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Book Review of Synthetic Men of Mars (Barsoom, Bk 9)

Synthetic Men of Mars (Barsoom, Bk 9)
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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 Barsoom is the banth (bantha) the great Barsoomian lion. You will also encounter the Sith, a huge creature part wasp, part scorpion. The hero, John Carter, dies at the onset of the first 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.

Can you believe it? Dejah Thoris is in jeopardy again! This time as victim of an airship accident and only the Master Mind of Mars can cure her. Unfortunately he is now a prisoner of sorts and is deeply involved in a step beyond Dr. Frankenstein; he is creating indestructible monsters from a slimy broth.