The Gods of Mars

The Gods of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs (1913)

John Carter returns to Barsoom (Mars) and discovers that the planet's religion is a fraud maintained by a race of false gods who feed on the faithful. A thrilling sequel that demolishes organized religion with adventure-fiction panache.

Historical Significance:
Serialized in 1913, The Gods of Mars continues the Barsoom saga with Carter descending into the Valley Dor — Mars' promised paradise — only to find it a death trap. Burroughs' attack on religious hypocrisy was bold for 1913. The novel introduced Thuvia of Ptarth and expanded the Martian world with new races, landscapes, and political intrigue. The Barsoom series' influence on science fiction — from Flash Gordon to Star Wars to Avatar — makes these among the most consequential adventure novels ever written.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1913. Free to read and share.