The Pyralis Effect (Doctor Who: The Companion Chronicles) [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

The Pyralis Effect neatly bridges the gap between seasons 17 and 18 of Doctor Who. The story has a real 'hard' science fiction' feel to it, in line with many of the televised stories from this era such as Nightmare of Eden and The Leisure Hive, and I could easily imagine this story being transmitted. It's a very atmospheric and tense adventure, with some wonderful sound effects and music that really suck the listener into the story. Lalla Ward reads brilliantly, I think she's one of the best narrators in the companion chronicles range. In execution the story feels more at home in the serious and thought-provoking season 18, than the rather silly and lightweight season 17, although the Doctor is presented more like the jokey Doctor of season 17, so the story bridges the transition well. The 60-ish minute run time feels just right, it doesn't outstay it's welcome but tells a good strong tale, with plenty of incident and never feels rushed or padded. A very strong entry in the Companion Chronicles series.

A reasonably solid story with many decent concepts. Romana has more action and the Doctor character is based on the daft Graham Williams era impersona where he a little too jovial, but well observed by the writer.

Sound-wise this story is a treat with some great sound effects and music. Romana's character too is very well transcribed to a narrative form by the writer, and naturally Lalla Ward is an interesting and convincing listen.

I can really believe this story is from the Romana II era, and it is a welcome release. The story pace is not quite right and so this story narrowly misses 5 stars. However, the story is rounded of beautifully. The final scene is so simple, but has not been done before and made me smile as did Lalla Ward being interviewed afterwards. Suitable for casual listeners and fans alike.

Latest release in the doctor who companion chronicles series. These are talking books which feature an actor who played a companion to the doctor on tv reprising the role for an all new story. They do all the voices except for one other character who is voiced by a guest actor. They are complete on one disc and contain two episodes both of which run for a little over thirty minutes. A trailer for the next story in the range is at the beginning of the disc and a brief chat with cast and crew at tne end.

This one features Lalla ward returning to role of romana, which she played opposite tom baker's doctor in the late 70's and early 80's. The first of her two season was light in tone and the second was more serious science fiction. Fittingly for a story set in between the two this adopts the tone of the latter.

The TARDIS lands on a big spaceship. A brief exploration leads to them getting separated and Romana accidentally unleashing danger. Added to which, the crew are on a mission to find the Doctor. He saved their race once long ago and they want his help once again. Trouble is, when the person you're looking for travels around in a blue obelisk, you should be careful as to which one you find and open....

The first part of this contains some delightful little details that really enhance the listening experience. Superb sound design really makes you feel as if you're on a cavernous spaceship. Subtle incidental music enhances the mood also, especially when Romana has a moment of self realisation. And guest actress jess robinson is pretty good as ship captain suri, really convincing in her reaction when things go pear shaped.

With murder in the corridors and dangerous aliens outside the end of part one makes it look as if part two will be a roller coaster ride. But it doesnt happen that way and things play out in a more subtle manner with not too much in the way of action. This takes a moment to grab but do stick with it as there's a decent and memorable end to all the plot strands, with one suprise revelation and the ultimate solution to things coming from a surprising quarter. The Doctor of this part is very much the rather gloomy at times version of tom baker's final year. Until the nice little final scene that rounds it all off.

Good solid science fiction and good solid doctor who. Not a classic but a very good listen