Book review-Rose Target novelisation

Recently published are five new Target novels that include four adaptations of Doctor Who stories from the post-2005 era. These stories comprise Rose by Russell T Davies, Day of the Doctor by Steven Moffat, The Christmas Invasion by Jenny Colgan, and Twice Upon a Time by Paul Cornell. Additionally, a Target version of City of Death by James Goss is also available.

Doctor Who: Rose is a novel adaptation of the iconic first episode of the show’s revival in 2005. This book marks the first time that Russell T Davies has adapted his own work into a novel, making it a highly anticipated release for fans of the show. As an avid fan of the show myself, I can say that this novel did not disappoint.

Russell T Davies brings his trademark playfulness and wit to the novel, adding new colour and several new laughs to the story. The novel captures the excitement and energy of the original episode, transporting the reader back to the first time the Ninth Doctor takes hold of Rose’s hand and utters the immortal phrase – ‘Run!’

One of the highlights is the expanded backstory of Wilson, a character who was briefly mentioned in the original episode but never seen. The prologue of the novel provides insight into Wilson’s life and his involvement with the lottery pool, adding a new layer of depth to the plot. Davies expertly weaves in these new details, creating a more fully realised world that adds to the overall richness of the story. By expanding on the peripheral characters, Davies has created a novel that feels even more fleshed out than the original episode. Fans of Doctor Who are sure to appreciate these new details and the way they enhance the story as a whole.

The novel also includes several cameos that nod to the future of the show, post-Rose and even up to the present day. Davies also addresses Steven Moffat’s Pandorica and Crack in Time story arc, which explains the frequent Earth invasions in RTD’s era and why no one remembers them.

While there are a couple of areas where the added details don’t quite ring true, the novel is still a thrilling read that delivers on all fronts. The climax builds to an epic battle that could not have been achieved on a BBC TV budget, and the humour is firing on all cylinders.

Overall, Doctor Who: Rose is a delightful novel that will transport fans of the show back to the excitement of the first episode of the revival. Russell T Davies has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller, and fans of Doctor Who are sure to enjoy this adaptation. Highly recommended.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review- The Brilliant Book 2012

The Brilliant Book 2012 is an outstanding read for any Doctor Who fan. With its encyclopedia-style format, it offers a plethora of mini-synopses on each episode, deleted scenes, interviews with the writers, cast, and directors, and even an explanation about the missing pirate.

The book’s attention to detail is impeccable, and readers will find themselves poring over every page. From a list of every hat ever worn by the Doctor to scripts from deleted scenes, Charles Dickens’ Twitter feed, George’s school report, and a behind-the-scenes look at the CGI and effects, this book has it all.

One of the book’s highlights is the inclusion of loads of little in-jokes and references. For example, Henry Gordon Jago presents the section on Madame Vastra, and there’s a fascinating history of the Corsair and the storyboard for the original opening of The Doctor’s Wife.

This is a book for the whole family to enjoy. Dads, kids, and even mums will love exploring the intricacies of the Doctor Who universe.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book Review-Elisabeth Sladen’s autobiography

I can’t be critical about this book. Lis was a lovely, affectionate person who touched the heart of everyone she met and, everyone she didn’t. I remember hearing that she was going to be in the series 2 episode, school reunion. Despite never having seen an episode with Sarah Jane in, I knew who she was. Sarah Jane is the definitive companion.

Sadly, Elisabeth died in April 2011. Even now, a few months away from the anniversary, it still feels fresh and somehow unreal. It isn’t just the older viewer who has lost someone; it’s also the millions of younger viewers that knew her from The Sarah Jane Adventures.



The role of Sarah-Jane Smith is arguably her most famous. The book charts her early life in Liverpool, as well as her career on the stage, her break into TV and radio, her marriage and motherhood, and her return to the Doctor Who family, in 2006. Every tale is recounted in glorious detail. It’s easy to see how children have always been spellbound by Lis.

She is also warm and praising about her Doctor’s, although Tom Baker comes across slightly better than Jon Pertwee. She then praises her later Doctor’s, David Tennant and Matt Smith, as well as the young cast of The Sarah Jane Adventures.
This is a brilliant book, with a lovely message from her daughter and a foreword by David Tennant.
Russell T Davis summed it up best when he said, “The universe was lucky to have Sarah Jane Smith; the world was lucky to have Lis.”

Elisabeth Sladen: the autobiography, is published by Aurum Press and costs £18.99

Listen to our review of the final series of The Sarah Jane Adventures