Robert M. (shotokanchef) reviewed on 4/1/2011 + 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 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.

John Carter returns to Earth to retell another of his adventures. This time he is exploring on his own. Naturally he finds new cities, new civilizations, and is captured at least four times. Burroughs has tried to tell us that the main occupations on Barsoom (Mars) are mercenaries and assassins. Dont believe it! Its really kidnapping tender young maidens. A blood kin to John Carters is kidnapped in this one; interim, they are captured and made slaves. It is not, however, without its benefits as he gets to settle an old score.

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