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Doctor Who: Quick Reads #5
Doctor Who: Code of the Krillitanes
"I blame those new Brainy Crisps. Since he started eating them, he's been too clever by half."
Can eating a bag of crisps really make you more clever? The company that makes the crisps says so, and they seem to be right.
But the Doctor is worried. Who would want to make people more brainy? And why? With just his sonic screwdriver and a supermarket trolley full of crisps, the Doctor sets out to find the truth. The answer is scary — the Krillitanes are back on Earth, and everyone is at risk!
Last time they took over a school. This time they have hijacked the internet. Whatever they are up to, it's big and it's nasty. Only the Doctor can stop them — if he isn't already too late...
A short, sharp shot of adventure, featuring the Doctor as played by David Tennant in the hit series from BBC Television.
Can eating a bag of crisps really make you more clever? The company that makes the crisps says so, and they seem to be right.
But the Doctor is worried. Who would want to make people more brainy? And why? With just his sonic screwdriver and a supermarket trolley full of crisps, the Doctor sets out to find the truth. The answer is scary — the Krillitanes are back on Earth, and everyone is at risk!
Last time they took over a school. This time they have hijacked the internet. Whatever they are up to, it's big and it's nasty. Only the Doctor can stop them — if he isn't already too late...
A short, sharp shot of adventure, featuring the Doctor as played by David Tennant in the hit series from BBC Television.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Justin Richards
330 books240 followersJustin Richards is a British writer. He has written many spin off novels based on the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, and he is Creative Director for the BBC Books range. He has also written for television, contributing to Five's soap opera Family Affairs. He is also the author of a series of crime novels for children about the Invisible Detective, and novels for older children. His Doctor Who novel The Burning was placed sixth in the Top 10 of SFX magazine's "Best SF/Fantasy novelisation or TV tie-in novel" category of 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
May 29, 2022
This a quick read book based on the television series. In this one, The Tenth Doctor is traveling by himself. He lands on present Earth and it seems like everyone is unnaturally intelligent. This has happened because of a snack food that everyone is consuming. He knows that something is up.
This is a very quick read as it can be read in half hour. I had no problem imagining this book in this universe. It has no major consequences. I would liken it to a filler episode that does nothing to advance the arc. I thought the author did a great job portraying The Doctor especially when it came down to scenes that he can be a little dangerous. As for the story it works for this universe even if is a little out there. I guess it wouldn't be a Doctor Who story if it wasn't out there.
Like I said this was a quick read that did entertain me for a half hour. I also got to spend one more adventure with David Tennant's Doctor which is always a good thing. If you are a fan of this universe and want a quick read this book is that book. It isn't amazing but you will not hate it either.
This is a very quick read as it can be read in half hour. I had no problem imagining this book in this universe. It has no major consequences. I would liken it to a filler episode that does nothing to advance the arc. I thought the author did a great job portraying The Doctor especially when it came down to scenes that he can be a little dangerous. As for the story it works for this universe even if is a little out there. I guess it wouldn't be a Doctor Who story if it wasn't out there.
Like I said this was a quick read that did entertain me for a half hour. I also got to spend one more adventure with David Tennant's Doctor which is always a good thing. If you are a fan of this universe and want a quick read this book is that book. It isn't amazing but you will not hate it either.
March 17, 2021
This was a lovely little read and a perfect hit for any fan of Doctor Who, and a fab little book for when you want a brief little adventure with the 10th Doctor. I’ve always wondered about the Krillitanes coming back and thought it’d be great and it was to see them coming back briefly, with their plans for world domination at an all time high (when are they not trying to take over the world?!)
It builds off the foundations of the School Reunion episode and continues on with their attempts to enslave humans with the Doctor behind the rescue.
He’s all on his own in this one but within the 100 pages or so of this book, there’s plenty of the 10th Doctor we’ve come to know and love and it was a great, entertaining story easily read in one sitting.
It builds off the foundations of the School Reunion episode and continues on with their attempts to enslave humans with the Doctor behind the rescue.
He’s all on his own in this one but within the 100 pages or so of this book, there’s plenty of the 10th Doctor we’ve come to know and love and it was a great, entertaining story easily read in one sitting.
October 17, 2014
I've always been a fan of the Doctor Who books because I have always felt they added more to the series and that they were a good filler between series'. This was no different!
This book is a twist on the TV version of the Krillitanes, and there are only minor differences throughout - so if you have seen the TV show, the chances are you will already know what is going to happen. Despite how I found it excessively predictable, I did enjoy it and I found myself finishing it in about 30 minutes. That said, it is a really quick read - which is something that I appreciated. It was a nice break between 300 page+ novels, and it definitely sparked my interest enough and kept me interested.
I liked the Doctors "companion" in this novel, and I do like how the Doctor was written (Justin Richards has also written the Doctor Who 50th anniversary fact book) and felt he was written just how the writers of the show would have him talk/act.
I would generally recommend this book for a younger audience; perhaps to keep the kids quiet for a couple of hours!
I would also recommend this if you are just getting into the Doctor Who books and don't know where to start; this is a good starting place to warm you up to the general style of the Doctor Who novelists.
I rated this 3 stars purely because of the lack of length and the predictability. The things that caused it to hold those three stars in the first place were: the writing, the characters and the humor used throughout.
Definitely would recommend you check this out if you are looking for a fun and easy read to kill a bit of time!
(Younger Doctor Who fans may enjoy this more)
This book is a twist on the TV version of the Krillitanes, and there are only minor differences throughout - so if you have seen the TV show, the chances are you will already know what is going to happen. Despite how I found it excessively predictable, I did enjoy it and I found myself finishing it in about 30 minutes. That said, it is a really quick read - which is something that I appreciated. It was a nice break between 300 page+ novels, and it definitely sparked my interest enough and kept me interested.
I liked the Doctors "companion" in this novel, and I do like how the Doctor was written (Justin Richards has also written the Doctor Who 50th anniversary fact book) and felt he was written just how the writers of the show would have him talk/act.
I would generally recommend this book for a younger audience; perhaps to keep the kids quiet for a couple of hours!
I would also recommend this if you are just getting into the Doctor Who books and don't know where to start; this is a good starting place to warm you up to the general style of the Doctor Who novelists.
I rated this 3 stars purely because of the lack of length and the predictability. The things that caused it to hold those three stars in the first place were: the writing, the characters and the humor used throughout.
Definitely would recommend you check this out if you are looking for a fun and easy read to kill a bit of time!
(Younger Doctor Who fans may enjoy this more)
October 11, 2016
It maybe only 100 pages long but this was an enjoyable well written 10th Doctor story featuring none of his normal companions the Doctor seems to come across with a bit more edge than normal and I like it. The aliens are interesting and the humans come across well too which is a rare treat in a Doctor Who book. I liked the twist at the end and the whole book flowed nicely. I didn't give it a five star rating because their were a few moments that didn't quite sit right for me and although I liked the aliens they weren't the best. Overall 4 out 5. Worth a read as it won't take you long.
March 13, 2015
It was so close to be one of my favorit Doctor Who books, but then came a dark twist that I didn't like. I know this is meant to take place in his dark period post-Rose, but it was still a bit too dark to make to book really good.
September 27, 2016
It had to be something sinister, or there wouldn't be a story. Such a shame - I really fancy crisps that make you brainier!
May 5, 2021
Reads just like the tenth Doctor should. Great quick fun read. I believe anyone who enjoys the tenth Doctor will enjoy this book.
April 8, 2021
This was a quick, easy and fun read for the Tenth Doctor. While I’m not a great fan of the Tenth Doctor, this was an enjoyable read and it was well written.
August 24, 2024
Siento que estos libros de la colección Quick Reads son “hit or miss”. No sabría traducir exactamente la expresión, pero básicamente se refiere a que no existe un término intermedio: o funcionan muy bien, o funcionan muy mal. “Code of the Krillitanes”, desafortunadamente, entra en la segunda categoría.
Más que una aventura por sí misma parece un resumen de lo que pudo llegar a ser. Realmente predecible sin añadir nada nuevo a lo que ya sabíamos de estos alienígenas tras el episodio de “School Reunion”. ¡Incluso los vampiros vuelvan a usar patatas para llevar a cabo su plan secreto!
Eso sí, la caracterización del Décimo Doctor es estupenda, Justin Richards clava la personalidad de David Tennant en cada conversación. Otro aspecto positivo son las pocas hojas del libro (más o menos 100 páginas), por lo que sirve para matar el gusanillo mientras esperamos a una nueva temporada.
La corta longitud está hecha a propósito, por cierto, ya que el libro pertenece a la colección de “Quick Reads”, pequeñas historias para inspirar al público a volver a disfrutar de la lectura. Lectura en inglés, eso sí, ya que el libro solo se encuentra legalmente en ese idioma. El nivel de inglés es más o menos un B2-B1, por lo que también sirve para practicar un poco el idioma con el Doctor. Si lo queréis en español, buscad “Audiowho” en Google y descubrid un tesoro que impresionaría incluso a los Krillitanes.
En resumen, historia bastante meh que solo merece la pena si no tienes nada mejor que hacer o si necesitas desesperadamente libros cortos para cumplir el reto de Goodreads. Si lo que quieres es disfrutar de una buena aventura corta de Doctor Who, escoge “I am a Dalek”.
(Y si queréis más contenido de Doctor Who en español, seguidme en las redes sociales que aparecen en el siguiente link: https://linktr.ee/ValeryVal)
Más que una aventura por sí misma parece un resumen de lo que pudo llegar a ser. Realmente predecible sin añadir nada nuevo a lo que ya sabíamos de estos alienígenas tras el episodio de “School Reunion”. ¡Incluso los vampiros vuelvan a usar patatas para llevar a cabo su plan secreto!
Eso sí, la caracterización del Décimo Doctor es estupenda, Justin Richards clava la personalidad de David Tennant en cada conversación. Otro aspecto positivo son las pocas hojas del libro (más o menos 100 páginas), por lo que sirve para matar el gusanillo mientras esperamos a una nueva temporada.
La corta longitud está hecha a propósito, por cierto, ya que el libro pertenece a la colección de “Quick Reads”, pequeñas historias para inspirar al público a volver a disfrutar de la lectura. Lectura en inglés, eso sí, ya que el libro solo se encuentra legalmente en ese idioma. El nivel de inglés es más o menos un B2-B1, por lo que también sirve para practicar un poco el idioma con el Doctor. Si lo queréis en español, buscad “Audiowho” en Google y descubrid un tesoro que impresionaría incluso a los Krillitanes.
En resumen, historia bastante meh que solo merece la pena si no tienes nada mejor que hacer o si necesitas desesperadamente libros cortos para cumplir el reto de Goodreads. Si lo que quieres es disfrutar de una buena aventura corta de Doctor Who, escoge “I am a Dalek”.
(Y si queréis más contenido de Doctor Who en español, seguidme en las redes sociales que aparecen en el siguiente link: https://linktr.ee/ValeryVal)
January 9, 2020
A Quick Reads novella featuring the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant). The Doctor begins investigating the manufacturers of Brainy Crisps; snacks which seems to increase the intelligence of those who eat them. He soon discovers that the Krillitanes are behind things but has to infiltrate their company in order to uncover the full alien plot.
There's nothing overtly wrong with this book but ultimately it is pretty bland, which in some ways is worse. Although I liked the story which introduced the Krillitanes on TV, it wasn't because the aliens themselves were particularly interesting and here Richards more or less just rehashes the same story as that TV episode anyway. Immediately before reading this, I read 'The Krilitane Storm' by Christopher Cooper which genuinely did manage to do some interesting things with these somewhat lacklustre bat-monsters, leaving Richards no excuse for failing to do so himself.
The only bit of the book which showed any depth was where his new human friend asks the Doctor if he's hiring and the Doctor admits that whilst he does have a vacancy, he's not looking for someone to fill it. This shows the slightly damaged Tenth Doctor we saw travelling alone in the Specials between Series 4 and his regeneration.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com/ *
There's nothing overtly wrong with this book but ultimately it is pretty bland, which in some ways is worse. Although I liked the story which introduced the Krillitanes on TV, it wasn't because the aliens themselves were particularly interesting and here Richards more or less just rehashes the same story as that TV episode anyway. Immediately before reading this, I read 'The Krilitane Storm' by Christopher Cooper which genuinely did manage to do some interesting things with these somewhat lacklustre bat-monsters, leaving Richards no excuse for failing to do so himself.
The only bit of the book which showed any depth was where his new human friend asks the Doctor if he's hiring and the Doctor admits that whilst he does have a vacancy, he's not looking for someone to fill it. This shows the slightly damaged Tenth Doctor we saw travelling alone in the Specials between Series 4 and his regeneration.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com/ *
May 22, 2018
I borrowed this Quick Reads from my local library.
As a huge Doctor Who fan, my favourite doctor being the tenth, I knew I had to read this. It follows David Tennant's Doctor in the year 2010. The TARDIS has detected something strange in a typical area of the UK, and he naturally goes to investigate, and gets dragged into an adventure along the way.
Despite the fact this was only a short read, it was still decent! I could imagine this being an actual episode of Doctor Who (and I wish it was!). The speech that the Doctor came out with was something I could hear David actually saying, and it was really fast paced and something was always happened, that I just wanted to read more to find out what would happen next!
As a huge Doctor Who fan, my favourite doctor being the tenth, I knew I had to read this. It follows David Tennant's Doctor in the year 2010. The TARDIS has detected something strange in a typical area of the UK, and he naturally goes to investigate, and gets dragged into an adventure along the way.
Despite the fact this was only a short read, it was still decent! I could imagine this being an actual episode of Doctor Who (and I wish it was!). The speech that the Doctor came out with was something I could hear David actually saying, and it was really fast paced and something was always happened, that I just wanted to read more to find out what would happen next!
January 2, 2019
[this review won't be up on my blog, cause I don't feel like the book requires a review on the blog]
The book was fairly short, but relatively enjoyable. The Doctor's character was quite similar to his character in the TV show, but not sufficiently so for me to fully enjoy the book. I also definitely didn't quite immerse myself in the book either, so it being short was pretty good.
The plot was fairly simple to follow, although there was this one time I got really confused. Overall, I'd simply say it wasn't quite enough to get my blood pumping but it was a decent distraction, especially because it was so short.
The book was fairly short, but relatively enjoyable. The Doctor's character was quite similar to his character in the TV show, but not sufficiently so for me to fully enjoy the book. I also definitely didn't quite immerse myself in the book either, so it being short was pretty good.
The plot was fairly simple to follow, although there was this one time I got really confused. Overall, I'd simply say it wasn't quite enough to get my blood pumping but it was a decent distraction, especially because it was so short.
January 24, 2018
A great, quick 100 page read involving the 10th version of the Doctor along with a likeable new 'companion'. I enjoyed this new installment that showcased the Krillitanes, again up to something sinister. I've been enjoying these quick Doctor Who books to read inbetween larger and more complex novels as a sort of palate cleanser.
February 24, 2017
I enjoyed most if the book besides the ending. I did not like the ending but that is just me and without spoilers I can't really say why. although I did feel like in this one you did again get a taste of what the doctor is really like.
November 19, 2017
Quick read indeed
Another book-episode of Doctor Who down. This one, however, had a certain ineffable something that made it flow better and really captured the characters better somehow.
Great way to spend an hour with the Doctor.
Another book-episode of Doctor Who down. This one, however, had a certain ineffable something that made it flow better and really captured the characters better somehow.
Great way to spend an hour with the Doctor.
October 30, 2018
Well Done
Captures the voice of the 10nth Doctor, David Tennant. The Krillitanes are a wasp like big taller than humans. They have taken over the local crisp plant and the internet. The Doctor must foil their evil plan to take over the world.
Captures the voice of the 10nth Doctor, David Tennant. The Krillitanes are a wasp like big taller than humans. They have taken over the local crisp plant and the internet. The Doctor must foil their evil plan to take over the world.
January 12, 2021
While the story is relatively generic, Richards gets the Doctor's characterisation spot on. All of his wittiness, cleverness and sarcasm is there. Of course he would look longingly at Jelly Babies if he was in a supermarket!
March 15, 2017
"I blame those new Brainy Crisps. Since he started eating them, he's been too clever by half."
Can eating a bag of crisps really make you more clever? The company that makes the crisps says so, and they seem to be right.
But the Doctor is worried. Who would want to make people more brainy? And why? With just his sonic screwdriver and a supermarket trolley full of crisps, the Doctor sets out to find the truth. The answer is scary — the Krillitanes are back on Earth, and everyone is at risk!
Last time they took over a school. This time they have hijacked the internet. Whatever they are up to, it's big and it's nasty. Only the Doctor can stop them — if he isn't already too late...
A short novella in the Doctor Who series of books, starring the 10th Doctor (David Tennant), where he comes face to face with the Krillitanes once again.
An enjoyable short read, which is well plotted and written by Justin Richards.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
Can eating a bag of crisps really make you more clever? The company that makes the crisps says so, and they seem to be right.
But the Doctor is worried. Who would want to make people more brainy? And why? With just his sonic screwdriver and a supermarket trolley full of crisps, the Doctor sets out to find the truth. The answer is scary — the Krillitanes are back on Earth, and everyone is at risk!
Last time they took over a school. This time they have hijacked the internet. Whatever they are up to, it's big and it's nasty. Only the Doctor can stop them — if he isn't already too late...
A short novella in the Doctor Who series of books, starring the 10th Doctor (David Tennant), where he comes face to face with the Krillitanes once again.
An enjoyable short read, which is well plotted and written by Justin Richards.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.
May 20, 2017
Jednoduchá angličtina, příběh se mi také líbil.
February 10, 2018
A very dull entry in the Doctor Who range, largely rehashing the ideas of School Reunion in a more Sarah Jane Adventures style, without even the silly humour and good character work.
August 1, 2018
A quick and fun adventure, the author did a great job of capturing the spirit of the doctor. I enjoyed this even more than I thought that I would.
August 20, 2018
It was a nice, little plot with satiable ending. I didn't like that one twist but other than that, it's fine. I wished it was longer, though.
December 14, 2018
I love these quick read books. Sometimes I just want a quick story to read. The doctor is always entertaining to read. Another good story of him saving the day!
February 19, 2019
This book was a great read, I don’t think there is anything wrong with this book at all! I loved every page of it! Can’t wait to read another!!
June 4, 2019
It was a read , has 10 one my favourite doctors.
August 5, 2019
Portrayal of doctor accurate. Whole crisp thing a bit confusing but overall a chill read.
November 3, 2019
This is my favourite of the Dr. Who quick reads I have read so far
August 24, 2020
This was a decent quick read, not too bad but it could have been better. I did enjoy reading about the Doctor and how he and Henry were able to do some reprogramming.
December 1, 2020
種のクリリタンがとてもいいモンスターだったので、最後は悲しかった。
感想書いたはずなのに保存に失敗しているとは！
感想書いたはずなのに保存に失敗しているとは！
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews