Thuvia, Maid of Mars

By: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Narrated by: Raymond Todd

Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Thuvia of Ptarth is spurning the unwanted advances of another when Cathoris of Helium arrives at her court. Cathoris, John Carter's son, loves Thuvia, but she has been promised to another and, like all Martian princesses, cannot return Cathoris' affections. Warlord that he is, Cathoris accepts her refusal of his affections and promises her his eternal friendship and help. Little does he realize that when he meets with his father and other leaders of the different kingdoms of Barsoom, he will be informed that Thuvia has been kidnapped, and will find out that she is held captive by a huge green warrior: one of the fierce, cruel denizens of the dead sea-bottoms and deserted cities of dying Mars.

©1962 Edgar Rice Burroughs (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Can't tell if the book is good or not

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I have been trying to listen to this book, but it has been like pulling teeth. I can't get into the book, other than my wish to continue the series after my enjoyment of the first 3 in the series.

What didn’t you like about Raymond Todd’s performance?

Mr Todd's performance is not my favorite. He reads quickly, with little inflection other than the rhythmic same set of tones that he uses through the whole reading, and he does nothing to differentiate for the voices. If you like that sort of thing, then maybe this is the reader for you.

Was Thuvia, Maid of Mars worth the listening time?

I must say that I will never again go for the cheaper and faster book, when there are multiple narrator options.

Any additional comments?

Hopefully, if the other narrator for this book is better, I will enjoy the story.

Worthwhile to Read it.

Excellent story it's like Star Wars and Zorro all in one. Read it/ listen to it, either way you'll enjoy it.

ERB at his best

ERB used Tarzan as his main character in almost all of the 24 books of Tarzan Series. In his Martian series, ERB took another tact; he introduced new characters with new motivations. Thuvia and Carter's son Cathois are the main characters and the typical Burroughs heroes. This means they pass though a series of fantastic adventures, each one about to bring death. Even worse, they must face the evil fiends who would spoil Thuvia's virtual. If you enjoy black and white romantic adventure, listen to this book. If you want gritty realism, don't. I grew up on ERB, and still enjoy him when I want a simple but exciting story. Thuvia, Maid of Mars is one I do enjoy.

The reader John Bolen does an acceptable job and does not detract from the tale.

Narration!!!

Any additional comments?

This story is not about Carter, but his son. Understood, but the reading was very hard to get over. Parts of sentences were over dramatized and some words were pronounced incorrectly.

I thought Thuvia should have been a little more mature than how this book portrays her, because she is much older than Carthoris. But it is still a good book. The ending was a little disappointing. It didn't feel like and ERB ending. As if I know anything, I've only listened to the 3 books prior to this one in the series...but the ending felt a little short to me.

All in All - Good Story, bad reader.