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" Obviously a real sci-fi classic. Perfect summer vacation read. "
- David, 2/15/2014
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" Got a little bored of John Carter constantly telling us how awesome he is. "
- Simon, 2/15/2014
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" It is amazing how light reading has deteriorated in the last 100 years. ERB is not Dostoyevsky nor is trying to be. He is trying to write books that give the reader a pleasant afternoon. He succeeds. ERB offers a bit more. If the reader wants to pay attention and think, there is some interesting philosophy a well. I think that ERB chose first person in order to give JC the opportunity yo toot his own horn. At a time when communism was creating a general distaste of pride in one owns accomplishments, ERB created a character who deserved to brag. "
- Beth, 2/11/2014
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" This by no means is literature. It is a easy, fun read in science fiction. Also keep in mind it was printed in a pulp 100 years ago, because most of the concepts are outdated and the depictions of the female (and male) are very stereotypical. "
- Sean, 2/11/2014
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" It's a pretty interesting book so far. I can see why it' a classic. But, like many classics, it's definitely shows its age. The dialogue is paragraphs long, the view towards women is very simplistic, and I can't help but feel racism coming through in the different types of Martians; "
- Matthew, 2/4/2014
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" If only the movie John Carter was half as good as the book it would have made a killing at the box office. I wasn't expecting to like this 100 year old book but couldn't put it down. "
- Ken, 2/3/2014
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" A fun diversion the last couple days. It was classic adventure and romance that was short and sweet. Better than the movie although I did like that movie Dejah could handle a sword. "
- Amanda, 2/1/2014
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" A good read, a real classic and one that I enjoyed. Rich in detail and imagination I loved Burroughs tale and while it felt a bit short to me, especially with the ending and all, I was happy with the characters, the story, the world of Barsoom, all of it. Gonna try and read the next one when I get the time, after finishing the rest of books sitting around waiting to be read. "
- Chris, 2/1/2014
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" Fun adventure, even if you aren't a sci-fi fan. John Carter is who I would choose to have my back any day. "
- Lisa, 1/31/2014
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" Author's amazing ability to foresee the future & create a vivid landscape with interesting characters. "
- Kendra, 1/30/2014
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" Taken in context of the time it was written, this is an outstanding literary work and a revolutionary piece of sci-fi. Compared to modern literature, the plot meanders, the hero is an egotistical jackass, and the princess is incapable of doing anything other than looking pretty. Honestly, one of the few times that the movie was a vast improvement over the source material. "
- Aparna, 1/29/2014
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" This was an amazing book. It was imaginative and immersive. The characters were interesting and unique and the storyline kept you wanting to read more. It was very hard to put it down! "
- Amber, 1/28/2014
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" enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more in the series "
- Shannon, 1/27/2014
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" Although I appreciate how this book influenced Star Wars and others, I'm still surprised this is beloved enough for someone to make a movie out of it. "
- Trina, 1/26/2014
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" I read this book because I'm always intrigued by old school sci fi - the stuff way before computers and space exploration. This story, which is 95 years old, inspired several scifi writers so I thought I'd give it a go. It was an ok read, but definitely not a favorite. Sure, the character John Carter is a bad ass, but he seems to get lucky way too many times. In general, it was fine to read it since it is a classic, but I generally wouldn't recommend it. "
- Dave, 1/21/2014
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" Guess it had to be read, really showing its age and preponderancy for casual racism "
- Gerry, 1/21/2014
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" Much better than Disney's theatrical rendition. "
- Hazen, 1/15/2014
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" My favourite (as distinct from "Best", let us leave that alone for now) book ever, and, of course, inspiration for the muchly (and wrongly) maligned film "John Carter".... "
- M_wilson, 1/15/2014
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" Loved these books! Read them as a kid. They were my "Harry Potters". "
- William, 1/11/2014
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" illustrates why I don't like sci-fi very much. too much technical description. "
- Laura, 1/6/2014
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" I've read pretty much the entire series as a kid. Loved it. "
- Alicia, 1/3/2014
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" This was kind of a fun book if you like Sci Fi. It was written in 1915 so it was fun to see what he came up with back then. There is a movie out right now based on this book called "John Carter". It's good for a fun night especially if you don't have to pay full price. "
- Sheryl, 1/3/2014
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" Quite swashbuckling, and it didn't quite all hang together properly, but kind of fun in a slightly mindless way. The book equivalent of a summer blockbuster action movie. "
- Aisha, 1/2/2014
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" Cheese. Warm, gooey, stringy cheese. "
- Maureen, 12/31/2013
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" Tragic. :( It made me want to cry! But, it was a wonderful story. "
- Taylor, 12/28/2013
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" I read it after watching the movie - I'd say it was better, but still lacked something extra. Though it was a nice read, I probably won't read the next books from the series. "
- Dariusz, 12/25/2013
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" Loved it. Can't wait to read the next one. "
- Danci, 12/15/2013
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" This story is a really great adventure! In some ways, it is a product of it's time (especially in relation to it's views on the fairer sex), but in some ways I can tell that it was very much ahead of its time (the humane treatment of animals). I liked it a lot! "
- Heather, 11/17/2013
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" This book was okay, much better than the movie! A very interesting view of Mars, alien life, human interaction, etc. However, the main character is a bit overly fortunate at times and it can all feel a bit unrealistic. "
- Lizzy, 11/17/2013
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" It's your generic sci-fi story about a guy going to Mars to basically become Superman, but what kept me reading was the story's interesting creatures and landscape. It was really creative, and I respect the author for that. Just please don't see the movie... "
- Dan, 11/10/2013
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" Really more like 3.5 stars. This book was overall rather enjoyable and quick. I wish Burroughs had taken the same care with the latter half of the book as he did with the first; it suffers at the end from poor pacing and lack of detail. Still, it was quite fun! "
- Victoria, 10/2/2013
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" From a historical stand point, it was written a couple of years after the invention of the airplane and description of arial warfare is quite visionary! "
- Federico, 9/30/2013
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" A wonderful sense of imagination and art drawn together in a fantasy that still lives in the books Burroughs wrote. John Carter is still 'alive' with the recent release of a movie. Good show E R Bireoughs! "
- Flosi, 9/17/2013
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" It was fun and apparently much better than the movie! "
- Janis, 9/6/2013
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" Much better than Disney's theatrical rendition. "
- Hazen, 8/28/2013
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" It's your generic sci-fi story about a guy going to Mars to basically become Superman, but what kept me reading was the story's interesting creatures and landscape. It was really creative, and I respect the author for that. Just please don't see the movie... "
- Dan, 7/29/2013
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" The Barsoom series is one of my favorite, if not the favorite, book series ever. I absolutely adore the books... I'm currently on #7. "
- Katie, 7/23/2013
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" I was hoping this would be better. Some of the fantastic bits about Barsoom were interesting, but there was very little follow through. The characters are generally pretty flat. "
- Aneel, 6/27/2013
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" I thouroghly enjoyed this book. it had a futreistic sense of that when we run out of natural resources we will be hard pressed to retain a certain degree of civility. "
- Solomon, 6/14/2013
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" Fantastic! I couldn't believe how good it was and how fast a read it was. "
- Earl, 5/21/2013
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" Awesome. John Carter figures out foreign languages, kicks ass, unites several races and keeps the world from dying in like 180 pages. "
- Brandi, 2/12/2013
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" SO much better than the movie. The story moves along quickly and left me wanting more. "
- Brant, 2/7/2013
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" I gave it the old college try, I really did. It was just so godawful.. "
- Anastacia, 1/19/2013
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" If it were written in 2012, I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much. The fact it is 100 years old gave the story a novelty I enjoyed. "
- Christopher, 12/22/2012
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" Wow, John Carter can do anything and has astoundingly good luck. I didn't care for him much as a character. I was more interested in the Martians. Overall, meh. "
- Rebecca, 11/20/2012
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" I've re-read this series because of the John Carter movie. The books are great and the movie, although not following the letter of the story did a great job in bringing it up todays 'sensibilities'. "
- Johnnyq1964, 10/1/2012
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" Interesting (if uncomplicated) story with a voice and feel typical of early 20th century science fiction. Certaily an enjoyable read for fans of science fiction. "
- Gayprime, 9/11/2012
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" A brilliant piece of classic science fiction. It absolutely had some silly moments, but I really enjoyed it. "
- Tena, 8/7/2012
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" This was an amazing book. It was imaginative and immersive. The characters were interesting and unique and the storyline kept you wanting to read more. It was very hard to put it down! "
- Amber, 7/23/2012
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" Really more like 3.5 stars. This book was overall rather enjoyable and quick. I wish Burroughs had taken the same care with the latter half of the book as he did with the first; it suffers at the end from poor pacing and lack of detail. Still, it was quite fun! "
- Victoria, 7/8/2012
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" A surprisingly great science fiction story for the time it was written in. Its nothing like the John Carter movie that much I can say for sure. I wish the movie was more like the book. Now I'm excited to read the next John carter book. "
- Rakesh, 6/29/2012
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" Really liked it. It got heavy with the cheese and chivalry at times, but all around a great read and worthy of continuing the legacy. "
- Dreyden, 6/28/2012
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" not bad kinda a lame ending "
- Renee, 3/25/2012
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" Enjoyed the book, read it first then watched the John Carter movie. I recommend the books, the movie was pretty, had good effects, but I believe it shared names with characters and a Civil War vet goes to Mars, that was about all I could tell. "
- Barry, 12/13/2011
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" Eisntein said : Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. "
- Rini, 11/28/2011
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" Imaginative and captivating, a very enjoyable read "
- Audarling, 11/4/2011
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" Interesting, straightforward, old, action-y fantasy. Kinda fun in a really-odd-premise sort of way: Civil War vet walks into a cave in Arizona, wakes up on Mars, and saves the Princess. Hurray!
"
- Liz, 11/1/2011
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" It thought this was a fun, entertaining, quick read. I enjoyed it.
"
- Chris, 10/19/2011
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" this was my grandfathers favourite book and I remember him telling me how good it was. At the time I wrongly assumed that as the book was so old, is hate it. Decided one year to take a copy on my holiday. I have to say a really enjoyed it, sure its a little twee but good fun.
"
- Jason, 10/17/2011
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" Ahh, if forgot just how good classic sci-fi can be, and Burroughs' Barsoom series is a perfect example of classic pulp sci-fi. On to book 2! "
- Cory, 10/14/2011
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" A imaginative narrative that take you through a violent adventure.
"
- Ralph, 10/8/2011
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" I loved it now as much as I did as a little kid. the science makes no sense but they just didn't know what they do now. What really draws you in is the adventure and romance and the chivalry and sheer bravado of the main character. What princess wouldn't fall for a man who braves all for her love? "
- Tracey, 10/8/2011
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" Enjoyed it although it was a bit harder to stick to than I would have liked. Could be because I don't seem to have much time to read. Had to restart several times. Overall, it was a fun read and I will probably finish the series
"
- Sherwin, 10/6/2011
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" A riotously fun read. Sure, Burroughs quickly glosses over some plot issues, but it is a fun and fascinating thrill ride.
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- Tom, 9/24/2011
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" Sure, it has some flaws, including what might be the most anticlimactic fight scene I've ever read, but this is lots of fun.
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- Adam, 9/19/2011
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" Amazing novel! Great world-building, beautiful writing, intriguing characters. Love it!
"
- Gerardommreader, 9/19/2011
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" Some interesting moments, but I grew tired of it towards the end.
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- Douglas, 9/18/2011
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" Fun and quick read. There is not much suspense but it is still entertaining. Not your usual Sci Fi book.
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- Jayme, 9/18/2011
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" Now I understand why so many people say that they don't like science fiction. I think they read books like this one; plotless, pointless, misogynistic, racist, and ridiculous. "
- Annette, 9/12/2011
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" What the Movie John Carter was based on... enjoyed it very much. "
- Bonnie, 2/18/2011
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" I originally marked this to read about five years ago. I finally started after seeing the recent Disney film "John Carter," which, contrary to most critics, I actually enjoyed. But I lost interest in the book after about halfway through. "
- Andrew, 8/11/2010
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" A great adventure story I read a long time ago. Suspend some of your unbelief and enjoy. "
- Keith, 4/5/2008
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" This is a good book. I really enjoyed the story and the characters and how they were presented in the book. However the writing style was not pleasing to me. Edgar Burroughs Sentences are very long and at times difficult to follow. "
- Tonia, 7/4/2007
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" Who doesn't love Barsoom!? :) "
- Rachel, 1/10/2006
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" From a historical stand point, it was written a couple of years after the invention of the airplane and description of arial warfare is quite visionary! "
- Federico, 1/1/2006
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" Loved it!! Read the whole series.. And I love the way there are so many mini adventures! "
- Velvet, 10/12/2001
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" I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Tremendous creativity and a story line that held my interest. I am now starting book #7 in this series. "
- Linda, 8/17/2001
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