Story: One of the many reasons the Time Lords have a strict non-intervention policy is that by interacting with primitive cultures, you run the risk of messing with their natural evolution. Now, when the Doctor interferes, we usually don’t see the effects of his visits after the 4 or 6 episodes, and for the most part, he does enough good that we figure everything is going to be okay. But what if an innocent slip of the tongue could affect the outcome of World War II?
The Germans have a secret weapon. A weapon so cunning that not only could you brush your teeth with it, but it could single handedly win the war for their side. But what is it? The Doctor has dispatched his crack time travel team to investigate! Roz has no idea what this weapon is. Bernice isn’t really sure why she was sent where she was sent, or, for that matter, what to be looking for. Chris thinks the secret weapon is a flying saucer. And the Doctor? He, for once, has no idea what is happening. The only clues they have are, a scientist named Emil Hartung has designed some type of super weapon that will allow the Germans to win WWII.
Review: The whole way through this book you are anticipating aliens, or spaceships, or that Hartung is the Master. But instead you get air raids, secret bases, and SS officers. It is a refreshing change from the norm, and Lance Parkin has expertly blended the TARDIS crew into an historic setting. After the abysmal “Downtime”, it was so satisfying to read a good Who book again.
Now don’t get me wrong! I’m not saying that there are no aliens (there aren’t), or spaceships (not a one), or that Hartung isn’t the Master (he isn’t). I just don’t want to spoil the surprise at the end (there isn’t one). Anyway, this book deserves a 9, but I’m only giving it 8.5/10. I’m still hoping that there is room for improvement.
Year: 1995
Author: Lance Parkin
Publisher: Virgin
Pages: 272