THE KING’S DRAGON by Una McCormack might be my favourite
nu-who book. It’s an incredible high fantasy DOCTOR WHO novel where Rory, Amy
and The Doctor essentially enter a PG friendly GAME OF THRONES. This one
doesn’t quite reach the heights of brilliance, but there’s still a great sense
of wonder to it.

The Tardis finds itself landing under the crust of the planet,
where most of the inhabitants, who are basically walking rocks, greet them with
fear and trepidation. However, the more forward thinking react with something
like joy, as it proves their theories about other life forms are correct. So
already our heroes arrival has created a tense situation, but there’s also an
environmental disaster coming and The Doctor thinks she can help. If only the
powers that be will let her before it’s too late…

All these books seem to have mastered the art of capturing the
Tardis crew, and over the length of a novel they are all given enough to do –
something which was badly missing from the television version. (In the next
series there needs to be at least four Yaz focused episodes to make up for the
last series). There’s political intrigue, potential world ending disaster,
mining (that old perennial DOCTOR WHO favourite) and a society which doesn’t want
or appreciate change – and nothing is going to change your worldview more than
aliens arriving.

As I list all those elements it feels like there’s a lot going on in this book, but in reality, it’s like there’s something missing. It’s as if – for all of the above – the narrative still feels like it needs another strand, another threat to make this more than just a good read but into a great one.

My debut novel, THE WANNABES – which has been out of print for a little while – is now available for free. A supernatural thriller of beautiful actresses and deadly ambition in London town, it’s well worth your time. You can get your copy here!