Review: Trace Memory

Trace Memory is another of the Torchwood novels released as companions to the second season of the popular series. It concerns the arrival of a mysterious figure in the vaults at the Hub - a time-travelling Welshman named Michael, who has been jumping back and forth throughout the twentieth century after an encounter with an alien device. What's particularly shocking is that his life has intersected with the respective lives of each and every one of the Torchwood team . . .

The novel is quite flashback-heavy, with snapshots of Michael's life (and, in particular, the team's previous encounters with him) making up the majority of the book. When this device is first introduced, though, it seems a little contrived and artificial. Whilst the glimpses of the Torchwood team's respective pasts are interesting enough, the uncomfortable way in which they're introduced - for example, Gwen overhears Owen and Tosh reminiscing and has an "Aha, I've experienced that too!" moment leading into her own story - fails to convince. Perhaps interspersing these earlier flashbacks with a few more Hub scenes to gradually introduce the reader to the unusual format, or devising a more comfortable way to introduce the flashback sequences, could have helped here.

The unique format also makes for a highly unsatisfying ending, because we find out Michael's ultimate fate several chapters before it actually occurs. Whilst the conclusion to his story is incredibly touching and well-written, and its placement is understandable as a story technique, it really needed to come at the end of the novel to tie things up properly - because, as it stands, the book ends in an unsatisfying and disappointing way.

However, Llewellyn's character work is incredible. All five Torchwood team members are portrayed accurately, and Michael is a particularly likeable guy. The scenes with Gwen and Rhys, Jack and Ianto, and Jack and Michael are written brilliantly, being truthful and touching. This author has an impressive and rare skill with characters, and specifically their interactions and relationships.

Trace Memory is a moderate success. Despite a confusing and artificial opening, the majority of the book is fantastically-written and attention-holding. However, the end of the story is likely to influence a lot of readers' ultimate impressions of the book and, in this case, it didn't work.