Books 198-199: The Ripple Effect and Spore
Book 198: The Ripple Effect (Doctor Who 50th Anniversary E-Shorts #7).
Author: Malorie Blackman, 2013.
Genre: Science Fiction. Time Travel. TV Tie-in.
Other Details: ebook. 55 pages.
When the TARDIS lands on Skaro, the Seventh Doctor and Ace are shocked to discover the planet has become the universal centre of learning, populated by a race of peace-loving Daleks. Ever suspicious of his archenemies' motives, the Doctor learns of a threat that could literally tear the universe apart... - synopsis from UK publisher's website.
Again I am not that familiar with the series featuring the Seventh Doctor and street-savvy companion Ace. However, I felt that Malorie Blackman did a great job with the characters and tackled an ambitious storyline that proved very compelling. It could easily have been the basis of a novel if expanded. I felt it was one of the best in the series to date.
The Seventh Doctor and Ace
Book 199: Spore (Doctor Who 50th Anniversary E-Shorts #8).
Author: Alex Scarrow, 2013.
Genre: Science Fiction. Time Travel. TV Tie-in.
Other Details: ebook. 40 pages.
In a small town in the Nevada desert, an alien pathogen has reduced the entire population to a seething mass of black slime. When the Eighth Doctor arrives, he realises this latest threat to humanity is horrifyingly familiar - it is a virus which almost annihilated his entire race, the Time Lords... - synopsis from UK publisher's website.
The Eighth Doctor was always going to be a little strange to write for as he had only one televised appearance though apparently did have a life in comics and novels. I did not encounter these so it was hard to judge how well his personality was captured. I found it quite a standard alien invasion plot by something without intelligence though all the more sinister for that mindlessness.
The Eighth Doctor.
Cross-posted to 50bookchallenge.