Swords of Mars

Swords of Mars, part of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series, combines cloak-and-dagger intrigue with interplanetary adventure. John Carter, an Earthman now on Mars, takes the lead, fighting against the Guild of Assassins headed by Ur Jan. Carter infiltrates Zodanga, assuming the alias Vandor to dismantle the Guild. He becomes entangled in the rivalry between scientists Fal Sivas and Gar Nal, both developing spacecraft controlled by synthetic brains. The narrative escalates when Dejah Thoris, Carter's wife, is kidnapped, leading to a pursuit to the Martian moon, Thuria. On Thuria, all parties are captured by the Tarids, necessitating an uneasy alliance for escape. The story culminates with Carter's return to Mars, a heroic confrontation with Gar Nal, and a dramatic rescue of Dejah Thoris??.