Title: A Princess of Mars
Author: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Genre: sci-fi
Book Number/Goal: 6/52
My Rating: 2/5
Notes: for Coursera Fantasy and Science Fiction course
Download: at Project Gutenberg


Review:
The main character, an ex-soldier digging for gold in Arisona, finds himself "magically" transported to Mars. He is captured by the natives and eventually integrates into the Martian society, becoming a distinguished warrior and a star of many adventures, spawning from what becomes the driving force of his life - falling in love with a beautiful princess.

This is a classic action thriller, with the background of a vicious conflict between two Martian races. One is the race of approximately humanoid warriors, cold and cruel but honorable in their own way; the other race closely resembles humans, not only in appearance but also in mentality and sophistication. Both reproduce by laying eggs.

There's plenty of interesting descriptions of the native society and culture. Unfortunately, for me it was the only worthwhile part of the story. The characters left me indifferent, and probably that's why the action, including the romance, was boring to the extent that at times I just skimmed it. The ending was exciting though, perhaps because it was intense and left unanswered questions.

Maybe it's a good book... but not for me.
Title: The Island of Doctor Moreau
Author: H. G. Wells
Genre: sci-fi
Book Number/Goal: 7/52
My Rating: 4/5
Notes: reread for Coursera Fantasy and Science Fiction course
Download: at Project Gutenberg

Review:
After being rescued from a shipwreck, the protagonist is stranded on a Pacific island owned by a scientist and his assistant, who perform horrifying experiments on animals - or on humans?

Dr. Moreau is an archetypal "mad scientist" who puts science above human ethics. Exiled from England, his career ruined when the public finds out what he's up to, he pursues the opportunity to continue his research in spite of all the setbacks, and achieves dramatic progress, although there's still a long way to perfect success. He is not concerned with his subjects' suffering, and is driven by curiosity, not by any "higher purpose", but his persistence, hardworking, creativity and intelligence make him a compelling character. His assistant is a simple-minded guy, caught by the circumstances and lacking Dr. Moreau's passion; even though going with the flow, he's somewhat kind-hearted and sympathetic.

The writing is vivid and includes plenty of foreshadowing; it creates tension and eerie atmosphere, but the mystery of the experiments can be guessed almost from the start. The scientific explanation is rather naive (the story was written in 1896). The descriptions are sometimes too overloaded with details.

Overall, a great story, even though unavoidably moralistic. I had read it a long time ago, but enjoyed rereading it.
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