MarySue M. reviewed A Princess of Mars (Barsoom / John Carter of Mars, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
This is book one.Great for those who like Tarzan-like stories.
Robert M. (shotokanchef) reviewed A Princess of Mars (Barsoom / John Carter of Mars, Bk 1) on + 813 more book reviews
Burroughs is the next step after Jules Verne and H. G. Wells. Look for some parallel names that have been adapted in Star Wars. Warriors are called jed; their leader jeddak (jeddi). The great beast of Bantoom is the banth (bantha). The hero, John Carter, dies at the onset of each book to be mysteriously reincarnated on Mars (called Barsoom by the Martians), alternating for ten-year periods. Look for vivid descriptions of wield aliens and creatures of Mars as well a sketchy technological advancement. On land they move around on beasts (called thoats) but also have large number of airframesreferred to as ships and thus have navies, not air forces (again Star Wars)ranging from battle ships to one-person fliers (These seem to be merely open-air platforms: no cabin whatsoever). In spite of this, most fightingand there is a wealth of itis done with long-swords (the early Star Wars light sabers). The butchery seems to have no end; it is the major vocation and pastime. John Carter, prospector, dies and is reincarnated for ten years on Mars where he becomes a superhero of the first water. In this Carter rescues an unbelievably gorgeous princess, wrecks havoc on several tribes, alters some Martian philosophy, and ultimately becomes Jeddak of a major metropolis.
Michael T. (KrayolaKidd) reviewed A Princess of Mars (Barsoom / John Carter of Mars, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
One of the best stories I have ever read. Period.
John G. (JJG) reviewed A Princess of Mars (Barsoom / John Carter of Mars, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
First in the fantastic Martian series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, creator of Tarzan.
I wanted to read the original book prior to seeing the movie, because I knew the movie would never do the book justice. I was so right! So far I have read the first four of the series and can review this with confidence that the fifth book will be equally as fantastic as the first four.
The writing is perfect and the stories are full of action, excitement and adventure. We follow John Carter and his exploits on Barsoom through the first three stories. He's a man of great honor, respect, loyalty, and strength. These are all traits that he passes on to his son, whom we begin to follow in the fourth story.
Without giving too much away, this series is well worth the read. While it's not quite Old English, the language is from the early 1900's, but it's not confusing or hard to understand.
The writing is perfect and the stories are full of action, excitement and adventure. We follow John Carter and his exploits on Barsoom through the first three stories. He's a man of great honor, respect, loyalty, and strength. These are all traits that he passes on to his son, whom we begin to follow in the fourth story.
Without giving too much away, this series is well worth the read. While it's not quite Old English, the language is from the early 1900's, but it's not confusing or hard to understand.
