These were my thoughts after reading this volume:
In this book, John Carter finally manages to return to Mars and desperately seeks to be reunited with his beloved whom thinks him dead. Instead he uncovers secret cults that manipulate and exploit the superstitions and religious beliefs of the other races on Mars for their evil pleasures. Our illustrious protagonist once again rips through the established orders in Barsoom like a typhoon, swashbuckling and rescuing hapless maidens on the way.
Once again we are bombarded with ludicrous pseudo scientific ideas, probability defying coincidences and John Carters's puffed up sense of self-worth as he regales us with tales of his prowess. All in all it is quite humorous which I can only assume was intentional but it's hard to know for sure. In any case, don't take it seriously and you should enjoy it.
This was another breathtaking, relentless adventure that barely lets up for a minute. Individually they are not particularly long books but they are exhausting. There is very little time left for dilly dallying and we can only hold on to the edge of our seats as we follow John Carter with his seemingly boundless energy in the pursuit of his goals.
I have just started my 2nd read of this one, & it is even more exciting than the 1st volume! Actually, I just finished chapter 6. By the content of this story, I would say that Burroughs held a dim view of religion, as its refutation is featured prominently herein. Perhaps, I should say life after death is attacked.
