by Dave Rudden

Penguin, out now

Twelve tales of the festive season from across time and space.

This collection of winter tales is dedicated to those who’ve been told that writing fan fiction is a waste of time – and goes on to remind us that some of the best Doctor Who fiction we’ve had came from people who were fans first and foremost. One of the hallmarks of – and some have said, problems with – the 21st century incarnation of the series is that it’s been created by head writers who have been fans throughout their lives, but sometimes the interconnectedness that characterises the period is its strength – and it’s inspired that quality in this book.

Rudden creates wonderful moments in each of these stories – for example, the Doctor complaining that Davros making notes on a tablecloth is going to mean he gets charged, is one that probably would never occur to someone who wasn’t a fan and knew to riff off the cup of tea seen in the Peter Capaldi story. He’s writing for a young adult audience, but at no time does it feel as if he’s writing down to them, and older fans will enjoy dipping into each of these tales, encountering familiar foes and friends (and of course a certain degree of paradox).

Don’t forget that there was an extra story, reviewed here, that accompanied the book’s release – that Time Lord Victorious has got everywhere this past few months.

Verdict: A highly enjoyable collection of Doctor Who tales – and a perfect Christmas treat for fans old and new. 8/10

Paul Simpson

 

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