What do you think?
Rate this book
Doctor Who: Quick Reads #3
Doctor Who: Revenge of the Judoon
The TARDIS brings the Doctor and Martha to Balmoral in 1902. Here they meet Captain Harry Carruthers - friend of the new king, Edward VII. Together they head for the castle to see the king - only to find that Balmoral Castle is gone, leaving just a hole in the ground. The Doctor realises it is the work of the Judoon - a race of ruthless intergalactic mercenary space police.While Martha and Carruthers seek answers in London, the Doctor finds himself in what should be the most deserted place on Earth - and he is not alone.With help from Arthur Conan Doyle, the Doctor and his friends discover a plot to take over the world. With time running out, who will fall victim to the revenge of the Judoon?Featuring the tenth Doctor and Martha as played by David Tennant and Freema Agyeman in the acclaimed hit Doctor Who series from BBC Television.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
20 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Terrance Dicks
326 books220 followersTerrance 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
May 24, 2023
The tenth doctor and Martha arrive in 1902 and stumble across a friend of the king. Together they go to Balmoral Castle, only to find that it’s no longer where it was. The doctor quickly realizes the whole castle was taken by the Judoon.
A very short and fast-paced adventure with the Judoon, the rhinoceros space police. It’s reminiscent of Martha’s first story with the doctor, Smith and Jones. So the story feels like a perfect fit for this Tardis duo. The inclusion of Arthur Conan Doyle as a character feels like a bit of a waste here to be honest. Not only because it is a rather short story, but also because he’s barely used. Though it is kind of fun to see his belief in the supernatural being addressed here.
It’s a solid little pseudo-historical Doctor Who story, but it’s also rather forgettable.
A very short and fast-paced adventure with the Judoon, the rhinoceros space police. It’s reminiscent of Martha’s first story with the doctor, Smith and Jones. So the story feels like a perfect fit for this Tardis duo. The inclusion of Arthur Conan Doyle as a character feels like a bit of a waste here to be honest. Not only because it is a rather short story, but also because he’s barely used. Though it is kind of fun to see his belief in the supernatural being addressed here.
It’s a solid little pseudo-historical Doctor Who story, but it’s also rather forgettable.
March 10, 2019
Actual rating is 2.5 stars.
This is a short story that takes place in the Doctor Who universe. In this one, the Doctor and Martha travel back to the early 1900's England and discover that a castle has disappeared. This leads them on an adventure to find the missing castle.
These books are short as they are about one hundred pages. They are quick to the point and not much for character growth. This one did not add much to this universe as we have seen this before. An alien race wants to conquer Earth. Been there, done that. I liked the portrayal of the Doctor as I had no problem envisioning David Tennant and I had no problem with Martha's portrayal. The only prorblem I had with the characters were the Judoon. They were secondary characters and they really had nothing to do with the overall story. You will be disappointed if you expecting to read about them.
Like I said this was a quick read and a serviceable story. I don't expect much from these Quickread books. I just expect to had a fun little quick adventure in this universe which this book did. I did think the title was misleading as I was expecting more of a Judoon adventure.
This is a short story that takes place in the Doctor Who universe. In this one, the Doctor and Martha travel back to the early 1900's England and discover that a castle has disappeared. This leads them on an adventure to find the missing castle.
These books are short as they are about one hundred pages. They are quick to the point and not much for character growth. This one did not add much to this universe as we have seen this before. An alien race wants to conquer Earth. Been there, done that. I liked the portrayal of the Doctor as I had no problem envisioning David Tennant and I had no problem with Martha's portrayal. The only prorblem I had with the characters were the Judoon. They were secondary characters and they really had nothing to do with the overall story. You will be disappointed if you expecting to read about them.
Like I said this was a quick read and a serviceable story. I don't expect much from these Quickread books. I just expect to had a fun little quick adventure in this universe which this book did. I did think the title was misleading as I was expecting more of a Judoon adventure.
July 27, 2015
Wonderful story! We're in 1902, there's the king, Edward VII, Arthur Conan Doyle AND nasty shapeshifting aliens!
Oh and the Doctor, of course.
How much better can it get, really? <3
Oh and the Doctor, of course.
How much better can it get, really? <3
September 21, 2008
Doctor Who tie in fiction released as part of the Quick Reads initiative, this is an extremely bog standard aliens-want-to-take-over-the-Earth plot set in 1902. Don't be fooled by the title, the Judoon barely feature and when they do its almost as though budget limitations have carried over to print form, its only right at the very end that one of them takes his helmet off.
The plot, scant as it is sees the Doctor trying to track down Balmoral castle which has vanished in a cloud of upwards rain whilst Martha and an Edwardian solider are in London in search of the bad guys. The Doctor and Martha sort of sound like themselves but not quite enough to be convincing, both seem to have accents from the Dick Van Dyke school of Cockney Rhyming Slang. Far worse however are the Edwardian characters including King Edward VII himself who all sound far too modern and casual. Aliens try to take over the planet and the King seems barely taken aback and though he was one of the oldest Kings to ascend the throne he doesn't come across as a 60ish year old.
At a mere 120ish pages I breezed through it in 2 hours though this was helped by the fact that there virtually was no story and it more or less switches off once the page count has run out. Arthur Conan-Doyle and Robert Baden-Powell make pointless cameos which add nothing to the plot. Terrance Dicks is the Elder Statesman of Doctor Who fiction and can dash off an adventure in his sleep. Alas that's exactly what appears to have happened here with this utterly pedestrian and instantly forgettable story.
The plot, scant as it is sees the Doctor trying to track down Balmoral castle which has vanished in a cloud of upwards rain whilst Martha and an Edwardian solider are in London in search of the bad guys. The Doctor and Martha sort of sound like themselves but not quite enough to be convincing, both seem to have accents from the Dick Van Dyke school of Cockney Rhyming Slang. Far worse however are the Edwardian characters including King Edward VII himself who all sound far too modern and casual. Aliens try to take over the planet and the King seems barely taken aback and though he was one of the oldest Kings to ascend the throne he doesn't come across as a 60ish year old.
At a mere 120ish pages I breezed through it in 2 hours though this was helped by the fact that there virtually was no story and it more or less switches off once the page count has run out. Arthur Conan-Doyle and Robert Baden-Powell make pointless cameos which add nothing to the plot. Terrance Dicks is the Elder Statesman of Doctor Who fiction and can dash off an adventure in his sleep. Alas that's exactly what appears to have happened here with this utterly pedestrian and instantly forgettable story.
July 1, 2020
Uncle Terry’s final original Doctor Who, novel, Revenge of the Judoon was simply a joy to read. So many twists and turns, a rich repertoire of characters and the odd nod to historical figures and places. It’s a marvellous story with plenty of charm.
Tennant’s Doctor and Martha sometimes felt inconsistent in their characters. I’d go as far as to say that they sometimes read like Pewee’s Doctor and Jo.
Besides a few forgivable character problems, this book is a wonderful example of a Doctor Who sci-fi adventure.
Tennant’s Doctor and Martha sometimes felt inconsistent in their characters. I’d go as far as to say that they sometimes read like Pewee’s Doctor and Jo.
Besides a few forgivable character problems, this book is a wonderful example of a Doctor Who sci-fi adventure.
January 6, 2018
I found this pretty disappointing. The plot is nowhere near new or interesting, the Judoon are background characters and the plot resolution was absolutely terrible. At least the characters were alright.
June 15, 2022
Goes hard
December 10, 2014
A very quick and easy read. This was more a short story than a novel and the title is a bit misleading. The Judoon are background characters in the thin plot of an alien race bent on taking over the world. Despite that, this is a fun, fast read for anyone who wants a Doctor Who fix.
October 19, 2021
Algo que me encanta de los libros de Doctor Who que he leído es que sigan la estructura de un capítulo de la serie, hace que la lectura se sienta amigable para quienes llegan nuevos al universo expandido. También el hecho de que cada Doctor tenga sus aventuras en audiodrama, cómic, novelas o audiolibro hace que sea un poco más sencillo introducirse al universo expandido de a poco.
En el caso de Revenge of Judoon es una novela entretenida y ligera que se pasa rápido, aunque me parece demasiado compacta incluso para el público juvenil al que está dirigido, es decir no se mete mucho en desarrollar una trama muy complicada, ni se mete con temas controversiales. Sin embargo, para un primer acercamiento me parece bueno.
En el caso de Revenge of Judoon es una novela entretenida y ligera que se pasa rápido, aunque me parece demasiado compacta incluso para el público juvenil al que está dirigido, es decir no se mete mucho en desarrollar una trama muy complicada, ni se mete con temas controversiales. Sin embargo, para un primer acercamiento me parece bueno.
August 29, 2022
BOOK 20 (OUT OF 21) OF MY HOLIDAY READS- AUGUST 2022
I wanted to finish the Quick Reads series - 2*
Man, I hate Martha but I am determined to finish this Doctor Who series of books. Well not finish but catch up so I'll be in sync between the book and the TV series.
I do love a Judoon but mainly because of the fact they were written as David Tennant couldn't say the "oon" sound without reverting back to his original Scottish accent. The aliens were written in for the iconic line - "the Judoon platoon on the moon".
I wanted to finish the Quick Reads series - 2*
Man, I hate Martha but I am determined to finish this Doctor Who series of books. Well not finish but catch up so I'll be in sync between the book and the TV series.
I do love a Judoon but mainly because of the fact they were written as David Tennant couldn't say the "oon" sound without reverting back to his original Scottish accent. The aliens were written in for the iconic line - "the Judoon platoon on the moon".
February 24, 2014
The book was good for a short story. The title is a bit of a misnomer because the Judoon are secondary characters at best. The writing was ok, the dialog at some points was pretty bad though and honestly I expected better from Terrance Dicks. While I was somewhat entertained while I read it, it's definitely not a book that would go down as "One to remember". Luckily there are plenty of other Doctor Who books that are.
June 6, 2015
Well, this was disappointing. I wasn't holding out much hope for it, considering it's a Martha Jones book and she's my least favorite companion. These "quick reads" are not very well thought out, I'm finding. The plots don't have enough book to fully form. But I love the characters, so I'll keep trying Doctor Who books. Maybe I'll take them out of the library from now on though!
September 7, 2015
Leidsin kaltukast Doctor Who jutukese ja oli päris nauditav pooletunnilugemine, lõbus meelelahutus - ja minu arust oli Doctori juttu paremini tabatud, kui selles teises, mis ma lugesin.
June 3, 2016
Nice little thing. More like 3.5* I'd say!
December 27, 2016
Read more of my reviews here https://brooklynthebookworm.wordpress...
I loved this! What with Ten, Martha, 1900's London and Arthur Conan Doyle, what's not to love?!
I loved this! What with Ten, Martha, 1900's London and Arthur Conan Doyle, what's not to love?!
December 20, 2017
Review first posted on My Blog.
It's 1902 and the Doctor and Martha run into Captain Carruthers, a friend of King Edward VII, who invites them back to Balmoral Castle to meet him but when they arrive where the castle should be, it's not there. The Doctor soon figures out that this is the work of the Judoon and he goes off in the TARDIS to try and find the King and castle while Martha heads to London with Captain Carruthers to try and figure out who is behind the disappearance. While in London, she is introduced to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and a mysterious society he is part of, a society that gave him a present for the King which he dutifully delivered not that long ago. Meanwhile, the Doctor has found the castle in the desert surrounded by Judoon. Now he must try and figure out who is ordering them and why such a normally honorable and rule-bound race would be interfering with the human race in this manner. Then he just needs to figure out how to fix it all and put things back the way he knows they should be.
I always like the 10th Doctor and Martha and this story definitely seemed to get their voices right. It's a QuickReads so there isn't a lot of depth or description, basically a bare bones story but it worked nicely.
It's 1902 and the Doctor and Martha run into Captain Carruthers, a friend of King Edward VII, who invites them back to Balmoral Castle to meet him but when they arrive where the castle should be, it's not there. The Doctor soon figures out that this is the work of the Judoon and he goes off in the TARDIS to try and find the King and castle while Martha heads to London with Captain Carruthers to try and figure out who is behind the disappearance. While in London, she is introduced to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and a mysterious society he is part of, a society that gave him a present for the King which he dutifully delivered not that long ago. Meanwhile, the Doctor has found the castle in the desert surrounded by Judoon. Now he must try and figure out who is ordering them and why such a normally honorable and rule-bound race would be interfering with the human race in this manner. Then he just needs to figure out how to fix it all and put things back the way he knows they should be.
I always like the 10th Doctor and Martha and this story definitely seemed to get their voices right. It's a QuickReads so there isn't a lot of depth or description, basically a bare bones story but it worked nicely.
January 10, 2025
Doctor Who: Revenge of the Judoon - 2.5/5
Fun little read, minus some good old British nostalgia for Empire. For a story advertised as focusing on the Judoon they're definitely far more of a secondary issue but it's cool to see them in the Edwardian period all the same, and Dicks has a lot of fun fleshing out the Edwardian setting despite the limited page count. It also uses the fact that it's a book a lot more than the other Quick Reads have, jumping across the globe and between locations far more than the generally single setting, UNIT Era-like stories I Am A Dalek and Made of Steel. I don't think it's as good as I Am A Dalek, but it's a fun read nevertheless. If Terrance Dicks has proved anything with his record number of Who stories, it's that he can spin out a decent adventure.
Fun little read, minus some good old British nostalgia for Empire. For a story advertised as focusing on the Judoon they're definitely far more of a secondary issue but it's cool to see them in the Edwardian period all the same, and Dicks has a lot of fun fleshing out the Edwardian setting despite the limited page count. It also uses the fact that it's a book a lot more than the other Quick Reads have, jumping across the globe and between locations far more than the generally single setting, UNIT Era-like stories I Am A Dalek and Made of Steel. I don't think it's as good as I Am A Dalek, but it's a fun read nevertheless. If Terrance Dicks has proved anything with his record number of Who stories, it's that he can spin out a decent adventure.
April 27, 2021
Promise cut short - VERY short
This isn't even a short story. - it's more like a good essay. It should have been fleshed out into a full length book...anything less is a travesty. What was the world tour to get the remaining devices like? What space race is the disguised Challoner? What are their characteristics? Do they get all the necessary devices? Does anyone heed Edward's statements about his relative, Kaiser Wilhelm? With his knowledge of history, what sort of plans does the Doctor have to make in Germany to avoid an early start to WWI? This could have been a lot better.
This isn't even a short story. - it's more like a good essay. It should have been fleshed out into a full length book...anything less is a travesty. What was the world tour to get the remaining devices like? What space race is the disguised Challoner? What are their characteristics? Do they get all the necessary devices? Does anyone heed Edward's statements about his relative, Kaiser Wilhelm? With his knowledge of history, what sort of plans does the Doctor have to make in Germany to avoid an early start to WWI? This could have been a lot better.
November 5, 2022
With short stories (or quick reads), you cannot expect detailed plots. This definitely had parts that could have been expanded given more space.
I felt that the 10th Doctor was believable as both a character and also true to the television character for the most part. Martha wasn't. Not much of her character seemed consistent with the character we know.
The ending was disappointing too. Maybe a little too easy for the Doctor and with Martha playing the victim. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this but at the same time it isn't terrible.
I felt that the 10th Doctor was believable as both a character and also true to the television character for the most part. Martha wasn't. Not much of her character seemed consistent with the character we know.
The ending was disappointing too. Maybe a little too easy for the Doctor and with Martha playing the victim. I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this but at the same time it isn't terrible.
November 10, 2022
Revenge of the Judoon feels like a Tom Baker episode. It's absolute nonsense with things just happening. Transplanting a modern Doctor into that kind of story does not work. Tom Baker was a silly boy in silly stories. A more serious Doctor only makes the flaws stronger.
Also, why not call it "Return of the Judoon"? The reason the Judoon took Balmoral Castle wasn't revenge, so its a completely misleading title.
Skip this one.
*As with The Pirate Loop, it will be marked as owned in the boxset*
Also, why not call it "Return of the Judoon"? The reason the Judoon took Balmoral Castle wasn't revenge, so its a completely misleading title.
Skip this one.
*As with The Pirate Loop, it will be marked as owned in the boxset*
February 28, 2021
A nice short story featuring the Doctor and Martha Jones. The characters were pretty faithful to the characterisation of the series. The Judoon don't play such a big role as someone would expect but there is an insight given to their motives and morals. The supporting characters are not bad either. The plot is not complicated but the ending feels a bit rushed which is generally expected from such a small book. It was a fun read!
January 17, 2023
Like the other short stories I've read with the tenth Doctor, this is fast paced fun adventure which is what Doctor Who is all about. But unlike the title implies, it's very little Judoon and very little revenge. I still liked how it played out though and it's still recommended for any Doctor Who fan. I especially like how well the tenth Doctor (my favorite Doctor) and Martha were written. So give it a read.
February 18, 2024
A fun, quick read in which 10 and Martha deal with the disappearance of Balmoral Castle (containing King Edward VII at the time), stomping Judoon, and a secret lizard plot to take over the world. Of course, they also bump into a few other historical figures along the way.
The descriptions, action, and banter are all evocative of that era of the show and, on the whole, it feels a lot like a TV episode.
The descriptions, action, and banter are all evocative of that era of the show and, on the whole, it feels a lot like a TV episode.
March 10, 2024
I can’t really be too harsh with this story, given I bought it when I was 7 and that was the aimed reading age. As an adult I found it a ‘quick read’ (pun intended), but with a pretty underwhelming plot. Terrance Dicks gives some great imagery and characterisation to the book, but the plot essentially only actually happens in the last 1/3rd of the book and then is resolved in 5 pages. The villains are stupid and I wish the Judoon had been in it more, but I hardly came out of reading it resenting or hating it. It’s fine and perfect for young kids, just nothing really remarkable.
August 5, 2017
I didn't really like the fact that this was part of the "quick reads" series. The characters just seemed thrown in to a book without much development. The positive is that it was another amazing Dr. Who adventure where the Doctor and Martha had to save the world from the Judoon and the Cosmic Peacekeepers.
October 7, 2023
Per quanto più breve rispetto a un normale romanzo del Dottore, è comunque un'avventura validissima e godibile (nonostante il finale un po' affrettato) dove ritornano i rinoceronti dello spazio nella Londra edwardiana (con un cameo di Arthur Conan Doyle)... e Martha si conferma ancora una volta una grande companion!
August 1, 2021
When the Doctor discovers the Judoon are involved with the disappearance of Balmoral Castle in 1902, he must work with Martha to uncover a plot to take over the Earth.
As ever, Dicks writes an engaging adventure with some intriguing ideas.
As ever, Dicks writes an engaging adventure with some intriguing ideas.
October 20, 2023
Never thought I'd see the Judoon again since the whole kerfuffle with the hospital on the moon and whatnot. Another day of world domination is really nothing new for the Doctor who thrives on danger, but at least for once, it's not the Daleks who've come to play.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2017
This was a quick read. I enjoyed the tale of two of my favorite Dr. Who character.
October 15, 2017
Fun, easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews