Thuvia, Maid of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Science Fiction, Classics

THUVIA, MAID OF MARS is the first Carter novel that does not feature John Carter as the central character -- he only makes a brief cameo appearance early on. Instead, the action mantle is taken up by Carthoris, Carter's son. Fortunately, though, Carthoris is every bit the swashbuckler that his father is. Princess Thuvia of Ptarth has been kidnapped by the vile Prince Astok of Dusar -- an abduction which nearly causes a world war on Barsoom. Young Carthoris, in his quest to free his beloved princess, runs across deserted cities, a forgotten kingdom, banths (10-legged Barsoomian lions), ethereal warriors, much swordplay, giant white apes, and on and on. . . . highly recommended.