Scan barcode
cedric_callnight's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
aberdeenwaters's review against another edition
3.0
It's a good expansion of the Barsoom universe. I actually really appreciated the details pertaining to the theology of this other world. The novel was a little repetitive, but it was a fun, quick read.
albertico66's review against another edition
5.0
Another proof that Ramon Perez is AMAZING! The double-page spreads in this book are so dynamic, the compositions are just beautiful.
mbs1236's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
An extremely enjoyable book to read and divulges much new lore about the wonderful world of Barsoom.
mimig312's review against another edition
3.0
John Carter returns to Mars after a 10 year absence in this second installment of the Barsoom series. As the title implies, the story is focused on the gods of Mars of which Carter becomes quickly acquainted with when he is transported to the Valley Dor. This area of Mars is sacred and reserved for Martians making their pilgrimage to the afterlife. However, Carter finds that the veiled mysticism and religious belief system is not what the Martians make it out to be. Conflicts quickly ensue, and he comes face to face with a powerful and ancient God that is not so easily defeated. Carter's prowess in battle and ability to forge strong partnerships help him overcome many obstacles on his quest to freedom and reuniting with his beloved Dejah Thoris.
I enjoyed the first book more than this second installment. Carter is either fighting his way out of trouble or conspiring to fight throughout the whole story which at times was tiresome. Also, there are several points in the narrative where Carter is a year or more in bondage but these episodes are described in a few brief sentences or paragraphs. The story is imaginative but I found the introduction of additional races (Therns - whites, and first born - blacks) a bit too derivative of the time in which it was written (reflecting race values of that time).
I enjoyed the first book more than this second installment. Carter is either fighting his way out of trouble or conspiring to fight throughout the whole story which at times was tiresome. Also, there are several points in the narrative where Carter is a year or more in bondage but these episodes are described in a few brief sentences or paragraphs. The story is imaginative but I found the introduction of additional races (Therns - whites, and first born - blacks) a bit too derivative of the time in which it was written (reflecting race values of that time).
sarahanne8382's review against another edition
4.0
I'm glad my husband likes these Barsoom books too, because I feel kind of guilty reading them by myself. They're such crap, er, camp, but really fun. After listening to the first two Barsoom books together on a recent trip, we had to come home and watch The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. because it's the same kind of campy turn-of-the-20th-century adventure fun (although Brisco is much more tongue in cheek). It kind of reminds me of a more idealized version of Firefly too.
Anyway, in this second of the Barsoom series, we resume the story of our hero, John Carter, who spend the last book gaining fame and glory on Mars (called Barsoom by it's natives), only die in an attempt to repair the planet's atmosphere factory. The forward of this book reveals that Carter returned from his most recent trip to Mars long enough to provide copious notes for his favorite nephew to turn into the current story. Carter returned to Mars only to discover that he had arrived in the Barsoomian Heaven, which turned out to be more like Hell. Luckily his friend Tars Tarkas had taken the traditional pilgrimage down the River Iss to the Valley of Dorr and is there to help him escape. While there he gains two more female admirers (although he gallantly proclaims his love for Dejah Thoris to each) and two more comrades in arms, one of which is his son, Carthoris.
You can see the emotional surprises coming from a mile away (just like in the last book, John Carter is kind of dense when it comes to figuring out that women are in love with him), and much of the action is either predictable or from Plot Convenience Playhouse, yet it still manages to be wildly entertaining and exciting family-friendly fun. This series might be a good candidate for those "boy books" children's librarians are trying so hard to promote right now (but that's a whole other topic).
The plot ends with a cliffhanger, though, so I'm going to have to read The Warlords of Mars to find out how it all ends.
Anyway, in this second of the Barsoom series, we resume the story of our hero, John Carter, who spend the last book gaining fame and glory on Mars (called Barsoom by it's natives), only die in an attempt to repair the planet's atmosphere factory. The forward of this book reveals that Carter returned from his most recent trip to Mars long enough to provide copious notes for his favorite nephew to turn into the current story. Carter returned to Mars only to discover that he had arrived in the Barsoomian Heaven, which turned out to be more like Hell. Luckily his friend Tars Tarkas had taken the traditional pilgrimage down the River Iss to the Valley of Dorr and is there to help him escape. While there he gains two more female admirers (although he gallantly proclaims his love for Dejah Thoris to each) and two more comrades in arms, one of which is his son, Carthoris.
You can see the emotional surprises coming from a mile away (just like in the last book, John Carter is kind of dense when it comes to figuring out that women are in love with him), and much of the action is either predictable or from Plot Convenience Playhouse, yet it still manages to be wildly entertaining and exciting family-friendly fun. This series might be a good candidate for those "boy books" children's librarians are trying so hard to promote right now (but that's a whole other topic).
The plot ends with a cliffhanger, though, so I'm going to have to read The Warlords of Mars to find out how it all ends.
lemonlaiime's review against another edition
5.0
Sequel! John Carter gets back to Barsoom and discovers secrets... All he wants is to be back with his Princess. And it seems like he will! ...Or will he?
blockonthenewkid's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
More pulpy nonsense. Little bit less problematic than the first one, but made up for its improvements with some annoyances via formulaic story and a narrator whose pronunciation (gibber with a hard g, amplitheatre instead of amphitheatre and met instead of mete to name but a few).
kb_208's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pretty sweet adventure story. I like it a little better than the first in the series. It starts by putting John Carter right into the thick of it and it doesn't let up; not even at the end. It ends on a cliffhanger, so you gotta read the third book in the series for sure. Good stuff.
mxmlln's review against another edition
5.0
Be aware that this book does not end.
Nevertheless, it is thoroughly enjoyable. A bit more action than the first book, but still emotional and insightful. Here the Atheism is quite apparent as the truth behind the Therns and Issus are revealed. Hopefully the rest of the series is as good.
Nevertheless, it is thoroughly enjoyable. A bit more action than the first book, but still emotional and insightful. Here the Atheism is quite apparent as the truth behind the Therns and Issus are revealed. Hopefully the rest of the series is as good.