The Outlaws of Mars

A very good follow up to The Swordsman of Mars. Here Richard Morgan, the brilliant scientist who initiated the events of that great novel, has figured out how to send his falsely disgraced soldier nephew Jerry Morgan bodily to Mars. Not an exchange of minds like before. Jerry Morgan lands straight in the middle of misunderstandings, political intrigue and lots of deadly action. This novel moves fast but very logically. The fighting is fierce and the women while very beautiful are far from demure, de-clawed and dumb. The supporting cast is wonderful if not fully as fleshed out as could be. This is a very fun planetary romance read

This short novel was apparently part of a feud between the author and Edgar Rice Burroughs in the 1930's. The story is very obviously a rip-off of Burroughs' John Carter of Mars stories. It even screams it at you on the covers, front and back. Nevertheless I thought it could be a very fun read - these planetary romances were enjoyable adventures to read when I was a teen and the best ones are still fun to read. This story started well but as far as I'm concerned quickly turned into old dishwater. Not terrible for what it is, just not very good and it literally put me to sleep.

I read a 1961 Ace paperback edition. It shows the original publication was 1933.

Jerry Morgan accepts his scientist uncle's offer to transport him to Mars for a series of thrilling adventures and exploits featuring terrible monsters, fantastic societies, and gorgeous princesses in the Edgar Rice Burroughs tradition.