Things to like about this story: A cute take on the Cinderella story; the Doctor actually factors into the story, which is not the case in most of the Time Lord Fairy Tales; the not-so-much-glass slippers are a nice tweak to the tale.

Things not to like: There's no explanation as to how or why the Doctor picked this particular person for his mission; he doesn't warn her about the danger he is sending her in to face, or the consequences of not following his instructions.

I can see reading this to a kid who likes Doctor Who and already knows the Cinderella story.

I really enjoyed this one, fun adventure/mystery story at Amazon Kerblam. I also thought the bubble wrap twist was great.

Very surprised with low ratings on this one.

Claudia Christian is a great narrator. Not quite the same vibe as Molloy had in the previous story, but I did enjoy her work. What a disappointing conclusion to the stint of Dracula being leader of the Cyberons. I know there could be more to expand on here, and I know there probably won’t be more.

For me this is one of the best Hartnell Stories, one of the best Historical and one of the best Showcase for a Companion. While i always enjoyed Steven already (he is superb in Time Meddler, Daleks Masterplan, solid in Myth Makers and ehhh in Galaxy 4) this is the one where he really makes a mark on the Show. This is easily his finest hour. In general, this one feels unique, one might even make a point of calling this the very first doctor-lite Story at its core. While I can definitely see the flaws, for me there is so much good in it, even if it suffers from being basically the most destroyed serial there ever was (barely any production pictures, no telesnaps, one of the poor audio recordings and so on).

Following Steven in this one is brilliant, especially for how dark and morbid it can get, Purves really can show off here. Hartnell as well is great here, both as the Doctor and as the Abbott, it’s a great shame we can’t see it, but even his voice is very distinct which works so well. Having it being kinda ambiguous at the start if he is or isn’t the Doctor works great and of course that final Monologue with Hartnell at the end is superb and his best Performance in the Role. Ann Chaplet works really well here too, and the Actress does the best with the Material she is given. And from what we can see the Costume are top notch as it was always the case with the Historicals.

I honestly must say it being so dialogue heavy is great, because unlike some other Stories, it works much better with solely the Audio, while I would love it being recovered, as with any missing Episode, stories such Smugglers and Myth Makers do suffer slightly more from being missing due some of their Action. As for the Pace, while I do I agree it’s pretty slow, for me, it’s very effective, while the chosen historical Moment for me is one that I haven’t tipped my toes into before I saw the Story, just from the Title alone, it works for me pretty well. It being so slow kinda makes you dread, and I think the last Episode gets enhances because of it, since when the Doctor returns it’s so hectic, there is no “But i can’t say Goodbye”, just “We must leave NOW!” For me, this slower Pace builds a dreading Tension that gets solved greatly at the end of the Story with Steven getting angry with the Doctor about Ann’s possible Death. It works especially great with the knowledge of the previous Story, and even some EU Stories add more to that Moment.

One of the very best for me.

0.5/5

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to even write a short review for this book really – 30 books into the series and this is the only one that I actively wouldn’t ever want to re-read.

Many events in this book carry themselves with an undeserved self-importance that is utterly cringeworthy and a struggle to read through. Main characters are entirely out of character throughout, while side characters are cliché roles with little personality.

Aside from there being very little of interest in this book, the worst thing about it actually is its actual construction; scenes and chapters do not flow into each other and reading it ends up feeling like watching a film with poor editing that makes the characters look like they’re teleporting round, appearing in places randomly to do things with no motive, or seemingly doing important things but in a cut segment only.

It was such a struggle to grasp what was happening scene to scene, page to page, in some sections that even on several re-reads of a paragraph or page things still wouldn’t be clear. In the last quarter of the book, I had stopped re-reading most scenes that weren’t clear to me, I just desperately wanted to finish the book so I could move onto something else.

At times I genuinely felt like this book was somehow gaslighting me into questioning my own literacy. I have read no book quite like this before.

absolutely heartbreaking listen, cybermen stories like this are just incredible and really hit hard. i'm really intrigued as to where we go from here, but i hope wulf can get out of this somehow.

Ngl struggled badly with this one probs my least fav so far

4/5

Solid plot with a bit of a horror element. Uses its main characters well too. This is definitely one to read from the 9th Doctor NSAs – not amazing or revolutionary but very solid. Very little that I want to criticize from this book.

3/5

Very interesting premise, plot and opening, but leaves me wondering why Jack was included in this story as he is side-lined for much of the story – although his role seems appropriate, it’s disappointing he doesn’t have more to contribute, especially with only appearing in three of these early new series adventures.

When remembering this book though, my first thought is always of some mild but strange decisions, mostly later in the book, that to me gave it an air of immaturity that I just don’t particularly think works.

Very interesting premise let down by its tone and how it treats its main characters.

This was quite good! There's alien conspiracy, murder and a haunted house with a twist so all in all a pretty fun episode. Charley and Six have a great dynamic and I also liked D.I Patricia Menzies.

3/5

I struggle to remember too much from this story; it’s certainly less interesting than other entries in the series, but makes decent use of its main characters, including Jack (who isn’t sidelined as in Only Human).

Still a decent read, with the main draw being solid characterisation for the main characters, who all have something to do in the limited plot.

3/5

Quite a grim and interesting plotline in this book that’s gripping at times, due to the horror involved in several scenes (especially for what you might think for the new series). However I feel like this book carries some level of juvenile misogyny to it, which is mildly off putting at points (although this isn’t uncommon among sci-fi books in general and more specifically, I have experienced this feeling with other Doctor Who books, even a few others in the new series adventures).

3/5

Interesting set-up with historical characters and an alien/tech-based mystery, but just ends up a quite average adventure, solid, but nothing that stands out really. Maybe a few out of character moments later on, but not egregious/continuous.

There is more interesting books in the series, but its perfectly readable still.

This story from Time Lord Fairy Tales is partially based on Sleeping Beauty, though the first half put me more in mind of Underworld and the Greek mythology that story draws on and the second half took as much from The Ark in Space as it did from Sleeping Beauty. It's okay as a mishmash of previously told tales, but I'm not sure it's entirely consistent in its handling of the passage of time. But then I couldn't always be sure who was awake on each long voyage, so maybe it's fine in that regard. Still, not much to recommend if you're not a Time Tot.

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

“The Massacre: A Grim Yet Underwhelming Historical”

The Massacre, penned by John Lucarotti and set in 16th-century France, is one of Doctor Who’s more serious pure historicals. Following Lucarotti’s earlier successes (Marco Polo and The Aztecs), this serial attempts to blend political intrigue, religious conflict, and moral dilemmas into a tense narrative. However, despite some standout moments and performances, it ultimately falls short of its lofty ambitions, leaving a story that feels more like missed potential than a true classic.

Set during the lead-up to the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, the story is drenched in political and religious tension between Catholics and Huguenots. Unlike Lucarotti’s previous works, The Massacre feels more restrained and focused, with the brewing conflict slowly building across its four episodes. The tension is palpable at times, especially with the Doctor’s eerie absence for much of the serial and the introduction of his double, the Abbot of Amboise.

However, the story never quite delivers on its promise. The titular massacre is barely glimpsed, and the narrative often feels like extended setup without a satisfying payoff. The pacing is sluggish, and the resolution is rushed, robbing the serial of the impact its premise deserves.

With the Doctor largely absent for much of the story, Steven takes centre stage, and Peter Purves rises to the challenge. His performance is strong and emotional, particularly in the final episode when Steven confronts the Doctor about his decision to leave Anne Chaplet to her fate. This moral conflict adds depth to Steven’s character and provides a rare moment of introspection for the series.

William Hartnell delivers a remarkable double performance as both the Doctor and the Abbot of Amboise. The Abbot is so convincingly portrayed as a separate character that it’s easy to forget it’s the same actor. Hartnell’s ability to bring such gravitas and menace to the Abbot contrasts sharply with his usual portrayal of the Doctor, showcasing his range and adding intrigue to the story.

The supporting cast is extensive, but many characters blend into one another, making it difficult to become fully invested in their fates. Joan Young as Catherine de’ Medici and Barry Justice as King Charles IX stand out, but their roles are underused. Anne Chaplet, played by Annette Robertson, is a sympathetic figure, though her brief presence leaves little lasting impact.

The lack of a compelling villain also hinders the story. The Abbot isn’t truly antagonistic, and other potential villains, such as the King and the Queen Mother, are too peripheral to feel threatening. This leaves the narrative without a central figure to anchor its conflict.

The production, as reconstructed through the Loose Cannon reconstructions and BBC Soundtrack, suggests a visually authentic recreation of 16th-century France. The sets and costumes, while unseen, are described as lush and evocative, and the sound design helps to create a sense of place. However, the dialogue-heavy nature of the serial makes it challenging to follow without visuals, and the lack of surviving material diminishes its impact.

The serial’s most memorable moments come in its closing minutes. Steven’s anger at the Doctor’s detachment from the unfolding tragedy is a rare and powerful moment of conflict between the Time Lord and his companion. The arrival of Dodo Chaplet adds an unexpected twist, though her introduction feels rushed and out of place amidst the story’s grim tone.

📝Verdict: 6/10

The Massacre is a sombre and ambitious historical that struggles to fully deliver on its potential. While Hartnell’s dual performance and Purves’ compelling turn as Steven are highlights, the lack of a strong villain, the slow pacing, and the underwhelming resolution leave it feeling incomplete. It’s a story that might have benefited greatly from surviving footage or animation to enhance its atmosphere and help differentiate its characters.

For fans of pure historicals and those interested in Doctor Who’s exploration of moral dilemmas, The Massacre offers some intriguing moments. However, it’s unlikely to be anyone’s go-to serial, and its reputation as one of the more challenging and underwhelming historicals remains intact.

Random Observations:

• The Part 1 cliffhanger, which reveals the Abbot of Amboise, who looks exactly like the Doctor, is one of those jaw-dropping moments the first time you see it. There's a similar moment at the close of Part 3 as well, related to the first cliffhanger, as Steven discovers the dead body of the Abbot, believing it to be the Doctor.
• For the first time (but far from the last; see The Enemy of the World; 1967-1988, Meglos; 1980, or Nightmare in Silver; 2013, for instance), the actor playing the Doctor plays a villain (or another character) within the same story.
• I've always found it eerie how similar Anne Robertson looks and sounds to Jackie Lane, so you'd easily be fooled into thinking Lane was playing two different parts as well!
• Eric Thompson (father of famed British actress Emma Thompson!) is pretty fascinating as Gaston, though I can only think of the Disney villain from Beauty and the Beast whenever his name is mentioned.
• Leonard Sachs, who portrays de Coligny, later appeared as Borusa in Arc of Infinity.
• I also want to give a shout-out to Erik Chitty, who appears as the Doctor’s idol Breslin. He would later appear as one of my favourite Time Lord characters, Engin, in The Deadly Assassin.
• Christopher Tranchell later played Leela’s beloved Andred in The Invasion of Time.
• Another actor who would later return in a more well-known role is David Weston, who we mostly remember as Biroc from Warrior’s Gate but who appears in a smaller role here.
• The closing moments of the serial feature a fake companion departure followed by a rare instance of the Doctor sadly reminiscing about all of his former travelling companions.
• Dodo remains one of the few companions who barely notices the fact that the TARDIS is bigger on the inside upon entering it for the first time.

very strong start to this interconnected set, really hoped we had more of these in this range but oh well! very dark and gruesome in parts. really intrigued as to where this goes next!

No matter how many of these Time Lord Fairy Tales I read, I am still confused as to the thinking that was behind their creation. The idea of a book of fairy tales, sure. The pilfering from existing material, sure. Heck, that's practically a Doctor Who tradition. But I find myself wondering why no attempt is made to hide the roots, even in titling the stories.

So, yes, this is clearly based on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, folklore, yes, though I would not consider it a fairy tale. For whatever reason, this one works better for me than most, probably because the Ice Warrior works so darned well as the Green Knight character.

It’s just a re telling of the Christmas invasion but from the sycorax perspective, which actually isn’t very interesting, at least how this does it. The perspective character is supposed to be a scribe but nothing about the writting gives that impression. It’s just a worse way of experiencing the Christmas invasion that adds very little new

This is part of a series of reviews of Doctor Who in chronological timeline order.

Previous Story: The Wreck of the Titan

An excellent finale to this short set of stories. This really does feel like the third act of a blockbuster film in all the best ways. It's such an epic story and you can really feel the stakes. I thought Cybermen invading the Land of Fiction would be a stupid idea at first but it really does work surprisingly well. While this story doesn't capture the eerieness of The Mind Robber it brings it's own unique spin to the Land of Fiction.

It's great to hear Jamie and Zoe back together and Colin Baker blends in quite seamlessly into their dynamic. I love the inclusion of all the fictional characters and settings and the way they all blend together is really fun. All the questions and mysteries about this arc are answered satisfyingly and it does end on a bit of a bittersweet note.

Overall, a good end to a strange but very enjoyable little arc.

Next Story: The Curse of Davros

didn't live up to expectations as i'd heard lots of good things about this set, it didn't hit them. however it was so nice to hear narvin again, and it was an okay story overall! as much as i love this doctor and duo, i feel like theres so much that could've been done instead. its a shame that we won't get to hear what could've been with the future of this range but i'm glad we got these audios!

I have really liked this final story arc with 6 and Charley, and this story neatly bookends both that story as well as Charley's story as a whole, I both found this final story a very interesting concept in itself and how it dealt with Charley's exit, and her feelings towards the Eighth Doctor felt very satisfying too. I still hate Meela though, I was hoping she'd get what she deserved for the last two stories, and I felt Charley was too nice for forgiving her in the end.

this was a good concept but i felt it dragged so much and after the cliffhanger from last episode i expected the follow-up to be incredible, but this was lacklustre. excited however, for the finale!

Supposedly an adaptation of the Three Billy Goats Gruff fairy tale, it does have a couple of elements of that half-heartedly thrown in, but this is really a slightly revised version of The Sontaran Experiment. The author doesn't even try to hide what I can only assume can be considered plagiarism. Maybe he had persmission, I don't know. I also just don't know why. I guess the idea is that you could read this to a small child. I'm not sure what lesson they're supposed to take from the protagonists killing their foe and then laughing on the way home without a care in the world, but that seems to be the message in the original fairy tale as well. None of the billy goats ever asked "Do we have the right?"

I’m ready for another day of 4th doing mediocre

a tad drawn out for my liking, but still some good moments. i will say though the benny/doctor arguing is getting a bit tedious - it's been done a LOT at this point and especially over the same issues. the ending was SO hype though, loved it being a call back to the war games.