Andy R. (mazeface) reviewed on 9/28/2007 + 66 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

Let me get this straight: A Princess of Mars was written in 1911? This space opera by Edgar Rice Burroughs contains all the fast-paced action and graphic violence of a modern day action movie. Hard to believe it was written almost one-hundred years ago.

This is the first in the series of books about John Carter, Warlord of Mars. Carter, a Civil War veteran from Virginia, finds himself on Mars and in the middle of continual fighting between the tribes of Martians, some of whom are pretty nasty fellows. The Martian atmosphere gives Carter some extra abilities that the otherwise stronger Martians do not have. Of course, some of the Martian races look quite human, and Carter falls for the sexy Dejah Thoris, a princess of one of the more homosapien-like species.

This tale is just good old-fashioned fun. Another of Burrough's fictional creations is more famous, the jungle lord Tarzan, but I believe now is the time for John Carter to become as popular. Despite its age, this book would appeal to today's movie audiences. With the successful crossover of fantasy novels into movies such as The Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia, the time is ripe for John Carter novels to be transformed into motion pictures. From what I've read, it has been proposed over and over for years, but until now, computer graphics probably would not have done it justice. A Princess of Mars would be a spectacular sight to see on the big screen.

In the meantime, indulge in the guilty pleasure of reading this gratuitously violent, rip-roaring, somewhat sexist tale of the swashbuckling John Carter.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details