State of Change

State of Change is a Doctor Who novel by Christopher Bulis featuring the Sixth Doctor and his companion Peri. The story takes place in ancient Rome circa 10 BC, where they discover unusual technological advances that shouldn't exist in that time period. The plot centers on a conflict between Ptolemy Caesar and his half-siblings Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene II. The Doctor must navigate Roman politics and investigate the source of anachronistic technology that threatens to alter history. The story features unique elements where the Doctor experiences shifts between his various incarnations due to dimensional instability. The Third Doctor's personality becomes particularly prominent when physical confrontations arise. This novel explores themes of technological advancement, family conflict, and the consequences of altering established history. The narrative connects to the larger Doctor Who mythology while presenting an alternate view of ancient Rome.

Readers rate State of Change as an average Doctor Who novel that delivers solid entertainment without breaking new ground. According to reviews, Bulis captures the Sixth Doctor's personality and provides imaginative world-building of an alternate Roman Empire timeline. Liked: - Clear, descriptive prose - Historical research and detail - Fast-paced action sequences - Strong characterization of companion Peri - Creative take on alternate history Disliked: - Plot becomes convoluted in final third - Some side characters feel underdeveloped - Takes time to get going in early chapters - Resolution feels rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.54/5 (based on 48 ratings) Fan site reviews cite it as a middle-tier entry in the Virgin Missing Adventures series. A reader on Gallifrey Base forum noted: "Bulis excels at the historical elements but stumbles when wrapping up the sci-fi aspects."

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🏛️ Ancient Rome had sophisticated steam-powered devices called aeolipiles, though they were mainly used as temple decorations rather than practical machines. ⚔️ Cleopatra's children with Mark Antony - Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene, and Ptolemy Philadelphus - played significant roles in Roman politics, with Cleopatra Selene later becoming Queen of Mauretania. 📚 Christopher Bulis has written numerous Doctor Who novels, particularly during the Virgin Books and BBC Books era, becoming one of the series' most prolific contributors. 🎭 The character of Peri, portrayed by Nicola Bryant in the TV series, appeared in Doctor Who from 1984-1986 and was known for her complicated relationship with the Sixth Doctor. ⚡ Steampunk as a genre, which this novel draws from, emerged in the 1980s combining Victorian aesthetics with retro-futuristic technology, though the term wasn't coined until 1987.