Went on a tad too long, the beginning dragged but the 2nd half was great. I'm really surprised they've ended this arc with War/Susan, I feel there was a lot of potential still there. Regardless, it was fun while it lasted but I wish this set had more of an arc to it. I do hope we get Susan meeting 8 and alternate universe Alex in the near future for some angst!!

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

“THE VOORD ALLIANCE: A DIPLOMATIC MISSION, A DEADLY WEAPON, AND AN UNLIKELY ALLY”

When Cardinal Rasmus’ daughter goes missing in action after a botched mission, the Time Lords turn to an unlikely duo to investigate the situation: Susan and the War Doctor. Unlike the usual grandiose Time War operations, this is a mission conducted entirely off the books, meaning that Susan and the Doctor must navigate treacherous waters—both figuratively and literally—without the backing of Gallifrey’s full force.

Their search leads them to the oceanic world of Sarros Minor, a moon under Dalek control. But in an unexpected twist, they find themselves forming an uneasy alliance with one of the oldest and most overlooked enemies in Doctor Who history—the Voord. Given their rather outdated and somewhat rubbery reputation, the Voord aren’t exactly the most thrilling villains, and I was curious to see how the story would utilise them. While they certainly fit into the narrative, they don’t necessarily enhance it in a major way either, making their inclusion feel more like an interesting curiosity rather than an essential ingredient.

A FAILED MISSION AND A TERRIFYING NEW THREAT

Rather than having Susan and the Doctor merely investigate the remnants of the failed mission, the story makes a wise choice by letting us experience it firsthand. This helps establish the stakes early on, as we witness the true horrors of the Dalek occupation of Sarros Minor. The suspense is further heightened when it becomes clear that the mission is tied to yet another devastating Dalek superweapon.

The Time War range has introduced a growing list of nightmarish Dalek variations, and The Voord Alliance adds another to the mix—the Eradicator Squad. Unlike standard Dalek forces, these are designed to erase entire worlds and populations from time itself. The audio does a fantastic job of making them feel like an overwhelming, unstoppable force, but it does raise an interesting issue: at what point do all these world-ending Dalek weapons become too much? With every other Time War story introducing yet another devastating Dalek creation, it’s beginning to feel like a game of one-upmanship that threatens to lose its impact. Nevertheless, the Eradicators are an effective threat, and their presence gives the story a real sense of urgency.

FAMILY CONFLICT IN A WAR-TORN UNIVERSE

One of the more surprising aspects of this story is the revelation that Cardinal Rasmus has a daughter. It’s an unexpected bit of character development, but a welcome one. Rasmus has always been depicted as a hardened, pragmatic Time Lord, and introducing a familial connection adds layers to his character. His relationship with Carita mirrors, in some ways, the dynamic between the War Doctor and Susan. Both men see themselves as protectors of their respective charges, but both Susan and Carita have long since outgrown their need for a guardian.

Carita herself is a solid addition to the story. She’s tough, independent, and determined to prove herself, unwilling to let her father’s influence dictate her fate. While she isn’t the most groundbreaking character in the Time War saga, she serves as an effective contrast to both her father and Susan.

IMMERSIVE SOUND DESIGN AND A WORLD UNDER SIEGE

The ocean moon of Sarros Minor is brought vividly to life through the sound design, with the constant presence of rushing water, echoing caverns, and the distant hum of Dalek forces creating an immersive atmosphere. The world itself is one of the more visually intriguing locations we’ve explored in Susan’s War, and the concept of an ocean-dominated planet under siege from the Daleks offers a fresh backdrop for the action.

However, while the setting is strong, the Voord don’t contribute as much to the story as one might hope. They serve their purpose, but they don’t necessarily feel essential to the core narrative. That said, the way they interact with the War Doctor and Susan is at least interesting, and their struggle against the Daleks provides a different perspective on the war.

A TANGLED PLOT AND AN UNDERWHELMING CLIMAX

For the most part, The Voord Alliance does a good job of maintaining its tension and intrigue. The stakes are high, the setting is compelling, and the character dynamics add emotional weight to the mission. However, as the story progresses, it begins to unravel slightly. The plot becomes increasingly tangled as the timey-wimey elements of the Daleks’ plan are revealed, and while these complications add an extra layer of depth, they also slow the pacing.

The climax, unfortunately, doesn’t quite deliver the level of excitement the story builds towards. Despite the looming presence of the Eradicator Squad and the Voord-Dalek conflict, the resolution feels somewhat flat, lacking the dramatic punch needed to make the conclusion truly memorable.

That said, one of the stronger elements of the ending is how it brings Susan’s journey with the War Doctor to a close. The two characters are separated once again, with the Doctor being pulled back into the war alongside Carita, while Susan is left to forge her own path. It’s a fitting moment, reinforcing how much Susan has grown since the days when she needed the Doctor to guide her.

📝VERDICT: 7/10

The Voord Alliance is an intriguing entry in Susan’s War, offering strong character moments, immersive world-building, and an engaging central mystery. The relationship dynamics between Susan, the War Doctor, and Carita add emotional depth, and the setting of Sarros Minor is well-realised through excellent sound design. However, the story’s reliance on yet another Dalek superweapon feels a little excessive, and the Voord—while serviceable—don’t quite justify their presence in the story.

The pacing falters towards the end, and the climax lacks the impact it needs to elevate the story into something truly memorable. That said, it still provides an enjoyable experience, particularly for those invested in Susan’s arc and the complex moral dilemmas of the Time War. It may not be the strongest entry in the range, but it delivers enough intrigue and character depth to make it a worthwhile listen.