Edgar Rice Burroughs' fourth Barsoom book shifts the spotlight from John Carter to his son, Carthoris. While the mighty Carter is away, trouble finds the royal family of Helium. Thuvia, Princess of Ptarth, is promised in marriage to Carthoris's cousin, Kulan Tith. There's just one hitch: Carthoris is desperately in love with her. When Thuvia is abducted by a warrior from the hostile nation of Dusar, all evidence points to Carthoris as the culprit. To save the fragile peace between empires and prove his innocence, he must find Thuvia before war breaks out.

The Story

Carthoris's solo pursuit leads him into the perilous dead sea bottoms of Mars. His quest becomes a thrilling chase against time, rival factions, and the harsh Martian environment. The trail leads to the legendary, walled city of Lothar, a place thought to be a myth. Lothar is defended by the 'phantom bowmen'—an ancient army sustained by pure imagination, capable of firing lethal, invisible arrows. Carthoris must navigate this dream-like and deadly city, outsmart its immortal custodians, and rescue Thuvia from a fate worse than political marriage, all while the real villain plots in the shadows.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a blast because it tightens the focus. Instead of saving the whole planet, the stakes are personal: honor, love, and family. Carthoris is a great hero—less invincible than his father, which makes his ingenuity and grit more compelling. Thuvia is no mere prize; she's resourceful, brave, and has her own agency in the fight. The real star might be the setting itself. The concept of Lothar and its phantom army is one of Burroughs' most brilliantly weird creations. It blends sword-and-planet action with a dose of almost psychedelic fantasy, asking fun questions about reality and power.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who misses the sheer joy of adventure storytelling. If you enjoy the old-school serial feel of 'Indiana Jones' or the romantic swashbuckling of 'Princess Bride,' but on a dying red planet, this is your book. It's a shorter, faster-paced entry in the Barsoom series, so it's also a great starting point for new readers. You don't need to have read the first three books to jump right into this desert chase. Just come ready for flying ships, fierce loyalties, and one of the most imaginative haunted cities ever put to paper.