In itself, the story is seldom about 'fiction' Jason and Dr Who are arguably the only consequential features to the story. I'm not quite sure that's entirely for the best.

The novel feels totally different than its predecessors, The Mind of Fiction and Conundrum. I more have series of thoughts than a coherent message of the novel, and so: Lyons is a considerate writer here I somehow doubt the coincidence is accidental. Head Games is one of those rare VNAs in which its value and purpose extends far beyond the novel, and more exists in concept, in what it stands for - ironically like the Land of Fiction in many ways. I'm really not sure what to think about this story, other than it was 'good'.

It's the kind of wasted potential that just makes you sad. The point to this long rant is that Head Games is what it is -a poorly edited mishmash of half realized ideas. Of all the companions, only Mel had the balls to refuse to be manipulated and bow out, *Mel*! The companion famous for being really really obnoxious! And considering I've read lungbarrow, I really wish poor Chris had gotten out when he could. But what's the answer to Chris' crisis of faith? That he's wrong and we need to keep trusting the doctor and not asking questions because, dude, he's the doctor. In so many ways, this doctor is waaaaay too full of himself and should be taken down a peg. Why should the companions keep blindly following the doctor and trusting him implictly when 9/10 times he manipulates and emotionally abuses them for his own purposes, purposes which generally mean more death and distruction all around. Because Kevin (whoever the hell he is) raises a valid point - TNA's 7th doctor does a lot of *terrible* things, to the point where I was right on board with Chris' crisis of faith. Maybe other books explain what was going on, but I seriously doubt it. I still have no idea who kevin is, why he was important, or what the deal was with the evil!6th doctor - who apparently the 7th doctor murdered? Or something? Now, I'll admit that I've never watched a 6th or 7th doctor tv adventure, and when I read TNA I read them out of order and treat each book as a standalone adventure. There were times when I felt like the book was trying to make a statement, a big sweeping thing that was supposed to turn the genre on its head.but all that happened was it gog more convoluted. I kept turning the page, hoping against hope that all the wiggy plot bits would coalese into something meaningful, but alas my hope was all in vain. As is the hallmark of The New Adventures, this book contained a few great character moments, but the vast majority of it didn't make the slightest bit of sense.

Doctor Who by Steve Lyons