The Monster Men
📘 About This Book
They called him Number Thirteen, the latest and best of Dr. Von Horn's attempts to make life from lifeless chemicals. He found himself an almost-human on Von Horn's hideaway jungle island off the coast of Borneo. He saw the monsters that had preceded him and grew used to those dreadful travesties of humanity. Not until Number Thirteen met the American girl who was Von Horn's unwilling prisoner did he realize how different he was from the others. Because, monster or not, he turned against his master and threw in his lot with the girl and his friends in their desperate effort to escape the island of terror. The story of THE MONSTER MEN is an Edgar Rice Burroughs novel of savages, primitive monsters and jungles in the best Tarzan style.
📖 Summary
The Monster Men by Edgar Rice Burroughs delivers a thrilling plunge into pulp fiction adventure, blending science fiction and exotic jungle survival in the classic Tarzan style. Originally published and later brought to modern readers in 2012, this 140-page novel transports readers to a remote hideaway island off the coast of Borneo. Here, the mad scientist Dr. Von Horn conducts gruesome and ambitious experiments, attempting to create artificial life from lifeless chemicals. The narrative centers on Number Thirteen, the latest, most advanced, and arguably most human creation resulting from Von Horn's sinister laboratory endeavors. Waking up in this isolated jungle domain, Number Thirteen must navigate a terrifying environment populated by the grotesque failures and dreadful travesties of humanity that preceded him. He becomes entirely accustomed to these monstrous predecessors, accepting his strange existence until a pivotal encounter changes his perspective forever. That turning point arrives when Number Thirteen crosses paths with an American girl who is being held captive by the cruel Dr. Von Horn against her will. Seeing this innocent outsider makes the artificial man realize the profound gap between himself and the other hideous creatures on the island. Despite his synthetic origins and the horrifying implications of being manufactured rather than born, Number Thirteen discovers a noble conscience beating within his almost-human chest. Driven by a newfound sense of morality and compassion, he rebels against his creator, turning decisively against Dr. Von Horn. Number Thirteen courageously throws in his lot with the captive American girl and her companions, joining them in a desperate, high-stakes effort to escape the island of terror. Burroughs expertly weaves a fast-paced tale filled with primitive monsters, merciless savages, and the dense, perilous jungles of Borneo. Fans of classic adventure fiction will find all the trademark elements of the author's legendary storytelling style present in this gripping narrative of identity, rebellion, and survival against insurmountable odds.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Fast-paced and exciting plot in the classic Tarzan style
Engaging exploration of artificial creation and humanity
Atmospheric jungle and island setting
Compelling narrative of rebellion against a cruel master
⚠️ Cons
Short page count may leave readers wanting more depth
Relies heavily on classic pulp fiction tropes
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of The Monster Men? +
The book was written by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
When was this edition of the book published? +
This edition was published in 2012.
How many pages long is the book? +
The book spans 140 pages.
What is the name of the main character? +
The main character is known as Number Thirteen, an artificial creation of Dr. Von Horn.
Where does the story take place? +
The story is set on Dr. Von Horn's hideaway jungle island off the coast of Borneo.
