Torchwood: First Born

A novel based on the tv show Torchwood. Telling an original story for characters from the series, that never appeared in any other format prior to this.It runs for two hundred and fifty one pages. It's divided into many short and unnumbered chapters. Each has a heading to tell you who the viewpoint character of the chapter is.As with all Torchwood, it's strictly for grown ups.It is also a prequel to Miracle Day, the fourth season of the show on tv, as it shows what Gwen and Rhys did prior to that, and post the third season, Children of Earth.That will only make sense to those who saw Children of Earth, but if you're reading this, then you undoubtedly did.Gwen and Rhys are in hiding. Running from enemies. They are also new parents.They are living in a small village in the middle of nowhere called Rawbone. Which appears to be normal. But is actually hiding a terrible secret past. And some residents who behave unnaturally. Which is why the people there are so interested in their child.Once again, Gwen and Rhys have to stand and fight to save the planet...The book changes viewpoint character between chapters. Mostly it's either Gwen or Rhys. But some others do creep in as it goes along.All chapters are in the first person.The first third of this is superb. Creating a vivid picture of the two characters, with spot on characterisation of both, as they adjust to things and parenthood. Rawbone is a vivid and realistic feeling place as well.Plot does start to kick in once you get to the middle third, but then, even with some excellent revelations and set up, said plot does rather move a bit slowly for the whole second third of the book.It all kicks in big time come the final third, managing to make the presence of a character who is not with Gwen and Rhys at this time in their lives felt, and it does resolve itself in a superbly unexpected manner. With a memorable final chapter that does live for a while.All in all a really good and above average volume. Just for a bit faster pacing in the middle, it would be a five star read. Still well worth a look though.

(Review by my 15 Year-Old Son)Ah, the aftermath of Children Of Earth (the best series of Torchwood, period). The three books published by the BBC are intended to bridge the gap between Children Of Earth and Miracle Day (the series that had so much potential but let it down). First Born is the first of three books that focuses on what happened to Gwen after Children of Earth.Although I haven't read all three of the "bridge" books, I have to say that First Born will probably be my favourite. Long Time Dead is a book I have yet to read and as for The Men Who Sold The World, I doubt I'll even pick it up. However, I started reading First Born initially thinking that it would be a dull, grey book. I was wrong. Surprsingly, First Born slings you straight into an action sequence in Cardiff. Once this is finished, we are brought to the dull little village of Rawbone. However, the plot thickens here and there are numerous devices to help it out.The first, is James Goss's characters, they vary from the (usually) calm Scions to disturbing police officers. 9 out of 10 of the supporting characters have backing stories and are generally likeable, my own favourite being the first version of Sebastian. As the story goes on, the tale that Gwen, Rhys and sometimes even baby Anwen tell gets darker and more Torchwood-esque. Goss is also able to write in a short-but-sweet cameo for the former Torchwood 3 leader, Captain Jack.In conclusion, First Born was a surprisingly great read. Although, I don't hold the same hopes for when I read Long Time Dead, I would definitely recommend this book for anybody who loved series three of Torchwood and wants to explore how Gwen and Rhys coped after Jack's departure. (9/10)

James Goss has a really easy to read style, but at the same time manages to create some quite complex issues.The characterisations of Gwen and Rhys are spot on and this book fits well into its continuity gap. Great work James!

In terms of time-lines, this part of the ongoing Torchwood story is actually a throwback filler. A prequel to Miracle Day, and set after the birth of their daughter, it gives us a glimpse into the lives of Gwen and Rhys post COE. James Goss is an old hand at Torchwood, and it shows in this book.

Very engaging Torchwood novel. I loved it, and miss that no more paper books are being done, only audio ones. :(