Twilight Streets
Jun. 23rd, 2008 10:17 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rmSo Borders is finally carrying the Torchwood books, which means I can stop fighting with Amazon to get them. Hence, my review of Twilight Streets below. Spoilers ahoy:
I really had no idea what to expect. I've never really done the tie-in novel thing, and I felt a bit daft buying it (although the sales clerk totally grinned at me and that was awesome).
Anyway if you're into Jack/Ianto READ THIS BOOK, but be warned that Jack's kinda a dick to him through large swathes of it -- in fact they're both rather wrapped up in their drama about each other without talking to each other, and it has a pretty good payoff, but we'll get to that later.
The plot of the book itself starts out straightforward: There's an area of Cardiff Jack can't go into because there's some sort of barrier there that makes him ill and weak. Then it gets really complicated and there's possible futures and Bilis Manger and demons and light aliens and if you're absolutely sure what happened by the end of the book, you let me know -- not so you can explain it to me, but so I know to be really wary of how your mind works; this is one twisty plot.
Structurally, the book is incredibly well-done, but it makes the first 50 pages or so feel rather scattered, but after that you'll just inhale the thing.
There are a few instances of Welsh, not translated, and it doesn't really matter, but it drives me a little nuts since I don't know any Welsh and don't even know what the words people are saying should sound like.
The characterizations are pretty spot on, but Jack feels so closed off in the first half of the book it's really off-putting even to us the outside observers. Some of the banter sections are hilarious, although you can't always tell who is saying what. Owen gets some nice moments as does Gwen. Tosh is underwritten, although alternate future Tosh is the stuff of nightmares.
And Ianto! We get this rant from him in response to Gwen asking him if he likes Abba about being bisexual and how it sucks, and it's both really funny and really sad and rings really true despite being a choice that sort of surprised me. You also get the sense that he's really exhausted by dealing with Jack's bullshit, but wouldn't mind so much if everyone wasn't always making it a topic of conversation (which is also pretty funny). Also there's some definite discomfort and sharpness between Ianto and Gwen, which I thought was interesting and surprising as I view that as a fannon phenom and something that isn't really supposed to be there in canon, but there it is. Of course Ianto's having a bad week.
We get some glimpses of Jack's past (where in he seemed much better about showing affection for people -- what happened?) that are oddly not that interesting other than Jack's 'type' seems to involve efficiency, good service and blue eyes, which made me laugh every time it came up.
One of the most compelling parts of the book is this possible future that each of the team members is shown one by one. At first, when we see it from the perspective of Tosh and Owen it just seems a little ridiculous, but then we get Gwen, and after that Ianto and then Jack, and by the time you get the full picture of what happens in this world and what's done to Jack and how Ianto tries to undo it -- it's very disturbing and rather gutting.
I DID NOT EXPECT TO HAVE AN EMOTIONAL REACTION TO A TIE-IN NOVEL, THANKS.
Seriously, it rattled me.
And in that possible future? It's Jack and Ianto's love that saves the planet. I am not even joking. And it's fucking heartbreaking.
For those who've read it -- thoughts on the "He was Ianto" line? Because I'm going several different directions with it, as it was so unclear -- everything from some soul-mate craptasticness (I suppose Jack can have a soul as promiscuous as his dick, though), to Jack's brain just being really muddled at that moment in time, to Jack recognizing how alike he and Ianto have always been (which is my feeling about the characters, but I'm not sure it's in play here).
The only disappointment really? That once the world was saved, that the Team found their memory of what they'd been shown about the possible future fading. I think it would have been more interesting if they had had to live with the knowledge of what was averted, but that, I suppose, would have forced them all to communicate like functional human beings, and geez, we can't have that, now can we?
I really had no idea what to expect. I've never really done the tie-in novel thing, and I felt a bit daft buying it (although the sales clerk totally grinned at me and that was awesome).
Anyway if you're into Jack/Ianto READ THIS BOOK, but be warned that Jack's kinda a dick to him through large swathes of it -- in fact they're both rather wrapped up in their drama about each other without talking to each other, and it has a pretty good payoff, but we'll get to that later.
The plot of the book itself starts out straightforward: There's an area of Cardiff Jack can't go into because there's some sort of barrier there that makes him ill and weak. Then it gets really complicated and there's possible futures and Bilis Manger and demons and light aliens and if you're absolutely sure what happened by the end of the book, you let me know -- not so you can explain it to me, but so I know to be really wary of how your mind works; this is one twisty plot.
Structurally, the book is incredibly well-done, but it makes the first 50 pages or so feel rather scattered, but after that you'll just inhale the thing.
There are a few instances of Welsh, not translated, and it doesn't really matter, but it drives me a little nuts since I don't know any Welsh and don't even know what the words people are saying should sound like.
The characterizations are pretty spot on, but Jack feels so closed off in the first half of the book it's really off-putting even to us the outside observers. Some of the banter sections are hilarious, although you can't always tell who is saying what. Owen gets some nice moments as does Gwen. Tosh is underwritten, although alternate future Tosh is the stuff of nightmares.
And Ianto! We get this rant from him in response to Gwen asking him if he likes Abba about being bisexual and how it sucks, and it's both really funny and really sad and rings really true despite being a choice that sort of surprised me. You also get the sense that he's really exhausted by dealing with Jack's bullshit, but wouldn't mind so much if everyone wasn't always making it a topic of conversation (which is also pretty funny). Also there's some definite discomfort and sharpness between Ianto and Gwen, which I thought was interesting and surprising as I view that as a fannon phenom and something that isn't really supposed to be there in canon, but there it is. Of course Ianto's having a bad week.
We get some glimpses of Jack's past (where in he seemed much better about showing affection for people -- what happened?) that are oddly not that interesting other than Jack's 'type' seems to involve efficiency, good service and blue eyes, which made me laugh every time it came up.
One of the most compelling parts of the book is this possible future that each of the team members is shown one by one. At first, when we see it from the perspective of Tosh and Owen it just seems a little ridiculous, but then we get Gwen, and after that Ianto and then Jack, and by the time you get the full picture of what happens in this world and what's done to Jack and how Ianto tries to undo it -- it's very disturbing and rather gutting.
I DID NOT EXPECT TO HAVE AN EMOTIONAL REACTION TO A TIE-IN NOVEL, THANKS.
Seriously, it rattled me.
And in that possible future? It's Jack and Ianto's love that saves the planet. I am not even joking. And it's fucking heartbreaking.
For those who've read it -- thoughts on the "He was Ianto" line? Because I'm going several different directions with it, as it was so unclear -- everything from some soul-mate craptasticness (I suppose Jack can have a soul as promiscuous as his dick, though), to Jack's brain just being really muddled at that moment in time, to Jack recognizing how alike he and Ianto have always been (which is my feeling about the characters, but I'm not sure it's in play here).
The only disappointment really? That once the world was saved, that the Team found their memory of what they'd been shown about the possible future fading. I think it would have been more interesting if they had had to live with the knowledge of what was averted, but that, I suppose, would have forced them all to communicate like functional human beings, and geez, we can't have that, now can we?
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no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 02:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 03:50 pm (UTC)[Though it says in B&N's website that its in stock, except its not available where i live, yet.]
This is a great review! Now im really anxious to read this book.
no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 03:52 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2008-06-23 11:23 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2008-06-23 11:47 pm (UTC)I highly recommend this one, it's technically the third one of this grouping according to the book listing in the book (#6 of 6 so far) but I read it first because it sounded the most interesting and it really is! I actually finished it in about two days, just absolutely devoured it, it was so good!
no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 04:01 pm (UTC)As for the "He was Ianto" line, I don't think that it was anything more than Jack acknowledging Ianto's awesomeness. Sort of a "that's my Ianto" I know he won't give up on me. Or at least that's the way I took it upon first reading.
And the scene - you know THAT scene - I could barely read it through the tears!
The thing that interested me about Jack's past and his relationship is that TPTB have really pushed the agenda that Gwen is speeshul and made Jack feel again since his situation after the Doctor and all that jazz, but in this book that clearly isn't the case.
no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 04:04 pm (UTC)God, that's such a normal venacular, it didn't even occur to me. You're probably right, and that's exactly not the sort of thing that would ever occur to me, because I don't express myself like that.
I know the books are debatably canon, but I really did feel like this should go a long way to assuaging everyone who is worried the Jack/Ianto mess won't be an enduring plot point in the program.
(no subject)
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Date: 2008-06-23 04:28 pm (UTC)Yet Ianto was more than willing to sacrifice himself for Jack. He is really painted as a Martyr in this book. It was heartbreaking.
I beleive that that line "Because he was Ianto" refers to the fact that Jack knows what Ianto is capable of. He has shown (in Cyber Woman) that he will sacrifice everything for love. Jack knew that. Even though he does'nt deserve it
no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 04:30 pm (UTC)And yeah, your explanation for that line makes perfect sense to me, and I'm not sure how I read it so strangely (probably because I would write it so strangely, and it was so close to that thing about Jack feeling a connection in his head snap when Ianto goes down and I was like WHAT? WHAT? and then couldn't stop being all WHAT? to actually figure it out like a normal person).
(no subject)
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Date: 2008-06-23 04:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 04:46 pm (UTC)This one was definitely sometime after the season 2 opener, but I don't think it was long after and didn't have any significant spoilers. YOU WILL FREAK OUT OVER IT.
(no subject)
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Date: 2008-06-23 04:45 pm (UTC)Maybe it took the experiece of that future, and the realization that Ianto was the only member of his Team that would not betray him that helped Jack to accept a greater connection to Ianto.
no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 04:47 pm (UTC)(no subject)
From:Isn't TS the only one written by....
Date: 2008-06-23 04:46 pm (UTC)Re: Isn't TS the only one written by....
Date: 2008-06-23 04:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 04:48 pm (UTC)I'm no great scholar with the language, but I could have a go at helping you with that, once I pick up the book. Heck, it would be a good exercise for me...
Doing a transliteration of the pronunciation would be a bit trickier, but for the more-common words, you could try BBC Wales' Online Dictionary, as it includes little sound files for the common words. Unfortunately, it won't deal well with tenses, but it can untangle mutations, with which the bloody language is riddled. Suffice it to say that nine letters at the beginning of a word *routinely* change to other letters, depending on some rules that are making my head hurt...
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Date: 2008-06-23 04:49 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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From:Omg, the BEST TW book!!!
Date: 2008-06-23 04:57 pm (UTC)I have to say it's my favourite, Ianto just shines in this. I love his argument with Gwen, some good ol' Gwen bashing makes me happy. I loved that bit far too much, I kept reading it again and again. I also loved the bit when it says, "Ianto's love for Jack..." All we need know is Jack's confession of love. I'm still waiting. Ianto was FANTASTIC in this. Written so well I think, perfect.
I didn't like that Tosh and Owen went evil *pout* Well, evilish ...
Rhys was awesome though, go Rhys! =P
Jack was an ass to Ianto ... lover? YES YOU DAFT SOD! ... I'd've preferred boyfriend though, but we're getting there. Esp the Captain's Blog for after Adrift, which leads me to believe that this is set before then.
I have more to write, just can't think of it atm hehe.
=]
Re: Omg, the BEST TW book!!!
Date: 2008-06-23 04:59 pm (UTC)Re: Omg, the BEST TW book!!!
From:no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 05:10 pm (UTC)I feel bad for Ianto in terms of how lopsided it all seems, but at the same time, it feels realistic given both their personalities.
no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 05:12 pm (UTC)I was glad to see Ianto standing up to Jack though about who was giving the orders and stuff like that. He never calls Jack on his shit, but he's definitely letting Jack know he's keeping score -- which is fucked up too, but at least shows that the boy has a spine, just an odd one.
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From:Ianto seems more the passive aggressive type.
From:Re: Ianto seems more the passive aggressive type.
From:Re: Ianto seems more the passive aggressive type.
From:Re: Ianto seems more the passive aggressive type.
From:no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 06:35 pm (UTC)There are entire levels of power and guilt involved there which will affect that relationship.
I know personally, I dated a boss once. trust me it alwas ends badly.
no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 07:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 07:37 pm (UTC)The only part of the twisty-plot that really bothered me was how Bilis Manger was characterized in about five different ways throughout the book. Not once did they actually line up and that bothered me.
no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 07:46 pm (UTC)Speaking of, are we on for a thing?
no subject
Date: 2008-06-23 07:47 pm (UTC)Just a little intrigued
Date: 2008-06-23 08:49 pm (UTC)One thing I would say though is that in series two the J/I relationship doesn't seem especially angst ridden. I think series one did set Ianto up to be all angsty and deep. Whereas in fact, as GDL has said he sees it, Ianto is much happier in series 2. I think Ianto is quite dominant, and there are lots of hints at that, also that Jack turns to Ianto and relies on him. I feel that Ianto is quite secure, and not interested in getting into any bitching or frustration about Jack, hence his comments, such as in KKBB when Gwen bitches and he simply says it is fun having Jack around, and the "dashing" comment in Sleeper. Other scenes, such as the car scene in Something Borrowed, show them as being just compatible and content. Jack also does a lot of "gazing" at Ianto whenever he can, during the whole series.
Clearly I am showing that I overthink it, but I just don't think that canon really supports Jack being some kind of unfeeling bastard who will hurt poor little Ianto. If anything Ianto is a big lad who seems very capable of taking control.
Re: Just a little intrigued
Date: 2008-06-23 08:52 pm (UTC)a) happy
and b) at least in control of himself if not Jack (I suppor thte toppy!Ianto theory!) in the second season, which is why the only way that Twilight Streets works for me is if it's right towards the beginning of season 2, when he might still be pretty ticked off about the disappearing act and Jack is probably still resisting discussing it.
Re: Just a little intrigued
From: (Anonymous) - Date: 2008-06-23 09:08 pm (UTC) - Expandno subject
Date: 2008-06-23 11:37 pm (UTC)Oh I wanted to mention, you said you think it was pretty soon after KKBB, but I think actually... its probably set somewhere between "Meat" and "Adam" or at least between "Meat" and "Reset" cause Rhys knows about Torchwood if I'm not mistaken... and Owen's not a zombie yet... so... :D I think its funny that you started this just after I finished reading the book. I loved it!
no subject
Date: 2008-06-24 02:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-10-14 04:42 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2008-06-24 12:39 pm (UTC)To me it felt a little as though the author had something to get of his chest and was using Ianto to do it :-(
Like I say, other than that it was great, if a little hastily written!
If you want another heartbreaking (and I really mean heartbreaking!) story, read Trace Memories. I was thinking about it for days afterwards!
And for a really awesome and well written plot try Border Princes. There are even a couple of episodes in series 2 that seem to have 'borrowed' ideas from this book.
Happy reading!
LM
no subject
Date: 2008-06-24 02:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-24 02:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-06-26 07:46 pm (UTC)And I was bored one night so I decided to translate the note that Idris wrote to Jack and it was complete gibberish, but that amused me though.
It was a really good book and now I have to go and buy the others. :D