The Gods of Mars

Barsoom Series, Book 2

By: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

Soldier and adventurer John Carter tells the story of how he returns to the planet Mars to be reunited with his love, the Martian princess Dejah Thoris. With his great friend Tars Tarkas, mighty Jeddak of Thark, Carter sets out in search of his princess. But Dejah Thoris has vanished. And Carter becomes trapped in the legendary Eden of Mars, from which none has ever escaped alive.

Public Domain (P)2012 Tantor

Scott Brick Takes On a Classic Adventure

The John Carter trilogy (Princess of Mars, Gods of Mars, Warlord of Mars) was a high school favorite of mine, and these three books were among the first purchases I made after joining Audible. I chose the Gene Engene recording of "Gods" and my review of it is there. But that production was marred by technical problems, so when the recent movie tie-in came out with veteran narrator Scott Brick at the helm, I decided to get a "new, improved" version of this middle book.

Technically this is indeed a good production. But Scott Brick's modern, somewhat deadpan delivery seems at odds with the over-the-top drama of the "this is my marvelous life" voice that Burroughs used for John Carter's first-person "memoir." Admittedly, capturing the colorful dramatics without sounding silly is a tough job for any narrator. Brick is a pro, and this is a professional if not inspired reading.

I still like Sondricker's narration of the first book, "Princess of Mars," the best. Engene's version of "Warlord" is fine, technical problems were fixed, but "Warlord" isn't as good as the first two books.

one of the best books I've ever read

I find that the narrator was just as good as the book as with any story you listen to on tape it takes a little while to get used to the person reading it but in this case I found that I got used to the person reading it very quickly he was awesome full of expression and kept me listening to it fervently. the book itself was awesome full of action and compassion and heroism. I love the main character and all of his much-needed forged relationships along the way each character you meet in the story has its own unique background and attraction. the story is so full of twists and turns I found that not through a single part of the story was I bored in fact I hated the moments that I had to shut it off and jump back into the real world. I'm going to leave this review short while just adding that I appreciate much that the author put so much work into this book and the narrator as well. thank you for delivering an amazing story which kept me hemmed on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I can't wait to start the third book!!!!!!!

Great reading of a somewhat heavyhanded story

The reading by Scott Brick was well done and, as I mentioned in my last review, fit the pacing and tone of the story. No fake accents, no overacting and he changes his voice to suit the passage he is reading. The rest of my review will be concerning the content of the book which dampens my liking for this fine narration.

While not anti-religious, Edgar Rice Burroughs was worried about what he saw as religious fanaticism and the dangers that lay within such blind devotion to an institution. This is an interesting theme and the plot points that tie this story together are rather interesting, but I feel that much of the story was being used to bash this over the readers head.

Take the words "religious fanaticism" and write them thirty times in a page and then fill in the blanks with dialogue, that is what reading this book feels like at times. The concept of being careful about who or what someone is devoted to, and the way in which we as humans express our devotion is an engaging theme, but I find it annoying when an author tries to cram an allegory down my throat.

JRR Tolkien said that he has despised the allegory since he became old enough to detect it, and for my reading I tend to steer clear of any work that keeps repeating the message over and over throughout the text in bald repetition to make sure the message got through.

Still, there are still enough adventure and story points that make this an exciting story and worth the time to read it. I don't know that I would relisten to the whole thing again, perhaps just excerpts while reading on the kindle.

40 years of enjoyment

I read this book when I was 14 on a long drive across the Arizona desert with my scout troop. this was the first book I had ever read from cover to cover. We had the whole set and I couldn't stop till I finished every book. I have since shared this fun, clean, and exciting adventure with my daughters and sons and they have since shared it with there spouses who have enjoyed it as much as I did

Entertainingly ageist

The second in the Barsoom Series (now under the more commercial epithet of "John Carter" and no doubt destined for a sequel movie), EGB's imaginative Martian chronicle is still entertaining nearly 100 years after it was first published in 1914. Sure, it has aged a bit, the language is not all that PC and the swashbuckler has a limited reading audience, but for me it still resonates of my childhood as I described it in the review of the first book.
More importantly, I felt like Scott Brick got more into the role in Book 2, although his narration skill is still his strong point. The introduction of new characters gave him more scope and the content suits his style, in my opinion.
Again, I have probably overrated the story and the overall effect for sentimental reasons, but given its length (just over 8 1/2 hours) and the fantasy release of the listen (especially when compared to Dostoevsky, which was my last two listens), I am sure to move onto Book 3 in due course.

A Great Classic

This book is very old, but you would never know it since Edgar Rice Burroughs had such an imagination.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, It kept my interest from start to finish, and I plan to listen to the next book in the series.

Surprisingly good

Sequels generally aren’t as good as the first but I think “The Gods of Mars” was actually better. Each chapter pulled me into the action and expansion of the characters and storyline. I believe Scott Brick did a masterful rendition, more so than the performance of the performer of “Princess of Mars”. In this case, I believe the narrator, Scott Brick, enhanced the book.

Amazing narration!

The story is great, what a cliff hanger. Scott Brick does an amazing job narrating this story!

What a Great Thrill .

I think this book was so Amazing. I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to get the third book in the series.

FANTASTIC!

This is great book authored by someone before I was born. It's great fantasy sci-fi. There are other John Carter books sold by audible but this narrator is the best. the only thing I didn't like about it is that John Carter for the author Edward Burroughs in the second book is too full of himself.

Wonderfully entertaining!

Any additional comments?

These books combine a fabulously imagined world with, frankly, often silly plot lines. They are so wonderfully entertaining! (And surprisingly addictive.) Scott Brick does a great job of reading them as well.My husband also really enjoys hearing from me about the latest exploits of John Carter and his 'mighty longsword'.

A seamless carry on...

As brilliant as the first. The story remains fast paced yet believable, with wonderful characters.