Suzie returns in this Torchwood novel that takes place prior to Miracle Day. Recommended to Torchwood fans & Doctor Who fans. ( )

http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2215851.html

I absolutely hated Pinborough's previous Torchwood novel, and pondered whether to even crack the covers of this one. However, I'm glad I did; this picks up the story of Suzie Costello, five years after her death in the very first episode of Torchwood, getting unexpectedly resurrected in the rubble of the Hub and creating mayhem while setting up some of the scenery for Miracle Day. None of the regular Torchwood characters appear (apart from a very brief look-in from Jack Harkness) but it very nicely ties up a loose end of continuity. ( )

Second of the three Miracle Day prequel novels. Torchwood is dead or scattered after the events of Children of Earth. The Hub is a wreck being excavated by the Department in search of artifacts to scavange. But one member of Torchwood just won't stay dead. The morgue drawers have burst open in the aftermath of the explosion, Suzie Costello is back, and she's brought company.

This is a well-crafted horror novel that builds on the existing features of the Torchwood universe to create a very nasty fate indeed for some of Cardiff's citizens, one that could spread to the whole world. While it's set in the immediate aftermath of Children of Earth, it ties into season one in a way that will add richness for existing fans while giving some Torchwood backstory for new fans. And Sarah Pinborough has done a great job of expanding on the character of Suzi Costello. There aren't many hard facts added, but we see more of her motivations and how she ended up as a killer.

An excellent look at what Torchwood, and its loss, mean to the people of Cardiff -- even if they can't remember their encounters with the team. Once again the Torchwood novels demonstrate just how good tie-in fiction can be. ( )

Suzie Costello. Between Children of Earth and Miracle Day.