The Chessmen of Mars

Synopsis

The Chessmen of Mars is part of the Barsoom series novels on Mars fiction written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, remembered for his planet fiction works and jungle adventure novels with his creations of Mars hero John Carter and Jungle hero Tarzan.

This novel focuses on Tara, Princess of Helium not getting attracted towards Prince Gahan of Gathol. Angered by her unwillingness, her craft has been stormed and she reaches an unfamiliar region. Kaldanes a horrific race with large heads and small legs capture Tara and imprisoned. Kaldanes can attach their head to a headless creature called Rykors and ride like a horse. Ghek one of the Kaldanes is impressed by Tara’s singing voice.

Meanwhile Gahan also reaches Kaldanes, by the same storm which brought Tara and captivated by Kaldanes. However he rescues Tara and flee along with Ghek. Tara could not identity Gahan now and he also hides his identity. All three reaches Manator, an isolated city and are captured by them. To escape they have to play a large Chess game in which game pieces would be living versions.

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