Doctor Who and the Pyramids of Mars

De: Terrance Dicks

Narrado por: Tom Baker

Here's another entry in our range of unabridged readings of classic Doctor Who novelisations, first published by Target Books in the 1970s and 1980s.

For many thousands of years, the Suthekh had waited....trapped in the heart of an Egyptian pyramid. Now at last the time had come - the moment of release, when all the force of his pent-up evil and malice would be unleashed upon the world.

The TARDIS lands on the site of UNIT headquarters in the year 1911, and the Doctor and Sarah emerge to fight a terrifying and deadly battle...against Egyptian mummies, half possessed humans - and the overwhelming evil power of Sutekh!

©2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Classic Doctor Who.

I always loved this story. I've seen the tv episodes, read the novelization of this story to. Now I've heard the audio. I loved Tom Bakers narration of this story, he has a good voice. A exciting story that will please any fan.

Almost as much fun as watching the show!

I grew up watching Doctor Who late at night on PBS. I've always loved the mix of adventure, suspense, and nerdy problem solving, mixed in with plenty of quirky characters and laughable alien costumes. The only thing you really lose here is the costumes. However, because it is so short, I think the TV episodes actually develop the characters (even the disposable ones) better than this story (perhaps if I read more of them?).

Narrated by my all-time favorite Doctor, this book is an excellent surrogate for, or companion to, actually watching old episodes. Baker's mischievous smile comes through in this, even when he's the one describing it.

A classic novelisation of a classic series

One of the best read Doctor Who novelisations, thanks to the commanding voice of Tom Baker, who played the fourth Doctor in the TV series. Baker here also shows a surprising range of voices that he can do. Writer Terrance Dicks is one of the best writers of Doctor Who, with a great sense of pacing and descriptive action.

My Favorite Tom Baker episode made even better!

Would you listen to Doctor Who and the Pyramids of Mars again? Why?

I have listened to it twice already. I have a long ride to work and audio-books help the time past.

What did you like best about this story?

This audio book version adds more "behind the scenes" information to the story. It has some of the back-story about Sutekh. It also tells more about how Namin ended up a follower of Sutekh. It is done in a way that adds to the story without making it too long or boring.

Which scene was your favorite?

Some of the scenes are a little different then the TV episode. I don't mind because the store itself is the same. Evil Sutekh trying to destroy the universal, the Doctor and Sarah there to save the day.

Any additional comments?

Tom Baker is a really good narrator. I am very picky which narrators I like. He has a way of making each of the characters in the story sound different. I like narrators who do that. It makes listening to an audio-book better when you can tell quickly which character is speaking.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

The story is interesting and meaty. Tom Baker provides a superb reading with excellent diction and a melodic voice. The story is narrated in a calm and smooth manner while characters are portrayed with excellent yet subdued acting. There is incidental music and sound effects throughout that do add to the atmosphere of the story. The music was a bit repetitive but still added to the dramatic scenes. After listening to this book I enjoyed going back and watching the TV serial of this story.

TOM BAKER!

The ONLY Dr Who!
I WOULDN'T listen at night, though, too scary to try to sleep with!

Takes me back to High School

If you could sum up Doctor Who and the Pyramids of Mars in three words, what would they be?

I remember the show and Tom's narration brought it all back.

What did you like best about this story?

It was Tom Baker's narration made it really work for me.

Which scene was your favorite?

Sorry, no specific sean. The description regarding how they escaped the force field was interesting. The book did better than what I would remember from the original shows.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Doctor "Sara, your keep forgetting, I'm not human"

Any additional comments?

It was fun and unlike what I typically purchase. My son will enjoy this when he finally slows down enough to listen.

The Best

Tom Baker does an excellent job with the audiobook. If you are a Dr Who fan or someone new to Dr Who this is an excellent choice because it is true to Dr Who. I have listened to this 3 times already and just adore it.

the quintessential Doctor Who Story

What made the experience of listening to Doctor Who and the Pyramids of Mars the most enjoyable?

Of course any Dortor Who fan will love to listen to the accent of Tom Baker. His voice was perfect for The Doctor and here he portrays the entire cast. A great actor and a great narrator.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The easy answer is The Doctor or Sarah Jane, BUT the were so may great bit players from the poacher, the brother and the friend. The Egyptian servant with his wild organ playing kept me interested as well. And the gods were portrayed with suitable dignity and gravitas.

What about Tom Baker’s performance did you like?

I liked everything about Tom Baker's narration. He got the story accross with the right amount of style and used his experience as an actor to give all the characters life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The truth riddle in the Mars pyramid which the correct answer will free Sarah Jane and the wrong answer will kill her. The Doctor took that casually but with deep feeling.

Any additional comments?

I have always been told I couldn't be a real Doctor Who fan if I hadn't read The Pyramids of Mars. I'm not sure if I'm anymore of a fan than I was but now I understand some of the history better.

Great Fun!

If you're a fan of the classic Tom Baker era then this audiobook is a real treat. Tom is a great narrator and he reads the story with real zeal, plus his voice sounds remarkably like it did back some 25 years ago.
The story itself is one of my favorite from the period, filled with evil alien masterminds, lumbering mummies, Hammer Horror atmosphere and delightful characters.
Highly recommended to Who fans! Others may find themselves enthralled as well.