John Carter, a former Confederate soldier prospecting in Arizona, finds himself mysteriously transported to the red planet, which the natives call Barsoom. He quickly discovers he's stronger and can leap incredible distances due to Mars's lower gravity. Captured by the fierce, green-skinned Tharks, he rises through their ranks using his Earthly combat skills. His life gets even more complicated when he meets Dejah Thoris, the radiant princess of the human-like city of Helium, who is held captive. Carter's mission becomes clear: win the respect of the Tharks, escape with the princess, and navigate the deadly politics and wars of a dying world to save her and find his own place in it.

Why You Should Read It

This book is pure, undiluted fun. Burroughs doesn't waste time on complex science; he throws you headfirst into a world of imagination. John Carter is the ultimate capable hero, and his fish-out-of-water journey is incredibly satisfying. The world-building is simple but vivid—you can practically see the twin moons and the crumbling cities. At its heart, it's a chivalric romance dressed in sci-fi clothing, with clear heroes, terrifying monsters, and a love story that drives the entire plot. It moves at a breakneck pace, with a new cliffhanger or battle in nearly every chapter.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves classic adventure, the roots of modern sci-fi, or just a really good, fast-paced story. If you enjoy the spirit of Indiana Jones, Star Wars, or Avatar, you'll see where a lot of that DNA came from. Don't go in expecting hard science or deep philosophy—go in ready for a thrilling ride on the back of a giant, eight-legged thoats. It's a foundational piece of pulp fiction that still delivers excitement over a century later.