Classic Pulp

A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just to be clear, I rate books by how much I enjoyed it (with a few special conditions sometimes) and not how "good" I think it is. So all those 1/5 and 2/5 reviews--I get it, but I don't see it that way.

I'll admit, when I first read most of this novel on my iPad, I think from project Gutenberg, I didn't like it that much.

This time, I bought a nice 5-novel omnibus hardcover, an actual book to hold in my hands. That's so much more fun to read from than ebook. And this time, I read it straight through with pleasure and look forward to the sequels.

As far as pulp fantasy or science fiction goes, this for me is right up there with the best. I keep trying to like Doc Savage, and kinda do. I attempt Flash Gordon, and don't see much to enjoy. I've tried other pulp series with similar success (Mack Bolan and the like). This is better.

In my opinion, of course.

I'm not interested in the flaws, so never mind about all that. I liked the story. I liked picturing the surface of Mars covered with ancient cities. I liked the mix of hand-to-hand weapons, guns, and flying ships--kinda like Star Wars, you know? I liked the hero winning over the beautiful woman, the loyal Woolla, the draft animals, the city of Helium, and the whole race of Tharks. That's fun.

Lots of action. Lots of movement. Lots of interesting settings. I liked it.

If you pick up this novel, set your expectations to "pulp." For my money, it works.

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