sonne_per's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
ahammel87's review against another edition
3.0
John Carter is tremendously self-important and kicks everybody's ass and can hardly get through five sentences without mentioning that he is from Virginia, despite the fact that there are no other characters who could possibly know what the hell a 'Virginia' is. Dejah Thoris is beautiful and continually in need of John Carter's assistance in escaping from some peril or other. Everybody else either hates John Carter (boo! hiss!) or spends a great deal of their time telling John Carter how awesome he is (huzzah!)
This book is exactly what you think it is: a violent, pulpy adventure with not much by way of deep literary exploration of the human condition. The science fiction elements are pretty silly, even by 1917 standards, but they're only there to make the adventure work.
On that note: I was rather amused to learn the following, uh, facts about Mars:
- When both Phobos and Deimos are in the sky, it's almost as bright as day.
- There are no mountains higher than 4000 feet on Mars.
- There is no dust on Mars.
- The Martian atmosphere is made by combining a colour unknown on Earth with luminiferous æther.
This book is exactly what you think it is: a violent, pulpy adventure with not much by way of deep literary exploration of the human condition. The science fiction elements are pretty silly, even by 1917 standards, but they're only there to make the adventure work.
On that note: I was rather amused to learn the following, uh, facts about Mars:
- When both Phobos and Deimos are in the sky, it's almost as bright as day.
- There are no mountains higher than 4000 feet on Mars.
- There is no dust on Mars.
- The Martian atmosphere is made by combining a colour unknown on Earth with luminiferous æther.
tara_dear's review against another edition
5.0
I watched the John Carter movie... twice and finally decided to read the books. Very different from the movie, but I think both are great.
austinstorm's review against another edition
4.0
Epic. Violence & nudity and the first-person narrator constantly telling you how unconsciously noble and duty-bound he is. Very efficient storytelling - whole wars happen over the course of a few pages. And Woola! John Carter winning the hearts of the awesome beasties of Mars with a little kindness was my favorite moment.
flamesplash's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this though I'm a bit surprised as described in the spoiler sections. I really wanted to read this as being written in 1912 it's the progenitor of a lot of stories we know today and I wasn't disappointed at all.
The descriptions of the societies on Mars are oddly enthralling and in a small space Burroughs made me want to know more about these new races; though perhaps having seen the movie I was able to back fill a little. John Carter also manages to get into enough trouble to keep the story interesting.
I will say the few times they mentioned anything scientific I had to roll my eyes, but it was 1912 so I guess I can forgive him.
I listened to this book and really enjoyed Scott Brick's reading over the three other readings I sampled though the library. So much that I bought the second two books as read by him as the library didn't have it.
Being in a way a historical document I found a few things interesting.
Gender roles: Men were the warriors of all societies and led them, however women were given a lot of credit and power too. They were in some regards described as being better.
Racial: John Carter treats the races of Mars almost like a pioneer would treat indigenous people of the time. While not desiring to war with anyone he will to satisfy his smallest goals.
Thematic Spoilers:
The descriptions of the societies on Mars are oddly enthralling and in a small space Burroughs made me want to know more about these new races; though perhaps having seen the movie I was able to back fill a little. John Carter also manages to get into enough trouble to keep the story interesting.
I will say the few times they mentioned anything scientific I had to roll my eyes, but it was 1912 so I guess I can forgive him.
I listened to this book and really enjoyed Scott Brick's reading over the three other readings I sampled though the library. So much that I bought the second two books as read by him as the library didn't have it.
Being in a way a historical document I found a few things interesting.
Gender roles: Men were the warriors of all societies and led them, however women were given a lot of credit and power too. They were in some regards described as being better.
Racial: John Carter treats the races of Mars almost like a pioneer would treat indigenous people of the time. While not desiring to war with anyone he will to satisfy his smallest goals.
Thematic Spoilers:
Spoiler
The odd thing for me about this story is that John Carter pretty much gets everything he wants. He shows up on Mars and just tears through it changing everything. It's almost Jesus like in theme. Usually I don't like perfect characters but I didn't seem to mind here oddly enough.clh17's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most fun books I've ever read. The language is beautiful, the characters are memorable, and the world is magnificent.
miocenemama's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, I liked the story. The science made me laugh, but it was based on science from a hundred years ago so I give him kudos for at least considering the science of the time. It had too much of a great white savior feel to me to rate it very high, and it was definitely very sexist. He seemed more concerned about the loss of good fighting men than the loss of an entire city filled with women and children. The world-building was good and consistent. Woola, the Martian "dog", was a special favorite of mine. I can recommend this book only as a groundbreaker that established a number of sci-fi tropes that we still see today. I find myself wondering if the war between Martian races in the Martian Manhunter series and the other Martian races was influenced by the various Martian races found on Barsoom. I would warn any potential readers about the racism and sexism in the book that is undoubtedly to some degree a reflection of the time in which it was written. At least it is my hope that we have made significant progress since then.
brittfol's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
madiroo91's review against another edition
2.0
Sci-fi just isn't my favorite genre of books. It has to really grab my attention for me to like the book. I will say I definitely skimmed and quick read most of this book. Now the book being over 100 years old could also be part of it.... I did enjoy The Legend of Tarzan book a lot more. I've heard that the John Carter movie is really good so I am excited to finally watch it.