John Carter in 'A Princess of Mars'

Barsoom Series, Book 1

By: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Great listen

Scott brick is wonderful to listen to! Along with Edgar Rice Burroughs they make a great duo in this wonderful timeless classic!

A Good Story

It was a good story that I wish was a series. Worth a listen for sure.

Better without John

A story with old world prejudices and a main character that lives in them(mostly something there is a bit nuance). Mr. Carter is boring and has nothing to learn because everything he does is so correct it changes the foundation of culture and Mars. I am not saying everything he does is bad but there is no struggle.
Thankful the book moves a light-speed pace. So much so I thought John was on Mars for a few weeks but in the end learn that it was ten years(if his adventure actually happen).
If the story left John out and just took place on Mars it would have been wonderful. The imagination of the people, creatures, tech, and landscape are vivid and actualized. So much so it might be worth reading/listening to this novel.
The hate for Arizona natives vs the not hate for the martians is baffling. Was the author trying to say something with this? Was John supposed to grow as a person?

Princess of Mars, Swords & Planets HIGH Adventure!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Excellent story (but I'm biased, my favorite author and favorite novel) supported by a great narrator.

What other book might you compare John Carter in 'A Princess of Mars' to and why?

It's a typical Swords and Planets story. Maybe a bit of the Lord of the Rings for those not familiar with this genre. A highly detailed planet, cultures, and creatures…machines and weapons. Others in the series are Gods of Mars, Warlord of Mars…the first three in the series are a good solid story arc. Then you can decide from there if you wish to push on through all eleven (though I believe only the first five, those in the public domain, are available in audiobook).

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to a few others' by Scott Brick, the Robert Langdon series (The Da Vinci Code). This is equivalent in quality. Frankly, I'm a bit disappointed Scott Brick has not done more in the series, to date. The other narrators currently available for Gods of Mars and on, seem hidebound to make John Carter's accent Southern. Yes, in the novel he is a Southern gentlemen…but I don't necessarily need the added touch. Unless it's read by a 'true' Southerner. That accent to my ears is not so easily adopted without sounding a bit off.

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

I read this from childhood. Given by my Grandfather to my Mother, and from her to me. How can one not get misty when Woola (a large frog-dog-like creature) and John Carter choose 'each other' as life long companions?

Any additional comments?

It's clear who the good guys are, who the bad guys are, the hero always wins, the heroine is always saved in the nick of time, the villain is 'eventually' defeated after many scrapes, trials, and quests. If you want crime, rape, drama, and current events…try something else :-) …oh, and go see the movie :-D

Worth a listen.

I saw the movie and thought I would like to listen to the book too. I think the amazing thing about this sci-fi book is that it was written in 1917. Story is a little different from the movie, so it is interesting and surprising in its own right.

Not that great, but very interesting.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yeap, time well-spent because the historical value of this novel.

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

Not to any friend. The plot is good and interesting but the text is as old as it should be. It actually requires some effort of the reader to accept the style of the text. Also, it's important to have in mind that originally A Princes of Mars was published in pulp magazines in a serialized fashion, which make the time span of the story a little convoluted.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator is not that good on this one. Sometimes I couldn't simple understand him, the fact that english is not my native language also doesn't help (altough I actually do understand english very well and had awesome experiences with others Audible books).

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yeap, already did.

Good Read

Would you try another book from Edgar Rice Burroughs and/or Scott Brick?

I believe I will finish the series, good story overall. .

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narration of Scoot Brick on this last book was less than great. He just came across as so apathetic; this isn’t the story of Eeyore on Mars. I could use a little bit of life brought to the story.

Very cool

This story is a bit dated and if you analyse it you may find some racist or stereotypical narrow mindedness in this. If you are that type of person then go listen to something else. Otherwise this is basically a cowboy western on Mars. A guy basically becomes a god like hero because he's the sole Earthling and that grants him super powers (super strength, agility, super guile, he also becomes a telepath, and shows the savage natives how to pacify their great mounts)

great story...

Capturing and exciting! The world of Mars is brought to life in a tale of love and war that journeys the listener to a dream of the courage and nobility of man. An ablsolute must for any library.

Hoped for better

I unfortunately saw the movie first. However the story remained interesting, but a bit drawn out at some points. I have to admit I did struggle to finish it.