The Chessmen of Mars

In The Chessmen of Mars, Edgar Rice Burroughs continues the adventures of John Carter’s family on the planet Barsoom (Mars). The story follows Tara, Princess of Helium, and her journey across Mars, where she encounters strange creatures, lost cities, and perilous challenges.

Recommended for: Science fiction and fantasy fans will enjoy this classic tale of adventure and romance on Mars.

You will:

Be transported to the fantastical world of Barsoom, with its unique creatures, cultures, and landscapes
Join Tara and her companions on a thrilling journey across Mars, filled with danger, excitement, and unexpected alliances
Discover hidden cities, ancient secrets, and mysterious technologies
Witness the bravery, loyalty, and honor of the characters as they face challenges and battles
Experience the imaginative and vivid world-building of Edgar Rice Burroughs, a pioneer of science fiction

The Barsoom series (aka Martian series)

Here is the list of titles available in Ebooks-net from Burroughs’s acclaimed Barsoom series (also known as the Martian series):

A Princess of Mars (1912)
The Gods of Mars (1913)
The Warlord of Mars (1914)
Thuvia, Maid of Mars (1916)
The Chessmen of Mars (1922)

Plot Summary

The story begins with John Carter, the Warlord of Mars, telling the tale of his daughter Tara, Princess of Helium. Tara, beautiful and headstrong, is promised to marry Djor Kantos, but she longs for adventure and freedom. When she takes her flier out for a spin, she gets caught in a storm and crash-lands in an unfamiliar region of Mars. Captured by the horrific Kaldanes, who resemble large heads with small, crab-like legs, Tara is imprisoned and must use her wit and charm to win over one of the Kaldanes, Ghek.

Meanwhile, Prince Gahan of Gathol, who has fallen in love with Tara, sets out to rescue her. He joins forces with Ghek, and together they embark on a perilous journey across Mars, facing fierce creatures, treacherous landscapes, and deadly games of jetan, a Martian version of chess played with living pieces.

Theme And Analysis

At its core, The Chessmen of Mars is a tale of adventure, romance, and self-discovery. Tara, as the protagonist, embodies the spirit of independence, courage, and determination. Her journey is a metaphor for the challenges we face in life, and the importance of adapting to new situations and forming unexpected alliances.

The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of relationships. The characters must navigate their emotions, desires, and duties, often finding themselves torn between their hearts and their responsibilities.

The world of Barsoom, with its fantastical creatures, cultures, and landscapes, serves as a backdrop for exploring these themes. Burroughs’ vivid descriptions of Martian landscapes, architecture, and technology create a rich, immersive world that has captivated readers for generations.

Ultimately, The Chessmen of Mars is a classic tale of science fiction and fantasy, full of action, romance, and adventure. It is a testament to Burroughs’ imaginative storytelling and his ability to craft compelling characters and worlds that continue to inspire and entertain readers today.

Licensing

Edgar Rice Burroughs. The Chessmen of Mars. Published in 1922. This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before the cutoff of January 1, 1929. This author died in 1950, so works by this author are in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 73 years or less. This digital edition is provided by Standard Ebooks under the CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication License.