The Master Mind of Mars

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Master Mind of Mars

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Injured by a shell in WWI, a soldier is transported to Mars, where he discovers the secret experiments of the Master Mind, Ras Thavas. This thrilling science fiction adventure explores body-swapping, Martian intrigue, and timeless questions of identity and ethics.

Summary up to 500 words

In Edgar Rice Burroughs' *The Master Mind of Mars*, Ulysses Paxton, a World War I soldier grievously wounded in the trenches, finds salvation through a desperate act of faith. Transported across the void to Barsoom, he awakens in the city of Toonol, only to discover he is not alone. He is accompanied by Gor Hajus, a notorious assassin presumed dead, and Vad Varo, a white-skinned Martian. Their guide is Ras Thavas, an eccentric scientist conducting controversial experiments in body-swapping and consciousness manipulation within his Tower of Thavas. The group quickly becomes entangled in the treacherous politics of the Red Planet. They face the wrath of Vobis Kan, the Jeddak of Toonol, and the chaotic rule of Xaxa, the tyrannical ruler of Phundahl. Through daring escapes and clever deceptions, the party uncovers the true nature of Ras Thavas's work, which threatens to destabilize Martian society. A pivotal moment occurs when Paxton and his companions execute a dramatic ruse in the temple of Phundahl. Utilizing Thavas's technology, they swap bodies, allowing Paxton to impersonate the god Tur while Gor Hajus assumes the form of the dying Xaxa. This illusion leads to Xaxa's death and the ascension of Gor Hajus's friend, Dar Tarus, to the throne. The narrative explores profound themes of destiny, the malleability of reality, and the moral implications of scientific advancement. Paxton's journey takes him from shadowy laboratories to grand courts, culminating in a resolution that restores order to Phundahl. The story concludes with a significant convergence of worlds: John Carter, the Warlord of Barsoom, arrives with a fleet from Helium to address the wrongs committed against Dar Tarus. Recognizing Paxton as a fellow Earthman, Carter facilitates the return of Valla Dia to her native city of Duhor. The tale ends with Paxton married to Valla Dia, living among the nobility of Helium, having bridged the gap between Earth and Mars and witnessing the future connection of the two worlds.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/edgar-rice-burroughs_master-mind-of-mars.epub

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data/epubs/url-de26e82a538b1215.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction
• Science Fiction