"Chessmen of Mars" is another thrilling addition to Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom series. The story follows Tara, the princess of Helium, as she is captured and taken to the bustling city of Manator. With war games and deadly chess matches at every turn, Tara must navigate this treacherous city if she has any hope of escaping.

Burroughs does a fantastic job of world-building, bringing the planet of Barsoom to life with vivid descriptions and imaginative creatures. The action is fast-paced and exciting, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Tara is a strong and independent protagonist, making her a great role model for young readers.

While some may find the plot a bit predictable, the captivating storytelling and dynamic characters more than make up for it. Fans of science fiction and fantasy will enjoy this adventure-packed tale of daring escapes and unexpected alliances. Overall, "Chessmen of Mars" is a must-read for fans of the genre and a worthy addition to the Barsoom series.

Book Description:
In the fifth book in the Barsoom series, Tara of Helium, daughter of John Carter, becomes lost in an unknown area of Mars when her single-seat flier is caught in a rare Martian hurricane. She is first captured by the bizarre and hideous Kaldanes, then the brutal Manatorians, where she is the prize in a tournament of Martian chess, jetan, that is played by live game pieces, and to the death!