Written by Mark Morris

Originally released : August 1997

Listened to: January 2025

Context: the third EDA in my’ reading every Who book’ adventure/madness. I have missed the 8th Doc, feels ages since I read an EDA (its probably been a couple of months) and I enjoyed the last one a lot (Vampire Science), so was excited to get back to this new (new at the time anyway) incarnation.

THE REVIEW

What I thought: mmmm this was ok but not as good as Vampire Science, almost a return to the Eight Doctors vibes (which I didn’t like that much), so in my opinion that isn’t a good thing. The inclusion of Lightfoot is fun, and the Zygons start out as being quite interesting, with detail around different ‘castes’ and some nifty inbuilt weapons, but then the whole thing becomes very generic and not terribly interesting.

The story just did’nt connect with me, lots of running around and sorting things out with not a lot of effort. It gets silly at points and I have no idea why the Zygons felt the need to take over a factory?!? Maybe I missed that. Some of the characterisations of the Eighth doctor has some potential, more emotional, thoughtful for example but more needs to be done in this regard in order to really fine a distinct voice for an incarnation that so little time on screen. Sam is ok, I know she gets a bad press from the fanbase but i think she is fine, again potential that this book doesn’t really develop that much…more of that to come that I know so that is keeping me interested in her.

Writing this now does make me muse on the fact i can recall lots of other stories from them EDA run (from my original adolescent reading of them as they came out) but this one not at all. Not terribly memorable.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Daleks – it is a relatively fun story but the Zygons are too easily defeated, their ‘plan’ is dire and this one is looking back too much, especially for an 8th doctor adventure. I wanted/hoped for more from this one.

What I felt:

What am I left thinking?

• How the Eighth doctor develops in future novels – I know he does but when are we getting to that?
• What is the deal with Sam? How is she unique? Generic companion? Maybe hints of Rose and Martha..loving the doctor?

Memorable bits

• The white smooth scientist Zygons…rank but interesting
• Lightfoot shooting his fowling piece!
• Some awfully graphic violence, spinal column anyone?!?!