July 02, 2013
The new Children’s Laureate and acclaimed author of Noughts & Crosses and Pig Heart Boy, Malorie Blackman has written the seventh Doctor Who short ebook.
Blackman’s Doctor Who story – The Ripple Effect – features the Seventh Doctor and Ace as played by Sylvester McCoy and Sophie Aldred, and sees the return of the Daleks – but with a twist…
When the TARDIS lands on Skaro, the Seventh Doctor and Ace are shocked to discover the planet has become the universal centre of learning, populated by a race of peace-loving Daleks. Ever suspicious of his arch enemies' motives, the Doctor learns of a threat that could literally tear the universe apart...
“‘I have always loved Doctor Who” says Blackman. “From the time I was a child and the Daleks used to make me run and hide behind the sofa, to Saturday morning pictures when I first saw the Doctor Who films featuring Peter Cushing, right up to the current Doctor with Matt Smith. So when I was asked to write a Doctor Who story featuring the Seventh Doctor, I didn't even need to pause to think about it. My answer was an immediate yes. I've always found Sylvester McCoy's Doctor fascinating because of the way his character developed from a bit of a clown to a Doctor with a more Machiavellian streak. In my story, the Doctor's actions are responsible for a universal catastrophe which forces him to face up to his own fears and prejudices."
The short ebook will be available from July 23. You can pre-order from the following retailers (these links take you to sites outside of our control):
Malorie Blackman has written over fifty books, including the much acclaimed Noughts & Crosses series, and is acknowledged as one of today's most imaginative and convincing writers for young readers. She has been awarded numerous prizes for her work, including the Red House Children's Book Award and the Fantastic Fiction Award. Malorie has also been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. In 2005 she was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her contribution to children's books, and in 2008 she received an OBE for her services to children's literature. She has been described by The Times as 'a national treasure'. Malorie Blackman, has succeeded Julia Donaldson as the Children's Laureate for 2013-2015.
A paperback anthology of the eleven eshorts, the Doctor Who Collection: 50th Anniversary will publish, alongside the final eshort featuring the Eleventh Doctor, on 23rd November 2013.
