Written by Terrance Dicks
ISBN 0-426-20108-6
Release date: 24th April
1980
On a peaceful rural
planet, where the colourful pageantry of old Ruritania mingles with the
ultra-modern android technology, the Doctor becomes a King-maker in spite of
himself.
In his search for another
segment of the Key of Time, the Doctor matches wits and swords with the evil
Count Grendel - aided by Romana and the invaluable K9.
I have very fond memories
of this story, as I watched it first handed when it was aired, oh so long ago
it hurts to think of it. This story is a
blatant rip off of the Prisoner of Zenda, without any major plot and character
changes. But in spite of this the story
works, maybe that is a great tribute to the original writer of Prisoner of
Zenda.
Terrance Dicks takes up
the mantle of writing the novelization of this story, and does a great job of
describing the scenes with more gusto than the programme makers could ever hope
to portray on the screen.
If you can get over
shouting Zenda every five minutes, this book is a very enjoyable read. You will feel respect for the Count, disgust
for the Prince and visualize the magical electro-blades, so much cooler than
normal rapiers.
The attack of the Taran
Wood Beast, yes that cuddly thing which makes you want to scratch its head in
the show, will have you thinking oh hell Romana is in trouble now. The interplay of the intrigue with so many
people and androids that look the same will start to make sense, when read in
this version.
This is a jolly romp in
the style of the old black and white Saturday afternoon films that people of a
certain age will remember. The booming
voice of Tom Baker will start to creep into your mind, and the late Mary Tamm
(my favourite Romana) will ever be immortalized.
I fondly recommend this
book to drive away boredom, of a train or long car journey, and challenge you
newer readers of Who to, come away to the planet Tara and enjoy this
swashbuckling romp. You maybe even have
a smile on your face afterwards.
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