and see how they fit in.
Quite a wild ride. The first short stories 'Dismemberment' 'Lords and Masters' 'Teddy Sparkles' and 'The Liar the Glitch and the War Zone' were all deliciously evil. I thoroughly enjoyed Missy's version of revenge and mayhem. And it was great to know how she came to choose her name. I loved the tone and style of writing - I could just see and hear her laugh and caper her way through all that death and destruction.
The last few stories though... hm... I was a bit disappointed. I need to re-watch the episodes with Missy and see how they fit in.
February 24, 2018
I am not ashamed to admit that when it was revealed that Missy was the Master, I was annoyed and initially disappointed. But Michelle Gomez's performance grew on me, and I now respect and love her (and *spoilers* mourn her) as a favourite incarnation of a favourite villain.
A lovely little gathering of Missy stories from a range of storytellers that kept her voice consistent. Particular kudos though to Peter Anghelides for making my jaw actually drop.
A lovely little gathering of Missy stories from a range of storytellers that kept her voice consistent. Particular kudos though to Peter Anghelides for making my jaw actually drop.
November 12, 2019
This was a highly entertaining read I enjoyed it a lot. It was very Missy..
June 18, 2023
I don't think there is a book I've read more often. I just love this character so much.
October 3, 2024
прощавай, люба Міссі, ти б полюбила нову пошту та тік ток........
March 26, 2025
These stories are very well written, and for as much as I enjoy the Missy character, after a while her personality and deeds became boring. I do not regret reading this book as it was pretty much what I expected.
November 9, 2021
Six stories featuring Missy, from the early days to the end. All of the stories are various shades of entertaining, but the best two are probably "Dismemberment" (Missy wreaks elaborate revenge on a gentleman's club that dared to kick her out) and "Girl Power" (just how did Missy pass the time while the Doctor's ostensible prisoner?). If you're a fan of Missy, this anthology is a must-buy. (B+)
November 29, 2020
It was fine. Paul Magrs' story was weak, as usual, and not helped by his compulsive need to be meta.
June 2, 2023
4.75 stars.
After reading this, I like Missy's character more than I did before. This is an overall enjoyable short story collection and, in my opinion, it's one of the best Doctor Who short story collections that I've read. There were also some unexpected appearances from certain characters. I especially love the character appearance in the Liar, the Glitch and the Wardrobe. If you like Missy's character, I highly recommend this.
Dismemberment.
4.5 stars.
When they kicked her out of the gentleman's Club, my first thought was they are going to really regret that. James Goss captured Missy's character so well in this story.
Lords and Masters.
4.5 stars.
This is on par with the first story. This had a slower pace to start with but it's a great story overall. It gradually gets more and more brilliant as the story goes on due to the plot twists. Those plot twists kept surprising me.
Teddy Sparkles Must Die.
3 stars.
This is my least favourite story because there are certain elements within it that I didn't particularly enjoy. But I liked the way it ended.
The Liar, The Glitch and the Wardrobe.
5 stars.
I absolutely love this story. This has to be one of my favourite stories in this collection. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the Harry Potter references. Peter Anghelides captures Missy's character so well in this story. There's also an unexpected appearance from a character which I felt was a nice touch from Peter Anghelides.
Girl Power!
5 stars.
This is my second favourite story in this collection and I absolutely love it. This is a fun story which at times made me laugh (a lot). Jacqueline Raynor captures Missy's (and a few other characters) character really well.
Alit in Underland
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the plot and the way Richard Dinnick writes the characters in this. Richard Dinnick captures Missy's (and a few other characters) very well.
After reading this, I like Missy's character more than I did before. This is an overall enjoyable short story collection and, in my opinion, it's one of the best Doctor Who short story collections that I've read. There were also some unexpected appearances from certain characters. I especially love the character appearance in the Liar, the Glitch and the Wardrobe. If you like Missy's character, I highly recommend this.
Dismemberment.
4.5 stars.
When they kicked her out of the gentleman's Club, my first thought was they are going to really regret that. James Goss captured Missy's character so well in this story.
Lords and Masters.
4.5 stars.
This is on par with the first story. This had a slower pace to start with but it's a great story overall. It gradually gets more and more brilliant as the story goes on due to the plot twists. Those plot twists kept surprising me.
Teddy Sparkles Must Die.
3 stars.
This is my least favourite story because there are certain elements within it that I didn't particularly enjoy. But I liked the way it ended.
The Liar, The Glitch and the Wardrobe.
5 stars.
I absolutely love this story. This has to be one of my favourite stories in this collection. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the Harry Potter references. Peter Anghelides captures Missy's character so well in this story. There's also an unexpected appearance from a character which I felt was a nice touch from Peter Anghelides.
Girl Power!
5 stars.
This is my second favourite story in this collection and I absolutely love it. This is a fun story which at times made me laugh (a lot). Jacqueline Raynor captures Missy's (and a few other characters) character really well.
Alit in Underland
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the plot and the way Richard Dinnick writes the characters in this. Richard Dinnick captures Missy's (and a few other characters) very well.
August 24, 2018
Overall Rating: 3.85 ⭐️
Dismemberment by James Goss: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fun story & great to know where Missy's name originated from! Also loved that it highlighted how differently women can be treated.
Lords & Masters by Cavan Scott: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Definitely felt like a Doctor Who story, with a nice reminder that Missy isn't the only Time Lord with a bad streak.
Teddy Sparkles Must Die! by Paul Magrs: ⭐️⭐️.5
A bit strange & a tad boring - but I appreciated the twist on Mary Poppins.
The Liar, The Glitch & The War Zone by Peter Anghelides: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Another story that definitely fit in well with the Doctor Who universe; slightly weird & nonsensical at times though.
Girl Power! by Jacqueline Rayner: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Definitely the best out of the lot - Jacqueline wrote all of the characters perfectly & the writing really made me laugh. The theme of the chapter was also fabulous, & I think it's a shame that Jacqueline was the only female contributor.
Alit in Underland by Richard Dinnick: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could read a full length novel about Missy & The Master if it had been written in this way; a great end to the book.
Overall, Magrs & Anghelides sort of let down the other authors, but The Missy Chronicles was still a fun & interesting read that has sated my Doctor Who addiction for now. Next time though, the BBC should just let Jacqueline write about Missy.
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2tu
Dismemberment by James Goss: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fun story & great to know where Missy's name originated from! Also loved that it highlighted how differently women can be treated.
Lords & Masters by Cavan Scott: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Definitely felt like a Doctor Who story, with a nice reminder that Missy isn't the only Time Lord with a bad streak.
Teddy Sparkles Must Die! by Paul Magrs: ⭐️⭐️.5
A bit strange & a tad boring - but I appreciated the twist on Mary Poppins.
The Liar, The Glitch & The War Zone by Peter Anghelides: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Another story that definitely fit in well with the Doctor Who universe; slightly weird & nonsensical at times though.
Girl Power! by Jacqueline Rayner: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Definitely the best out of the lot - Jacqueline wrote all of the characters perfectly & the writing really made me laugh. The theme of the chapter was also fabulous, & I think it's a shame that Jacqueline was the only female contributor.
Alit in Underland by Richard Dinnick: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I could read a full length novel about Missy & The Master if it had been written in this way; a great end to the book.
Overall, Magrs & Anghelides sort of let down the other authors, but The Missy Chronicles was still a fun & interesting read that has sated my Doctor Who addiction for now. Next time though, the BBC should just let Jacqueline write about Missy.
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2tu
March 5, 2024
Quite lovely collection of Missy Stories that really show her character Change quite nicely. I strongly recommend it because it has manny funny but cruel moments and portraits a twisted way of morality.
I gave five Stars esspecally for the Story named „Girl Power“ you need to read this!
I gave five Stars esspecally for the Story named „Girl Power“ you need to read this!
September 10, 2021
I was afraid that the 'Missy chronicles' might neuter Missy's more evil qualities to make her more sympathetic as the protagonist. I am glad to be proven wrong, although the character does change throughout the book, she begins with the same duplicitousness and ruthlessness that we expect from the master. In fact, some of her actions actually surprised me in how callous they appeared to me.
Disembarkment. 5/5
Lords and Masters 5/5
Teddy Sparkles must die. 3/5
The Liar, the glitch and the war zone 2/5
Girl Power 2/5
Alit in underland 4/5
Disembarkment. 5/5
Lords and Masters 5/5
Teddy Sparkles must die. 3/5
The Liar, the glitch and the war zone 2/5
Girl Power 2/5
Alit in underland 4/5
February 24, 2018
What a read! I have been waiting for months that the book be released and now I couldn't wait to read it. The stories are great. Missy is just super-duper deliciously evil, the Queen of Evil. My favorite story by far is Girlpower, but as I said, the other stories are great as well. Just what my little Missy-loving and Twissy-shipping heart needed. Well done, authors! I thank thee.
March 30, 2025
I LOVE MURDEROUS WOMEN
October 18, 2018
Un recueil de six nouvelles aux genres et qualités assez diverses (ou inégales selon), 5 hommes, 1 femme (la meilleure nouvelle du recueil à mon avis était justement celle de Jacqueline Rayner); je ne crois pas que ça aurait manqué d'avoir plus de femmes qui écrivent de telles nouvelles surtout pour un livre qui sort un peu avant la saison avec le Treizième Docteur.
James Goss
Peu après sa régénération, on voit Missy aller dans un club de criminel où elle se rend après chacune de ses régénérations. Cependant, ce club n'accepte pas les femmes et elle se fait mettre dehors de force et elle exercera sa vengeance sur tous les membres du club pour cet affront.
J'ai bien aimé ce texte qui ressemble à plusieurs égards au film Theatre of Blood où Missy rend une sentence mortelle à chacun des membres du club selon ses intérêts. D'ailleurs, un des meurtres est très similaire à la mort répliquée de la reine Tamara dans le film (je n'en dis pas plus). Une espèce de capitalist revenge histoire juste assez gore avec quand même ce sentiment que Missy a fait la bonne chose au final.
Ce récit rend bien compte de comment Missy peut faire de bonnes choses pour les mauvaises raisons et un peu de comment son changement de genre influence la perception des autres à son égard, mais aussi sa propre perception face au monde. Très bon choix de premier texte je trouve.
(****)
Cavan Scott
Un récit cruel où l'idée est un peu: qu'est-ce qui se passerait si Missy avait une compagne forcée par les Time Lords. On en apprend davantage si la politique de Gallifrey et The General. Quelques revirements de situations inattendus, on apprécie.
(***)
Paul Magrs
Paul Magrs pousse l'idée d'une Missy qui devient gouvernante pour trois jeunes enfants un peu à la Mary Poppins, mais evil. Tout ça pour utiliser des vœux que les enfants peuvent faire grâce à un être surnaturel qui peut changer les lois temporels et qui s'adonne à ressembler à un peluche. Évidemment, tout ne se passe pas comme Missy l'avait planifié. Bonne idée, mais l'histoire devient très vite inintéressante et tout est un peu trop too much (tous les vœux qui peuvent être exaucés, le nombre de choses intenses qui arrivent, etc.)
(**)
Peter Anghelides
Un récit intéressant de par ses qualités littéraires où Anghelides joue un peu avec les codes des didascalies temporelles, mais aussi avec l'enchevêtrement de deux réalités en permanence. À Venise, Missy doit échapper à un race de gryphons, retrouver un équipement de son TARDIS perdu dans le temps. Apparition intéressante d'une personne à surveiller. Évidemment, on va réussir à parler de la peste noire et d'inonder Venise. Un récit qui montre bien le caractère de Missy, arrive à monter une situation intéressante et assez crédible pour que Missy intervienne et ne tombe pas dans la cruauté dont toutes les autres nouvelles ont fait preuve (c'est d'ailleurs le cas des autres nouvelles suivantes, donc on sent vraiment l'évolution du personnage rendu là).
(***)
Jacqueline Rayner
La meilleure nouvelle de loin. Racontée sous forme épistolaire (incluant texto, messagerie et forums ;) ), on suit Missy alors qu'elle est enfermée dans la crypte (The Vault) de l'université. Les féministes adoreront, les fans de fan-fiction aussi, les gens qui aiment rire en mourront, les fans de Missy ne pourront plus se contenir. En gros, Missy, après avoir commandé des livres d'histoire, se rend compte de l'absence des femmes et décide d'y remédier en leur proposant d'assassiner les hommes célèbres qui ont pris la place qui devaient leur revenir. Cathartique aussi un peu. On a besoin de plus d'histoires de Rayner.
(*****)
Richard Dinnick
Se situant juste avant le dernier épisode du Douzième Docteur, on suit Missy et le Master tenter de reprendre le contrôle des Cybermen en inversant la modification sur la reconnaissance de conversion faite par le Docteur dans l'épisode précédent. Le tout à travers les yeux d'une enfant que les accompagne dans cette escapade. C'est l'occasion pour Dinnick d'explorer un peu la dynamique entre deux Master/Missy et de leur faire vivre une "aventure" ensemble. On n'explore pas nécessairement davantage le Master bien qu'on sent les regrets de Missy vis-à-vis certaines des femmes qui l'ont accompagné de par le passé et de certaines de ses actions. Je dirais que c'est assez ordinaire comme nouvelle, intéressante, mais sans plus. C'est sûr que c'est un défi aussi que de créer une telle aventure entre deux épisodes si proches les uns des autres.
(***)
James Goss
Peu après sa régénération, on voit Missy aller dans un club de criminel où elle se rend après chacune de ses régénérations. Cependant, ce club n'accepte pas les femmes et elle se fait mettre dehors de force et elle exercera sa vengeance sur tous les membres du club pour cet affront.
J'ai bien aimé ce texte qui ressemble à plusieurs égards au film Theatre of Blood où Missy rend une sentence mortelle à chacun des membres du club selon ses intérêts. D'ailleurs, un des meurtres est très similaire à la mort répliquée de la reine Tamara dans le film (je n'en dis pas plus). Une espèce de capitalist revenge histoire juste assez gore avec quand même ce sentiment que Missy a fait la bonne chose au final.
Ce récit rend bien compte de comment Missy peut faire de bonnes choses pour les mauvaises raisons et un peu de comment son changement de genre influence la perception des autres à son égard, mais aussi sa propre perception face au monde. Très bon choix de premier texte je trouve.
(****)
Cavan Scott
Un récit cruel où l'idée est un peu: qu'est-ce qui se passerait si Missy avait une compagne forcée par les Time Lords. On en apprend davantage si la politique de Gallifrey et The General. Quelques revirements de situations inattendus, on apprécie.
(***)
Paul Magrs
Paul Magrs pousse l'idée d'une Missy qui devient gouvernante pour trois jeunes enfants un peu à la Mary Poppins, mais evil. Tout ça pour utiliser des vœux que les enfants peuvent faire grâce à un être surnaturel qui peut changer les lois temporels et qui s'adonne à ressembler à un peluche. Évidemment, tout ne se passe pas comme Missy l'avait planifié. Bonne idée, mais l'histoire devient très vite inintéressante et tout est un peu trop too much (tous les vœux qui peuvent être exaucés, le nombre de choses intenses qui arrivent, etc.)
(**)
Peter Anghelides
Un récit intéressant de par ses qualités littéraires où Anghelides joue un peu avec les codes des didascalies temporelles, mais aussi avec l'enchevêtrement de deux réalités en permanence. À Venise, Missy doit échapper à un race de gryphons, retrouver un équipement de son TARDIS perdu dans le temps. Apparition intéressante d'une personne à surveiller. Évidemment, on va réussir à parler de la peste noire et d'inonder Venise. Un récit qui montre bien le caractère de Missy, arrive à monter une situation intéressante et assez crédible pour que Missy intervienne et ne tombe pas dans la cruauté dont toutes les autres nouvelles ont fait preuve (c'est d'ailleurs le cas des autres nouvelles suivantes, donc on sent vraiment l'évolution du personnage rendu là).
(***)
Jacqueline Rayner
La meilleure nouvelle de loin. Racontée sous forme épistolaire (incluant texto, messagerie et forums ;) ), on suit Missy alors qu'elle est enfermée dans la crypte (The Vault) de l'université. Les féministes adoreront, les fans de fan-fiction aussi, les gens qui aiment rire en mourront, les fans de Missy ne pourront plus se contenir. En gros, Missy, après avoir commandé des livres d'histoire, se rend compte de l'absence des femmes et décide d'y remédier en leur proposant d'assassiner les hommes célèbres qui ont pris la place qui devaient leur revenir. Cathartique aussi un peu. On a besoin de plus d'histoires de Rayner.
(*****)
Richard Dinnick
Se situant juste avant le dernier épisode du Douzième Docteur, on suit Missy et le Master tenter de reprendre le contrôle des Cybermen en inversant la modification sur la reconnaissance de conversion faite par le Docteur dans l'épisode précédent. Le tout à travers les yeux d'une enfant que les accompagne dans cette escapade. C'est l'occasion pour Dinnick d'explorer un peu la dynamique entre deux Master/Missy et de leur faire vivre une "aventure" ensemble. On n'explore pas nécessairement davantage le Master bien qu'on sent les regrets de Missy vis-à-vis certaines des femmes qui l'ont accompagné de par le passé et de certaines de ses actions. Je dirais que c'est assez ordinaire comme nouvelle, intéressante, mais sans plus. C'est sûr que c'est un défi aussi que de créer une telle aventure entre deux épisodes si proches les uns des autres.
(***)
April 23, 2018
The idea of doing an anthology all about Missy/The Master is a really good one. The character is rarely seen outside of their interactions with the Doctor, but we know they've had an array of adventures all on their own. It seems like an anthology of stories starting The Master would've existed by now, but alas this is the first one. It works out well considering how prevalent Missy has been in the last few seasons of the show. She made a lot of appearances and there was a lot of room to give her some really fun adventures.
So, how does it play out? Well, it's definitely a bit of a mixed bag. Several of the stories are extremely good. The rest range from average to mediocre. None of them are truly bad, but the book never gets as good as its first two stories. It hits a high real quick then plummets with the third story and slowly climbs its way back to pretty good.
The first story, Dismemberment (by James Goss), is a lot of fun. It explores Missy's interactions with a gentlemen's club she frequents every time she regenerates and how she reacts to them kicking her out of the club now that she's become a woman. It's easily one of the most violent stories Missy/The Master has ever appeared in and it's an utter delight.
The next one, "Lords and Masters" by Cavan Scott, is my personal favorite. It involves the Time Lords recruiting Missy for a dangerous mission. There's some fun tidbits about what happened directly after the John Simm Master ended up on Gallifrey at the end of "The End of Time" and I always love when the Time Lords appear in a story, so this one was a lot of fun.
The third story, "Teddy Sparkles Must Die!" by Paul Magrs, is where the anthology started to lose me a bit. The story revolves around Missy posing as a governess for some children while she's in the possession of a magic, talking stuffed bear who can grant wishes, and the pandemonium that ensues. It's not that it's a bad story, exactly, it's just really really weird and not at the same level as the previous two. I'm sure plenty will like it, but it didn't work for me.
The next story, "The Liar, the Glitch, and the War Zone" by Peter Anghelides, is similarly weak. This story features Missy shortly after the end of "The Witch's Familiar" as she's recently escaped from the Daleks and gets herself into some trouble with the Gryphons, who end up making her crash land in Italy. The story from there involves her utilizing a rift in the time vortex to fix her TARDIS and leave. It's fine. Nothing to write home about. It took me a while to get through it just because it was a bit of a slog. It's better than the previous story, but only just.
"Girl Power", by Jacqueline Rayner, is really fun. It's a story set during Missy's imprisonment in the Vault as she reaches out to famous historical women in order to convince them to overthrow the patriarchy. It's told exclusively through emails/texts/chat messages, which is just a really fun way of doing the story. There's not a whole lot to the story, but Nardole and the Doctor appear in it which is fun. It's just fun.
The final story, "Alit in Underland" by Richard Dinnick, ends the anthology on a high note. It's a story that takes place during the events of "The Doctor Falls" (while the Doctor is unconscious after their crash arrival onto floor 507). Missy is joined by the John Simm Master and a local girl, Alit, as they go down a floor, to floor 508, in order for the Master to find a way back down to the bottom floor so he can reprogram the Cybermen again. This story features Missy at her most Doctor-ish and it's really interesting seeing her really trying to do the right thing while her earlier incarnation just wants to cause havac. Comparing this story to the first one in the anthology really helps you see how Missy evolved over her lifetime from someone who didn't care about anyone to someone who sorta did. It's really nice.
Overall, it's still a fun read. The majority of the stories are, at minimum, good, and the couple of less than good stories aren't all that bad. Plus the good stories are REALLY good and it's just a lot of fun seeing Missy on her own adventures, however short they may be.
So, how does it play out? Well, it's definitely a bit of a mixed bag. Several of the stories are extremely good. The rest range from average to mediocre. None of them are truly bad, but the book never gets as good as its first two stories. It hits a high real quick then plummets with the third story and slowly climbs its way back to pretty good.
The first story, Dismemberment (by James Goss), is a lot of fun. It explores Missy's interactions with a gentlemen's club she frequents every time she regenerates and how she reacts to them kicking her out of the club now that she's become a woman. It's easily one of the most violent stories Missy/The Master has ever appeared in and it's an utter delight.
The next one, "Lords and Masters" by Cavan Scott, is my personal favorite. It involves the Time Lords recruiting Missy for a dangerous mission. There's some fun tidbits about what happened directly after the John Simm Master ended up on Gallifrey at the end of "The End of Time" and I always love when the Time Lords appear in a story, so this one was a lot of fun.
The third story, "Teddy Sparkles Must Die!" by Paul Magrs, is where the anthology started to lose me a bit. The story revolves around Missy posing as a governess for some children while she's in the possession of a magic, talking stuffed bear who can grant wishes, and the pandemonium that ensues. It's not that it's a bad story, exactly, it's just really really weird and not at the same level as the previous two. I'm sure plenty will like it, but it didn't work for me.
The next story, "The Liar, the Glitch, and the War Zone" by Peter Anghelides, is similarly weak. This story features Missy shortly after the end of "The Witch's Familiar" as she's recently escaped from the Daleks and gets herself into some trouble with the Gryphons, who end up making her crash land in Italy. The story from there involves her utilizing a rift in the time vortex to fix her TARDIS and leave. It's fine. Nothing to write home about. It took me a while to get through it just because it was a bit of a slog. It's better than the previous story, but only just.
"Girl Power", by Jacqueline Rayner, is really fun. It's a story set during Missy's imprisonment in the Vault as she reaches out to famous historical women in order to convince them to overthrow the patriarchy. It's told exclusively through emails/texts/chat messages, which is just a really fun way of doing the story. There's not a whole lot to the story, but Nardole and the Doctor appear in it which is fun. It's just fun.
The final story, "Alit in Underland" by Richard Dinnick, ends the anthology on a high note. It's a story that takes place during the events of "The Doctor Falls" (while the Doctor is unconscious after their crash arrival onto floor 507). Missy is joined by the John Simm Master and a local girl, Alit, as they go down a floor, to floor 508, in order for the Master to find a way back down to the bottom floor so he can reprogram the Cybermen again. This story features Missy at her most Doctor-ish and it's really interesting seeing her really trying to do the right thing while her earlier incarnation just wants to cause havac. Comparing this story to the first one in the anthology really helps you see how Missy evolved over her lifetime from someone who didn't care about anyone to someone who sorta did. It's really nice.
Overall, it's still a fun read. The majority of the stories are, at minimum, good, and the couple of less than good stories aren't all that bad. Plus the good stories are REALLY good and it's just a lot of fun seeing Missy on her own adventures, however short they may be.
November 12, 2018
Review originally published on my blog: https://literaryportals.blogspot.com/...
What Made Me Read It
They had me at Missy! The 12th Doctor is one of my favorite incarnations of the character and Missy in particular was a delightful villain throughout the whole 10th season of Doctor Who.
Table of Contents
"Dismemberment" by James Goss - after each regeneration the Master spends some time at the exclusive "Scoundrels Club", just to sit down and get his bearings back. Only this time she's banned from the all male club on account of being female now. Hell has no fury like a woman (who hasn't decided on a name for her new self yet) scorned, as each offending member will learn the hard way.
"Lords and Masters" by Cavan Scott - after hijacking her Tardis to guarantee her cooperation, the Time Lords recruit Missy for a very special mission concerning a creature with a natural ability to manipulate time and space. Only Missy is no fool and never one to follow orders.
"Teddy Sparkles Must Die!" by Paul Magrs - Doctor Who meets Mary Poppins as Missy takes the duties of a child governess in 1920's London, with the help of an alien teddy bear with the unique ability to grant three very young children their wildest wishes... all part of her next big plan to take over the world.
"The Liar, the Glitch and the Warzone" by Peter Anghelides - when Missy's Tardis gets entangled with a Gryphon's timeship inside the Time Vortex, the two vessels crash-land in Venice. Stranded and pursued by angry Gryphon warriors, Missy must race against and through time to fix her Tardis.
"Girl Power!" by Jacqueline Rayner - locked inside the Vault under the watchful eyes of the (12th) Doctor and an ever fretting and increasingly worried Nardole, Missy is bored out of her mind. Taking an interest in the history of Earth's famous women, Missy decides to create an online support group called MADAM - Missy's Army for the Demotion of All Men - to overthrow the rule of men... all in the best interest of her fellow oppressed sisters.
"Alit in Underland" by Richard Dinnick - taking place during the events of the tv show season finale (season 10, episode 12 - The Doctor Falls), Missy and her previous incarnation roam aboard the Mondas Colony Ship for a way to the bottom floor so the Master can reprogram the Cybermen.
The Good
"Doctor Who: The Missy Chronicles" is a collection of 6 short stories told from the perspective of the Doctor's frenemy Time Lord Missy, the Master's last incarnation in the 10th season of the tv show.
Set in chronological order from Missy's first moments after regenerating up to the final events aboard the Mondas Colony Ship in the tv show season finale, the collection explores Missy's evolution from ruthless heartless villain to someone who actually cares... even if in her own peculiar distorted way.
As with any anthology, some stories are really good while others aren't as captivating, though which is which will depend on the reader's personal taste. Sill, each story is well written and vividly imaginative with each contributing author nailing Missy's characterization on point, I could easily picture Michelle Gomez's brilliant performance in all the stories. Keeping that voice consistent throughout the anthology, we get a strong sense of all the wicked mayhem, mischief and villainy the character is capable of. Missy comes across as delightfully psychotic, conniving, double-crossing and emotionally manipulative but with random acts of caring, concern and the most annoying desire to be good. And as a bonus, some of the stories include the appearance of the 12th Doctor, Nardole and a brief cameo by the 13th Doctor.
Final Rating
5 of 5 stars
"Doctor Who: Missy Chronicles" is an anthology of light, humorous and quick read adventures of the Doctor's frenemy Time Lord Missy. Recommended for those who enjoy the tv show Doctor Who, particularly the Master's latest incarnation from the 10th season of the series.
What Made Me Read It
They had me at Missy! The 12th Doctor is one of my favorite incarnations of the character and Missy in particular was a delightful villain throughout the whole 10th season of Doctor Who.
Table of Contents
"Dismemberment" by James Goss - after each regeneration the Master spends some time at the exclusive "Scoundrels Club", just to sit down and get his bearings back. Only this time she's banned from the all male club on account of being female now. Hell has no fury like a woman (who hasn't decided on a name for her new self yet) scorned, as each offending member will learn the hard way.
"Lords and Masters" by Cavan Scott - after hijacking her Tardis to guarantee her cooperation, the Time Lords recruit Missy for a very special mission concerning a creature with a natural ability to manipulate time and space. Only Missy is no fool and never one to follow orders.
"Teddy Sparkles Must Die!" by Paul Magrs - Doctor Who meets Mary Poppins as Missy takes the duties of a child governess in 1920's London, with the help of an alien teddy bear with the unique ability to grant three very young children their wildest wishes... all part of her next big plan to take over the world.
"The Liar, the Glitch and the Warzone" by Peter Anghelides - when Missy's Tardis gets entangled with a Gryphon's timeship inside the Time Vortex, the two vessels crash-land in Venice. Stranded and pursued by angry Gryphon warriors, Missy must race against and through time to fix her Tardis.
"Girl Power!" by Jacqueline Rayner - locked inside the Vault under the watchful eyes of the (12th) Doctor and an ever fretting and increasingly worried Nardole, Missy is bored out of her mind. Taking an interest in the history of Earth's famous women, Missy decides to create an online support group called MADAM - Missy's Army for the Demotion of All Men - to overthrow the rule of men... all in the best interest of her fellow oppressed sisters.
"Alit in Underland" by Richard Dinnick - taking place during the events of the tv show season finale (season 10, episode 12 - The Doctor Falls), Missy and her previous incarnation roam aboard the Mondas Colony Ship for a way to the bottom floor so the Master can reprogram the Cybermen.
The Good
"Doctor Who: The Missy Chronicles" is a collection of 6 short stories told from the perspective of the Doctor's frenemy Time Lord Missy, the Master's last incarnation in the 10th season of the tv show.
Set in chronological order from Missy's first moments after regenerating up to the final events aboard the Mondas Colony Ship in the tv show season finale, the collection explores Missy's evolution from ruthless heartless villain to someone who actually cares... even if in her own peculiar distorted way.
As with any anthology, some stories are really good while others aren't as captivating, though which is which will depend on the reader's personal taste. Sill, each story is well written and vividly imaginative with each contributing author nailing Missy's characterization on point, I could easily picture Michelle Gomez's brilliant performance in all the stories. Keeping that voice consistent throughout the anthology, we get a strong sense of all the wicked mayhem, mischief and villainy the character is capable of. Missy comes across as delightfully psychotic, conniving, double-crossing and emotionally manipulative but with random acts of caring, concern and the most annoying desire to be good. And as a bonus, some of the stories include the appearance of the 12th Doctor, Nardole and a brief cameo by the 13th Doctor.
Final Rating
5 of 5 stars
"Doctor Who: Missy Chronicles" is an anthology of light, humorous and quick read adventures of the Doctor's frenemy Time Lord Missy. Recommended for those who enjoy the tv show Doctor Who, particularly the Master's latest incarnation from the 10th season of the series.
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