Carson of Venus

The Edge of All Worlds (Edgar Rice Burroughs Universe)

By: Matt Betts

Narrated by: John McLain

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Stranded on the planet Venus, known as Amtor to its inhabitants, Earthman Carson Napier has faced countless perils to win the hand of the courageous Duare, his beloved princess, and to be bestowed with high honors and the title of prince in the powerful nation of Korva. But when a new threat strikes from out of the skies, Carson discovers his own arrival on the planet years ago may have unknowingly led the mysterious enemy to attack.

Following a trail of destruction and death, Carson, Duare, and their friends set off across wild Amtor to track down the lethal adversary. Their journey leads them headlong into battle with the Linneauns, an ancient, seemingly indestructible race dating to the dawn of the planet. But that is not Carson’s only challenge. For even as he takes on these daunting foes, an uncanny phenomenon has entangled him with two strange individuals from beyond spacetime and threatens to drive him mad. Will Carson be able to solve the mysteries of his past and the enigmatic visitors and then defeat the terrifying menace - or will the nations of Amtor be crushed beneath the Linneauns’ heel?

Includes Pellucidar: Dark of the Sun by Christopher Paul Carey, an all-new bonus novelette introducing the Edgar Rice Burroughs Universe’s newest heroine, Victory Harben!

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2020 Matt Betts (P)2020 Oasis Audio

A worthy successor to Mr Burroughs

The author captures Edgar Rice Burroughs style, pacing, and sense of humor quite well I think.
While this is the first volume of a multi book, multi author "super arc", it works quite nicely as a stand alone novel as well. The mentioned "super arc" storyline is touched upon, and some of, what I take to be the key players, do make important contributions to the story, but don't distract from the more immediate novel storyline.

This book, in addition to that larger arc, also sets up the possibility for more adventures with Carson of Venus, in fact it practically begs for a follow up. I found it to be an extremely fun listen/read. If you have read and liked the original Carson of Venus books, you will definitely enjoy this as well. Recommended reading, particularly for fans of all of Edgar Rice Burroughs work relating to his many lost worlds.

Great addition to the canonical universe

What none of the other reviews mention is that this is NOT the only canonical series added to the ERB Universe. There are also the comic books recently published by American Mythology Productions, many of which are written and/or edited by the same people involved with this novel. EVERY comic series in the ERB mythos printed by AMP has the full approval of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., unlike many other comic books using the characters. Having read all of the comic series published by AMP absolutely added to my enjoyment of this novel (and the other books from the "Swords of Eternity" superarc thus far released).

Larger-than-life technicolor style

I'm loving everything about the relaunch of the Edgar Rice Burroughs universe and especially enjoyed this first novel from Matt Betts set on the Amtor that Burroughs first imagined. I have read a few of Burroughs' books and am familiar with the aspects that have made it into the larger popular culture like Tarzan but I am by no means an expert. However, you do not need any prior experience with Burroughs to enjoy this book. It's non-stop action with plenty of alien races, odd happenings and sneering villains to keep you entertained in larger-than-life technicolor style.

But if you are a Burroughs fan you will appreciate the attention to detail that ERB has shown. I loved the meta nature of the introduction in which Betts tells us how he "received" this story from Carson himself, just the way Burroughs purported to be only a transcriptionist. The pulp style of bold moves and brash banter has been retained but I love the way Betts injects a subtle self-deprecating humor that modernizes the characters a bit. If you are looking for an escape this is highly recommended. I have both the limited edition and the audio version and would note that the reader also does a great job of capturing the swagger and humor of Betts' Carson

The ERB universe is better than...

The ERB universe is better than Disney SW, STD universe, DCEU and the MCU. All hall Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Not as good as ERB

Narration was okay however the voice the narrator gave one character was annoying after a bit. Not up to the standards of ERB in my opinion.