(snip). . .
I must admit to being a big Benny fan (not as big as some, but I do enjoy her character). The virgin Benny books started with the tag line 'SF has never been this much fun', and I think that if the BF adventures follow in the vein of this short story collection, this tagline will still be apt. The adventures carry on from where the virgin ones finished. But all that horrible continuity isn't important. What is important is that Benny is the same character, and has fun adventures. (snip)
Kathryn Sullivan's story about monsters visiting a world and leaving a legacy, along with a bit of one-upmanship is an enjoyable little read, although I was a bit confused about exactly how the second archaeologist was actually hoist by his own petard. I don't think it was clear, although I was pretty tired when I read it. I did think that the idea of the ancient culture mining out an even older spaceship and basing their mythology on the inhabitants of that spaceship a wonderful one. Definitely a good use of the archaeology theme.
. . (snip)
Given so many first time writers in this collection, it is a bit surprising that it is as good and as polished as it is. I really hope that all the writers involved get to write more stories for Benny, and if the forthcoming novels are this good, I would heartily recommend them to everyone who was a bit of a Benny fan. (Now not only Ms Symcox owes me a pint *8-) ).
(Orinoco, 9/04/00, rec.arts.drwho)
(snip) Yes, I loved this one, especially with the bipedal armadillos (long story!) lots of resonances in this story, from St. George And The Dragon, to cargo cults, to arsehole scientists, it's nice to let it wash over you, but fun and enjoyable as well.
(snip)
All in all, a great start to the range, without a duff story in sight, of course, YMMV. A good sign for things to come.
(Gordon Dempster, 9/06/00, rec.arts.drwho)
Cameron Mason's review page, 12/30/00
Doctor Who Fan Ratings Guide, added 2003
Reviews also at Amazon.co.uk listing, added 10/2/04