Torchwood: Almost Perfect by James Goss
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Book Reviews of Torchwood: Almost Perfect
Book Review: Once I started it, I couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the first Torchwood tie-in novel that I've read, and I'm so glad that I started with this one! It's an absolutely engrossing story of "perfection," with a canny wink and a nod to the current climate of body-consciousness and the endless strive for physical perfection (which is, of course, a myth). Anyone who is looking to sate their desire to revisit these familiar characters (Jack, Ianto, Gwen and Rhys are all present, and Tosh and Owen are referenced) in a story that utilizes both their strengths and their weaknesses would do well to pick this book up. As always, there are aliens behind all of the troubles in Cardiff, but the alien threat has never been the selling point of Torchwood - if you love it, it's because of the characters, and the characters shine here, in nearly-equal measure (Rhys and Ianto both made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions, while I appreciated Gwen's reactions to the fantastic things that happened, and Jack alone remained characteristically elusive). It's one of the few books that I've gone back to re-read specific parts, just because I thought the characterization was so right, and fit so well, and the ending is both satisfying and little bit heartbreaking, at the same time. A definite recommendation, it had me laughing like mad in places.Book Review: Enjoyed this a lot!
Summary: 5 Stars
Very enjoyable read! One of the very best of the crop of 'Torchwod' tie-in books, which is why I gave it 5 stars.
The premise, that a couple stole an alien device that makes everyone 'perfect' is wonderful in itself, but when Ianto wakes up a woman one fine morning, the novel takes off in great directions.
There are mysteries involving the alien device, and an ending not for the faint of heart or queasy, but along the way, we do see the inception of Ianto as rescuer, which is born out in the tractor scene in Children of Earth later on.
James Goss is wonderful at capturing the characters perfectly. Even though Ianto is a woman, and a stunning one at that, he's still Ianto. Goss is very adept at understanding and writing each of the characters as they are in canon; there is no sudden veerinf off into out of character territory. There are great moments between Gwen and Rhys, and some funny ones between female Ianto and Jack, as you'd expect, as well as Ianto's ruminations on the problem with running in high heels.
All in all a lot of fun. I am looking forward to more from Mr. Goss in the future.
Book Review: Jhaeman's Review
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this book. Chapter headings like "Gwen and Ianto Get a Shopping Montage" and "Captain Jack is Available for Children's Parties" are only the beginning. Ianto mentions speed-dating, and Jack replies "Twenty strangers, some alcohol, and a chance to make small talk? Thirty minutes and we'd all have been in a big naked heap." One in a series of special internal Torchwood publications: "PAMELA'S SUDDENLY SHORTER: Torchwood Operative Instructions for When You Discover You're Not Who You Thought You Were (Last Revised 1958)." It's hilarious and very well-written, with suitable acknowledgment of the hole that Tosh's and Owen's deaths leave in the organization. The plot, about alien entities called The Perfection, is quite interesting--and the trap they set for Jack is extraordinarily disgusting. Rhys gets plenty to do, and mentions a transgendered "Canadian cousin." There's also a brief line about David Brigstocke, a journalist character from an earlier novel I would like to see more of. Almost Perfect: my favorite Torchwood book so far.
Book Review: Fun Read
Summary: 5 Stars
"...Ianto Jones woke up this morning in the body of a woman...." It works for him. Finding the right dress and matching shoes is horrible, especially when it's your first time. Ianto has to do that and more. This character is far and more engaging than he ever was as a man. I would love to see role made a regular and expanded.
The other central character is Emma. She is lonely, bored, and insecure. However, she's met the perfect person? Then, to her great disappointment, she finds that first flaw. Unlike the rest of the world, she can change it and make him perfect again -- almost.
The chapter arrangement is a bit unusual. It is more like an adaptation of a script than a book. However, I found it refreshing. It gave the book a quick pace and fun twists. The book is carried along by the events rather than character change, so be forewarned.
I read the book in day so I guess you could say that I enjoyed it. I hope more books of this sort come out.
Book Review: Just another day...
Summary: 5 Stars
...in Torchwood. Aliens, advanced science, gender switching. Well, maybe more like a Japanese anime but still with Torchwood things can get wild. Outside of the alien Gods confusing me a tad - were they real Gods, pretend Gods, or just Gods because of the machine - the rest of the book was a hoot. I loved the total lack of normal chapters, the feeling that you were moving back and forth in space and, sometimes, yes time. The character development was right on target and the flow was of the story was great. I could not put the book down once I picked it up.
Loved the very last scene. Anybody who is a fan of Torchwood will read this. Oh yes, it is a tad heavy on the gay but not so much as to take away from the plot. There are no lectures or messages, it is just in there, as it should be. Enjoy!
Jack-Jack-Jacko!