JOH NA: THE SHADOW-LORD OF MARS (The Death of Barsoom Book 2)

“Joh Na: the Shadow-Lord of Mars” is the second book in the “Death of Barsoom” series, inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic Mars series starring John Carter. In this novella, the protagonist from the first book -- James Powell -- is a secondary player. He has led his rebellion against the Red leadership of Barsoom down to the city gates of Hyrkoon. When the King of Hyrkoon is mortally wounded in battle, he fears that, upon his death, the city’s morale will be so weakened that it will be conquered by Powell’s army. The King instructs his bodyguard to find a man who resembles him enough to pose as the ruler, thus preserving the people’s faith in their leadership. A suitable imposter is found: Joh Na, an uneducated, petty thief and criminal. The King succumbs to his injuries, and Joh Na takes over. When Powell’s attacks begin, Joh Na must defend the city while navigating the duplicities and maneuverings of its aristocracy. The former thief must become a hero and save the city from the jaws of defeat while uncovering a conspiracy that controls the fate of the entire planet.