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Torchwood #19
Exodus Code
It starts with a series of unexplained events. Earth tremors across the globe. People being driven insane by their heightened and scrambled senses. And the world is starting to notice - the number one Twitter trend is #TheLoco. Governments and scientists are bewildered and silent. The world needs Torchwood, but there's not much of Torchwood left. Captain Jack has tracked the problem to its source: a village in Peru, where he's uncovered evidence of alien involvement. Back in Cardiff, Gwen Cooper has discovered something lurking inside the Torchwood software - something alien and somehow connected to Jack. If the world is to be restored, she has to warn him - but she's quickly becoming a victim of the madness, too!
366 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2012
32 people are currently reading
1148 people want to read
About the author
John Barrowman
69books912followersJohn Barrowman was born in Scotland, and moved to Illinois when he was eight years old. He is bi-dialectal, doing much of his stage and acting work in his American accent, but speaking with family in his Scottish accent.
He moved back to Britain in 1989 when he was hired to play the lead in Anything Goes. He took on a number of West End roles, including the leads in Sunset Boulevard and Miss Saigon and a dramatic play entitled Rope, while working as a children's television presenter and came back to America briefly to work on short lived shows such as Central Park West and Titans. He then bounced around Broadway, West End and the LA Stage for a number of years before moving back to Britain permanently. He won the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the new Doctor Who series and went on to star as Captain Jack in its adult spin-off Torchwood.
John married Scott Gill, his partner of fifteen years, in December 2006.
He moved back to Britain in 1989 when he was hired to play the lead in Anything Goes. He took on a number of West End roles, including the leads in Sunset Boulevard and Miss Saigon and a dramatic play entitled Rope, while working as a children's television presenter and came back to America briefly to work on short lived shows such as Central Park West and Titans. He then bounced around Broadway, West End and the LA Stage for a number of years before moving back to Britain permanently. He won the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the new Doctor Who series and went on to star as Captain Jack in its adult spin-off Torchwood.
John married Scott Gill, his partner of fifteen years, in December 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
October 14, 2012
I loved it. Loved it. It was brilliant. The storyline was gripping and the conclusion was fantastic. I love Carole's writing, and Captain Jack is there just like in the series on the telly. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2012
You would expect this Torchwood novel, written by its star, John Barrowman (with his sister), to be fairly faithful to the tone of the TV series. And Exodus Code doesn't disappoint. As I read it, I could absolutely picture this being filmed for television. I could hear the actors saying their characters' dialogue, and imagined the scenes as they would be filmed. The Barrowman siblings have written a very visual novel. However, by throwing in an element of synesthesia, they've also created a story that works on the page better than it would on the screen, by including something that could only be experienced by getting into the characters' heads.
It's not a perfect novel; the ending feels a bit rushed and confusing to me. However, for fans of Torchwood, with no new TV series in sight, this will strike a lot of familiar chords, and will fill the desire for a new Torchwood story. It also speaks well for the writing team of the Barrowman siblings. It's easy to imagine that this book was commissioned on the celebrity name of the TV star. However, this doesn't feel like just some cynical vanity project, but the product of two authors who truly love the series, and want to do right by it. Lots of fun!
It's not a perfect novel; the ending feels a bit rushed and confusing to me. However, for fans of Torchwood, with no new TV series in sight, this will strike a lot of familiar chords, and will fill the desire for a new Torchwood story. It also speaks well for the writing team of the Barrowman siblings. It's easy to imagine that this book was commissioned on the celebrity name of the TV star. However, this doesn't feel like just some cynical vanity project, but the product of two authors who truly love the series, and want to do right by it. Lots of fun!
January 9, 2013
An adrenaline-pumping, nail-bitingly brilliant read that is fast-paced and full of the unexpected!
This eagerly-awaited Torchwood novel, written by Carol E and John Barrowman (who played Captain Jack Harkness since 2005) certainly lives up to expectations. Full of intense drama and absorbing narrative this captivating, compelling read is a real page-turner. Complete within this universally loved creation are those distinctive, markedly memorable characters such as Gwen Cooper and Rhys, this book would make a fantastic drama adaptation and fifth series after Miracle Day. Once this exciting adventure takes hold it never lets go, as you are plunged into a world of danger, mystery and unstoppable action that keeps you sat on the edge of your seat in suspense throughout.
Unexplained, curious events take place such as Earth tremors across the globe and women bizarrely being driven insane by their heightened and scrambled senses. The number one on Twitter is �#realfemmefatales� which not only baffles the government and scientists (who remain inconspicuous and silent) but also civilians. It seems that this curious conundrum can only be solved by the Torchwood team, but sadly this secret organization doesn’t contain many members. Fortuitously Captain Jack Harkness has traced the problem’s source, a small village in Peru, where he's uncovered evidence of alien involvement.
Meanwhile in Cardiff, Gwen Cooper has discovered something alien and somehow connected to Jack. If the world is to be restored, she has to warn him - but she's quickly becoming a victim of the madness, too...
Torchwood is back, after the Miracle, with another mystery to solve that again links to Jack’s remarkable and eccentric past. Full of energy, intelligence and humour this cleverly crafted, deeply thought-provoking read is truly astonishing and a fantastic read. As a fan of the television drama series and all things science-fiction and fantasy, this action-packed adventure will delight many fans by taking you on a thrilling, blood-curdling, unforeseen rollercoaster of a ride! Amidst the exquisite storyline is such undeniably fabulous originality as to delight, containing arresting and well-written prose.
Any fan of Torchwood and The Hollow Earth (also by Carol E and John Barrowman) must mark this as a ‘must-read�!
This eagerly-awaited Torchwood novel, written by Carol E and John Barrowman (who played Captain Jack Harkness since 2005) certainly lives up to expectations. Full of intense drama and absorbing narrative this captivating, compelling read is a real page-turner. Complete within this universally loved creation are those distinctive, markedly memorable characters such as Gwen Cooper and Rhys, this book would make a fantastic drama adaptation and fifth series after Miracle Day. Once this exciting adventure takes hold it never lets go, as you are plunged into a world of danger, mystery and unstoppable action that keeps you sat on the edge of your seat in suspense throughout.
Unexplained, curious events take place such as Earth tremors across the globe and women bizarrely being driven insane by their heightened and scrambled senses. The number one on Twitter is �#realfemmefatales� which not only baffles the government and scientists (who remain inconspicuous and silent) but also civilians. It seems that this curious conundrum can only be solved by the Torchwood team, but sadly this secret organization doesn’t contain many members. Fortuitously Captain Jack Harkness has traced the problem’s source, a small village in Peru, where he's uncovered evidence of alien involvement.
Meanwhile in Cardiff, Gwen Cooper has discovered something alien and somehow connected to Jack. If the world is to be restored, she has to warn him - but she's quickly becoming a victim of the madness, too...
Torchwood is back, after the Miracle, with another mystery to solve that again links to Jack’s remarkable and eccentric past. Full of energy, intelligence and humour this cleverly crafted, deeply thought-provoking read is truly astonishing and a fantastic read. As a fan of the television drama series and all things science-fiction and fantasy, this action-packed adventure will delight many fans by taking you on a thrilling, blood-curdling, unforeseen rollercoaster of a ride! Amidst the exquisite storyline is such undeniably fabulous originality as to delight, containing arresting and well-written prose.
Any fan of Torchwood and The Hollow Earth (also by Carol E and John Barrowman) must mark this as a ‘must-read�!
January 19, 2013
First off, I am a big fan of the Torchwood television series, which would be the only reason to read this book. I doubt it would have much draw if you were not already familiar with the characters.
Second, I found this book to be quite readable and well written overall. I might have given it 2.5 stars. Yet it is deeply flawed—as part of the ongoing Torchwood drama. It doesn’t add much, if anything, to the individual characters� development; we learn nothing new about Jack or Gwen, and they don’t grow or change in any way. I found it annoying that Gwen was taken out of commission early on and played essentially a minor role.
The crux of the novel’s problems was in plot flaws, though. Like, why was it that Jack couldn’t remember this significant thing that happened to him back in 1930? I mean, the plot really turns on it, that he couldn’t remember, and that just seems weak. I also did not care for the mystical Gaia thing—because it turns out to be a lame plot device that remains unexplained. In keeping with the more-or-less scientific sci-fi tradition of Torchwood and Dr. Who, “gods� must always turn out to be alien life forms. So when Gaia is just Gaia, and the whole thing is just “the prophecy must be fulfilled,� it seemed pretty stupid.
As I read this on my Kindle, I always noticed where I was in the story. So when, at 85% through, I still had no idea what was going on over at the hacienda in Peru, I thought, WTF? So the pacing seemed off. And obviously that whole bit was only there to add guns and drama. It wasn’t really integrated with the weak main story of Gaia. In fact, I am still thinking, what was that part about?
I was really surprised that the new character from the American series, Rex Matheson, was almost nonexistent in this story. It seems like there is a lot of potential there—another immortal, for god’s sake!—plus Rex is really likeable and provides a nice contrast to Jack’s character. He should be a feature in the next Torchwood story.
Last but not least, the whole synesthesia thing got old while reading it. I mean, how many times can I read about the character having a “strong taste of ginger� in his or her mouth and be expected to care about it?
So there you have it—in my humble opinion, this wouldn’t work that well as the next miniseries or season of the TV show, unless it is heavily re-worked.
Second, I found this book to be quite readable and well written overall. I might have given it 2.5 stars. Yet it is deeply flawed—as part of the ongoing Torchwood drama. It doesn’t add much, if anything, to the individual characters� development; we learn nothing new about Jack or Gwen, and they don’t grow or change in any way. I found it annoying that Gwen was taken out of commission early on and played essentially a minor role.
The crux of the novel’s problems was in plot flaws, though. Like, why was it that Jack couldn’t remember this significant thing that happened to him back in 1930? I mean, the plot really turns on it, that he couldn’t remember, and that just seems weak. I also did not care for the mystical Gaia thing—because it turns out to be a lame plot device that remains unexplained. In keeping with the more-or-less scientific sci-fi tradition of Torchwood and Dr. Who, “gods� must always turn out to be alien life forms. So when Gaia is just Gaia, and the whole thing is just “the prophecy must be fulfilled,� it seemed pretty stupid.
As I read this on my Kindle, I always noticed where I was in the story. So when, at 85% through, I still had no idea what was going on over at the hacienda in Peru, I thought, WTF? So the pacing seemed off. And obviously that whole bit was only there to add guns and drama. It wasn’t really integrated with the weak main story of Gaia. In fact, I am still thinking, what was that part about?
I was really surprised that the new character from the American series, Rex Matheson, was almost nonexistent in this story. It seems like there is a lot of potential there—another immortal, for god’s sake!—plus Rex is really likeable and provides a nice contrast to Jack’s character. He should be a feature in the next Torchwood story.
Last but not least, the whole synesthesia thing got old while reading it. I mean, how many times can I read about the character having a “strong taste of ginger� in his or her mouth and be expected to care about it?
So there you have it—in my humble opinion, this wouldn’t work that well as the next miniseries or season of the TV show, unless it is heavily re-worked.
October 24, 2014
I'm still hesitating between 4* and 5*, very upset I can't set 4,5* because right here, I really want to use it.
So. Last Torchwood book I had to read. I enjoyed whole series with passion of fan who just found something they didn't know they missed from their life. So basically, I devoured them, including, with certain hesitation, this piece.
At first, this book didn't immediately catch my attention fully. It was kinda interesting, but I was still able to put it aside and go to sleep.
Because it was made of really nice scenes that did not completely connect with each other.
But somewhere around half of the book it simply clicked and I had no time to make myself new pot of tea, I simply had to finish reading it.
I shouldn't probably write these shoutouts as soon as I'm finished with reading but nah. I also wonder about one thing - given that first Doctor Who book translated into Czech language was just published in CZ, will I get to see TW books in Czech bookstores as well? Book like this is certainly something I would like to see also my not-English-speaking friends read.
So. Last Torchwood book I had to read. I enjoyed whole series with passion of fan who just found something they didn't know they missed from their life. So basically, I devoured them, including, with certain hesitation, this piece.
At first, this book didn't immediately catch my attention fully. It was kinda interesting, but I was still able to put it aside and go to sleep.
Because it was made of really nice scenes that did not completely connect with each other.
But somewhere around half of the book it simply clicked and I had no time to make myself new pot of tea, I simply had to finish reading it.
I shouldn't probably write these shoutouts as soon as I'm finished with reading but nah. I also wonder about one thing - given that first Doctor Who book translated into Czech language was just published in CZ, will I get to see TW books in Czech bookstores as well? Book like this is certainly something I would like to see also my not-English-speaking friends read.
November 19, 2013
Remember when Torchwood fought aliens? Yeah, I miss those days. I would have rather seen this filmed than Miracle Day, but that being said, I didn't really like it. In fact, I don't think I actually enjoyed it at any point. There were a lot of aspects of it that I felt were unnecessary - Rex, the kidnapping storyline, etc. I have no problem with - and, in fact, like seeing - so many gay characters, but it felt like almost everyone was gay/bisexual.
In addition, I just couldn't care about the plot. it felt so much like Miracle Day - which I hated on a primal level - all over again. Did we really need another "OMG the entire world is going to be destroyed and only Jack's blood/body can save it" story? We need Torchwood books that take place in the UK with Gwen and Jack both as main characters, instead of the fairly minor role Gwen has been relegated to since COE. It needs to feel like Torchwood. Although, I suppose it can't since RTD messed everything up with Children of Earth and Miracle Day.
I am still waiting to find out more about the Time Agency. Please, no matter what form the next TW story takes, can we please find out something more about Jack's past before he met the Doctor?
I feel like I'm betraying the Barrowmans by not loving this book. I know they didn't have carte blanche, but I'm still so sorry!
In addition, I just couldn't care about the plot. it felt so much like Miracle Day - which I hated on a primal level - all over again. Did we really need another "OMG the entire world is going to be destroyed and only Jack's blood/body can save it" story? We need Torchwood books that take place in the UK with Gwen and Jack both as main characters, instead of the fairly minor role Gwen has been relegated to since COE. It needs to feel like Torchwood. Although, I suppose it can't since RTD messed everything up with Children of Earth and Miracle Day.
I am still waiting to find out more about the Time Agency. Please, no matter what form the next TW story takes, can we please find out something more about Jack's past before he met the Doctor?
I feel like I'm betraying the Barrowmans by not loving this book. I know they didn't have carte blanche, but I'm still so sorry!
September 19, 2013
Who else but John Barrowman aka Captain Jack could write a Torchwood novel. John and Carole Barrowman do a fantastic job of staying true to Torchwood history.
In “Torchwood Exodus Code� women around the world are going insane, attacking loved ones and mutilating themselves. While across the earth, tremors are occurring. Geysers are popping up and underwater chimneys are venting toxic element. The world governments seem unable to cope with the growing catastrophe. This is just the sort of thing Torchwood would have handled, but Torchwood no longer exists.
Captain Jack realizes the world needs to be restored to its natural balance. Faint memories of a time in the 1930’s when Jack visited a small village in Peru seem to be at the center of all the problems. Meanwhile, Gwen Cooper has been afflicted by the insanity that is spiraling out of control. But it isn’t until Jack sees what Gwen has carved into her arm that things start to come together. In true Torchwood fashion, Captain Jack hitches up his braces and comes to the rescue.
In “Torchwood Exodus Code� women around the world are going insane, attacking loved ones and mutilating themselves. While across the earth, tremors are occurring. Geysers are popping up and underwater chimneys are venting toxic element. The world governments seem unable to cope with the growing catastrophe. This is just the sort of thing Torchwood would have handled, but Torchwood no longer exists.
Captain Jack realizes the world needs to be restored to its natural balance. Faint memories of a time in the 1930’s when Jack visited a small village in Peru seem to be at the center of all the problems. Meanwhile, Gwen Cooper has been afflicted by the insanity that is spiraling out of control. But it isn’t until Jack sees what Gwen has carved into her arm that things start to come together. In true Torchwood fashion, Captain Jack hitches up his braces and comes to the rescue.
January 8, 2014
Given the authors, almost everything about Torchwood (including references to Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures) was included in this amazingly written novel. To be honest, it was the best Torchwood book I've read, and I've read almost all if them. I read this one in just under 24 hours: I couldn't put it down. The pacing was excellent and it was told in a way that reminded me of both Miracle Day and the original Torchwood series (aka it was brilliant). Obviously Captain Jack Harkness stole the show here (not surprising for many reasons) but it was nice to see some old friends too: Gwen, Rhys, and even Rex. It was a great story that I wish hadn't ended. The only complaint I had is that it seemed to end before I wanted it to, before everyone was back together. But that's only a very small complaint in a novel that I absolutely loved. Do yourself a favor and pick it up!
April 5, 2023
This book did Gwen so dirty. The "female insanity" plot wasn't great. Overall, I was bored shitless. I can't recommend the audiobook either; it didn't help my reading experience at all. Skip this one, and the comics Barrowman wrote, and just go straight to the Big Finish audio dramas, which are excellent.
September 30, 2012
Your enjoyment of this new Torchwood book probably depends largely on how much you enjoyed the TV show's fourth series, Miracle Day. If you hated it this isn't for you. If you thought it was OK though this is a decent follow up. It sees a new disaster for Earth where woman are having breakdowns and hydrothermal vents are popping up instantaneously all over the world. It doesn't look good.
The use of the main characters in this book is pretty atrocious. Gwen is one of the women having a breakdown and whilst that gives a good window to the plot it means half of Torchwood is out of action. Rhys and Andy Davidson are both in it but as more minor characters their roles aren't very important. Captain Jack is the hero of the tale and whilst he is characterised well (who knows him better than John Barrowman, the actor who plays him) he spends most of the book out of it as well. Miracle Day's Rex Matherson makes a very fleeting appearance which seems unnecessary. Either use him or don't.
Having said that, some of the supporting cast is pretty good. A portion of the book is set on The Ice Maiden, a high tech boat with a crack team of scientists and thanks to Jack a holographic computer personality. It feels like a new Hub and team and I only wish their role had been used more.
The plot itself is in many ways like Miracle Day. Not a lot really happens for the first three quarters, it all building up to a decent but actually pretty easily solved finale. It's pretty global with large bits set in South America and although technically an alien is involved it's a sci-fi story without any aliens, again.
It's a decent effort from John and his sister and at least it continues the show whilst on it's everlasting hiatus but it doesn't quite work. Too long is spent on build up and the characters aren't used effectively and it's like they haven't learnt any lessons from the bad press Miracle Day got.
The use of the main characters in this book is pretty atrocious. Gwen is one of the women having a breakdown and whilst that gives a good window to the plot it means half of Torchwood is out of action. Rhys and Andy Davidson are both in it but as more minor characters their roles aren't very important. Captain Jack is the hero of the tale and whilst he is characterised well (who knows him better than John Barrowman, the actor who plays him) he spends most of the book out of it as well. Miracle Day's Rex Matherson makes a very fleeting appearance which seems unnecessary. Either use him or don't.
Having said that, some of the supporting cast is pretty good. A portion of the book is set on The Ice Maiden, a high tech boat with a crack team of scientists and thanks to Jack a holographic computer personality. It feels like a new Hub and team and I only wish their role had been used more.
The plot itself is in many ways like Miracle Day. Not a lot really happens for the first three quarters, it all building up to a decent but actually pretty easily solved finale. It's pretty global with large bits set in South America and although technically an alien is involved it's a sci-fi story without any aliens, again.
It's a decent effort from John and his sister and at least it continues the show whilst on it's everlasting hiatus but it doesn't quite work. Too long is spent on build up and the characters aren't used effectively and it's like they haven't learnt any lessons from the bad press Miracle Day got.
September 12, 2020
I find it hard to put into words how much of a waste of time this novel is. Aside from a vaguely-intriguing opening chapter this is three hundred pages of pure nonsense. The plot is hard to follow and even when some scant answers are given to the book's mysteries, they are uncompelling tripe. I have never seen Gwen's character so poorly written, all the depth that Eve Myles has spent years developing for this character are gone, replaced by a hollow husk. She plays no catalysing role in the movement of this story, I think Jack might have carried her lifeless cadaver up a mountain at the end or something. I'm not really sure what happened for most of the final act because none of it made any sense!!
This book is a pure waste of opportunity. The Barrowmans had the chance to further the Torchwood story, continue giving us more action from Jack and Gwen after the events of Miracle Day. There were hints that this would be done well, one chapter sees Rex running a CIA operation investigating the mysterious three families, the antagonists of Miracle Day. But that was a few pages that never went anywhere, Rex never appeared again. This was a key addition to the Torchwood team and he was relegated here to a cameo. If John Barrowman thinks a global outbreak of women going ape-shit at their husbands comes anywhere close to the huge scale and intrigue of Torchwood series three and four, he is sadly mistaken. This book had nothing of what made the Torchwood television show great, not the camp Welsh frolics of series one and two, nor the sweeping political and human dramas of series three and four. A waste of potential and time, no wonder the Torchwood novels series died here.
This book is a pure waste of opportunity. The Barrowmans had the chance to further the Torchwood story, continue giving us more action from Jack and Gwen after the events of Miracle Day. There were hints that this would be done well, one chapter sees Rex running a CIA operation investigating the mysterious three families, the antagonists of Miracle Day. But that was a few pages that never went anywhere, Rex never appeared again. This was a key addition to the Torchwood team and he was relegated here to a cameo. If John Barrowman thinks a global outbreak of women going ape-shit at their husbands comes anywhere close to the huge scale and intrigue of Torchwood series three and four, he is sadly mistaken. This book had nothing of what made the Torchwood television show great, not the camp Welsh frolics of series one and two, nor the sweeping political and human dramas of series three and four. A waste of potential and time, no wonder the Torchwood novels series died here.
March 24, 2014
The book Torchwood: Exodus Code, written by John Barrowman and Carol E. Barrowmen, was very good, however a bit hard to read. It was as if an entire season of a show was smashed into one book and I tended to lose concentration of where I was or what was happening at certain points. I also feel as if the book jumped around into too many perspectives, and it was hard to keep track of what was happening at what time and place. However, the plot was fascinating and I liked how in the end everything tied together nicely. This book was fairly good, and I would recommend it to anyone who has watched Torchwood on TV, and is looking for some new material to indulge on.
January 3, 2015
Maybe I'm still just bitter about the deaths of Ianto, Tosh and Owen and miss the days when Torchwood actually fought aliens but I just couldn't get into this as much as I wanted to. The writing was good though, so I have a feeling that I would have enjoyed this a lot more if it wasn't suppose to be a Torchwood book.
The plot was a little messy at times and the end seemed a little rushed and confusing, I wasn't really quite sure what happened.
The plot was a little messy at times and the end seemed a little rushed and confusing, I wasn't really quite sure what happened.
October 20, 2013
Very disappointing after their excellent YA novel "Hollow Earth". Far too much build up and Gwen being a misery, before a weirdly abrupt ending. Was often a hard going read.
September 17, 2024
JTorchwood lasted for 4 seasons on TV and the quality did vary from the pretty terrible to the fantastic. It was a darker spin off from Doctor Who and reached it's peak with season 3 Children Of Earth which was about as searingly dark as anything in the Doctor Who universe has ever been. It still stands up as an amazing piece of TV. What followed with the final season Miracle Day couldn't live up to it's predecessor but it was still a big, bold and dark story.
Exodus Code is set after the events of Miracle Day. It's written by Captain Jack Harkness himself John Barrowman and his sister Carole. Barrowman should know the character of Jack. On TV there are 2 versions of Captain Jack. The lighter Mr innuendo version we saw on Doctor Who and the darker and much more dangerous version we would see in Torchwood. Exodus Code gives us the former version.
The only other surviving member of the Torchwood team is Gwen Cooper. Unfortunately for much of the story she is sidelined. Rex Mathson who became an unofficial member of the Torchwood team in Miracle Day also makes what is nothing more than a cameo appearance. Gwen's husband Rhys and PC Andy also feature but on the whole this is Captain Jack's story.
Exodus Code starts with a series of unexplained events, earth tremors around the globe and women being driven insane by their heightened and scrambled senses. The writers try to give us a big and bold, global story but it's just doesn't come off. My main problem is that it's just a bit dull. The story never really excites me. Torchwood at it's best could turn from being fun to being so very dark in a few moments. There's none of this here. None of the darkness that made it stand out. There's a bit of the carry on type innuendo but it quickly becomes repetitive.
It's only worth reading if you're familiar with the characters and even then only if you really are a completest and want to see how Barrowman writes for his character but it doesn't do anything new, and it doesn't give us Torchwood at it's best. For me it was a bit of a disappointment
Exodus Code is set after the events of Miracle Day. It's written by Captain Jack Harkness himself John Barrowman and his sister Carole. Barrowman should know the character of Jack. On TV there are 2 versions of Captain Jack. The lighter Mr innuendo version we saw on Doctor Who and the darker and much more dangerous version we would see in Torchwood. Exodus Code gives us the former version.
The only other surviving member of the Torchwood team is Gwen Cooper. Unfortunately for much of the story she is sidelined. Rex Mathson who became an unofficial member of the Torchwood team in Miracle Day also makes what is nothing more than a cameo appearance. Gwen's husband Rhys and PC Andy also feature but on the whole this is Captain Jack's story.
Exodus Code starts with a series of unexplained events, earth tremors around the globe and women being driven insane by their heightened and scrambled senses. The writers try to give us a big and bold, global story but it's just doesn't come off. My main problem is that it's just a bit dull. The story never really excites me. Torchwood at it's best could turn from being fun to being so very dark in a few moments. There's none of this here. None of the darkness that made it stand out. There's a bit of the carry on type innuendo but it quickly becomes repetitive.
It's only worth reading if you're familiar with the characters and even then only if you really are a completest and want to see how Barrowman writes for his character but it doesn't do anything new, and it doesn't give us Torchwood at it's best. For me it was a bit of a disappointment
April 25, 2024
While a bit slow at the start, Torchwood: Exodus Code is a very well written book that fits well into the overall show it’s based on.
Taking place at various points in time across a roughly 100 year time span, the book spends most of its time in the, at the time, present year of 2012 and serves as an almost direct follow up to the cliffhanger ending of the show’s final season, Torchwood Miracle Day.
A lot of characters prominent in Miracle Day make minor appearances here, such as Rex, and while it isn’t the main focus of the story the hunt for the Three Families is very much still going on in the background.
While most of the Torchwood non-TV stories are told through radio dramas, Exodus Code takes the form of a more standard book, with John Barrowman and Carole E. Barrowman creating a well written story that satisfies both science fiction fans and fans of Torchwood alike.
The use of multiple characters� perspectives to tell a story really helps make the scope of the book feel a lot broader and draw the reader into the narrative it tells.
As always, the character of Jack steals the show as he’s written just as badass as he is in the show, but the supporting characters aren’t lacking in depth either, with each of the main and supporting cast being memorable in their own right.
Overall a very good read and one I recommend to fans of Doctor Who and Torchwood.
Taking place at various points in time across a roughly 100 year time span, the book spends most of its time in the, at the time, present year of 2012 and serves as an almost direct follow up to the cliffhanger ending of the show’s final season, Torchwood Miracle Day.
A lot of characters prominent in Miracle Day make minor appearances here, such as Rex, and while it isn’t the main focus of the story the hunt for the Three Families is very much still going on in the background.
While most of the Torchwood non-TV stories are told through radio dramas, Exodus Code takes the form of a more standard book, with John Barrowman and Carole E. Barrowman creating a well written story that satisfies both science fiction fans and fans of Torchwood alike.
The use of multiple characters� perspectives to tell a story really helps make the scope of the book feel a lot broader and draw the reader into the narrative it tells.
As always, the character of Jack steals the show as he’s written just as badass as he is in the show, but the supporting characters aren’t lacking in depth either, with each of the main and supporting cast being memorable in their own right.
Overall a very good read and one I recommend to fans of Doctor Who and Torchwood.
July 5, 2017
Amazing
What a great Torchwood story by authors John and Carole Barrowman.
I loved the path this story took and the way it ran along a timeline of Captain Jack Harkness' past present and future.
Great plot- it covered a range of topics, including the impact man has on climate change, magic, Jack flirting and sci-fi, what more do you expect from a Captain Jack story. There were no plot holes or areas of concern, pulling me from the story.
Strong, new characters that were relatable and absolutely endearing. I loved how we got to explore a little about Rhys and Gwen, and we got another amazing Captain Jack adventure. The boat crew and village that played prominent roles in the story were well developed and made the story more enjoyable.
I found this story hard to put down, unfortunately being an adult requires work, eating and sleeping be done daily, meaning I was unable to read this story in one go, like u wanted to.
I hope there are more Captain Jack stories in the future, as this made me miss him all the more ❤️
What a great Torchwood story by authors John and Carole Barrowman.
I loved the path this story took and the way it ran along a timeline of Captain Jack Harkness' past present and future.
Great plot- it covered a range of topics, including the impact man has on climate change, magic, Jack flirting and sci-fi, what more do you expect from a Captain Jack story. There were no plot holes or areas of concern, pulling me from the story.
Strong, new characters that were relatable and absolutely endearing. I loved how we got to explore a little about Rhys and Gwen, and we got another amazing Captain Jack adventure. The boat crew and village that played prominent roles in the story were well developed and made the story more enjoyable.
I found this story hard to put down, unfortunately being an adult requires work, eating and sleeping be done daily, meaning I was unable to read this story in one go, like u wanted to.
I hope there are more Captain Jack stories in the future, as this made me miss him all the more ❤️
May 14, 2017
As a fan of the BBC television series, I was eager to read this book co-authored by its talented lead actor, John Barrowman, and his sister, Carole. The book is fast-paced and reads like a screenplay... full of flashbacks from present day to 1930s Peru, chapter-closing cliff-hangers, witty and suggestive dialogue... all the pillars of Torchwood fans expect from the television episodes. Jack is brought to life again (in art... as in his DNA) through skillfully crafted words... flashing his beguiling grin, clenching his square jaw under stress, and changing in to slightly too-tight T-shirts whenever possible. Highly recommended for fans of the series.
July 17, 2017
It took a while before it really felt like another chapter to the Torchwood story to me. It was nice to get back to Jack, Gwen, and Rhys again. Anwen is adorable in her few appearances in the book. I cold have done without Rex Matheson and the CIA in a few chapters. Losing Esther and keeping Rex was one of the low points of Miracle Day for me. New characters that I liked were Eva and Vlad. I was glad when the Renso, Gaia/mountain/puma, and Isela connections were explained by the end because those were making the story a bit disjointed for me. I liked that the chapters were short, which motivated me to read more chapters in a single sitting.
December 25, 2020
Great story set some time after Miracle Day. I just wish the book had been at least a 100 pages longer. The book takes it's time to set up the storyline which I really appreciated. The last third of the book felt rather rushed in comparison. It gets a bit confusing since too much happens at the same time. I wonder if there is a page limit for the authors when writing books? Still - I'm pretty sure I will read it again. Especially the scenes in the beginning with Jack in the 1030's is so beautifully described I cannot stop thinking about it. Also all the scenes between Jack, Gwen and Rhys where so on point and I loved every second of it.
May 30, 2017
This book picked up where Miracle Day finished off....torchwood gone and Jack and Gwen separated.
It really felt like I was reading the TV series. As always, Jack's brain works ten steps ahead of everyone else, even when he doesn't realize it. Gwen's love for her family is strong, even when consumed with a madness. These two are a formidable team, together and apart.
What I love about this book is that you can't tell there are two authors writing it. I'm not sure how this brother and sister work as a team but it reads very much as a single cohesive unit.
It really felt like I was reading the TV series. As always, Jack's brain works ten steps ahead of everyone else, even when he doesn't realize it. Gwen's love for her family is strong, even when consumed with a madness. These two are a formidable team, together and apart.
What I love about this book is that you can't tell there are two authors writing it. I'm not sure how this brother and sister work as a team but it reads very much as a single cohesive unit.
September 16, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book; I really liked some aspects (I love Jack and it was nice to reminisce about Torchwood and its characters, and to see some of them), but others not so much. One of my main problems with it is the ending. I think it’s written in a confusing way and, more importantly, it’s not impactful; it feels like a cop-out. It is obvious—and, to an extent, understandable—that , but the result is still not as good as it could have been.
July 12, 2017
It was 4 stars maybe even 5 until the end. The last segment of the story seemed to lose my interest somewhat and then just as it picked up and was getting really good, it ended. And I simply didn't get the ending. Thinking about it, I should probably give it 2 stars due to the immense disappointment I felt by the end, but I was so engrossed in the first 3 parts of the story that I feel it only fair to give it 3.
January 6, 2025
Positive - I thought the characterisation of Jack is fine and the novel is at it's best in his interactions with Gwen and her family.
Negatives - Gwen is under the weird Synesthesia thing going on with the woman so is out of commission for most of the book, the plot didn't really intrigue me, Rex was underused, and the book kinda just ends.
Negatives - Gwen is under the weird Synesthesia thing going on with the woman so is out of commission for most of the book, the plot didn't really intrigue me, Rex was underused, and the book kinda just ends.
July 11, 2017
This is the last of the Torchwood books (I think). I was hoping for more to come. This was well written and entertaining. The focus of the book was mostly on Jack and more of his history. Recommended to Torchwood fans.
November 9, 2020
In a beat, this book was massive disappointment. It's slow and repetitive pacing made it a slog to get through. Which is a shame because the concept had potential. Wasted I suspect on inexperienced writers. John, stick to acting.
August 30, 2021
As a Torchwood fan I enjoyed revisiting familiar places and characters, especially Captain Jack Harkness, but didn't find the story particularly entertaining. I personally also found the mix of American and English descriptions a bit strange.
January 30, 2024
This one was the best one. I was a little worried as this was the one I was most excited to read, but it didn't disappoint. It was wonderful to read about Jack from the perspective of the actor who played him. The story was brilliant, very engaging, and kept me hooked the whole way through.
September 8, 2017
3.5 stars
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