I'm currently doing a rewatch of the very first series - it's been a long time since I saw it! - and got this from the library for comparison. There's a lot to like about the first episode of what would become one of the biggest franchises in science fiction, but surprisingly none of what's likeable is the Doctor. He's an old grump here, and not in a good way. It's the two teachers, Barbara and Ian, who are the most attractive characters, and as they're acting as audience substitutes I suppose that's intended. Anyway, away from the dodgy sets of the television programme, the novelisation is pretty good. It's a bit basic - there's not a lot added here, and I tend to expect more from novelisations than bare transcription - but it's still a fun read that zips along quickly. A bit pacier even than the actual episodes, I think.