The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs: A Thrilling Barsoom Epic

Published in 1922, The Chessmen of Mars is the fifth novel in Edgar Rice Burroughs’ renowned Barsoom series. This science fantasy adventure follows Tara of Helium, daughter of John Carter and Dejah Thoris, as she navigates love, danger, and the bizarre Martian game of Jetan—living chess with human pieces. Known for its vivid world-building and action-packed narrative, the novel introduces unique cultures like the Kaldanes and Bantoomians. As noted on Goodreads, its blend of romance and pulp adventure makes it a standout in science fiction, captivating fans of Burroughs’ Martian saga.

Overview of The Chessmen of Mars

Set on Barsoom, Burroughs’ dying Mars, the story begins when Tara, Princess of Helium, is swept away by a storm in her flier and captured by the grotesque Kaldanes—crab-like creatures with detachable heads that control humanoid Rykors. Escaping with Ghek, a Kaldane ally, Tara falls into the hands of the Bantoomians, who force captives to fight as pieces in Jetan, a deadly chess game. Accompanied by Gahan of Gathol, a suitor disguised as a wanderer, Tara faces perilous trials. According to Wikipedia, the novel explores themes of survival, identity, and forbidden love. Key elements include:

• Inventive World-Building: The Kaldanes and Jetan showcase Burroughs’ imaginative alien cultures, praised in X posts for their “wild creativity.”
• Strong Heroine: Tara’s courage and wit shine, though some Goodreads reviewers note her occasional reliance on rescue.
• Romantic Subplot: Gmissable romance between Tara and Gahan drives the plot, complicated by her royal status.
• Pulp Action: Battles, escapes, and Jetan matches deliver relentless excitement, per Amazon reviews.

Why Read The Chessmen of Mars?

This novel offers a thrilling mix of adventure, romance, and sci-fi, appealing to fans of classic pulp fiction. Reasons to read:

1. Exhilarating Adventure: Its “non-stop action” and exotic settings grip readers, as Amazon reviewers call it “pure escapism.”
2. Unique Sci-Fi: The Kaldanes and Jetan, inspired by chess, add fresh concepts to the Barsoom series, lauded on X for their originality.
3. Historical Impact: Published in 1922, it influenced sci-fi and fantasy, with Tara as a bold early heroine.
4. Free Access: Download the eBook or audiobook for free at dtv-ebook.com.vn, compatible with any device.

Some Goodreads critics find the pacing uneven or tropes dated, like Tara’s damsel moments, but its creativity and fun outweigh these for most fans.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read The Chessmen of Mars without prior Barsoom books?

Yes, it’s accessible standalone, but reading A Princess of Mars and The Gods of Mars provides helpful context, per Amazon reviews.

Is the audiobook available?

Yes, download the MP3 audiobook from dtv-ebook.com.vn. LibriVox recordings may vary in quality.

Is the book compatible with my Kindle?

Yes, use the AZW3 or MOBI format for Kindle devices.

Are the sci-fi elements believable?

Burroughs’ Mars is fantastical, with low gravity boosting Earthmen’s strength and imaginative tech. X users love its “pulpy charm” despite scientific inaccuracies.

Conclusion

The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a captivating Barsoom adventure, blending daring heroics, alien cultures, and a deadly chess game. Tara’s journey and the novel’s inventive Kaldanes, praised on X for their “mind-bending” concept, make it a sci-fi classic. Download your free copy in PDF, EPUB, AZW3, MOBI, or MP3 format from dtv-ebook.com.vn and explore this Martian tale today!