Originally released : January 2026

Listened to: January 2026

Written by Colin Brake David Llewellyn

Narrated by Peter Purves and John Culshaw

Episodes:

1. The Time-Splitters by Colin Brake, narrated by Peter Purves

2. Dimension 13 by David Llewellyn, narrated by Jon Culshaw

Context: so I had attempted to listen to one of BF audio novels a while back, and although I enjoyed it, I got distracted wth other releases, and I didn’t go back to it, so these audio novellas coming along (and an impending long road trip up North) mean’t I had time to dedicate to both of these stories, over a couple of days.

THE REVIEW

What I thought: so ‘The Time Splitters’ comes first (bit of a silly title, but it is a very 60’s title, so happy to let them off with that one) and I must say I rather enjoyed this one. Peter Purves is a great narrator, and I really like his first Doctor performance. The story shifts along nicely, with a mad scientist vibe across the story, some alien shape shifters with a nefarious plot and some good stuff with Dodo. The first doctor sections in this one are really good, I love how deliberately slow he is in fixing the time splitter, and the frustration the villain of the week has with the ‘old man’. Some pathos here as well, threaded into the first doctor’s musings on the increasing frailty of his body (embodied in his toothache) as well as the thought of an impending regeneration. Very much loved this, more of this introspection by the Doctor is great, and perhaps more possible in this type of story rather than a straight-up full-cast performance. The whole thing wraps up nicely, great introduction to this format of BF for me.

Dimension 13 is a different era, early 3rd doc, with UNIT, Liz and the Brig doing sterling work here. Culshaw is a great narrator for this era, and his third Doctor is great. The story, set in a creepy arctic base, is very ‘the Thing’ and the creepy ‘flatliner’ esque enemy is very Lovecraftian. Creepy human-penguin and squid mutants are a highlight. Love it! I did get a little lost story-wise at times, the story goes a little abstract, but it’s great fun and the resolution of the story is very satisfying, I think I am a big fan of these audio novels now, at some point this year, I will start to work my way through a few full audio novels!

Rating:

What I felt: very, very happy listen, brilliant and hugely looking forward to listening to more stories! The first story in particular is great, and makes me really want to listen to more First Doctor stories.

What am I left thinking?

• Not a lot, other than more of these novellas please

Memorable bits

• The 1st Doctor musing (abstractly) on the impending regeneration
• The timesplitter is a fun idea
• The third Doctor kicking off at the Brig for unleashing the nuke!