Genre: Science Fiction | Author: Tommy Donbavand | Release Date: 2013
The book was published by BBC Books and Broadway Paperbacks. On November 23, 1963, the Doctor and Clara arrive amid Earth's grief over JFK’s assassination—only to confront the Shroud, an alien entity feeding on sorrow, threatening to consume humanity’s hope.
Plot
Set in the immediate aftermath of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Shroud of Sorrow follows the Doctor and Clara as they land on a grief-stricken Earth, only to discover a cosmic threat feeding on the world’s collective sorrow. This premise, blending science fiction with historical tragedy, is bold and intriguing. The narrative develops steadily, gradually revealing layers of emotional tension and horror intertwined with the Doctor’s signature whimsy and Clara’s sardonic charm.
The story excels in its tonal balance—using humor to counterbalance the darker, more sorrowful themes and delivering clever twists that maintain suspense. The central concept of the Shroud, an alien entity thriving on grief, is creative and chilling, introducing an antagonist that is not only conceptually unique but deeply resonant with the setting. However, the execution stumbles a bit during the climax. After such an elaborate build-up and emotional stakes, the resolution feels rushed and somewhat underwhelming, missing a chance for a more impactful payoff. Similarly, while the 1963 setting could have enhanced the story’s mood and historical weight, it’s underutilized. Besides the JFK assassination and a few scattered references, the era’s influence on the story feels superficial, and the setting could easily be swapped without affecting much.
Despite these shortcomings, the plot holds strong with emotional depth and suspense, crafting an engaging adventure that is quintessentially Doctor Who, even if its conclusion doesn’t quite match its potential.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Production
Tommy Donbavand demonstrates a solid grasp of character dynamics and dialogue throughout Shroud of Sorrow. The Doctor’s eccentricity is captured with flair, blending philosophical musings with oddball humor in a way that feels faithful to the Eleventh Doctor’s persona. Clara, as his companion, is equally compelling—quick-witted, skeptical, and emotionally perceptive. Their interactions are one of the novel’s greatest strengths, with banter that feels authentic and gives the story much of its charm.
Supporting characters like FBI agent Warren and reporter Mae offer refreshing human perspectives. Warren’s professional skepticism and personal grief are well-balanced, while Mae provides a courageous, journalistic lens to the strange occurrences. Their arcs are smaller in scope, but add depth to the emotional layers of the story. The antagonist, the Shroud, stands out as one of the more imaginative and metaphorically rich threats the Doctor has faced. Feeding off human grief, it’s both haunting and fascinating, and the mystery behind its nature is revealed with careful pacing and intrigue.
That said, the environmental world-building falls a bit short. The 1963 setting—specifically the emotionally charged backdrop of JFK’s death—offers a rich canvas, but the story rarely capitalizes on it. The atmosphere and historical details are vague, and the time period’s cultural and political nuances are only lightly touched upon. As a result, the sense of place is weaker than it should be for a novel so tied to a pivotal historical moment.
Overall, while the dialogue and character writing are strong, the setting lacks the specificity and immersion needed to elevate the novel beyond its core strengths.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Shroud of Sorrow is a compelling Doctor Who novel with sharp dialogue, strong characters, and a fascinating villain. Though it falters in setting and climax, it remains a rewarding read for fans. Shroud of Sorrow earns 3 out of 5.
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