The Book Report #115

Episode #114

Doctor Who – The Story of Martha By Dan Abnett

The Book

In 2008, this book was first published through BBC Books, an imprint of Ebury Publishing. Ebury Publishing is a division of Random House Group Ltd.

The copy I own and have read is a first-edition hardback. It has 257 pages and includes an acknowledgement and advertisements for other books in the series.

I also used a digital copy when not at home.

What Did I Think?

This book is set during the episodes of “The Sound of Drums” and “Last of the Time Lords” when the Master had captured the Doctor. The Tardis was transformed into a paradox machine, and the Master was the UK prime minister. Captain Jack Harkness is also captured and killed every day.

Martha travelled the world, hiding from the master and his army of both humans and flying spheres called the Toclafane.

Martha is on a mission. That mission is simple: travel the world and tell as many people as possible stories about the doctor. And then get these people to spread the stories to other people.

This is an in-between story of how Martha survived the year without the Doctor. All by herself. Hoping the people of the world will help her and the Doctor when the time is right.

If you have seen the episodes, you will know what happens at the end. Not the greatest, but it is an ending.

New adventures are told whenever Martha gathers a group of people. And we get to read the stories Martha tells.

Martha has some help from a device. The Doctor gives her a key that hangs around her neck that creates a perception filter so nobody can see her. Everyone knows she is there, but they don’t acknowledge her existence.

It may not be the best story in the world, but it is a nice read if you need to have a break from everything else in your life. You get to see how Martha deals with scary situations while travelling the world, being pursued everywhere she goes.

Would I Recommend?

Yes, I would recommend. It is a simple story, not too much action, just enough to fill a hole when boredom hits. It is worthy of a read.

Please give this book a go.

Would you like to purchase your very own copy?

You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA and Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/USA, Barnes & Noble, or eBay UK/USA.

Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.