Star Quest: Roboworld

Star Quest #2

by Terrance Dicks

120 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1980

About the author

Terrance Dicks was an English author, screenwriter, script editor, and producer best known for his extensive contributions to Doctor Who. Serving as the show's script editor from 1968 to 1974, he helped shape many core elements of the series, including the concept of regeneration, the development of the Time Lords, and the naming of the Doctor’s home planet, Gallifrey. His tenure coincided with major thematic expansions, and he worked closely with producer Barry Letts to bring a socially aware tone to the show. Dicks later wrote several Doctor Who serials, including Robot, Horror of Fang Rock, and The Five Doctors, the 20th-anniversary special.
In parallel with his television work, Dicks became one of the most prolific writers of Doctor Who novelisations for Target Books, authoring over 60 titles and serving as the de facto editor of the range. These adaptations introduced a generation of young readers to the franchise. Beyond Doctor Who, he also wrote original novels, including children’s horror and adventure series such as The Baker Street Irregulars, Star Quest, and The Adventures of Goliath.
Dicks also worked on other television programmes including The Avengers, Moonbase 3, and various BBC literary adaptations. His later work included audio dramas and novels tied to Doctor Who. Widely respected for his clarity, imagination, and dedication to storytelling, he remained a central figure in Doctor Who fandom until his death in 2019, leaving behind a vast legacy in television and children's literature.

Reviews

[Derelict Space Sheep · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dicks once again borrowed heavily from 1970s Doctor Who in scripting this middle-grade adventure of human outcasts, robot sentience, deranged scientists and plucky rebellion. This second book in the trilogy is more assured than the first, though never reaching any great heights.

[Omar Misdaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if this is actually good, but I read it when I was really little and my child mind was memorably awestruck. It was also a gift from a lovely special lady and it was a deep comfort at a difficult time. Looking forward to revisiting it.

[Nev Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is concentrated nostalgia. Not only it nostalgia for a time when Star Wars cash-in books flooded the market, and nostalgia for Terrance Dicks' very readable prose, it's also nostalgia for the entire range of the Doctor Who target books.

Dicks nods to Doctor Who stories on every page; Robot, Robots of Death, Genesis of the Daleks, Underworld, Death to the Daleks, the Dalek Invasion of Earth to name but a few, all wrapped up in story that encompasses all three classic Star Wars films. There is not a whiff of originality here, just compelling storytelling. Really enjoyable stuff.