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“PRELUDE TO DECEIT: A BRIEF GLIMPSE INTO ARCADIA”

Originally published in Doctor Who Magazine #198, Prelude to Deceit stands apart from previous Virgin New Adventures preludes by adopting a more introspective and sombre tone. Instead of focusing on the Doctor or his companions, it is told from the perspective of the last surviving Earth colonist on Arcadia, reflecting on his dying moments.

A GLIMPSE INTO HUMANITY'S PAST AND FUTURE

The story opens with a snippet from a research article detailing humanity’s departure from Earth and the decision to colonise Arcadia. This academic-style introduction provides a broad historical context before shifting to a more personal narrative about the struggles and transition of the colony. It highlights the tensions between the original colonists and the new generation taking over, offering a thematic backdrop for Deceit.

MORE ATMOSPHERIC THAN ESSENTIAL

Like many VNA preludes, this serves more as an atmospheric companion piece rather than an essential introduction to the novel’s plot. It offers valuable backstory and sets the stage for Deceit, but its connection to the main events of the book remains fairly loose. Readers can appreciate the additional context, but skipping it won’t hinder their understanding of the novel.

📝VERDICT: 7/10

Prelude to Deceit does a solid job of expanding the world of Arcadia and adding depth to Deceit’s setting, but it doesn’t feel crucial to the novel itself. Its introspective tone and detached storytelling make for an interesting read, but, as with many DWM preludes, it remains a minor curiosity rather than required reading.