John Carter in 'A Princess of Mars'

Barsoom Series, Book 1

By: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Civil War veteran John Carter is transported to a dying planet, where he must elude capture by giant green barbarians to rescue a Martian princess from certain doom. In this landmark of science fiction, the myths and mystery of the red planet supply a vibrant backdrop for a swashbuckling epic.

Published in 1911, A Princess of Mars introduced a popular series of novels recounting John Carter's Martian exploits. Author Edgar Rice Burroughs, best known as the creator of Tarzan, employed a new style of writing that combined the genres of fantasy, adventure, and science fiction. His imaginative setting - an advanced but decaying civilization in which Olympian heroics play out against malevolent forces and ever-changing fortunes - endures as a timeless world, in which love, honor, and loyalty form the basis for fast-paced romantic adventures.

Public Domain (P)2012 Tantor

A great dive into true pulp fiction.

What did you love best about John Carter in 'A Princess of Mars'?

This is no earth-shattering, life-changing experience, but if you can allow yourself to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the story, it's a fun book. I love that it makes no attempt whatsoever to explain how any of the things in the book is possible, it just thunders ahead like old hero tales.

Would you recommend John Carter in 'A Princess of Mars' to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, I would. I have.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

I've listened to a couple of different actors perform the John Carter books, and I like Brick's approach. His voice and manner fit the John Carter character and his first person narration really well.

Movie is better

The story was good and I like the narration. I read this book after I saw the movie. While there are a significant amount of similarities, the movie actually alters the story line a bit that explains some things that were glossed over and not clarified in the book. While it is not true very often, I actually liked the movie better.

Best V.A. you'll find for the series

super clear, good voices, worth buying the 3 book individually (this really should be a collection though)

An absolute classic

I cannot sing the praises for this novel loudly enough. This is a classic story of high adventure, incredible imagination, and a kind of indescribable joyous fun from an author at his finest.

This book is now a bit over 100 years old. You cannot tell that one iota.

I have heard it said that Burroughs was sexist in his writing. I don't see it. His heroine is extremely capable of standing on her own two feet. When she is overwhelmed by an adversary, either physically or in legal argument, you would be hard pressed to see any other way out. Still, she never loses her dignity or poise.

Of John Carter himself, this is man is an anachronism, even unto himself. He personifies all of the positive characteristics of a 19th century southern gentleman as we might expect them to be. He has few vices, save his vocation... that of a fighting man or mercenary. This last the biggest conundrum about Carter. Here he is a soldier of fortune, that frankly, doesn't care all that much about the fortune part. Fighting is simply what he is very good at and his"for hire" status is simply how he supports himself. His high moral character is his guide and why we readers cheer him on.

I cannot recommend this book enough. There is violence to be sure, but it is not dwelled upon. There is nudity mentioned but never in any sort of salacious way. Sex is only referenced obliquely in reference to procreation. Making love, here, is used in it's older sense of courting and the odd stolen kiss.

Get this book... I have yet to meet anyone who has and has not become a fan.

Beautifully performed classic

I have been a die-hard fan of the John Carter series since my mid-twenties. This version and Scott Brick’s beautiful performance will send your heart soaring with every exciting chapter. I recommend a thousand times.

Perfect

This my absolute favorite version is this classic. as s long time Barsoom fan, and Scott Brick fan this trilogy is a no. brainer. I loved every second.

Timeless classic. Solid vocal performance.

What did you love best about John Carter in 'A Princess of Mars'?

It's the scifi story that begat all scifi stories. What's not to love? It's good ol fashioned scifi fun.

Who was your favorite character and why?

John Carter. Woola.

The original better than the movie

If you could sum up John Carter in 'A Princess of Mars' in three words, what would they be?

Fun, thrilling, otherworldly

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tars Tarkas

Which scene was your favorite?

I do not want to give anything away.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh, hold my breath, and to get more of the series

Any additional comments?

The 1st book of many written in the early 1900s. It is amazing that the author had so many insights on the devices of the future (present day). It is also amazing how many of today's authors are impacted by Edgar Rice Burroughs. This story wasa fun and enjoyable listen during my drive to and from work.

Decent listen

Would you consider the audio edition of John Carter in 'A Princess of Mars' to be better than the print version?

I have not read the printed version so cannot comment on this.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is dated in regards to the sci-fi of today, but still offers a good listen. The story is pretty good but seems lacking in some places. The author goes into great detail at one point but then will move the story along skipping what seems to be relevant material. Overall though I still say it was worth the listen.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Scott did a good job with the material at hand. Still kind of dry.

so much better then I thought!!!!

Really a good listen. So you park your probable - once the listen is underway who cares?! and get ready to be entertained!
no wonder so many try to make this into a movie. makes for a great listen - a great story.
throughly enjoyed this one! love, romance, war, discovery, adventure, what imagination for it's time.