This audio book is a reading of the first of John Peel's novelization of the 12-part 'Doctor Who' serial, 'The Daleks' Master Plan'. According to Wikipedia, publisher Target had a maximum word limit at the time, which is why the novelization was published in two books, Mission to the Unknown and The Mutation of Time. This is a first Doctor adventure. The narrators are the actors for two of the characters: Peter Purves played companion Steven Taylor and Jean Marsh was Sara Kingdom.

Most of the action takes place on the planet Kembel, where the Daleks are planning another invasion, this one being particularly ambitious. Other scenes take place on Earth, a prison planet called 'Desperus,' and another planet called Mira. Fortunately, all of the planets have an atmosphere humans and Gallifreyans can breathe.

Earth traitor Mavic Chen is our main villain, aside from the Daleks, of course. There are aliens who were also foolish enough to ally themselves with the Daleks. Minor characters and a not-so-minor character die. Because most of the television footage is lost, it's nice that the novelization exists. The narration is good.

I do recommend taking Mystery Science Theater 3000's advice about remembering this is just a show and just relaxing instead of wondering about the science facts. ( )

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This brings together both the single-episode, Doctor-less story Mission to the Unknown, and the first half of the 12-part Daleks' Master Plan, which IMHO is the peak of early Who. It's a dramatic story, centering around the efforts of the Doctor and friends to prevent the evil Mavic Chen from turning over the Solar System to the Daleks. This first section includes much scene-setting on the Dalek base planet, Kembel, and on Mavic Chen's earth; excursions to a couple more hostile planets en route; the tragic deaths of key characters; and ends with the Doctor tricking the Daleks into letting him regain control of the Tardis and escape with Steven and former enemy-turned-ally Sara Kingdom. It's a glorious story and Peel does it justice. ( )