Doctor Who: Royal Blood

A 12th Doctor novel

By: Una McCormack

Narrated by: David Warner

David Warner reads a new novel featuring the 12th Doctor and Clara, as played by Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman in the hit BBC TV series.

“The Grail is a story, a myth! It didn’t exist on your world! It can’t exist here!”

The city-state of Varuz is failing. Duke Aurelian is the last of his line, his capital is crumbling, and the armies of his enemy, Duke Conrad, are poised beyond the mountains to invade. Aurelian is preparing to gamble everything on one last battle. So when a holy man, the Doctor, comes to Varuz from beyond the mountains, Aurelian asks for his blessing in the war.

But all is not what it seems in Varuz. The city-guard have lasers for swords, and the halls are lit by electric candlelight. Aurelian’s beloved wife, Guena, and his most trusted knight, Bernhardt, seem to be plotting to overthrow their Duke, and Clara finds herself drawn into their intrigue...

Will the Doctor stop Aurelian from going to war? Will Clara’s involvement in the plot against the Duke be discovered? Why is Conrad’s ambassador so nervous? And who are the ancient and weary knights who arrive in Varuz claiming to be on a quest for the Holy Grail…?

Running time: 5 hours approx.

not usually a fan of medieval times fantasy

this story was engrossing and had quite a few well established characters. my only complaint was loosing track of whom was speaking. the narration switches from first to third person inexplicably at times, but i believe this is a source issue and not a problem with the narrator.