Eleventh Doctor Novels volume 2 by Una McCormack, Gary Russell, and James Goss (book review).
The King’s Dragon by Una McCormack, read by Nicholas Briggs
The Doctor, Amy, and Rory arrive on a planet where all that glitters is not gold. A charismatic King Beol has transformed the once proud republic of Geath into a kingdom, lavishing the city-state with gold. Amy quickly succumbs to the captivating storytelling of King Beol. Rory, who was previously a proud councillor, meets an older lady who is more sceptical. She is also immune to the allure of shiny objects. The doctor is keen to find out how the new king came across the mysterious metal dragon that dominates the city. Is it really made of gold?
Some of this story seems to be overlong, but I like the ideas and the characters.
The Glamour Chase by Gary Russell, read by Arthur Darvill
It’s a peaceful rural area and a quaint village with very few inhabitants. The local squire, married to famous archaeologist Enola Porter, has taken in a broken man. She has taken charge of a very important dig, but why haven’t the travellers heard about her or the finds?
The story unfolds gradually, delaying its revelation until a later point. It feels a bit complicated. Sometimes, it’s easier to review characters and events when you’re reading it yourself.
The Dead of Winter by James Goss, read by Clare Corbett
The Doctor, Amy, and Rory arrive in a seaside resort where a doctor is achieving great results in curing patients from TB. However, this occurred two hundred years prior to the discovery of a cure. There is a poisonous substance in the sea, and it selectively heals those it chooses. It gives hope but can also take it away.
The story is delightfully intricate, featuring multiple narrators and engaging twists and turns to maintain your attention. This is the most immersive of all the stories, and the team has some excellent characterization. I would have loved to see this as a televised story.
The Way Through the Woods by Una McCormack, read by Clare Corbett
During the bleakest winters, immerse yourself in this tale, which depicts a forest that no one dares to venture into, and a road that circles it even before the concept of conservation areas emerged.
Rory and a local girl, who had been serving beer to the locals all evening, disappear into the woods. Amy and the Doctor have to work out what is going on in the world and just what is waiting there.
The song is definitely eerie and enjoyable to listen to.
One of the greatest pleasures in this world is listening to a story. We are fortunate to have so many stories to share. Long may the story-telling tradition continue, and also, please stop closing libraries because everyone deserves the chance to dream.
Sue Davies
October 2024
(pub: Penguin/BBC Digital, 2024. 1300 minute anthology. Price: £16.00 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-52992-957-7
read by Nicholas Briggs, Arthur Darvill and Clare Corbett
check out website: www.penguin.co.uk/books/461322/doctor-who-eleventh-doctor-novels-volume-2-by-goss-una-mccormack-gary-russell-james/9781529929577