Sunday, August 3, 2014

Edgar Rice Burroughs' "Carson of Venus" (novel, adventure, free): Hero helps win a war

Cover of Argosy magazine issue where the story originally began publishing - first of the 6 parts.This is #3 in author's Venus series. I've not read the earlier books, but it's pretty much an independent adventure. And very readable if you can keep plausibility aside.

Story summary.

Carson Napier, hero of the story, along with his ladylove Duare, is homeless & wanted in many jurisdictions on Venus. But he has an airplane he built that can stay up in the air without maintenance or refueling for 50 years! But he needs to land for food. The duo are seeking a home where they will be wanted.

They'll end up on a large island (Korva) with war going on - a common soldier has usurped power & has imprisoned the king. All of Korva has fallen except one holdout, the walled city of Sanara. The city is now under seize.

Carson will end up befriending the holdouts, & help them win the war by bombing enemy from his plane & by playing a spy in usurper's city.

Notes.

There is also an unrelated short story length adventure at the beginning of the novel - tribals kidnap Duare & Carson will rescue her.

Fact sheet.

First published: As a serial in 6 parts in Argosy, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, & Feb 5 & 12 issues, 1938.
Download full text from Project Gutenberg of Australia or Feedbooks.
Rating: A.
Nominated for Retro Hugo Awards 1939 in novel category.

3 comments:

Ashu said...

I love reading science fiction too. Good to have found your blog. First time here. :) I am sure I will find some good books to read.

Tinkoo said...

Thanks Ashu. You too seem to have an interesting blog.

Kerry said...

I love the Carson of Venus series, along with all things Edgar Rice Burroughs! I cut my teeth on his novels as a kid, and he's still a favorite author today. Thanks for sharing this!