Carson of Venus

PRAISE FOR MATT BETTS

“it’s impossible to say this too strongly: this steampunk-horror-historical-thriller crossbreed is an amazing book. word of mouth could turn this from an under-the-radar debut novel from a little-known imprint into a genre-busting cult classic. get on board now.” —david pitt, Booklist on Odd Men Out (starred review)

“the stakes are high and the action and surprises are nonstop as betts skillfully mixes elements of steampunk, alternate history, science fiction, and horror.” —Publishers Weekly on Odd Men Out

“a compelling story line, light humor, and a steampunk vibe make this an interesting and fun read.” ­—Library Journal on Odd Men Out

“dark, imaginative, and thrilling, indelible ink is part urban fantasy, part crime novel, and completely enthralling. a first-rate adventure from the ever-reliable pen of matt betts.” —tim waggoner, author of Dream Stalkers, on Indelible Ink

PRAISE FOR CHRISTOPHER PAUL CAREY

"carey's experience allows him to mimic [edgar rice burroughs'] style so closely you almost wonder if the story came from some dusty vault in tarzana, california... if you are an erb fan like me, this book will easily transport you back to your youth." —andy nunez, Ares Magazine on Swords Against the Moon Men

"i've stated in a previous review that i regard christopher paul carey as the best heroic fantasy author currently working and i see no reason here to change that opinion." —dave brzeski, the british fantasy society on Swords Against the Moon Men

“[The Song of Kwasin] possesses and organic, unified feel, and a high level of storytelling craft. The legacy of the Khokarsa cycle is continued in honorable and entertaining fashion.” —Paul Di Filippo, Locus Online on The Song of Kwasin

“Gods Of Opar: Tales Of Lost Khokarsa is pulp fantasy in the best sense of the words… Christopher Paul Carey was obviously the right choice for finishing Farmer’s outline and writing the third novel… A must read for every fan of pulp literature and for all readers interested in fantasy with a slight twist.” —SFcrowsnest on Gods of Opar: Tales of Lost Khokarsa

Matt Betts is the author of such science fiction novels as the critically recognized adventure Odd Men Out and its sequel Red Gear Nine, the urban fantasy Indelible Ink, the giant monster vs. giant robot book The Shadow beneath the Waves, and the cryptid horror tale White Anvil: Sasquatch Onslaught. He is also an accomplished speculative poet, and lives in Ohio with his wife and children. Christopher Paul Carey is the author of several books, including Swords Against the Moon Men-an authorized sequel to Edgar Rice Burroughs' The Moon Maid-and the forthcoming ERB Universe novel Victory Harben: Fires of Halos. He has also scripted comic books featuring Burroughs' characters such as Tarzan, Dejah Thoris, and Carson of Venus. He is Director of Publishing at Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., and the creative director of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Universe series. The creator of the immortal characters Tarzan of the Apes, John Carter of Mars, and Carson of Venus, Edgar Rice Burroughs is one of the world's most popular authors. Mr. Burroughs' timeless tales of heroes and heroines transport readers from the jungles of Africa and the dead sea bottoms of Barsoom to the miles-high forests of Amtor and the savage inner world of Pellucidar, and even to alien civilizations beyond the farthest star. Mr. Burroughs' books are estimated to have sold hundreds of millions of copies, and they have spawned 60 films and 250 television episodes.

foreword: an unexpected visitor xiii

map of amtor xviii

1. an ethereal vision 1

2. pursuit 17

3. people of the clouds 21

4. attacked! 31

5. a lantar of the sea 40

6. spectral visitors 46

7. into the tunnels 57

8. entangled 71

9. cave of mystery 82

10. the samary 96

11. swords from the sky 106

12. forest fight 123

13. end of the line 134

14. a village in amber 152

15. exhibit of death 159

16. truth and lies 167

17. torpedo or bust 180

18. battle in the air 191

epilogue: into the unknown 203

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Bonus ERB Universe Novelette:

pellucidar: dark of the sun

by christopher paul carey 215

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about the authors 247

edgar rice burroughs:

master of adventure 248

about edgar rice burroughs, inc. 249