Maybe I'm crazy, or maybe I have questionable tastes in literature, but even with the antiquated language I really enjoyed this book. Ned's language is sometimes tedious but if you pay attention to the details he paints a vivid picture of the new regions of the world of Barsoom. The "just in the nick of time" action can seem predictable, but even though you know something will save JC and DJ, you never know what it will be. And now on to Thuvia's story!