The Gods of Mars

In Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic science fantasy novel, "The Gods of Mars," John Carter, the Virginian gentleman and former Confederate captain, mysteriously returns to Barsoom (Mars) after a decade on Earth. However, his reappearance is not in the familiar lands of Helium, but within the dreaded Valley Dor, the supposed Martian afterlife from which no living being is meant to return. Here, Carter uncovers a shocking truth: the revered 'gods' of Mars are nothing more than a parasitic race of Therns and their monstrous servants, the Plant Men, who exploit and devour the unsuspecting pilgrims seeking eternal paradise. Trapped in this horrifying deception, Carter must navigate treacherous landscapes, battle formidable foes, and rally allies to expose the false deities. His ultimate goal is to rescue his beloved princess, Dejah Thoris, who has been held captive, and lead a grand rebellion to dismantle the oppressive religious system that has enslaved an entire world under a web of lies. This thrilling sequel to "A Princess of Mars" plunges Carter into a desperate fight for truth, love, and the liberation of Barsoom.

Reading ease score: 75.3 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.