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Sunday, 9 November 2003 - Reported by Shaun Lyon
BBC Books' distributor has unveiled the cover blurbs (at least draft versions, we're not sure if they're the final ones) for the first four regular Doctor Who novels of 2004 (minus the "Scream of the Shalka" adaptation), as follows. (Thanks to Diana Dougherty)

SOMETIME NEVER by Justin Richards
This Week: A hideous misshapen creature released a butterfly. Next Week: The consequences of this simple action ensure that history follows its predicted path... Sometime: In the swirling maelstrom of the Time Vortex, The Council of Eight maps out every movement in history and take drastic measures to ensure it follows their predictions. But there is one elemental force that defies prediction, that fails to adhere to the laws of time and space... A rogue element that could destroy their plans merely by existing.

EMPIRE OF DEATH by David Bishop
In 1855, a boy discovers he can speak with the voice of the dead. He grows up to become one of England's most celebrated spiritualists. In 1863, the British Empire is effectively without a leader. Queen Victoria is inconsolable with grief following the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert. The monarch's last hope is a secret seance. The Doctor and Nyssa are also coming to terms with loss following the death of Adric and Tegan's sudden departure. Trying to visit the Great Exhibition of 1851, the time travelers are shocked when Adric's ghost appears in the TARDIS, beckoning them to the Other Side. What is hidden in a drowned village guarded by the British Army? Is there life after death and can it be reached by those still alive? And why is the Doctor so terrified of facing his own ghosts? This adventure features the Fifth Doctor and Nyssa.

HALF-LIFE by Mark Michalowski
To lose your memory once may regarded as a misfortune; to lose it twice looks like carelessness. The Doctor's forgotten why he came to the colony world of Espero in the first place, but he's sure it was something important. Before long, he's engaged in the search for a time-bomb that could have consequences not only for Espero, but also for the Doctor himself- and his missing past.

THE ELEVENTH TIGER by David A. McIntee
In interesting times, love can be a weakness, hatred an illusion, order chaos, and ten tigers not enough. The TARDIS crew have seen many times. When they arrive in China in 1865, they find banditry, rebellion, and foreign oppression rife. Trying to maintain order are the British Empire and the Ten Tigers of Canton, the most respected martial arts masters in the world. There is more to the chaos than mere human violence and ambition. Can legends of ancient vengeance be coming true. Why does everyone Ian meets already know who he is? The Doctor has his suspicions, but he is occupied by challenges of his own. Sometimes the greatest danger is not from the enemy, but from the heart... This adventure features the First Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki.




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