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John Carter of Mars

This series chronicles the adventures of a compelling hero transported to the mysterious red planet. Stranded in an alien world, he must rely on his strength and courage to navigate its dangers. He becomes embroiled in tribal conflicts, political intrigue, and a forbidden romance with a Martian princess. It's a thrilling saga of survival, romance, and epic adventure on a distant world.

Mars - 6: The Master Mind of Mars
The Chessmen of Mars
Thuvia, Maid of Mars
The Warlord of Mars
The Gods of Mars
The Martian Tales of Edgar Rice Burroughs - 1: A Princess of Mars

Recommended Reading Order

  1. A Princess of Mars is the first of eleven thrilling novels that comprise Edgar Rice Burroughs' most exciting saga, known as The Martian Series. It's the beginning of an incredible odyssey in which John Carter, a gentleman from Virginia and a Civil War veteran, unexpectedly finds himself on to the red planet, scene of continuing combat among rival tribes. Captured by a band of six-limbed, green-skinned savage giants called Tharks, Carter soon is accorded all the honor of a chieftain after it's discovered that his muscles, accustomed to Earth's greater gravity, now give him a decided advantage in strength. And when his captors take as prisoner Dejah Thoris, the lovely human-looking princess of the city of Helium, Carter must call upon every ounce of strength, courage, and ingenuity to rescue her-before Dejah becomes the slave of the depraved Thark leader, Tal Hajus! Excerpt: Her oval face was beautiful in the extreme, her every feature finely chisled and exquisite, her eyes large and lustrous and her head surmounted by a mass of coal black, waving hair, caught loosely into a strange yet becoming coiffure. Similar in face and figure to women of Earth, she was nevertheless a true Martian--and prisoner of the fierce green giants who held me captive, as well!

    The Martian Tales of Edgar Rice Burroughs - 1: A Princess of Mars1
    3.8
  2. The narrative revolves around the mysterious legacy of Captain John Carter, whose unusual burial instructions have left a lasting impression on his great-nephew. Twelve years after the burial in a peculiar mausoleum, the protagonist reflects on the oddities of the captain's wishes, particularly the open casket and the vault's door mechanism accessible only from within. This intriguing setup hints at secrets yet to be uncovered and explores themes of memory, legacy, and the supernatural, inviting readers into a world of suspense and curiosity.

    The Gods of Mars2
    4.1
  3. Set on Mars, the narrative follows a determined protagonist who stealthily tracks a shadowy figure near the Temple of the Sun, where his beloved, Dejah Thoris, is entombed. Haunted by uncertainty about her fate, he grapples with the sinister atmosphere surrounding the temple and the passage of time. With six Martian months spent in pursuit, the story unfolds against a backdrop of danger and longing, as the protagonist awaits the moment he may discover whether she is alive or has fallen victim to treachery.

    The Warlord of Mars3
    3.7
  4. Edgar Rice Burroughs was born in 1875 in Chicago, Illinois. Although Burroughs wrote in many genres he is best known for creating the jungle hero Tarzan. Burroughs began writing for pulp fiction magazines and in 1912 he published Tarzan of the Apes. Thuvia is the fourth book in the Martian adventure series. Carthoris is in love with the princess Thuvia. Astok the Prince of Dusar steals her and Carthoris attempts to follow her across Barsoom. On his journey he encounters many strange and fascinating otherworldly creatures.

    Thuvia, Maid of Mars4
    4.0
  5. The Chessmen of Mars

    • 280 pages
    • 10 hours of reading

    Set in the imaginative world of Barsoom, the story follows Tara, the adventurous Princess of Helium, and Gahan of Gathol, who is determined to win her heart. Their journey takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves on live chessboards in Manator, where the stakes are life and death. As Gahan battles to defeat the malevolent ruler threatening Gathol, themes of love, bravery, and strategy intertwine. This fifth installment showcases Burroughs' creativity and intricate world-building like never before.

    The Chessmen of Mars5
    3.9
  6. Former Earthman Ulysses Paxton served Barsoom's greatest scientist, until his master's ghoulish trade in living bodies drove him to rebellion. Then, to save the body of the woman he loved, he had to attack mighty Phundahl, and its evil, beautiful ruler.

    Mars - 6: The Master Mind of Mars6
    3.8
  7. In a gripping quest, Hadron of Hastor embarks on a mission to rescue Sanoma Tora from the clutches of Tul Axtar of Jahar. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he attempts to save Tavia, a slave girl from his own race, leading them both to imprisonment in Tjanath. There, Hadron uncovers a terrifying plot: Tul Axtar has been breeding warriors for conquest and possesses a devastating new weapon. With John Carter's fleet unknowingly heading into danger, Hadron must navigate treachery and fear to save both Tavia and Sanoma Tora.

    A Fighting Man of Mars7
    4.1
  8. Llana of Gathol

    • 228 pages
    • 8 hours of reading

    Llana of Gathol features a lighter tone as it follows Llana, the granddaughter of John Carter, on her adventurous journey back home. Joined by Carter and Pan Dan Chee, they encounter a mad hypnotist who has lived for nearly a million years and explore the frozen soldiers of Pankor. The trio also navigates the invisible citizens of Invak. This collection marks a self-parodic phase for Burroughs, showcasing a blend of humor and classic adventure elements typical of his earlier works.

    Llana of Gathol10
    3.9
  9. The collection features two novelettes set in the John Carter universe, with "John Carter and the Giant of Mars" written by Edgar Rice Burroughs' son, John Coleman Burroughs, despite the father's name on the byline. The second story, "Skeleton Men of Jupiter," is the incomplete first part of a planned four-part novel, interrupted by World War II and Edgar's declining health. This work highlights the continuation of the beloved Martian saga through familial legacy and the impact of historical events on storytelling.

    John Carter of Mars11
    3.9

Related books

  • Book One of the John Carter of Mars collections, this edition contains the original text from the first, second, and third of Edgar Rice Burrough's world-famous novels. Originally published from 1917 and 1919, A Princess of Mars, The Gods of Mars, and The Warlord of Mars are science-fiction classics, and the origin of Burroughs's legendary series.

    The collected John Carter of Mars; volume one
    4.1
  • The John Carter Trilogy of Edgar Rice Burroughs

    A Princess of Mars, The Gods of Mars and The Warlord of Mars -A Pulp-Lit Annotated Omnibus Edition

    • 634 pages
    • 23 hours of reading

    Set against a backdrop of thrilling space adventures, this classic tale features daring heroes and treacherous villains exploring distant planets. The narrative intertwines action, romance, and the quest for glory, as characters navigate through battles and betrayals in a vibrant interstellar universe. With its imaginative settings and dynamic storytelling, it captures the essence of adventure and the spirit of exploration, making it a timeless favorite for fans of science fiction and fantasy.

    The John Carter Trilogy of Edgar Rice Burroughs
    3.7
  • John Carter of Mars

    The Collection - A Princess of Mars; The Gods of Mars; The Warlord of Mars; Thuvia, Maid of Mars; The Chessmen of Mars

    • 540 pages
    • 19 hours of reading

    The story features John Carter, a heroic figure in Burroughs' Barsoom series, who first emerged in "Under the Moons of Mars." This novel marked Burroughs' rise to fame and initiated a captivating saga set on the planet Barsoom. Over the next thirty years, Burroughs expanded this universe through numerous sequels, enriching the narrative and exploring the adventures and challenges faced by Carter in this imaginative world.

    John Carter of Mars
    4.4
  • John Carter of Mars (Barsoom)

    Omnibus 1: A Princess of Mars, the Gods of Mars, Warlord of Mars

    • 546 pages
    • 20 hours of reading

    Set in a scientifically advanced yet decadent society, the John Carter of Mars series features thrilling adventures and captivating characters. The omnibus includes the first three novels, following John Carter's mysterious journey from Arizona to Mars, where he encounters the beautiful Princess Dejah Thoris. With themes of heroism and romance, these stories have left a lasting impact on the science fiction genre, captivating audiences with their action-packed narrative and imaginative world-building.

    John Carter of Mars (Barsoom)
    4.4