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Doctor Who Target Books (Numerical Order) #136
Doctor Who: The War Machines
London, 1966. The TARDIS materialises in the shadow of the newly-completed Post Office Tower in London and the Doctor senses a strange energy in the air. He instinctively knows that evil is at work nearby.
Posing as a scientist, the Doctor and his 'secretary' Dodo gain access to a suite at the top of the tower, and meet the driven Professor Brett. His life's work, the thinking computer WOTAN, is about to be linked up in a problem-solving network with many other machines around the world.
But the Doctor is concerned. How can WOTAN possibly know the meaning of the word TARDIS and about the Doctor's travels through time and space? What is the strange control that WOTAN can exert over humans via a mere telephone call? And what is the computer's link with the deadly robots being assembled in a Covent Garden warehouse? Soon, London will face an army of war machines, ruthlessly programmed to eliminate all who stand in their way...
Posing as a scientist, the Doctor and his 'secretary' Dodo gain access to a suite at the top of the tower, and meet the driven Professor Brett. His life's work, the thinking computer WOTAN, is about to be linked up in a problem-solving network with many other machines around the world.
But the Doctor is concerned. How can WOTAN possibly know the meaning of the word TARDIS and about the Doctor's travels through time and space? What is the strange control that WOTAN can exert over humans via a mere telephone call? And what is the computer's link with the deadly robots being assembled in a Covent Garden warehouse? Soon, London will face an army of war machines, ruthlessly programmed to eliminate all who stand in their way...
144 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 1989
2 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Ian Stuart Black
30 books5 followersIan Stuart Black was a novelist, playwright and screenwriter. Both his 1959 novel In the Wake of a Stranger and his 1962 novel about the Cyprus emergency The High Bright Sun were made into films, Black writing the screenplays in each case.
He also wrote scripts for several British television programmes from the 1950s to the 1970s, including The Invisible Man and Sir Francis Drake (for which he was also story editor), as well as Danger Man (on which he served as associate producer) and Star Maidens.
In addition, he wrote three stories for Doctor Who in 1965 and 1966. These stories were The Savages and The War Machines (with Kit Pedler and Pat Dunlop) for William Hartnell's Doctor; and The Macra Terror for Patrick Troughton. He novelised all three stories for Target Books.
His final credit was for a half-hour supernatural drama called House of Glass, which was made by Television South in 1991.
He was the father of actress Isobel Black.
He also wrote scripts for several British television programmes from the 1950s to the 1970s, including The Invisible Man and Sir Francis Drake (for which he was also story editor), as well as Danger Man (on which he served as associate producer) and Star Maidens.
In addition, he wrote three stories for Doctor Who in 1965 and 1966. These stories were The Savages and The War Machines (with Kit Pedler and Pat Dunlop) for William Hartnell's Doctor; and The Macra Terror for Patrick Troughton. He novelised all three stories for Target Books.
His final credit was for a half-hour supernatural drama called House of Glass, which was made by Television South in 1991.
He was the father of actress Isobel Black.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 7, 2019
The War Machines is sometimes overlooked archetypal Doctor Who story, it sets a precedent of what was to follow.
It’s the first time that The Doctor has returned to contemporary Earth and uses the location as an integral part of the story.
With The Post Office (now BT) Tower opening just two years prior, Black makes this the focus of the story.
The swinging sixties are also perfectly captured with the introduction of Polly and Ben, along with the Inferno Nightclub!
It’s a highly enjoyable novelisation of a good story, there’s some great touches added including nice references to both Ian and Steven.
It’s the first time that The Doctor has returned to contemporary Earth and uses the location as an integral part of the story.
With The Post Office (now BT) Tower opening just two years prior, Black makes this the focus of the story.
The swinging sixties are also perfectly captured with the introduction of Polly and Ben, along with the Inferno Nightclub!
It’s a highly enjoyable novelisation of a good story, there’s some great touches added including nice references to both Ian and Steven.
January 26, 2025
I love The War machines. Always have done since I first saw it - a pro-active First Doctor, the introduction of new companions Ben and Polly, the forecasting of the Internet, mad computers thinking they're better than we are (and indeed, BEING better than we are - a genuine perceived threat of AI in the 21st century), and a bunch of clunky-ass tanklike wannabe-Daleks trundling about the streets of London looking, above all, heavy and threatening.
It has a couple of issues - the moment when Big Bad Computer WOTAN ( pronounced with a V) demands that 'Doc-torrr Whooo is re-quiiired' always makes me cringe and the sudden 'She just sodded off halfway through the story, oh well, her loss' departure of Dodo, the Doctor's previous companion is a bit odd in the televised version (and indeed, as I understand it, it was a suprise to Dodo actress Jackie Lane too!).
Ian Stuart Black, for me, solves the issues of The War Machines. 'Doc-torrr Whooo' is retconned to 'The Doc-torrrr,' which pleases me more than any non-geek will understand, and more to the point, the departure of Dodo is handled much more sensitively, in that there's an unspoken agreement between her and the Doctor at the very start of the story that now she's home, she's not travelling with the Doctor any more. Full marks, Ian Stuart Black, for improving on an otherwise top-notch story - could be wrong, but I believe this was the first time they'd set a story in contemporary London all the way through since the first episode, and it works magnificently.
This is a version of The War Machines that makes you think you've seen it, only tweaked for post-Sixties knowledge-levels, and makes you want to watch the original again for the sheer pleasure of those big bullky metal-plated buggers trundling along, being surprisingly intimidating.
It has a couple of issues - the moment when Big Bad Computer WOTAN ( pronounced with a V) demands that 'Doc-torrr Whooo is re-quiiired' always makes me cringe and the sudden 'She just sodded off halfway through the story, oh well, her loss' departure of Dodo, the Doctor's previous companion is a bit odd in the televised version (and indeed, as I understand it, it was a suprise to Dodo actress Jackie Lane too!).
Ian Stuart Black, for me, solves the issues of The War Machines. 'Doc-torrr Whooo' is retconned to 'The Doc-torrrr,' which pleases me more than any non-geek will understand, and more to the point, the departure of Dodo is handled much more sensitively, in that there's an unspoken agreement between her and the Doctor at the very start of the story that now she's home, she's not travelling with the Doctor any more. Full marks, Ian Stuart Black, for improving on an otherwise top-notch story - could be wrong, but I believe this was the first time they'd set a story in contemporary London all the way through since the first episode, and it works magnificently.
This is a version of The War Machines that makes you think you've seen it, only tweaked for post-Sixties knowledge-levels, and makes you want to watch the original again for the sheer pleasure of those big bullky metal-plated buggers trundling along, being surprisingly intimidating.
August 21, 2011
Although it's a landmark story in "Doctor Who" history, it's a forgotten novelization...which is a pity, as not only does Ian Stuart Black develop the story, the characters, and the situation to a sublime level, it even sets up retro-active back story (such as the fate of Ian Chesterton) that will be built on by later books & the TV series itself. One of the finest of the Target "Doctor Who" novelizations -- engaging, emotional, exciting. Even Dodo -- the most overlooked of companions -- gets proper character development, right from page one!
July 27, 2010
Probably my least favorite Target yet. The writer is way too focused on telling us the thought processes of those possessed by the computer, and the Doctor ends up pushed to the background.
January 25, 2025
As with his previous effort (The Savages), Ian Stuart Black's The War Machines is a classic science-fiction story adapted to Doctor Who's format, or rather, it's NEW format. Taken out of context, this tale of robot invasion in the heart of London, using actual landmarks to hide the alien problem, and a very active Doctor who able to call in the troops, could have been ripped right out of the new series. In 1965, however, this was a new kind of story for Who, an incoming producer's new direction, but also a little like it was made by people who didn't know or understand the series as was. A bit old-fashioned and straightforward nonetheless, but modern eyes will be taken by the prophecy of an Internet and malicious A.I. It also introduces new companions and what is still the most unceremonious shuffling off of one. And very doofy and clumsy robots. The adaptation describes them differently and creates action scenes that are far more exciting than what was possible on television. Black also manages some interesting passages from the machine mind's perspective, and gives much better reasons for the Doctor's sudden authority. The concepts just play better in prose, though this story would never revolutionize prose science-fiction.
August 23, 2024
Based on his own script (with uncredited input from Kit Pedler and Pat Dunlop) this is number 136 in the Target catalogue. The cover art is by Alister Pearson and Graeme Way. Not sure how 2 people go about doing a painting, unless one did the Doc and one did the Machine and they glued the two halves together.
This is Ian’s third Doctor Who, and though second in story order. Like his Savages it’s an excellent rendition of the broadcast version. I’m looking forward to his novelisation of The Macra Terror.
This is my favourite type of novelisation it keeps all of the original TV episodes, but adds enhancements. I particularly liked things like Professor Brett’s thoughts as he struggles not to be taken over Wotan. And the second War Machine gets a name, Valk, and some personality.
One thing I did find odd was Ben doesn’t call Polly ‘Duchess’ until page 110, and I think only does it once more after that. Whereas he calls her that right from their first meeting in the nightclub in the TV episodes.
This is one of my favourite stories and this is a Doctor Who novelisation done right.
This is Ian’s third Doctor Who, and though second in story order. Like his Savages it’s an excellent rendition of the broadcast version. I’m looking forward to his novelisation of The Macra Terror.
This is my favourite type of novelisation it keeps all of the original TV episodes, but adds enhancements. I particularly liked things like Professor Brett’s thoughts as he struggles not to be taken over Wotan. And the second War Machine gets a name, Valk, and some personality.
One thing I did find odd was Ben doesn’t call Polly ‘Duchess’ until page 110, and I think only does it once more after that. Whereas he calls her that right from their first meeting in the nightclub in the TV episodes.
This is one of my favourite stories and this is a Doctor Who novelisation done right.
February 9, 2021
Following some more average stories, which seems to be the trend since the Massacre (albeit I haven't been able to read the Savages as yet, so that may be better), this one seems to be a return to better form, and so between a 4 and a 5, though don't know if score is heightened because of how much better it compared to my most recent read, the Gunfighters :)
The overall story and pace are really good here, and seems to foreshadow some of the later UNIT style stories, helping actual agencies defeat a menace, and a good view of potential dangers of AI here as well.
Introduces Ben and Polly, who immediately shine through as a better combination than Steven and Dodo, though at same time is a somewhat disappointing farewell for Dodo, think the character fared reasonably poorly throughout, and is unfortunate that the beginning of the story at least seemed to show Dodo in a lot better form without Steven than she had been with Steven, and so was a promise there of how good a companion she could have been.
In the book, is a nice name drop of Ian Chesterton as well, which I enjoyed :)
The overall story and pace are really good here, and seems to foreshadow some of the later UNIT style stories, helping actual agencies defeat a menace, and a good view of potential dangers of AI here as well.
Introduces Ben and Polly, who immediately shine through as a better combination than Steven and Dodo, though at same time is a somewhat disappointing farewell for Dodo, think the character fared reasonably poorly throughout, and is unfortunate that the beginning of the story at least seemed to show Dodo in a lot better form without Steven than she had been with Steven, and so was a promise there of how good a companion she could have been.
In the book, is a nice name drop of Ian Chesterton as well, which I enjoyed :)
February 13, 2023
Doctor Who : The War Machines (1989) by Ian Stuart Black is the novelisation of the tenth and final serial of the third season of Doctor Who. The Doctor’s companion at the start is Dodo.
The Doctor and Dodo land in London in the 1960s and head toward the Post Office Tower where a large computer is about to be turned on. It turns out the computer goes a bit mad and the Doctor has to step in.
Dodo leaves in this serial and Ben and Polly arrive. It’s in a contemporary setting with the Doctor defending earth, which would become a regular format for the Doctor.
The War Machines isn’t a bad Doctor Who serial.
The Doctor and Dodo land in London in the 1960s and head toward the Post Office Tower where a large computer is about to be turned on. It turns out the computer goes a bit mad and the Doctor has to step in.
Dodo leaves in this serial and Ben and Polly arrive. It’s in a contemporary setting with the Doctor defending earth, which would become a regular format for the Doctor.
The War Machines isn’t a bad Doctor Who serial.
May 5, 2020
There's a new energy of plot and setting here of vibrant 1960s London which the First Doctor can't match, even with Ben and Polly spicing things up. It's definitely a proto-UNIT story with the Doctor acting as scientific advisor to the military and trying to sort out a technological menace. Dodo's departure makes slightly more sense in the book than it did on-screen and the end promises more than has recently gone before. I like Ian Stuart Black's accessible but not patronising writing, even if his plots lose steam by the end.
August 31, 2021
Immediately feels like there's far more effort put into this than The Savages in terms of adapting scripts, so I'd say it's a better novel already, but it also makes moves towards resolving my two biggest qualms in the original: Ben no longer accuses Polly of leading the man harassing her on (damning with faint praise, maybe, but there are definitely novelisations that don't cut out dodgy stuff from the originals even years later, so I'll take what I can get), and there's at least some attempt to justify Dodo's departure, even though she still doesn't get a goodbye scene.
December 23, 2017
Well written book with a story reminiscent of many themes in sci-fi that came later; machines / computers form a mind of their own and take over, build robots with weapons that 'learn' quickly and the classic global linking of them so that they form on consciousness. A bit more action from the first Doctor in this too. Ben and Polly join as companions but Dodo's exit was a bit disappointing. One of the best first Doctor stories I'd say.
February 11, 2024
Part of my 60th anniversary read through. The final companion change and end of the third season. Felt like we've also come full circle as Ian Chesterton is referenced several times. Next up, The Smugglers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2020
Really enjoyable novelisation of one of the best Hartnell stories.
September 17, 2020
Not the greatest Who story. Seemed like very little Doctor - in fact, it didn't feel much like a regular Doctor Who novelisation at all.
July 15, 2023
This was great: the characters are all well-portrayed, the plot unfolds at a really nice place and Black does a lot of work in fleshing out the expanded universe and making it feel effortless.
March 23, 2025
I had a fairly good time reading this one. I liked the way they introduced Polly and Ben. The idea was ahead of its time. All in all a good read.
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October 21, 2007http://nhw.livejournal.com/825455.html[return][return]Ian Stuart Black played around a bit here with the plot of The War Machines, and it is generally to the book's benefit. Whereas in the TV version, the Doctor rather incongruously walks straight into the heart of the British scientific establishment and is accepted immediately, here he engages in a combination of forging letters of introduction and invoking Ian Chesterton, now, we are told, a senior scientist (he must have achieved that pretty quickly in the year since the end of The Chase, but let that pass). Also the War Machines themselves, liberated from the clunky restrictions of television production, come across as distinctly more menacing. One feels that this is what Black really wanted the TV show to be like, and since in most cases he sticks fairly close to the script (including the Doctor's closing rant).
December 30, 2015
I've been reading the original William Hartnell stories in order for some time now and I can honestly say that this is the best I've read In some time. The basic premise is that the London arrives in "modern" (1966) London and encounters a self aware computer called WOTAN that intends to wipe out mankind as they're a threat to its existence. In order to do this, it hypnotises humans to build war machines to take over London. The Doctor obviously defeats WOTAN and slips quietly away with two new companions.
This story sees the exit of Dodo and the introduction of Ben and Polly the two companions who will accompany the Doctor through his first regeneration.
I could not help but think of the parallels between WOTAN and Skynet, though. It the BBC had had the budget back then, it would not have been unreasonable to have WOTAN building Terminators instead of the clumsy looking war machines from the show.
All in all a very good story for the period. The writing isn't brilliant but that doesn't detract from the story.
This story sees the exit of Dodo and the introduction of Ben and Polly the two companions who will accompany the Doctor through his first regeneration.
I could not help but think of the parallels between WOTAN and Skynet, though. It the BBC had had the budget back then, it would not have been unreasonable to have WOTAN building Terminators instead of the clumsy looking war machines from the show.
All in all a very good story for the period. The writing isn't brilliant but that doesn't detract from the story.
January 19, 2021
It says I gave it 2 stars but I want to give it clueless star instead. Since Goodreads does not have that option, 2 would have to do as 1 would mean me totally hating on this and I'm far too confused to give it a 1.
I wonder if I read this book instead of listening to the terrible audiobook, would my experience have been any different? I just finished 'reading' it and I honestly don't know what it was about besides the Doctor barely being there and going through emotions that one wouldn't associate the Doctor with..something about War Machines?..they were also quite whiney?..I give up.
What was this? I blame the audiobook. I'm sure this was an easy likeable read that was ruined by BBC who did the audiobook. I did absolutely enjoy the Doctor Who theme song though, if that helps with making this sound more like a positive review?
I wonder if I read this book instead of listening to the terrible audiobook, would my experience have been any different? I just finished 'reading' it and I honestly don't know what it was about besides the Doctor barely being there and going through emotions that one wouldn't associate the Doctor with..something about War Machines?..they were also quite whiney?..I give up.
What was this? I blame the audiobook. I'm sure this was an easy likeable read that was ruined by BBC who did the audiobook. I did absolutely enjoy the Doctor Who theme song though, if that helps with making this sound more like a positive review?
May 19, 2011
Doctor Who novels can be hit or miss, but Doctor Who: The War Machines is right on Target (that's a terrible bit of a pun based on the publisher's name, I know, but I had to get it out of my system).
This is kind of like The Doctor versus Colossus. The reader is able to see the inevitable conclusion of the well-meaning scientists before it begins, but events moves along much faster than I expected. The story is more action packed than cerebral, and like most Doctor Who stories are completely improbable, but entirely entertaining.
This is kind of like The Doctor versus Colossus. The reader is able to see the inevitable conclusion of the well-meaning scientists before it begins, but events moves along much faster than I expected. The story is more action packed than cerebral, and like most Doctor Who stories are completely improbable, but entirely entertaining.
April 16, 2008
The first Doctor teams up with a sort of proto-UNIT type group to deal with an out of control computer.
Dodo gets a raw deal in this story, but Ben and Polly, who I always liked, join the cast.
Dodo gets a raw deal in this story, but Ben and Polly, who I always liked, join the cast.
September 8, 2012
i wasn't sure i'd enjoy this but it was an amazing book i've already got a couple more to read wow
May 5, 2013
Dodo's demise and I actually miss the old girl... Maybe it has something to do with how she went. Still Ben (No Deb's Delight) and (Duchess) Polly arrive and so far seem to work well in the books.
April 10, 2017
A slightly improved novelisation - there is an extra scene (reminiscent of the Seventh Doctor forging his credentials in 'Fenric') and the WOTAN's use of 'Doctor Who' as a name is removed. Elsewhere the War Machines themselves appear less clunky, more humanoid than they did on screen. Dodo's departure from the series seems even more abrupt than I remember.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews