Before writing Tarzan, Burroughs wrote the beginnings of his Mars series, which many view as the better work.”

"Exceedingly well done." ---Library Journal Audio Review

In preparing for its John Carter movie adaptation, Disney envisioned a three-film series of the first books of Burroughs's Barsoomian sagas—considered fundamental to modern science fantasy—depicting the humanoid inhabitants of Mars. The first film was mostly based on the original The All-Story magazine serial "Under the Moons of Mars" (later, in book form, A Princess of Mars). The movie, unfortunately, tanked, and its sequels are on hold. As tie-ins to the expected films, these audiobook versions, read by Scott Brick, one of the best-regarded narrators in the business, are exceedingly well done. The sequels tell of Carter's return to Mars and violent efforts to save his wife from the barbarous races and individuals infesting the planet from pole to pole (and who even plague one of Mars's moons). Brick grasps the stories' essentials—action, wonder, and honor—and runs with them. VERDICT Despite the lack of interest that could have resulted from the films, these top productions still should be big hits with classic sf fans.—Don Wismer, formerly with Cary Memorial Lib., Wayne, ME

In the third of Burroughs’s “John Carter of Mars” series, the man from Earth unites warring races and is reunited with his love, Dejah Thoris. John Bolen unnecessarily reads the story with a Virginia accent, but he does so effectively and consistently in a way that does not take away from the performance. The MP3 CD is divided into 115 short (3-minute) files. Playback is clear and clean sounding, unadorned by music or other effects. The story is a fitting and exciting conclusion to the first three books, and provides a satisfying surprise ending. S.E.S. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine