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The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea
Everything Bea had ever known was a lie. Now she must find the courage to face the truth and save not only herself — but an entire planet.
At almost 15, late-bloomer Bea Parker has just discovered that her aunt, uncle and cousins—the only family she’s ever known—aren’t actually related to her and don’t know anything about her birth parents. A strange, high-tech device shows up in her room in the middle of the night with a note promising answers about her shadowed past. The only person she can turn to for help is Calvin, school genius—and total nerd. This alien technology leads Bea and Calvin on a heart-pounding adventure across lightyears leaving behind Earth, and everything she knows, to meet her destiny.
At almost 15, late-bloomer Bea Parker has just discovered that her aunt, uncle and cousins—the only family she’s ever known—aren’t actually related to her and don’t know anything about her birth parents. A strange, high-tech device shows up in her room in the middle of the night with a note promising answers about her shadowed past. The only person she can turn to for help is Calvin, school genius—and total nerd. This alien technology leads Bea and Calvin on a heart-pounding adventure across lightyears leaving behind Earth, and everything she knows, to meet her destiny.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2015
10 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Gransee Barker
1 book93 followersJeanne Gransee Barker is a West Coast fiction writer. She is the author of the science fiction, action-adventure The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea.
Jeanne has lived in a number of US cities, including Chicago, DC, and Charlotte, NC before calling Seattle home. She has been supporting her writing lifestyle as a graphic designer since graduating from North Carolina State University. While there, she studied with a number of wonderful southern writers.
She will try any creative endeavor to keep the muse entertained and the imagination coffers full. As a result characters often show up on her long walks with her dog, giving their two cents on the story’s next twist. She has no shortage of interesting protagonists pestering her to tell their tale.
Jeanne has lived in a number of US cities, including Chicago, DC, and Charlotte, NC before calling Seattle home. She has been supporting her writing lifestyle as a graphic designer since graduating from North Carolina State University. While there, she studied with a number of wonderful southern writers.
She will try any creative endeavor to keep the muse entertained and the imagination coffers full. As a result characters often show up on her long walks with her dog, giving their two cents on the story’s next twist. She has no shortage of interesting protagonists pestering her to tell their tale.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 19, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea reads very much like a middle grade adventure story. Most of the plot is completely illogical, kind of bubble-gum silly, and with a fluffy marshmallow at its heart. Kind of Hannah Montana the secret space princess. It's an easy read and unfortunately, that's about all I really liked about it as I had to keep from rolling my eyes often at the coincidences and logic holes. But undemanding readers or those who want something brainless can enjoy it as a little bit of harmless fun.Story: 15 year old Beatrice finds a strange cube on her bed - she starts to listen to it but is interrupted. A lot - she never gets to hear it through. She enlists her friend Calvin's help to find out what the message is about but they get interrupted often so she never learns that she is an intergalactic princess and about to go through a huge change. Not to mention that the bad guys need to get rid of her to ensure her bloodline dies. But she has help - a guardian in the form of a captain of her royal parents' guard and the smart guy next door. Both help guide her to the planet so she can assume the Queen mantle.
I had several problems with this book that kept me from enjoying the read. The first and main issue was that 50% or more of the story is the author finding ways to keep Beatrice from listening to the cube and learning that she is in danger. Interruptions from relatives, friends, schoolmates, teachers, etc. - you name it. And when there were enough of those, Beatrice decides it is too scary so she ignores it. Seriously - nearly 65% of the book is Beatrice on Earth avoiding finding out the important message.
Then, of course, she will decide to throw herself into the arms of the bad guys out to kill her - just so she doesn't get one of her friends hurt. Is that noble? Hardly since her friends have already proven they will happily kill themselves to save her. Even more illogical, she's never killed when she does this. And other than bloodline, there wasn't a lot of reason to be that loyal to her.
I really didn't like Beatrice. It seemed she was closer to 12 than 15 - there was a lot of whining, avoiding all responsibility, and making poor decision after poor decision so someone else had to save her. And let's face it, she does nothing in the book but mess up everything. Perhaps there is going to be character growth in later volumes but for this book, she's one of the most ineffectual and silly heroines I've read in awhile.
I'm going to rate this three stars because I think for a 12 year old, this would be fun. For me, it felt overwritten (spending half the book avoiding the message cube was a bit too much) and without any real danger or urgency. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
May 19, 2015
I enjoyed The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea (IAQB). Some people will go on about how books have to mean this or that; or you have to glean something. Sometimes we just want a fast, fun read. I consider IAQB to be a “bubblegum sci-fi” story. There aren’t deep ideas I needed to fathom. The author moves the protagonist from one goal to the next. The linear story doesn’t require rereading, you just keep reading until the end of the chapter.
Now, normally I only read for about two hours before bed. On the first night, I read for three. Each chapter ended in a cliffhanger, and the last sentence of each chapter demanded I swipe to the next to follow the adventure. I finished up the book after getting home from work, and like a few other books I’ve read lately, I found myself thinking about the story while I wasn’t reading it.
IAQB is a fun read, and I look forward to the sequel so I can turn off my brain and just read.
Now, normally I only read for about two hours before bed. On the first night, I read for three. Each chapter ended in a cliffhanger, and the last sentence of each chapter demanded I swipe to the next to follow the adventure. I finished up the book after getting home from work, and like a few other books I’ve read lately, I found myself thinking about the story while I wasn’t reading it.
IAQB is a fun read, and I look forward to the sequel so I can turn off my brain and just read.
May 2, 2015
I received this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m always on the lookout for sci-fi books that are heavy on the adventure and light on the hard science (aka, sci-fi books that hurt my head), so The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea was just right. A YA novel about a fourteen-year-old girl who discovers she’s a long-lost alien princess, the premise reminded me a little of Jupiter Ascending.
Bea is a normal, if awkward, teen girl with everyday teen girl worries–like being adopted–until she receives a mysterious message from Vaslow, the soldier who saved her life as a baby. Apparently, “Bayatrice” is the sole heir to the throne of planet Vedra, and her parents were kidnapped and possibly killed in a military coup. Now that she’s coming of age (puberty occurs in Vedrians all at once in a painful process called a patou on their fifteenth birthday), she’s needed in the fight to take back the planet from the new authoritarian Protectorate government.
I loved learning about the world of Vedra and the different social classes/races, which are distinguished by the markings on their skin. The reason Bea’s parents were better rulers than the Protectorate was fascinating–Vedra is a desert planet, and they were able to tune into the earth’s “life force” in a similar process to the one in Avatar to draw up water from deep in the ground. The Protectorate eliminated that power, instead commercializing water extraction and causing the population to go without water. Vedrian technology was also unique, particularly their communicators. The world was so different from the generic sci-fi worlds I’m used to, which was a nice change.
Unfortunately, it took quite a while for Bea to discover her heritage and travel to Vedra. Half of the book was spent waiting for her to finally have time after school to turn on the communicator and receive Vaslow’s message. Consequently, the ending felt rushed, probably because there wasn’t time to wrap up all the loose ends after the climax. And it’s a small thing, but I noticed random product placement throughout the beginning of the book, from Bea’s Mudd jeans to her Pink Pearl eraser.
While Bea is a fourteen/fifteen-year-old girl, and understandably scared to be on a different planet in the middle of a war, I grew increasingly frustrated with her frequent outbursts of tears. She fainted multiple times, and couldn’t seem to accept her situation until the book was almost over. I wished her personality had been a little tougher and more resilient, because it’s hard to root for a girl who starts sobbing at every little thing.
[slight spoiler] And then there’s the sudden romance between Bea and Calvin, the nerdy boy she enlists to help her figure out Vedrian technology. One second he was annoyed with her always getting him into trouble, and the next he was contemplating kissing her. The romance doesn’t unfold–it just pops into existence out of nowhere. And it was never acknowledged that after her patou, Bea is physically much older than Calvin, who still looks fifteen. It’s gotta be awkward as a fully grown woman to be kissing a teenager.
The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea was an enjoyable sci-fi YA to while away the time on the plane, but it wasn’t life-changing. I wished it had been more fast-paced and that the characters were more engaging, but it was a unique and engaging story. I liked watching Bea grow as a character and become the hero of her people. It definitely seemed like Barker was setting us up for a sequel in the future since some threads were never wrapped up, but it could go either way.
Check out this review and more on my book blog here.
I’m always on the lookout for sci-fi books that are heavy on the adventure and light on the hard science (aka, sci-fi books that hurt my head), so The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea was just right. A YA novel about a fourteen-year-old girl who discovers she’s a long-lost alien princess, the premise reminded me a little of Jupiter Ascending.
Bea is a normal, if awkward, teen girl with everyday teen girl worries–like being adopted–until she receives a mysterious message from Vaslow, the soldier who saved her life as a baby. Apparently, “Bayatrice” is the sole heir to the throne of planet Vedra, and her parents were kidnapped and possibly killed in a military coup. Now that she’s coming of age (puberty occurs in Vedrians all at once in a painful process called a patou on their fifteenth birthday), she’s needed in the fight to take back the planet from the new authoritarian Protectorate government.
I loved learning about the world of Vedra and the different social classes/races, which are distinguished by the markings on their skin. The reason Bea’s parents were better rulers than the Protectorate was fascinating–Vedra is a desert planet, and they were able to tune into the earth’s “life force” in a similar process to the one in Avatar to draw up water from deep in the ground. The Protectorate eliminated that power, instead commercializing water extraction and causing the population to go without water. Vedrian technology was also unique, particularly their communicators. The world was so different from the generic sci-fi worlds I’m used to, which was a nice change.
Unfortunately, it took quite a while for Bea to discover her heritage and travel to Vedra. Half of the book was spent waiting for her to finally have time after school to turn on the communicator and receive Vaslow’s message. Consequently, the ending felt rushed, probably because there wasn’t time to wrap up all the loose ends after the climax. And it’s a small thing, but I noticed random product placement throughout the beginning of the book, from Bea’s Mudd jeans to her Pink Pearl eraser.
While Bea is a fourteen/fifteen-year-old girl, and understandably scared to be on a different planet in the middle of a war, I grew increasingly frustrated with her frequent outbursts of tears. She fainted multiple times, and couldn’t seem to accept her situation until the book was almost over. I wished her personality had been a little tougher and more resilient, because it’s hard to root for a girl who starts sobbing at every little thing.
[slight spoiler] And then there’s the sudden romance between Bea and Calvin, the nerdy boy she enlists to help her figure out Vedrian technology. One second he was annoyed with her always getting him into trouble, and the next he was contemplating kissing her. The romance doesn’t unfold–it just pops into existence out of nowhere. And it was never acknowledged that after her patou, Bea is physically much older than Calvin, who still looks fifteen. It’s gotta be awkward as a fully grown woman to be kissing a teenager.
The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea was an enjoyable sci-fi YA to while away the time on the plane, but it wasn’t life-changing. I wished it had been more fast-paced and that the characters were more engaging, but it was a unique and engaging story. I liked watching Bea grow as a character and become the hero of her people. It definitely seemed like Barker was setting us up for a sequel in the future since some threads were never wrapped up, but it could go either way.
Check out this review and more on my book blog here.
February 23, 2015
In ‘The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea’ we meet fourteen year old Bea Parker. Bea is having a hard time lately. Bea just discovered that the family she lived with her whole life – her aunt and uncle and her cousins - aren’t really her family at all. Now Bea isn’t only struggling with being a late- bloomer but also with trying to find out more about where she came from.
One evening Bea finds a strange device that changes her life forever. Not knowing what to do with the device, she asks Calvin , genius and nerd, to help her out. Soon Bea and Calvin find themselves in great danger and discover a world they never knew existed.
‘The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea’ was definitely a book that was filled with mystery and adventures. From the moment I started reading about Bea I felt myself connect with her. Bea doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere and she just feels kind of awkward (who haven’t felt like that before??). I really enjoyed reading about Bea and her family. Bea lived in a house filled with love but after she found out she wasn’t really related to her family, she just felt different and tried to sort out her many different feelings. This journey was very nice to read.
Although the beginning was a little slow, I really liked this book. I liked the main character Bea and I loved the way the author was able to describe a different world. It was definitely fun to read the chapters from Bea’s point of view, and those of Vaslow’s, Bea’s guardian from on another world, point of view. The story was intriguing and kept you hooked.
I also really loved Calvin. In the beginning he was just a little strange and nerdy, but soon he became this great friend to Bea and I really enjoyed reading about him.
If your into sci-fi and fantasy this is definitely a book you should check out. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
One evening Bea finds a strange device that changes her life forever. Not knowing what to do with the device, she asks Calvin , genius and nerd, to help her out. Soon Bea and Calvin find themselves in great danger and discover a world they never knew existed.
‘The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea’ was definitely a book that was filled with mystery and adventures. From the moment I started reading about Bea I felt myself connect with her. Bea doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere and she just feels kind of awkward (who haven’t felt like that before??). I really enjoyed reading about Bea and her family. Bea lived in a house filled with love but after she found out she wasn’t really related to her family, she just felt different and tried to sort out her many different feelings. This journey was very nice to read.
Although the beginning was a little slow, I really liked this book. I liked the main character Bea and I loved the way the author was able to describe a different world. It was definitely fun to read the chapters from Bea’s point of view, and those of Vaslow’s, Bea’s guardian from on another world, point of view. The story was intriguing and kept you hooked.
I also really loved Calvin. In the beginning he was just a little strange and nerdy, but soon he became this great friend to Bea and I really enjoyed reading about him.
If your into sci-fi and fantasy this is definitely a book you should check out. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
February 20, 2015
What I liked: While I'm normally leery of sci-fi as it's not my kinda of reading (some of it can be pretty heavy-handed and I'm not all that great with science) I found this book to be engaging and fun. I really liked Bea, she was just an average girl who felt out of place in the place she called home, and that had more to do with her family than anything. As the story progresses she grows exponentially, becoming stronger and more determined to do what she can. Vaslow was also a fun character and while a bit different from what I was expecting he was a character I enjoyed following when we did. He has a sense of honor and duty to what he believes and does whatever he can to protect Bea, even if he doesn't always want to. Calvin was a character I wasn't totally expecting to enjoy but ended up loving. Even though he has a sort of "geeky boy" vibe to him I found him really enjoyable and not over the top with that aspect because there was more to him than meets the eye!
What I didn't like: There were a few parts that were rushed that I wish had been more drawn out than they were, it would have given it a better feel to those moments. While they were no less engaging, I just thought that it being more fleshed out in those parts would have made it more engaging.
Overall Review: I think the only think I wish about this book is if it hadn't gone so fast! I sat down, intending to read just a few chapters before doing something and then coming back to it but I ended up getting caught up in the story so that when I reached the end I was completely surprised that I read it in one sitting! It was very engaging to me and I loved seeing how Bea lived from day to day before being dragged into space to face her fate, and seeing her grow as a character as the story moved on.
Recommend?: Very much so! I hope those who like fun, sci-fi adventures enjoy this because I really liked it!
What I didn't like: There were a few parts that were rushed that I wish had been more drawn out than they were, it would have given it a better feel to those moments. While they were no less engaging, I just thought that it being more fleshed out in those parts would have made it more engaging.
Overall Review: I think the only think I wish about this book is if it hadn't gone so fast! I sat down, intending to read just a few chapters before doing something and then coming back to it but I ended up getting caught up in the story so that when I reached the end I was completely surprised that I read it in one sitting! It was very engaging to me and I loved seeing how Bea lived from day to day before being dragged into space to face her fate, and seeing her grow as a character as the story moved on.
Recommend?: Very much so! I hope those who like fun, sci-fi adventures enjoy this because I really liked it!
February 15, 2015
I have been trying to diversify my reading materials, so when I saw The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea, and the fact that the main character was a redhead, I thought I would have to give it a try!
Likes:
Bea was your normal, self-conscious teenager. She felt out of place and like she didn't belong. I think that most of us have felt that way at one point or another, so it is easy to relate.
I really enjoyed Calvin. He was that geeky boy that had a bit of an edge. I think that he was my favorite part of this book.
The theme of the book was a classic coming of age, but in a different and unusual setting. The unique world building created an interesting storyline.
Gripes:
As far as I can tell, the book is a standalone. There does seem to be a lot more to the story and it was a bit rushed at the end. I am assuming that the author may continue with the series depending on how well the first book does.
There were just some parts of the book that I wish was more flushed out. The book sometimes felt like it needed a little more meat on its bones.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
Likes:
Bea was your normal, self-conscious teenager. She felt out of place and like she didn't belong. I think that most of us have felt that way at one point or another, so it is easy to relate.
I really enjoyed Calvin. He was that geeky boy that had a bit of an edge. I think that he was my favorite part of this book.
The theme of the book was a classic coming of age, but in a different and unusual setting. The unique world building created an interesting storyline.
Gripes:
As far as I can tell, the book is a standalone. There does seem to be a lot more to the story and it was a bit rushed at the end. I am assuming that the author may continue with the series depending on how well the first book does.
There were just some parts of the book that I wish was more flushed out. The book sometimes felt like it needed a little more meat on its bones.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
June 25, 2015
The book started out with the story of a somewhat normal teenager who was increasingly getting conscious of her surroundings. Major changes happened from the time she discovered the truth about her family. As if it was just a coincidence somewhat put a clue as to what would lead her to find the truth about her parents and would lead to an awesome adventure beyond her wildest imagination.
I started reading this book as part of my effort to diversify what I am reading in terms of subject. I find this book really fun to read. Although not a perfect one, it was was able to get hold of my attention long enough for me to finish it in one sitting.
Moreover, I wish that the author could delve more on some parts of the story that would keep me guessing what will happen next. I understand that this is nor a mystery novel but a little bit of excitement every now and then; and unexpected twist in some parts will really help in making the adventure more amazing.
I started reading this book as part of my effort to diversify what I am reading in terms of subject. I find this book really fun to read. Although not a perfect one, it was was able to get hold of my attention long enough for me to finish it in one sitting.
Moreover, I wish that the author could delve more on some parts of the story that would keep me guessing what will happen next. I understand that this is nor a mystery novel but a little bit of excitement every now and then; and unexpected twist in some parts will really help in making the adventure more amazing.
April 9, 2015
Too often in the urban fantasy genre, the ‘discovery of real identity’ trope is concluded too easily; often, within a few chapters, the protagonist has shrugged, accepted their lot and gone off to fight the bad guys. Thankfully, in the wonderful ‘The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea’ we’re treated to a realistic portrayal of out-and-out denial about the main character’s situation, and it’s a refreshing joy.
‘The Intergalactic Adventures Of Queen Bea’ is the first in a series, and although it doesn’t end on a complete cliffhanger, there’s certainly enough left unresolved to warrant more books, and I’m really excited to see what happens next.
Full review here: http://ifthesebookscouldtalk.com/2015...
‘The Intergalactic Adventures Of Queen Bea’ is the first in a series, and although it doesn’t end on a complete cliffhanger, there’s certainly enough left unresolved to warrant more books, and I’m really excited to see what happens next.
Full review here: http://ifthesebookscouldtalk.com/2015...
June 17, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
So......this was a DNF book. I felt soooo bad but I don't know. I just couldn't get into it. By the middle of the book which is where I stopped nothing really has happened. Bea was annoying and took most of the time just trying to figure out what to do with that stupid box and even then nothing really happened. The other POV was good but it was just sooooooo slow. I couldn't connect with Bea at all and I think that's why it went downhill and the slow pace. It sounded like such a great book but the slow pace and the character of annoying, woe is me Bea didn't quite make me want to finish the book. Again, sorry!
So......this was a DNF book. I felt soooo bad but I don't know. I just couldn't get into it. By the middle of the book which is where I stopped nothing really has happened. Bea was annoying and took most of the time just trying to figure out what to do with that stupid box and even then nothing really happened. The other POV was good but it was just sooooooo slow. I couldn't connect with Bea at all and I think that's why it went downhill and the slow pace. It sounded like such a great book but the slow pace and the character of annoying, woe is me Bea didn't quite make me want to finish the book. Again, sorry!
October 29, 2015
This book was AWESOME!
Bea is this 15 year old girl who found out she was adopted. Her aunt and uncle won't tell her about her birth parents. Then one night she finds this device that holds the answer to her past. What she doesn't expect is what comes next!
Finding out she isn't from this world and that she has a destiny, while literally transforming!
You want scifi? Action? Then look no further!
I am definitely going to buy this book and continue the series!
I highly recommend this book!! MUST Read! I loved it
Bea is this 15 year old girl who found out she was adopted. Her aunt and uncle won't tell her about her birth parents. Then one night she finds this device that holds the answer to her past. What she doesn't expect is what comes next!
Finding out she isn't from this world and that she has a destiny, while literally transforming!
You want scifi? Action? Then look no further!
I am definitely going to buy this book and continue the series!
I highly recommend this book!! MUST Read! I loved it
May 16, 2015
Main character as very frustrating for 2/3s of the novel, then suddenly became radically improved. Also, the "love subplot" was weak, with no visible attraction between the two for most of the book (he thought she was some sort of weird freak and only interested in her for her nifty alien tech-gear) and suddenly they're all but inseperable? I mean, WTF? Then again, it could have been more the alien tech-gear that kept him interested.
Disclaimer: received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2015
Jeanne Gransee Barker has put a new twist on a coming of age story in The Intergalactic Adventures of Queen Bea. While this is a young adult novel, this well written tale will be appealing to anyone who enjoys a good story! Bea is joined on her journey by her unwilling science partner, Calvin, and a friendship is formed. The story balances science fiction with real life experiences so its appeal is not limited to one genre. I was hooked from page one! Great job!
May 8, 2015
Interesting characters, new take on the whole "young girl finds out she's royalty" story line. Bea is definitely not perfect and doesn't always make the best decisions but she always tries to do what's best and isn't afraid to face the consequences of her decisions. I found the ending particularly interesting for it's lack of violence. A lot of action and suspense, just enough romance; in all, a good beginning to a series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher
July 25, 2017
Very slow to get started, but when it got rolling, a very engrossing read. I hope additional material in the series will expand on the themes because there seems to be rather a lot missing from this volume.
Detailed Review Here
Detailed Review Here
March 15, 2015
Good read
Enjoyed the book, looking forward to further adventures with Queen Bea and maybe boyfriend Calvin. Showed what the mixed up hormones of a teenager with a double whammy on her and how she handles it.
Enjoyed the book, looking forward to further adventures with Queen Bea and maybe boyfriend Calvin. Showed what the mixed up hormones of a teenager with a double whammy on her and how she handles it.
July 14, 2015
I enjoyed the book. I will definitely get the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews