Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Genre: Science Fiction, Media Tie-in, Adventure, Time Travel

Book Review:
Eric Saward's novelization of ''The Visitation'' brings to life one of the Fifth Doctor's most memorable television adventures. For fans of Doctor Who, it's a welcome chance to revisit a classic story; for newcomers, it's an entertaining introduction to the world of the Doctor.

The premise is classic Doctor Who: the TARDIS crew—the Fifth Doctor, Adric, Nyssa, and Tegan—attempt to return Tegan to Heathrow Airport in 1981. But as usual, things go wrong. They arrive at the right place but the wrong time: 1666, the year of the Great Fire of London. And they're not alone.

In the local woods, a figure stalks: Death itself, complete with cloak, scythe, and skull-like face. But this is no supernatural being. It's an android, brought by the Terileptils, a race of criminals and fugitives whose spaceship has crashed nearby. They plan to take over Earth, and they're using the android to terrorize the local villagers.

When Adric and Tegan are captured, the Doctor and Nyssa must work with a group of villagers under the Terileptils' control to stop them. But the stakes are higher than they know: the Terileptils plan to unleash a genetically engineered version of the Black Death that could wipe out humanity.

Saward's novelization captures the tension and adventure of the television story while adding depth to the characters and setting. The Terileptils are suitably menacing, the historical setting is well-rendered, and the Doctor's ingenuity is on full display. The novel also benefits from being able to explore thoughts and motivations that the television version couldn't show.

For Doctor Who fans, this is a delightful read—a chance to experience a classic story in a new way. The cover illustration by Chris Achilleos is a treat for fans of classic Who artwork. For science fiction readers in general, it's an entertaining adventure with time travel, aliens, and historical intrigue.

''The Visitation'' is a solid entry in the Doctor Who novel range—not the best, but far from the worst. Recommended for Whovians and anyone looking for a quick, fun sci-fi read.