Hello everyone! As you may know, we Book Smugglers are pretty big Doctor Who fans. As you may also know, if you’re a fellow Whovian, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the series, and just this weekend the series seven finale aired.
To celebrate all things Doctor – spoiler free as much as possible, of course – we have a big fat time-travelly sonic screwdriver-y giveaway of a library of books and classic Doctor Who DVDs.
The Books
To kick off the anniversary festivities, Crown has released three new Doctor Who books on April 2! You can find out more about each of these three books on Suvudu (plus excerpts, too).
Plague of the Cybermen by Justin Richards
When the Doctor arrives in the 19th-century village of Klimtenburg, he discovers the residents suffering from some kind of plague: a ‘wasting disease’. The victims face a horrible death — but what’s worse, the dead seem to be leaving their graves. The Plague Warriors have returned. The Doctor is confident he knows what’s really happening; he understands where the dead go, and he’s sure the Plague Warriors are just a myth. But as some of the Doctor’s oldest and most terrible enemies start to awaken he realises that maybe — just maybe — he’s misjudged the situation.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Shroud of Sorrow by Tommy Donbavand
It is the day after John F. Kennedy’s assassination and the faces of the dead are everywhere. PC Reg Cranfield sees his recently deceased father in the mists along Totter’s Lane. Reporter Mae Callon sees her late grandmother in a coffee stain on her desk. FBI Special Agent Warren Skeet finds his long-dead partner staring back at him from raindrops on a window pane. Then the faces begin to talk, and scream… and push through into our world. As the alien Shroud begins to feast on the grief of a world in mourning, can the Doctor dig deep enough into his own sorrow to save mankind?
Read an excerpt HERE.
The Dalek Generation by Nicholas Briggs
Sunlight 349 is one of countless Dalek Foundation worlds, planets created to house billions of humanoids suffering from economic hardship. The Doctor arrives at Sunlight 349, suspicious of any world where the Daleks are apparently a force for good — and determined to find out the truth. He soon finds himself in court, facing the ‘Dalek Litigator’. But do his arch enemies really have nothing more to threaten than legal action? The Doctor knows they have a far more sinister plan — but how can he convince those who have lived under the benevolence of the Daleks for a generation? But convince them he must, and soon. For on another Foundation planet, archaeologists have unearthed the most dangerous technology in the universe…
Read an excerpt HERE.
The DVDs
“Doctor Who: The Robots of Death” Special Edition DVD
The TARDIS, carrying the fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) and his new companion Leela, arrives aboard a huge sandminer on a deserted world. The small human crew relies almost entirely on robots to carry out their every task and whim while they mine the planet’s rich minerals. Suddenly, one by one, members of the team start to disappear. The time travelers discover that someone or something is murdering the crew – but, of course, nobody believes it could be the robots.
This digitally remastered special edition of the Doctor Who classic includes a new audio commentary with actors Tom Baker, Louise Jameson, Pamela Salem, and director Michael E. Briant.
“Doctor Who: The Ark in Space” Special Edition DVD
The TARDIS lands on a space station orbiting the earth in the distant future. It’s seemingly deserted, but the Doctor (Fourth Doctor – Tom Baker), Sarah Jane and Harry soon discover that they are not alone. Thousands of humans – the only survivors of the human race – are in cryogenic sleep, and while they’ve slept their ark has been invaded. A parasitic insect race – the Wirrn – have taken control and threaten the very future of mankind.
This digitally re-mastered edition of the Doctor Who classic includes audio commentary with actors Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen and producer Philip Hinchcliffe, as well as many other featurettes and a movie version of the story.
“Doctor Who: Shada” DVD
The Doctor (Fourth Doctor – Tom Baker), Romana and K-9 receive a message from an old friend, a retired Time Lord living as a college professor in Cambridge. He’s misplaced an ancient Gallifreyan artifact that could unlock the dark secrets of Shada – lost prison planet of the Time Lords – and unless they find it before the crazed scientist Skagra, every sentient being in the universe is doomed.
This digitally re-mastered edition of the legendary unfinished Doctor Who classic story by Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy) includes: the 1993 Anniversary Special “More Than 30 Years in the TARDIS”; the making-of featurette “Taken Out of Time”; “Remembering Nicholas Courtney”; as well as more bonus features.
Giveaway Details:
We have ONE sonic prize package up for grabs! The contest is open to US addresses only and will run until Sunday May 26 at 12:01am. To enter, use the form below!
71 Comments
Michelle @ In Libris Veritas
May 20, 2013 at 12:14 amMy favorite episode is Vincent and the Doctor, hands down. I love other episodes but that’s the one capable of making me feel incredibly happy before promptly breaking my heart, every single time I watch it.
Missie
May 20, 2013 at 12:22 amIt’s hard to choose one, but “Blink” is pretty fantastic.
Rachael
May 20, 2013 at 12:38 amOnly in the US? Noooooo! I got all excited for a second there…
Megan S.
May 20, 2013 at 1:19 amI can’t pick a favorite episode, but I do have a favorite book: The Nightmare of Black Island, which felt like an episode only in book form.
Paige
May 20, 2013 at 1:20 amI personally think that “The Stolen Earth” was one of the best, but “Silence in the Library” and “Forest of the Dead” are my favorites. Try watching those two in the dark.
Tricia
May 20, 2013 at 1:23 amAsking for a Whovian’s favorite episode is like being asked to choose one’s favorite ice cream flavor—it is impossible. But for the sake of giving a response for the contest, I would say “Blink” is in my Top 5.
Raina
May 20, 2013 at 1:35 amI can’t choose just one! The Doctor’s Wife, Vincent and the Doctor, and The Girl Who Waited are my most favorite. But The Beast Below has a special place in my heart, too.
Baylee
May 20, 2013 at 2:39 amI have yet to read any of the books. I really love ‘Vincent and the Doctor’, such a lovely story. Amy’s brilliant ideas and inspiration was delightful! So so cute! I missed Rory though.
Jamie
May 20, 2013 at 4:35 amI can’t pick one, but my favorite set of episodes are the ones in which Amy is a child, then and adult,and meets the Doctor again. Something about finding out your childhood imaginary friend is real just tickled me.
Lexi
May 20, 2013 at 8:29 amThis is difficult. I really like the Ponds and Riversong. The creepiest for me was always “Blink” and I liked “The Doctor’s Wife” because it was bizarrely fun.
Melissa
May 20, 2013 at 8:30 amI love, love Aliens of London/World War III.
Awake at Midnight
May 20, 2013 at 8:56 amMy favorite episode/book is The Talons of Weng Chiang. Love Mr. Sin!
Amanda M Lyons (@AmandaMLyons)
May 20, 2013 at 9:33 amMy favorite is actually a serial “Genesis of the Daleks” Davros made quite the impression on me when I was a kid.
Jenn @ Booksessed
May 20, 2013 at 9:38 amI’ve yet to read any Doctor Who books, and picking a favorite episode is hard. I guess I’d have to say Blink. It’s the first episode I watched that genuinely scared me. I think it’s kind of interesting that it’s my favorite because you don’t have many scenes with the doctor in that episode.
Celia
May 20, 2013 at 9:43 amI personally like Silence in the Library the best. Although, almost any episode from Season 4 is fine by me 🙂
Shelver506 @ Bookshelvers Anonymous
May 20, 2013 at 9:51 amI usually use the Madame du Pompadour episode to introduce people to the show, but I adore Blink and the Vashta Nerada episodes.
Kaethe
May 20, 2013 at 9:53 amSilence in the Library/Forest of the Dead, Let’s Kill Hitler, The Girl in the Fireplace, Blink, and The Name of the Doctor.
Oh, let’s face it: I love all the newer series, and especially all the newest episodes with Jenna. My daughter gave me a copy of Shada for my birthday last week, and she and I spent much of the weekend reading Who graphic novels. I’ve become obsessed.
Nadia
May 20, 2013 at 9:55 amMy favorite book is Beautiful Chaos (Book 10) by Gary Russell. I just loved the way Russell incorporated the real with the alien – he handled Nettie’s Alzheimer’s so gently and realistically. Plus, I loved how strong and independent Donna has become. Loved this book!!!
Linda W
May 20, 2013 at 10:03 amMy all-time favorite episode is SILENCE IN THE LIBRARY. I have to add FOREST OF THE DEAD since that’s the follow-up episode.
Patricia Eimer
May 20, 2013 at 11:18 amTurn Left followed by Silence in the Library and FOrest of the Dead.
Claire
May 20, 2013 at 11:55 amI hate to even say that I am not (yet?) a fan of Dr Who — but my kids have recently become amusingly obsessed (my son is asking for Dr Who themed events at his bar mitzvah). And so I have no favorite to mention……
superbwg
May 20, 2013 at 12:12 pmAny episode with Capt. Jack is always a good one, yeah Blink is awesome
Hannah H
May 20, 2013 at 1:02 pmAnything with weeping angels! They’re extraordinarily creepy to me.
Beth D.
May 20, 2013 at 1:23 pmMy favorite episode is The Doctor’s Wife!
ShootingStarsMag
May 20, 2013 at 2:03 pmWonderful giveaway! I’m a relatively new Doctor Who fan, but loving it! I do like the “Silence in the Library” episodes…but I’m also a fan of the “Are You Mummy?” episode (I forget the actual title…)
-Lauren
Laura Hartley
May 20, 2013 at 2:24 pmMy favourite episode is The End of Time part II – I have never cried so much in a DW episode!!
Allie
May 20, 2013 at 3:23 pmThe Planet of the Ood. Donna was one of my favorite companions!
Gabriella
May 20, 2013 at 4:00 pmI think my favorite episode was ‘Silence in the Library’ because I’m ADDICTED to Libraries and everything (even terrifying things) about them 🙂
Madeleine
May 20, 2013 at 5:39 pmA lot of ‘Silence in the Library’ fans here! I also like that episode, but my favorite is either ‘Blink’ Or ‘Vincent and the Doctor.’
Misty
May 20, 2013 at 6:49 pmBlink, or really any of the Weeping Angel episodes. They’re the creepiest villains, I think.
Sarah
May 20, 2013 at 7:03 pmMy favorite episode is The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit. The special effects and music seemed almost movie quality and it was scary, featured The Ood, and was a bit reflective. It felt like the perfect episode.
Chelsea C.
May 20, 2013 at 7:15 pm“Blink” stands out for me in so many ways, but I’m a huge Agatha Christie fan, too, so “The Unicorn and the Wasp” holds a special place in my heart. 🙂 Gotta watch out for those men who turn into giant wasps!
Lindsay Elizabeth
May 20, 2013 at 7:53 pmOoooh, Blink is really amazing. But I think The Unicorn and the Wasp is one of the funniest.
Tricia C.
May 20, 2013 at 8:04 pmI have heard so much about Dr. Who but have never seen an episode. I hereby commit to fixing this travesty this summer! Really want to get my teenager watching with me. So much to look forward to!!!
Kimberly B.
May 20, 2013 at 8:21 pmOoh, it’s hard to pick just one! But I love Blink, so I’ll go with that one! Thanks for the great giveaway!
erinf1
May 20, 2013 at 8:26 pm*hangshead* I haven’t seen or read any Dr. Who. But it sounds awesome!
Emily
May 20, 2013 at 8:45 pmMy favorite episode is “Blink” tied with “The Girl Who Waited”
Steven
May 20, 2013 at 8:54 pmMy favorite is “The Spearhead from Space” from the classic series.
Jenn Young
May 20, 2013 at 9:18 pmMy favorites are Blink and Silence in the Library!
Anna
May 21, 2013 at 1:22 amI’m a Neil Gaiman fan, so I could be slightly biased, but I adored The Doctor’s Wife from season 6. A personification of the Tardis? So awesome! Thanks for doing the giveaway!
Rachel K
May 21, 2013 at 2:41 amI love the Blink episode, but really anything with Donna is fantastic.
evie
May 21, 2013 at 8:44 amMy favorite episode is girl in the fireplace.
Laura R.
May 21, 2013 at 9:04 amI just adore Vincent and the Doctor. As an artist, it hits me twice as hard.
Crystalle
May 21, 2013 at 10:12 amI’m not sure I have an absolute favorite but off the top of my head I’d have to say that The Stolen Earth & Journey’s End are in my top 5. I’ve only just begun reading the books so I don’t have a favorite yet for those.
Greg
May 21, 2013 at 10:56 amAh favorite dr who ….. Um can’t recall the titles of the John Simm Master episodes but those are pretty much my favorites at the moment… Blink is also awesome but I think more recent weeping angel stories have made me not like it so much…
hapax
May 21, 2013 at 11:18 amWell, I’m an Old-Skool Whovian, so I’d have to say “Earthshock” (aka “The One Where Adric Dies”) — it was when a silly fun television suddenly, shockingly, Got Real.
Pam Simpson
May 21, 2013 at 12:17 pmIt’s difficult being a Whovian. We’re such a misunderstood bunch. Not like those Trekkies that everyone seems to relate to on some level. I have every episode on DVD (some on BR) and figure I have watched each at least a dozen time. I cringe when I have to watch an old episode of Star Trek… After a few decades William Shatner got really boring. Never so with Dr. Who(s).
Justine
May 21, 2013 at 1:06 pmHmm, it’s a toss-up between last season’s finale and this season’s finale. I’ll go with last season’s finale because I haven’t warmed up to Clara Oswald enough to like her more than Amy Pond.
Theresa W
May 21, 2013 at 1:32 pmBlink. Or Vincent and the Doctor. Or Turn Left. Or… 🙂
beth
May 21, 2013 at 2:55 pmhands down it has to be Blink
scribe kira
May 21, 2013 at 5:43 pmno idea but i am a fan of the doctor’s wife
Scott Dowlearn
May 22, 2013 at 3:49 amThe Bells of Saint John from this season or The Impossible Astronaut from season 6 (2011)
Melissa S.
May 22, 2013 at 10:22 amI like any episode with the Daleks and Cybermen. I am not a fan of the most recent season though. I don’t like Clara, she is annoying.
Joel
May 22, 2013 at 5:39 pmI’ve seen most Doctor Who episodes all the way back midway through the Third Doctor. I would say my favorite storyline was the “Key to Time” episode arc late in the Fourth Doctor’s run. Followed closely by “City of Death,” with its views of Paris and the cameo by John Cleese.
Laura D.
May 22, 2013 at 6:55 pmI have only vague memories of the 4th Doctor episodes from when I was a kid but he’s the Doctor I picture when people ask.
From the newer stuff “The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances” were the first episodes I saw and the ones that stick with me the most. My second favorite is the other two-part episode arc “Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead”.
Lan
May 22, 2013 at 8:25 pmEasily ‘The Girl in the Fireplace’, ‘Blink’ and ‘The Unicorn and the Wasp’. A rave for each of Ten’s companions.
Jacob Burger
May 23, 2013 at 6:55 amI like all of Who, but ill go with an Unearthly Child, as the first episode I saw.
And no, I didn’t see it anywhere near when it was released. More like 49 years later.
ashley k
May 23, 2013 at 10:52 amI really like “Blink”. Completely terrifying!
Erin Nay
May 23, 2013 at 2:37 pmFavorite episode has to be Vincent and The Doctor.
Erin Nay
May 23, 2013 at 2:41 pmFavorite book is ‘The Runaway Train’.
Rev. Bob
May 23, 2013 at 3:45 pmI’m a big Sylvester McCoy fan, but I really liked Colin Baker’s epic “Trial of a Time Lord” season.
Maria Selke (@mselke01)
May 23, 2013 at 5:19 pmThat’s so hard! Nine is MY Doctor – so maybe “The Doctor Dances”. I adore it when he says, “Everybody lives!”
JB Stockdale
May 23, 2013 at 6:57 pmTennant was awesome but Tom Baker is who I grew up with.
Becky C.
May 23, 2013 at 9:56 pmThe Doctor’s Wife!
Amanda Phillips
May 24, 2013 at 3:57 amI have to choose? But choosing a favorite Doctor Who episode is like choosing a favorite child. It all depends on your mood at the moment.
Ok. Lets see. While I love Ten, Nine was the first I ever saw so I’m going with the episode where Nine took Rose to watch the Earth die. I just love that cheeky bit where he gave the gift of air from his lungs. Plus, Cassandra amuses me with her whole “Moisturize me!”.
Juan
May 24, 2013 at 6:08 amThe Eleventh Hour is a favorite, simply because of all the things it achieves in one hour!
Jackie Morse Kessler
May 24, 2013 at 10:10 amMy favorite episode is a toss up between “Blink,” “Midnight,” “Empty Child” and “The Doctor Dances.” So I’m sort of cheating by picking four. 🙂
carol
May 24, 2013 at 4:08 pmI don’t have a favorite, but I’m the mom of a fan, does that count?
Michael Blythe
May 25, 2013 at 9:23 pmMy favorite episode is probably The Angels Take Manhattan
Genevieve
May 25, 2013 at 10:48 pmI have to say I am not quite sure, lots and lots of choices (:
Lauren
May 25, 2013 at 10:55 pmOh goodness I dunno if I can pick just one . . . I definitely love “Partners In Crime” and “Blink” and “Silence in The Library” and “The Doctor’s Wife” and “Eleventh Hour” and I have definitely listed more than one. Oops.