The Gods of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs - Classic Barsoom Adventure

In this review of The Gods of Mars the reviewer finds a rewarding read for fans of early 20th century speculative fiction; it is the second book in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series and its greatest appeal is the continuation of the Mars setting and adventurous tone first introduced in the series. Readers seeking a vivid, serialized tale and historical genre fiction will appreciate the storytelling and context, while those wanting modern pacing or contemporary sensibilities may find the serial structure slower. Overall, this edition is best for collectors, series readers, and anyone curious about pulp-era science fantasy.

Key Features

• Series continuation: Extends Burroughs' Barsoom saga with new characters and conflicts that deepen the Mars mythos for readers who followed the first book.
• Original publication form: Written as a five-part serial in All-Story magazine between January and May 1913, it preserves the episodic structure that shaped early pulp fiction.
• Classic author pedigree: As a work by Edgar Rice Burroughs, it shows the narrative voice and worldbuilding that influenced later science fiction and fantasy writers.
• Historical interest: The book offers perspective on genre development in the 1910s, making it useful to readers interested in literary history and vintage speculative fiction.
• Collectible appeal: Fans of genre art and early editions often value this title for its place in the Barsoom sequence and as part of Burroughs' body of work.

Who It's For

This edition is for readers who enjoy early science fantasy and serialized storytelling, especially those already invested in the Barsoom sequence or studying the roots of genre fiction. Collectors of classic speculative works and readers interested in the evolution of adventure narratives will find value here.

Readers who prefer tightly plotted modern thrillers or contemporary style prose may want to look elsewhere, since the pacing and language reflect its 1913 serial origin. Casual readers seeking a fast, modern read should consider a more recent genre title instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich continuation of the Barsoom setting that rewards series readers with expanded worldbuilding.
• Authentic historical voice that illustrates early pulp-era storytelling and serialized structure.
• Useful to collectors and students of genre history for its publication context and authorship.

Cons

• Serialized pacing and dated language may feel slow or uneven to readers used to contemporary fiction.

Specifications

Title	The Gods of Mars
Author	Edgar Rice Burroughs
Illustrator / Artist	Frank E. Schoonover
Series	Barsoom (book 2)
Original publication	All-Story magazine serial, Jan-May 1913
Genre	Science fantasy / Genre fiction

Our Verdict

The Gods of Mars remains a worthwhile read for fans of classic science fantasy and those tracing the development of genre fiction; its serialized origin and historical voice make it a strong pick for collectors and series readers, though modern readers seeking brisk pacing may prefer newer titles. As part of the Barsoom sequence it delivers continuing adventure and setting detail that represent good value to anyone building a classic genre library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book part of a series?
Yes, The Gods of Mars is the second novel in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series and continues the saga begun in the first book.

When was it first published?
The story was first published as a five-part serial in All-Story magazine between January and May 1913.

Who will enjoy this edition most?
Collectors, students of early science fiction, and readers who appreciate vintage serialized narratives will get the most from this book.