The Gods of Mars

The Gods of Mars is a science fantasy novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, the second of his Barsoom series. It was first published in The All-Story as a five-part serial in the issues for January-May 1913.

Recommended for: Fans of science fiction, fantasy, adventure, and classic pulp fiction will enjoy this book.

You will:

• Embark on a thrilling adventure with John Carter, the heroic protagonist, as he returns to Mars (Barsoom) and encounters new dangers and allies
• Explore the fantastical world of Mars, with its diverse cultures, creatures, and landscapes
• Witness epic battles, duels, and action-packed sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat
• Delve into the complexities of Martian society, with its intricate politics, religions, and social hierarchies
• Discover new characters, including Thuvia, a young Red Martian woman, and Xodar, a Black Martian who becomes John’s ally

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

After his long exile on Earth, John Carter finally returns to his beloved Mars, but finds that his love, Dejah Thoris, has vanished. He becomes trapped in the legendary Eden of Mars, from which none have escaped alive. John must navigate treacherous landscapes, fight off ferocious creatures, and confront powerful enemies to rescue Dejah and uncover the secrets of Mars.

Theme And Analysis

The Gods of Mars explores themes of identity, morality, and power struggles in a fantastical world. Burroughs’ writing is known for its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure elements, which creates a rich and immersive world. The novel also touches on issues of imperialism, colonialism, and the consequences of technological advancements.

The character of John Carter embodies a gentlemanly code of honor, chivalry, and respect for women, which was unusual for the time period in which the book was written. The novel’s portrayal of masculinity is also noteworthy, as John is depicted as emotional, empathetic, and admiring of strength and courage in others, regardless of gender.

The book’s climax features a cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next installment in the Barsoom series. Overall, The Gods of Mars is a classic tale of adventure, romance, and self-discovery that will appeal to fans of science fiction and fantasy.

Licensing

Edgar Rice Burroughs. The Gods of Mars. Published in 1913. 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.