Dark Season

Dark Season #0

by Russell T. Davies

An ordinary day at school takes a sinister turn when the mysterious Mr Eldritch promises a free home computer for every pupil - computers which conceal a terrible power...
Only three teenagers, Marcie, Thomas and Reet, are alert to danger. Soon, they’re caught in a conspiracy of brainwashing, kidnaps and a threat to the whole human race. Worse still, the school itself hides ancient secrets buried beneath its foundations, as the awesome Behemoth rises from its tomb, intent upon the destruction of all.
Eldritch has summoned his Dark Season, which heralds the end of the world...

***THIS RELEASE HAS A LIMITED CD PRESSING OF 1000 COPIES***

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1991

About the author

Russell T Davies, OBE, is a Welsh television producer and writer. He is a prolific writer, best known for controversial drama serials such as Queer as Folk and The Second Coming, and for spearheading the revival of the popular science-fiction television series Doctor Who, and creating its spin-off series Torchwood. Both are largely filmed in Cardiff and the latter is set there.

Reviews

[Leila Anani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the programs I recall from my childhood Dark Season stands out and not just because it was the screen debut of Kate Winslet. The 2nd story absolutely terrified me.

Re-visiting it as an adult I can appreciate its pedigree - Dr. Who's Russell T. Davies does what he does best - Its a great fusion of sci-fi and horror, future tech and historical atrocities - Which is always my favourite combo for Who tales and shines through in this. It also doesn't hurt that Jaqueline Pearce (Blake's 7's unforgettable Severlan) plays the insane Pendragon.

The novelization is really good as well - its very much like a screen play with lots of cut away scenes which make it punchy and exciting. The 2nd story still resonates with me - I love the idea of a hidden war machine being tied to the myth of Behemoth and the whole terrifying Nazi ideal of creating an Arian race. As much as I adore Jaqueline Pearce, from a story POV it did make more sense to have Pendragon and blonde haired and blue eyed. I also love the epilogue the book adds hinting at a part 3.

Because this had such a huge impact on my psyche as a kid, its hard to be objective now, but honestly, still think its fantastic.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite good. I never saw the TV series, although I certainly want to now, so I’m not sure how this novelization translates, but I really enjoyed it. I should have known it would be good though, since Russell T. Davies was involved. One of the aspects that really grabbed at me, particularly in light of the Timeless Child storyline in recent Doctor Who episodes, is how Marcie could almost be analogous with the Doctor with Reet & Thomas being companions. The story even felt like a Doctor Who structured narrative and some story elements were even recycled into the reboot series. Just slightly. But I’m not giving it 5-stars, I just can’t. Had it been a full cast recording, then I almost certainly would have. But it’s just an audiobook, not a full-on audio-drama. That’s really my only complaint. And while, Victoria Lambert does a wonderful job reading it, audiobooks just aren’t quite my cup-of-tea.
This CD also includes a short interview with Victoria Lambert and a suite of the music from the production.

[Debra Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 stories dealing with school children saving the world.