The Mastermind of Mars

3.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews

Summary
Ulysses Paxton, near or perhaps post-death on Earth, finds his spirit soaring free to Mars, where he finds a home and occupation working with the planet's most advanced biological scientist - who earns his keep by supplying wealthy rulers with beautiful new bodies, whether their prior owners agreed to give them up or not.

Review
I have to admit that I had totally forgotten the plot of this book – perhaps because it only barely features John Carter and other familiar characters. This feels more of a spin-off than part of the central storyline. Perhaps because of that, its relatively familiar components didn't feel quite as fresh as they might. In fact, one of the highlights is Burroughs' social critique of religion, rather than mighty-thewed heroics.

There are, of course, mighty thews, white apes, and beautiful damsels in distress. The plot, fairly self-contained, deals with brain transfers and similar experiments – fair young bodies for the old and powerful. And of course our hero is involved in a noble quest (though he seems pretty ready to ignore some grey areas). The heroics of it all are fine, in fact. They're simply not very memorable.

What, as an adult, I found much more interested was Burroughs' willingness to satirize religious practices. There's an extensive passage in the book for just that purpose, and manipulation of believers forms a central plot mechanism. It fits well, and I enjoyed it, but it does feel a bit as if Burroughs saw an opportunity to speak out and turned it into a central theme.

All in all, an interesting but generally minor entry in the Barsoom ledger.