The New Adventures series of Doctor Who novels were an experiment by Virgin Books to continue the Doctor’s travels in print, following the TV show’s cancellation in 1989.

Between 1992 and 1997, 61 New Adventures were published, pitting the Seventh Doctor - alongside Ace and new companion Bernice Summerfield - against such scary monsters as the Cybermen, the Sontarans and the Chelonians - giant tortoises with a penchant for flower arranging.

In 1996, BBC Books decided that as part of its merchandising plans to accompany the anticipated rebirth of Doctor Who following the TV Movie, Virgin’s current publishing licence - coincidentally due to expire - would not be renewed.

With the publication of The Eight Doctors in June 1997, a new era for the Doctor in print had begun, taking with it much of the writing talent that had developed over the previous five years.

Meanwhile, copies of the now out-of-print New Adventures became sought after collectibles. Some could command as much as fifty times their cover price on online auction sites such as eBay.

Which brings us to the online verion of The Dying Days. We're publishing an enormously well thought of book a chapter a week, with a brand new commentary by author Lance Parkin, and featuring all-new illustrations by Allan Bednar.

"It's very flattering that The Dying Days was picked as the first book to go online," author Lance Parkin told us. "Five years ago (this week!), it was the last book in a series - it'll be wonderful if this experiment is a success and The Dying Days (TDD) is the first of a new medium for Doctor Who fiction. I've always been proud of it."

"For many years, the book's been well known as a novel that's impossible to get hold of - it's nice to think that everyone that wants to read it will now get a chance. People who've read the book already should also find something of interest - we've worked hard to make sure there's something new here for everyone."

'It's a fantastic project to work on," says artist Allan Bednar, an illustrator who has worked on a wide variety of projects, including computer games and comics. "The Dying Days has a wealth of scenes that spark the visual imagination, that really inspire you.

"The novel holds a unique place with fans, and it's great that I finally get to read it myself!"

Before you all ask, we will be presenting all of Allan's illustrations as a gallery of desktop wallpapers once the whole book is online.

But this is something of an experiment. This is the first time we’ve tried this, and while we’ve tried the best we can, we may not have got everything right. That is one reason why we have set up a Dying Days Message Board.

As well as being able to use it to gossip about the story as it evolves, we’d also appreciate your feedback on the format in which it is presented:

• Are the pages too long?
• Is one chapter a week the right amount?
• Are there enough pictures?

But that's enough explanation. It's now time to join Professor Bernice Summerfield on a fine May morning in 1997...