Doctor Who: Tears of the Oracle - Justin Richards - Rare Late Virgin VNA #83 For Sale

Up for sale is an exceptionally scarce, high-value vintage copy of Tears of the Oracle by Justin Richards. Published by Virgin Publishing in June 1999, this is the 22nd novel in the standalone Bernice Summerfield New Adventures series (Book #83 in the overall Virgin New Adventures lineage)—the penultimate novel of the entire Virgin New Adventures imprint.

Starring 26th-century archaeologist Professor Bernice Summerfield, her ex-husband Jason Kane, and the enigmatic Time Lord Irving Braxiatel, Tears of the Oracle is a pivotal lore milestone in the Wilderness Years canon. Penned by acclaimed novelist Justin Richards (Theatre of War, The Sands of Time), this book chronicles the initial discovery and establishment of the legendary Braxiatel Collection on the planetoid KS-159. Printed in tiny quantities during the final months of Virgin’s sci-fi line, this volume is an elusive, top-tier holy grail for Doctor Who and Bernice Summerfield completists.

On the obscure, windswept planetoid designated KS-159, Jason Kane makes an astonishing archaeological find: the subterranean catacombs and crystalline remains of the ancient Oracles of the Lost. Legends claim the Oracles can answer any question posed to them, but their cryptic prognostications are increasingly dangerous, erratic, and driving seekers toward madness.

Meanwhile, back on the planet Dellah, the academic world of St. Oscar\'s University is unraveling. The Advanced Research Department is under siege, and the suave, aristocratic Time Lord Irving Braxiatel is quietly hunting for a secure, neutral sanctum far away from galactic conflict to house his immense, priceless repository of historical treasures.

When Professor Bernice Summerfield travels to KS-159 to investigate the dig site, she uncovers a dark, predatory intelligence coiled inside the Oracles\' prophecies. A mysterious monastic sect and corporate scavengers are circling, willing to slaughter anyone who stands between them and the ancient prescient technology. To survive the trap closing around them and safeguard the future of galactic history, Benny, Jason, and Braxiatel must decipher the Oracles\' final truth before their temporal echoes consume the planetoid.

Key Features for Collectors:

• Founding of the Braxiatel Collection: Features the canonical origins of Irving Braxiatel purchasing KS-159 and laying the groundwork for the sanctuary that defined decades of Bernice Summerfield Big Finish audios and books.

• Written by Justin Richards: Reunited with characters he helped define (Theatre of War), delivering trademark wit, archaeological depth, and intricate political scheming.

• Late-1990s Virgin Trade Dress: Features the sleek, final-era Bernice Summerfield New Adventures cover formatting with atmospheric painted artwork by Mark Salwowski.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback

• Author: Justin Richards

• Publisher: Virgin Publishing (June 1999)

• Series: Virgin New Adventures (Bernice Summerfield #22 / Overall VNA #83)

• Pages: 288 pages (277 main narrative text)

• ISBN-10: 0426205332

• ISBN-13: 9780426205333

• General Condition Reference: This book has been read and may have minor wear, including limited page yellowing, minor creases or edge wear, and a few dog ears. Additional specific condition notes will be noted where applicable.

• Specific Condition Notes: Notable crease on upper left back cover.

• Shipping Method: Shipped securely via USPS Media Mail (packaged with care in an acid-free protective sleeve inside a rigid mailer/box to prevent edge dings and spine creasing). Other shipping options are available at checkout.

• Dispatch: Ships within 1 business day of cleared payment.

Please review all high-resolution photos to inspect the exact condition of the covers, spine, and interior pages. Feel free to reach out via message if you have any questions before offerding or buying!