Every 13th Doctor book I’ve read so far has surpassed my expectations. This one is no exception. 13 and her fam must collect 3 keys from across time and space in a race against time to prevent the obliteration of human existence. It’s very Keys of Marinus if you can’t tell, and direct allusions are made to the “x amount of keys to save the galaxy” trope from the classic series. Since 13 is a Doctor whose adventures feel more akin to the classic show compared to her nuwho contemporaries, this type of story is right at home with her. It naturally allows her three companions to shine individually, something a book, as a format, has the advantage of.

I won’t lie, it’s not the best written novel in the world, but on average I’d say it’s more interesting prose than is typically used in the BBC New Series Adventures range. David Solomons is a fun writer and I’m excited to read his follow up novel, ‘The Maze of Doom’.

THE VAULT 13 DUOLOGY: BOOK 1 

The Secret in Vault 13 is an awful lot of fun.

It’s a ‘Marinus’-like novel, with the main plot being that of the farm trying to find all the pieces of a key to a vault that is in danger, but the story is really made up of some smaller adventures.

These ‘adventures within an adventure’ are really good. A highlight is the one revolving around Graham and Ryan, which reminded me of the film Hot Fuzz.

The mission at the school in space is quite enjoyable as well.

Unfortunately, what really lets Vault 13 down is the, well, Vault 13 plot. It just doesn’t work for me at all.

Humour is what holds this story together. Good humour at that too.

I would definitely recommend this novel if you’re looking for a good story for 13 and the fam, or just want to have a fun time.

Because, after all, fun is what this book excels at.

The Thirteenth Doctor #20

'The Secret in Vault 13' (2018) from BBC Children's Books.

A lovely outing with Thirteen and the Fam. Took a little while for it to get going with me, despite enjoying the setting and overarching plot of the Seed Vault and the weed taking over it, but once it got a bit more Terry Nation-y and had a bit of planet-hopping I started to really get into it. Graham and Ryan have some fun moments with the giant mole in the evil rich people's garden. But the real standout of this whole story for me is Yaz entering the mind of the TARDIS, and going through her past and the presence of young Ryan in her head too. It's all really wonderful imagery and adds a lot to her character for me. The Doctor's fake-out death is also done really well for me. I actually felt myself invested and believed it with the Fam.