The Secret in Vault 13

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’.