Released today, on the 45th Anniversary of the Blake’s 7 TV episode Rumours of Death, which is widely considered to be the best Avon episode in the series.

One of the standout characters of Blake’s 7 is Kerr Avon – the electronics genius whose grey morality and sardonic humour endeared him to viewers of the classic BBC sci-fi series. But what was Avon’s life like before his time on the Liberator? 

In 1989, actor Paul Darrow wrote a novel, Avon: A Terrible Aspect, exploring the backstory of his popular character. The story begins before Kerr Avon’s birth, following the conflict between his rebellious father and Federation-loyal uncle, before depicting Avon’s own upbringing and quest for revenge. 

That novel has long been out of print but today becomes available again, now in the form of an audiobook. It’s read by Alistair Lock, who has previously voiced Orac, Zen and other characters in Big Finish’s Blake’s 7 range. 

Blake's 7 – Avon: A Terrible Aspect has a running time of nearly six hours, and is now available to own as a digital download for £19.99, exclusively here. 

What made Kerr Avon the man we all know? Hear his story from a time long before Liberator, as the young Avon grows up into man with a driving purpose: to avenge the death of his father in a world of cross and double-cross. 

It’s a thrilling tale of family, loyalty, action and revenge during the early days of the Terran Federation that takes Avon through his early life and across the galaxy towards his ultimate destiny. 

When the book was first published in 1989, Paul Darrow said: “It begins before Avon’s birth and shows the family structure he was born into, in the strange repressive culture projected for the future in the Blake’s 7 universe. In here are some of the characters a Blake’s 7 fan will recall – Anna Grant, Avon’s only love; Del Grant, her brother; and Tynus, Avon’s good friend – or so he believes!” 

In a 2019 interview, Darrow recalled: “Terry Nation read it. I said, ‘What do you think?’ He said, ‘It’s good, I like it.’ Coming from him, because I thought the world of him, that was a great compliment! I was very pleased.” 

Praise for Big Finish’s previous Blake’s 7 release, the box set Tarrant: 

“It’s hopeful, and sad, trusting and arrogant. As complicated as the man himself and a great end to a very strong set. 10/10”
Sci-Fi Bulletin

“A perfectly Blake’s 7 mix of mutual distrust, treachery and double dealing, and great performances all round”
STARBURST 

“Overall, I think Tarrant is a valid addition to the Worlds of Blake’s 7... it’s three hours of fun and games that we didn’t have before.”
Blake’s 7 Online 

Blake's 7 – Avon: A Terrible Aspect is now available to own as a digital download for just £19.99, exclusively here. 

Please note: this audiobook contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners.