5. 'Winner Takes All' by Jacqueline Rayner
This is one of the first Doctor Who books published after the series returned, featuring Christopher Eccleston's Doctor battling against aliens in a video game. You might wonder why this idea is so great that it warrants further explorationbut it has a certain charm about it. I'm sure I've seen a similar idea in a children's book published before this one but nonetheless the Doctor Who 'treatment' is what makes this book so good. I reminded me of the Sarah Jane Adventures storyline featuring the Bane and Bubbleshock. Using the staples of youth against the young is an interesting concept and I can imagine that this would make an interesting episode of Doctor Who if it were possible that it could be achieved with the actors which it likely would never be. However, this story could be adapted to suit another doctor and companion and could possibly be as interesting as the Series 4 episode featuring the Adipose. What would
you call an alien that uses video games to kidnap people? Don't think Quevils is the name I would have chosen either!