The Book Report #90

Episode #89

Doctor Who – Forever Autumn

By Mark Morris

The Book

This book was published in 2007 by BBC Books, which is an imprint of Ebury Publishing. Ebury Publishing is a division of Random House Group LTD.

My copy is a third print hardback and has 258 pages, which includes an acknowledgement and advertisements for other books in the series.

I also used an ebook copy when I wasn’t at home.

What Did I Think

The origin of a myth and some of your nightmares is awakened by some kids digging where they shouldn’t have.

Underneath a small town in New England, America. Aliens have been in a state of suspended animation for thousands of years. Caused by their crash landing and not having the energy to leave, they waited until the Earth’s population grew large enough for them to use.

The ancient energy release attracts the attention of the Doctor and Martha as they arrive to investigate. Meanwhile, a green mist slowly drifts around the town of Blackwood Falls.

This story turns into a Stranger Things episode before Stranger Things was a thing. The local kids try to figure out what is going on, even though it’s their fault, and along the way, work with the Doctor and Martha.

We also meet Ette. A local woman was accused of being a witch by the community. She tried to help them with her premonitions, but felt her life would be better on her own.

Working with the Doctor and Martha, she discovers the origins of her powers and uses them to rescue and help the Doctor when required.

The bad guys and the things of nightmares are a group of Aliens called the Hervoken. They look like a stringy, lanky, similar to Jack Skeleton, but with a head like a pumpkin. They don’t care about the people who live above; all they care about is getting home and using the humans as a fuel source. If the Hervoken get their way, and with the size of the ship, when it leaves the planet, everyone in the town of Blackwood Falls will die.

The Author

Mr Morris keeps the story alive by creating a traditional Doctor Who story from the days when children would hide behind the sofa, but in a modern style. It’s a shame it wasn’t made into an actual episode; it would have worked so well. However, back in Tennant’s era, the budget for going to America didn’t start until Matt Smith came along.

And I don’t think the quarries in Cardiff could pull it off, which is a shame.

I also liked the fact that even though the Doctor was able to manipulate the Hervokens’ technology, it was old enough for him to make it feel like magic.

Would I Recommend

If you’re looking for a small, mildly scary Halloween sci-fi story, this is for you. There is plenty of action and fun to keep you amused for a little while. Yes, I recommend this book.

Please give this book a go.

Would you like to purchase your very own copy?

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

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