Summary
Ten years after mysteriously returning to Earth, John Carter finally makes his way back to Mars—only to find himself in the deadly Valley Dor, the supposed paradise that Barsoomians believe awaits them after death.
Instead, it’s a place of slavery, deception, and monstrous creatures, controlled by a corrupt theocracy.
Carter discovers that the Therns, self-proclaimed gods, exploit the religious beliefs of the Martian people, and that the Black Martians (First-Born) who live beneath the surface are the true puppet masters—posing as the gods of the gods.
Reuniting with his old ally Tars Tarkas of the Tharks and forming bonds with new characters, including the heroic Xodar (a high-ranking Black Martian turned ally), Carter fights to uncover the truth and expose the lies that keep Barsoom enslaved in blind faith.
But time is running out—his beloved Dejah Thoris is in danger, trapped in the forbidden Temple of the Sun with her enemies...
and the door will not open for a full Martian year.