http://nhw.livejournal.com/1054675.ht...

This is rather good: Bidmead has a convincing intensity as he takes us through the narrative, and while it would be going too far to say that it all makes sense, it does at least hang together: there is a feeling that this is the beginning of a new era. The story is very much about the Doctor's regeneration, and somehow this comes over better on the printed page. An impressive start for the Fifth Doctor novelisations. ( )

When I was first getting into Doctor Who some six or so years ago, Chris loaned me this book, and I read and enjoyed it-- Bidmead remains one of my favorite Doctor Who contributors (both as a writer and a script-editor). I actually held onto Chris's book for quite some time, because it wasn't his; it was a library honor book he'd borrowed as a wee child and never returned. Eventually, I dropped it into our family's return pile-- and a couple weeks later found a copy in the used bookstore! Convinced it was fate, I bought it. Like all Doctor Who novelizations, it's a fairly slight book, but unlike most, it's interesting even if you've seen the television serial. The written word captures Bidmead's ideas much better than a BBC budget ever could, and is all the better for it. The regulars are all well-written (unsurprising, as he created most of them!), and the ideas (the TARDIS caught in Event One, the recursive occlusion, block transfer computation) shine. (originally written December 2007)

Fifth doctor beginnings.

The Fifth Doctor still is not quite with it after a rather arduous regeneration.

He chooses Castrovalva as a good rest and recovery spot.

Unfortunately for him, the Master has other plans and it becomes a lot worse than he would have liked.

Or, it is good to choose a holiday spot that doesn't have an arch-enemy hanging out there.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2007/10... ( )