The BBC has unveiled the stunning cover art for two upcoming Target novelisations featuring the Fourth Doctor and the First Romana, The Stones of Blood and The Androids of Tara.
This Chris Achilleos-inspired illustrations are by the ever-talented Anthony Dry, a friend of the DWC.
Both Key to Time stories were originally novelised by Terrance Dicks; when they were recorded for audio release a few years ago, though, those recordings were based on new texts written by original screenwriter, David Fisher. These Targets will be the first time we get to enjoy the Fisher-penned adaptations on the printed page!
Here are those lovely covers, plus book synopses…
The Stones of Blood by David Fisher
“We won’t find Dracula hanging around the Manor. But we may find something equally disturbing…”
The Doctor is delighted when his quest for the Key to Time leads him to his favourite planet, Earth. But his friends are less enchanted: Romana is nearly lured to her death by a sinister apparition, and K9 is all but destroyed by a belligerent boulder with the power to move – and a thirst for blood.
An ancient stone circle becomes a battleground as the Doctor must outwit the deadliest alien criminal this side of hyperspace – and her bloodthirsty silicon servants…
The Androids of Tara by David Fisher
“Why is your first impulse to reach for your swords and never a screwdriver?”
The Doctor and Romana’s search for the fourth segment of the all-powerful Key to Time leads them to the planet Tara, where courtly intrigue and romantic pageantry employ the most sophisticated technology.
Within hours of arriving, Romana is mistaken for a powerful princess and the Doctor forced to dally with robotic royalty – and both are quickly embroiled in the scheming ambitions of the wicked Count Grendel. Finding the segment of the Key is easy enough, but escaping with it in one piece will prove an altogether more colourful affair…
Three more covers — for The Fires of Pompeii by James Moran, The Zygon Invasion by Peter Harness, and The Eaters of Light by Rona Munro are expected to be released tomorrow.
All five Target books will be available on either 14th or 22nd July 2022 (Amazon and the BBC lists different dates, curiously enough).
