Spots 
Astok of Dusar attempts to force his affections upon Thuvia of Ptarth within the royal gardens. When Carthoris of Helium intervenes, physical violence breaks out between the rival princes. Thuvia steps in to defuse the immediate brawl through diplomatic guards. Her quick restraint prevents an instant declaration of war between two fragile planet-wide powers.
CHAPTER I. CARTHORIS AND THUVIA
A covert operative disguised as a palace servant manipulates foreign diplomatic channels to set a trap. Under cover of night, an unlighted flier descends into the palace grounds while patrol ships are lured away. The captors snatch Thuvia without raising an immediate alarm. Meanwhile, subtle evidence is planted to frame the prince of Helium for the crime.
CHAPTER II. SLAVERY
John Carter dispatches Carthoris to Ptarth to prove his innocence and offer aid. Before takeoff, a traitorous slave murders a guard and alters the internal mechanisms of the ship's directional compass. Carthoris sets his flight course and falls asleep, trusting the automatic controls. He awakens to find himself far off course, hovering over a desolate, long-dead city.
CHAPTER III. TREACHERY
Thuvia discovers her abductors have changed their insignia to match Helium harness, seeking to frame her defender. They land at the dead city of Aaanthor and leave her exposed in the central plaza as bait. Thar Ban, a giant green warrior of Torquas, stalks the ruins on his padded thoat. He spots the solitary princess and claims her as a prize of war.
CHAPTER IV. A GREEN MAN’S CAPTIVE
Carthoris tracks his target into dark underground tunnels populated by predatory banths. Relying on instincts and swordplay in absolute darkness, he evades charging beasts to reach the other side. He emerges into a hidden, lush valley filled with strange vegetation. There he finds a dead mount and Thuvia's blood-stained ornament, heightening his dread.
CHAPTER V. THE FAIR RACE
Carthoris and Thuvia approach the isolated, walled city of Lothar. When hungry carnivores advance from their violent feeding, Thuvia steps forward without a weapon. Using low melodious purrs and mental command, she subdues the monstrous beasts into gentle obedience. A fair-skinned watcher on the wall marvels at their survival and grants them an audience.
CHAPTER VI. THE JEDDAK OF LOTHAR
Tario, ruler of Lothar, confronts the visitors with deep skepticism regarding reality. When conflict starts, phantom bowmen materialize and shoot deadly arrows created entirely by mental suggestion. Opponents die because their minds accept the lethal impact as absolute truth. Jav explains that these bowmen are purely psychological constructs deployed to defend their dwindling population.
CHAPTER VII. THE PHANTOM BOWMEN
Tario uses concentrated mental power to force Thuvia into false affection and submission. As she catches a slip in his composure, her conscious willpower shatters the illusion. She defends herself with a hidden blade, severely wounding the ruler. The moment Tario loses consciousness, his conjured army of phantom guards vanishes completely into thin air.
CHAPTER VIII. THE HALL OF DOOM
Cast into a subterranean pit, the companions face Komal, the sacred cat-god of Lothar. Thuvia tames the creature instantly, proving its status as a standard beast rather than a deity. Escaping through the public arena, Jav projects a vivid mental vision of ancient Lothar's seafaring past. The historical illusion fades, allowing the group to slip through the city gates.
CHAPTER IX. THE BATTLE IN THE PLAIN
Carthoris searches the outskirts of Lothar after an illusion trick separates him from his companions. He meets Kar Komak, an archery commander created by Tario's long mental focus. Through constant visualization, Kar Komak has transitioned from a temporary projection into a permanent physical human being. Possessing real body and independent will, the former phantom joins Carthoris's quest.
CHAPTER X. KAR KOMAK, THE BOWMAN
Green warriors capture Carthoris at Aaanthor and chain him in absolute darkness beneath the ruins. A troop of primitive white apes raids the dungeons, snapping the chains and dragging him along with Kar Komak. The captives realize these apes wear crude leather straps in imitation of civilized warriors. Shared captivity creates an unexpected pause in the beasts' murderous instincts.
CHAPTER XI. GREEN MEN AND WHITE APES
Astok holds Thuvia prisoner in a secluded tower, attempting to compel her into marriage. His diplomatic lies successfully trick rival empires into declaring war on Helium. He realizes that revealing her presence now would expose his treason to his own father. Caught in his own elaborate trap, he hides his captive while war fleets mobilize.
CHAPTER XII. TO SAVE DUSAR
Carthoris adopts the alias Turjun, posing as a mercenary soldier for hire. He enlists under Vas Kor's command to infiltrate the enemy forces without revealing his royal heritage. Standing guard on a transport ship, he spots Prince Astok arriving for secret consultations. Operating undercover allows Carthoris to gather critical intelligence on the whereabouts of his kidnapped love.
CHAPTER XIII. TURJUN, THE PANTHAN
Vas Kor and Astok enter the tower room to execute Thuvia before discovery occurs. Carthoris bursts into the chamber, engaging both swordsmen in a fierce duel. Astok panics and flees through a hidden wall panel, abandoning his ally. Carthoris defeats Vas Kor, breaks the lock on the chamber door, and frees the princess from imminent death.
CHAPTER XIV. KULAN TITH’S SACRIFICE
The glossary defines the unique ecology, geography, and social structures of Barsoomian life. Titles like Jeddak, military ranks like Odwar, and beasts like the ten-legged calot build cultural depth. Measurements of time and distance give concrete structure to fantastical journeys across dead sea beds. Language framework turns imaginative pulp fiction into a cohesive, believable world.
A GLOSSARY OF NAMES AND TERMS USED IN THE MARTIAN BOOKS
Discover how political intrigue, illusion, and honor collide across the ruined cities of Barsoom.