The novel “Exodus Code” by John Barrowman and Carole E. Barrowman was published for the first time in 2013.
1930. Jack Harkness is flying over an area of Peru where there’s volcanic activity. Suddenly, a problem with the aircraft causes him and his pilot to crash, causing his death, which is followed by yet another return to life. He’s rescued by locals and ends up involved in a situation in which he struggles to distinguish reality from hallucinations.
Gwen Cooper is very stressed by what seems to be endless problems. The situation gets worse to the point of worrying Rhys, even more so when Gwen becomes violent. She’s not the only woman in the world to have what appear to be nervous breakdowns that include acts of self-harm.
Generally, the novels connected to the TV shows “Doctor Who” and “Torchwood” are published in book series that have specific graphics, size and very similar lengths. In some cases, however, the BBC chose to publish novels that have different characteristics including an increased length that allows to offer better developed stories.
“Exodus Code” is set after “Miracle Day” and the events of that TV season are mentioned on several occasions. Rex Matheson, one of the characters who appeared in that season, has a small role in this novel connected to the activities of the CIA. Actually, that part seemed unnecessary to me, included only to have Rex among the characters with some references to the last TV season.
The story is definitely longer than the normal Torchwood novels because this is a special book of that series since it was written by John Barrowman, who plays Jack Harkness, together with his sister Carole. For this reason, the plot is more complex than usual with various subplots whose connections emerge only gradually. The beginning and some other chapters tell an adventure that the captain lives in 1930 but most of the novel is set in the present.
In some ways, Gwen Cooper is the true protagonist of “Exodus Code” but it can be said that it’s not really her because she’s among the victims of a mysterious syndrome that starts affecting women all over the world. Gwen’s mental state deteriorates quickly, and for most of the novel, she has to be sedated to prevent her from committing acts of self-harm. This may be disappointing for her fans, who can’t really appreciate her, but it helps to understand the radical changes that afflict the women who suffer this mental breakdown.
In the story of Gwen and the other women who suffer the mysterious mental breakdown, the Barrowmans develop decidedly science fiction elements but include references to synesthesia. This offers a bit of realism and a window into the various possibilities connected to the interpretations that the human brain can give to sensory perceptions.
This mix of elements is developed in a plot that ends up seeing Captain Jack Harkness very active between past and present. This is used also to show the various facets of the character, and his fans will be much more satisfied than Gwen Cooper’s fans.
Jack Harkness’ investigations to unravel the mystery behind the mental breakdown of Gwen Cooper and many other women around the world slowly lead to understanding the connection between what’s happening in the present and the captain’s adventure in the past. The plot ends up becoming rather convoluted but it’s certainly not the first time that this has happened in a Torchwood story and the fast pace helps to cover some doubts on some of its bits.
In the end, if you don’t stop to reflect on the point of the various parts of the plot but let yourself be carried away by the events, in my opinion, “Exodus Code” is a really enjoyable novel. I recommend it to Torchwood fans who don’t mind convoluted plots and aren’t expecting a notel that might lead to a revival of the show. It’s available on Amazon USA, UK, and Canada.
