The novel follows the adventures of John Carter, a Confederate veteran from Virginia who, after a mysterious encounter in a cave, finds himself inexplicably transported to the planet Mars. On Mars, he discovers that he has greater strength and agility due to the lower gravity of the planet. He soon becomes embroiled in the conflicts and politics of this alien world. On Barsoom, Carter encounters various alien races, including the Tharks, a green-skinned and four-armed warrior race, and the red-skinned inhabitants of Helium. ...
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The novel follows the adventures of John Carter, a Confederate veteran from Virginia who, after a mysterious encounter in a cave, finds himself inexplicably transported to the planet Mars. On Mars, he discovers that he has greater strength and agility due to the lower gravity of the planet. He soon becomes embroiled in the conflicts and politics of this alien world. On Barsoom, Carter encounters various alien races, including the Tharks, a green-skinned and four-armed warrior race, and the red-skinned inhabitants of Helium. He also meets the titular princess, Dejah Thoris, of the city-state of Helium. Dejah Thoris is captured by the Tharks, and John Carter, with his newfound abilities, embarks on a mission to rescue her. As the story unfolds, Carter becomes a central figure in the wars and power struggles between the different Martian city-states. He also discovers the existence of ancient technologies and a dying planet in need of saving.
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I saw the movie John Carter and found the idea intriguing. So I picked up this book and Wow what a Great Fun read! The story is fairly simple and straight forward, but Burroughs has a Great gift for describing unique races telling you about there civilization, religion, philosophy and pets and recreation. It is a short book but has pieces of a love story an old school adventure and a sociological study of Man. I had a Great time reading it!
LISA M
Sep 8, 2011
Rather dated
This book was written a long time ago and reads like it. The adventure in the book is slow paced. This was not a "page turner" read. I've had the book for weeks and still haven't managed to finish it. Disney had a lot of updating to do when "John Carter" the movie was put together.
LKSSR
May 28, 2010
read the book
I was not aware Edgar Rice Burroughs had written books other than Tarzan so when I found out a movie is being made based on his "Barsoon" books I ordered the set to read before the movie comes out next year.
JayJ
Jul 6, 2008
greatest science fantasy ever
This is where science fantasy really started with Edgar rice Burroughs' first entry into his just famous Mars (or Barsoom) series, featuring a superman hero, a beautiful princess, literal hordes of truly alien aliens, and a wonderful world. This is the stuff dreams are made of, and ERB does not stint. The series continued for ten more volumes in of the justly most famous and influential series of books ever. Impossible to recommend more highly.
bookishwench
Jun 17, 2008
Best of the Best
One of the best examples of the genre, from one of the greatest science-fantasy writers of all time. Sure, Burroughs glosses over any difficulty he may have with plot, making parts of the book a stretch to even the most willing suspension of disbelief, but the result is a ripping-good tale of the red planet. You'll want to read the whole series! And you ought to.
