Not what I expected

I decided to listen to these stories because I enjoyed Disney John Carter. The books are always better than the movie usually. This was one time when that was not the case.

The first 3 books deal directly with John Carter. I found that it felt like John Carter forgot what he was capable of. The physic powers thing hard to accept and felt very weak. The ending of book one was pathetic. Especially since it was a main part of his big story in the middle. Then to just accept what was coming until the 11th hour. Does not fit his character or any rational being.

The next two are about his children. Which I enjoyed the different point of view. His daughters story was good except how it started and how it ended. I also feel the brief glossary section was unnecessary given he always explains everything again and again.

The other human who visits Mars story was really something else. I had a hard time agreeing with the idea he would become a doctor from his previous skills of being a soldier but minor thing. I think I enjoyed this story best.

The final story felt more like a couple of chapters from the middle of another novel.

In conclusion I think I might be overly critical of a book intended for younger readers. That there is some great characters and ideas here but probably will not be getting any more Barsoom books.

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Probably my 8th time

Having read these books growing up, and a big fan of them, as I’m listening to them a few things stood out: George Lucas was also a fan, as he clearly used some titles and ideas from these books. The movie could have been better had they actually stayed to just one book at a time, with the language updated to reflect modern thoughts and technology.
Regardless these books are still a great fantasy and nice fairy tales for adults.

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Huge fun, perfect reader

The best part of these uncomplicated stories is the telling of them, both by the irrepressibly florid yet brisk writing, and the masterful narration. I can't look at a passage of Barsoom anymore without hearing in my mind Vincent's insanely perfect reading. His judicious vocal contortions and the gentle edge of humor in his tone propel playful menace and headlong mirth across the whole epic span of these adventures.

Technically, the production is flawed. Textually, an intervening century of media evolution and genre deconstruction means not everyone will connect with these books the same way. For my part, that which hasn't remained timeless is just another treasure in the time capsule. I can't believe this only cost a credit.

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