Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) Books in Order
Complete reading order for the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series.
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How to Read the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series
Best Read in Order
· Start with Book 1
Standalone stories, but characters and relationships develop across the series.
Publication order provides the best experience for the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series. Each book has a complete central plot with its own adventures and resolutions on Barsoom, yet John Carter’s personal journey, key relationships, and the broader state of the planet carry forward. Readers who begin with a later volume will miss the foundational events of John Carter’s arrival on Barsoom and his early exploits, along with the building emotional stakes that give later books their full impact.
About the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series
Series Premise
The Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series follows John Carter as he navigates the war-torn and dying world of Barsoom, fighting for survival and love while becoming a key figure in its conflicts. Across the books he explores different Martian cultures, battles ancient evils, and deals with the planet’s slow death as its atmosphere fades.
Main Characters
The series centers on John Carter, a brave and honorable Earthman who becomes a master swordsman on Barsoom. Key figures include his love interest Dejah Thoris, a red Martian princess, and various warriors and rulers from different Barsoomian races he encounters.
Setting
The stories take place on the dying planet Barsoom (Mars), featuring vast deserts, ancient cities, airships, and warring races of red, green, black, and yellow Martians.
Tone & Themes
The tone is adventurous and romantic with pulp-style action and wonder. Central themes include heroism and honor, love across cultures, exploration and discovery, and the fight for survival in a dying world.
Is This Series Worth Reading?
This series appeals to readers who enjoy classic planetary romance, swashbuckling sword fights, imaginative alien cultures, and early science fantasy adventures.
Content Warnings and Heat Level
Includes fantasy violence and peril; mild romantic elements. Suitable for teen and adult readers.
The Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series pioneered the planetary romance genre with its tales of adventure on a dying Mars. Reading the books in order lets John Carter’s legendary journey and the full scope of Barsoom unfold naturally.
FAQ
How many books are in the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series?
11 books
When will the next book in the series be released?
No new book is currently scheduled. The latest book, Llana of Gathol, was published in January 1948.
When was the most recent book released?
Llana of Gathol was published in January 1948.
What was the first book in the series?
The first book in the series is A Princess of Mars // Under the Moon of Mars, published in January 1912.
What genre is the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series?
The series primarily falls into the Science Fiction genre.
Do you need to read the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series in order?
It’s best to read the series in order. Each book has its own story, but ongoing character arcs and relationships develop across the series.
What is the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series about?
The Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series follows John Carter as he navigates the war-torn and dying world of Barsoom, fighting for survival and love while becoming a key figure in its conflicts. Across the books he explores different Martian cultures, battles ancient evils, and deals with the planet’s slow death as its atmosphere fades.
Is the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series finished?
The series does not currently have a new book scheduled.
Cover Art From the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series
Browse covers from the Martian Tales/John Carter (Barsoom) series.
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