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The Skatia Narratives #1
Half Breed Queen
Devastating tragedy puts 14-year-old high school freshman Marla Owens, on a fast-paced journey of survival, revival and coming of age. Driven by a force she can't begin to understand and a burning need to find out the truth, she heads toward her mother's home in North Dakota. She soon learns more about herself and her family than she could have ever imagined — her mother was royal heir to the powerful Skatian throne! And now the Skatian people need her to protect their world from those who wish to conquer it.
In a classic tale of good versus evil, set on Earth and beyond, a young girl fights to survive to become a young woman—and the reluctant queen of Skatia. Who can she trust? Will she be able to control her own immense abilities and justified anger to do what's right? One thing's for sure: Marla's not in Texas anymore!
In a classic tale of good versus evil, set on Earth and beyond, a young girl fights to survive to become a young woman—and the reluctant queen of Skatia. Who can she trust? Will she be able to control her own immense abilities and justified anger to do what's right? One thing's for sure: Marla's not in Texas anymore!
322 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2015
8 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Hendricks
4 books110 followersLA Hendricks is an IT project manager by day and science fiction/fantasy novelist by night. A longtime lover of words, she reads science fiction, fantasy and paranormal romance novels regularly (when there is time). When not reading, writing or working, LA can most often be found watching football or basketball with her adorable cat, Mona.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 18, 2015
Life is complicated. Especially if you are a Half-Breed whose parents are killed and the list of suspects are longer than the lines at Disney World. Wait Half-Breed? Yeah that's right our protagonist is a half human half alien but all teenager. And if you give a teenager who is already experiencing teenage angst the power to destroy worlds and you have a combustible issue on your hands to say the least. But Marla better work to maintain a cool head because she is in the middle of a power struggle that could decide the fate of an entire race. So forget about prom because there are worlds to be saved!
I liked this book. I however would have liked more world-building. World building is one of the most attractive features in Science Fiction writing and Science Fiction writers really need to be vested in that aspect of it. And also outside of the main character there wasn't much development around any of the supporting characters or any villains. Heroes are only as strong as their adversaries and all of Marla's adversaries although manipulative were weak and sniveling leaving the book a bit unbalanced. But these are minor points. The hero's journey and arc are engaging and as is her feeling of only wanting to be left-alone and just be an ordinary teenager. The writer has done a good job of laying the groundwork for future books and I for one will be looking forward to them.
I liked this book. I however would have liked more world-building. World building is one of the most attractive features in Science Fiction writing and Science Fiction writers really need to be vested in that aspect of it. And also outside of the main character there wasn't much development around any of the supporting characters or any villains. Heroes are only as strong as their adversaries and all of Marla's adversaries although manipulative were weak and sniveling leaving the book a bit unbalanced. But these are minor points. The hero's journey and arc are engaging and as is her feeling of only wanting to be left-alone and just be an ordinary teenager. The writer has done a good job of laying the groundwork for future books and I for one will be looking forward to them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2015
I had difficulty with the pacing. There were time jumps that seemed to have no purpose and felt like there were things missing. There were proofing errors that also confused me - inconsistent town name and grammatical errors. In some parts, it was hard to tell if they were just errors or intended to be dialectic differences. The story felt predictable in where it was headed; the question was more "how will we get there?" The book felt as if it had 2 endings. The first was a natural conclusion; the second appeared to setup the next book. However, the second was rushed and felt unneccesary as an "ending". I think it would have been better as the beginning of the next book. I would have preferred more explanation of how Skatia and Earth are connected to flesh things out a little more. At one point, it's stated that Skatians are just visitors/observers that have no connection to humans. Later, it's stated that there is some relation between the two races. Overall, I liked this coming of age story. I look forward to picking up the next book and hope it's able to overcome the issues of the first.
May 10, 2015
Very different from what I have been reading recently, so this was a breath of fresh air! Sci-fi/fantasy lovers will enjoy the premise this author has woven for us. It's an interesting word she has created, far from perfect, which makes it very believable to me. The characters are awesome! Well written and well defined, Marla is your typical teenager at the beginning of the book, and you can see throughout the changes she is forced to go through that she is still a teenager in many ways. She is forced to grow up before her time, forced to take on huge responsibilities and major changes in her life. She doesn't just transform overnight into a perfect heroine, you get to see her growing pains as the story progresses. You are rooting for her from the start.
A little bit of romance thrown in here, but nothing any age reader shouldn't be allowed to see. Young adults should enjoy it for sure! There is some violence, here, however. Not horribly graphic, though.
As an independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock, I give this a full five fangs.. I can't wait to dig deeper into Marla's new world and see what adventures are still in store for her!
A little bit of romance thrown in here, but nothing any age reader shouldn't be allowed to see. Young adults should enjoy it for sure! There is some violence, here, however. Not horribly graphic, though.
As an independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock, I give this a full five fangs.. I can't wait to dig deeper into Marla's new world and see what adventures are still in store for her!
March 31, 2015
I was gifted this book, Half Breed Queen by L.A. Hendricks for an honest review. I really enjoyed it. Meet Marla Marie Owens,(Marlaveenia, daughter of Queen Andellalyn and granddaughter of King Kauridovia) a seemingly normal 14 year old, but her life is about to be turned upside down. Her parents have kept hidden the true nature of what Andilyn (Marla's mom) is and where she came from. When her parent's are killed by "the hunters", Marla sets off on the run to Edgemeadow, North Dakota to find the sheriff and tell him who she is. As she searches for the truth behind her parent's deaths, she embarks on a journey that has her meeting people called Skatians, Tenge and Verishe and then finding out she is not only the first human-Skatic with amazing abilities but is now being sought to take over as the new queen, her so called birthright. Marla, the sheriff, Rhisiart, Heilyn and Madoc are in for a wild adventure.
A great read for teens who want to read some paranormal mixed in with real life. Well written and I found myself truely enjoying it.
A great read for teens who want to read some paranormal mixed in with real life. Well written and I found myself truely enjoying it.
April 1, 2015
What happens when all you want to do is go to fair with your friends but your mom reminds you that you always go the 1st night with your dad and you return home to the unspeakable? For Marla it means leaving all that you know to travel to place you never heard of and coming to terms with who you really are. This is Marla's story of learning that she's now the Queen of a place she never heard of and don't forget what changes happen to her especially when she gets angry. This story held my attention and I didn't want to put it down until it was done. The characters are strong and so is the story and I want to know what happens next!!! I highly recommend it. I received this book as a gift for an honest review.
June 9, 2016
I bought this book back at the Book Con in Chicago a couple months back, and I gotta say that this book did not disappoint me. It is really refreshing to see a different kind of young adult fiction story with aliens involved and the protagonist of the story really knows how to deal with her enemies when they rub her the wrong way. Now I will dive into the sequel and see what it has in stored.
May 1, 2015
Quick paced YA novel that has otherworldly origins. Enjoyable story line and plot. Looking forward to the next novel in the series.
June 16, 2015
Great start to a series! Definitely looking forward to the next installment of The Skatia Narratives. Full review to come.
August 19, 2020
I felt that this was a great start to the beginning of the series, though my only complaints are the time jumps, and the dialogue. The book starts with Marla as a 14 year old girl and then 3/4 of the way through, she jumps to being 17. And the dialogue at times seemed too formal in odd areas that didn't really call for it like it should in other areas. The story itself though, is a great start becaus it was unique in its world building and backstory to what was going on. I also liked that throughout the book you were able to get tidbits of what ALL the characters were feeling and what they thought. Overall I enjoyed it, and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 2, 2019
Awesome Read
I never would have read a book like this but I met this author at the DC Awesome Com. I’m glad I stopped by her booth and made a purchase. This book kept my interest and I can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
I never would have read a book like this but I met this author at the DC Awesome Com. I’m glad I stopped by her booth and made a purchase. This book kept my interest and I can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
September 26, 2021
The story line isn’t like what I’ve seen before. I enjoyed the book but at times it was a little slow paced.
October 17, 2019
Spellbinding 41/2 Stars
Captivating storyline from beginning to end. Intriguing, suspenseful, tragic, exciting and very well written. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment of this story and highly recommend.
Captivating storyline from beginning to end. Intriguing, suspenseful, tragic, exciting and very well written. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment of this story and highly recommend.
May 2, 2016
Originally posted here on my blog.
I really liked this book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys, fast-paced sci-fi stories with elements of action and humor. I’m sure I am not the only one who does this, but I usually write review notes, questions or marks in the margins of the books I read with a pencil on pages I would like to come back to or even reference.
And while I was perusing back through the book, I noticed that most of my notes for nearly half the book were either: “Wow!” “No way!” “That’s so cool” or “OMG.”
The author does a great job keeping the narrative moving while simultaneously keeping the reader and (Marla) in the dark about where the story was going to go next.
I was lucky enough to have received my copy of Half-Breed Queen from the author herself and with it, I was given a book post card with the main character on it next two what I thought was meant to be the creature that (spoiler alert) killed her parents.
Funny enough, I should it to my brother (for him to marvel over and be jealous, obviously) and he asked, “Oh, is this what she is?” I laughed and said, “No, don’t be silly. She’s human. That’s most likely the thing that killed her parents.”
Guys, I was wrong and it only amped up my excitement for Marla and the rest of the story! Although I was a little meh about some of the decisions Marla made mid-way through, I had a hard time putting this book down:-)
It was exciting, compels the reader to empathize with the young, Marla as she tries to cope with the huge loss of her parents, deal with the manifestation of her alien powers while grapping with this huge identity crisis of being half-human and half Skatia.
I would have loved it if this book were around when I was younger and I would almost recommend it as a middle school/pre-teens book if it weren’t for strong graphic details of some of the violence and death scenes in this book. That and the fact that Marla’s character is barley 15 years old, but can seemingly pass for a 19-20 year old.
I really liked this book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys, fast-paced sci-fi stories with elements of action and humor. I’m sure I am not the only one who does this, but I usually write review notes, questions or marks in the margins of the books I read with a pencil on pages I would like to come back to or even reference.
And while I was perusing back through the book, I noticed that most of my notes for nearly half the book were either: “Wow!” “No way!” “That’s so cool” or “OMG.”
The author does a great job keeping the narrative moving while simultaneously keeping the reader and (Marla) in the dark about where the story was going to go next.
I was lucky enough to have received my copy of Half-Breed Queen from the author herself and with it, I was given a book post card with the main character on it next two what I thought was meant to be the creature that (spoiler alert) killed her parents.
Funny enough, I should it to my brother (for him to marvel over and be jealous, obviously) and he asked, “Oh, is this what she is?” I laughed and said, “No, don’t be silly. She’s human. That’s most likely the thing that killed her parents.”
Guys, I was wrong and it only amped up my excitement for Marla and the rest of the story! Although I was a little meh about some of the decisions Marla made mid-way through, I had a hard time putting this book down:-)
It was exciting, compels the reader to empathize with the young, Marla as she tries to cope with the huge loss of her parents, deal with the manifestation of her alien powers while grapping with this huge identity crisis of being half-human and half Skatia.
I would have loved it if this book were around when I was younger and I would almost recommend it as a middle school/pre-teens book if it weren’t for strong graphic details of some of the violence and death scenes in this book. That and the fact that Marla’s character is barley 15 years old, but can seemingly pass for a 19-20 year old.
May 31, 2015
This book definitely grabs your attention the instant you start on the first page. Marla is a girl who just wants to be an average teenager, but feels her parents are too overprotective of her. We quickly learn that Marl and her mother are not mere humans, but come from an ancient race, even older than humans, that have special abilities. When her parents are murdered Marla learns of her true nature and goes on the run to of all places North Dakota to find shelter from those who want her dead. As a teacher, I am always looking for books that will attract my students' attention and cause them to look outside the box. For me, it wasn't an AMAZING book, but when I put my teacher goggles on I realized this book has a little bit of everything. A young girl coming of age, without her parents to help her is always a hard read, but it would connect with so many young girls who don't know who they are yet. Not only did it have that, it also had special abilities and a different race from another planet to keep you interested. I think what I liked most about this story is that Marla had to grow up quickly and start acting like an adult to help her home planet stay out of war. Throw in a jealous Queen Winifred (which amazing name by the way) A sheriff, and a 19 year old boy and this book became something special for all its readers. I give this book a 3 out of 5 only because it's not quite my cup of tea, but overall it had good plot development, kept me interested throughout the story, and was genuinely well written.
This review is done in conjunction with #NerdGirl. I do not get paid to review these books, I do so because I love to read and want to help others find what they like to read.
This review is done in conjunction with #NerdGirl. I do not get paid to review these books, I do so because I love to read and want to help others find what they like to read.
December 12, 2015
***SPOILERS***
Plot/Premise:
When Marla Owens finds herself an orphan she is left only one clue to her mother’s secret past: go to Edgemeadow, North Dakota and talk to the sheriff. She has no idea who she is or why she all of a sudden has powers she can’t control. Shortly after arriving in Edgemeadow she learns the truth about who she is and who her mother was. Her mother was in line to be queen of Skatia before she ran away to be with her true love, Marla’s father. Now Skatia needs Marla to protect them, not only from the current evil queen, but from the people who wish to conquer them.
My Thoughts:
I purchased this book because I was provided with an ARC of the second novel in the Skatia series, Amethyst Rising. When I bought this book I new nothing about this series. I started reading without knowing anything. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story.
The development of Marla from a spoiled 14-year-old girl living with both her parents to a 20-something-year-old Queen ruling over a planet called Skatia was done very well. Despite the fact that there is a huge amount of time that occurs in the novel, about 6 years, the story didn't seem rushed and it didn't seem slow either.
This story held my attention the entire time. I loved the characters that Hendricks created. I loved the way that Marla interacted with everyone, the good and the bad. Towards the end of the novel you can see the way that Marla holds herself when she becomes Queen. She isn't a girl who is going to let people command her or walk all over her. She has more power than anyone on Skatia has seen in a long time. When she decides she's going to do something no one can change her mind.
I recommend this book to everyone who loves Scifi and fantasy.
Plot/Premise:
When Marla Owens finds herself an orphan she is left only one clue to her mother’s secret past: go to Edgemeadow, North Dakota and talk to the sheriff. She has no idea who she is or why she all of a sudden has powers she can’t control. Shortly after arriving in Edgemeadow she learns the truth about who she is and who her mother was. Her mother was in line to be queen of Skatia before she ran away to be with her true love, Marla’s father. Now Skatia needs Marla to protect them, not only from the current evil queen, but from the people who wish to conquer them.
My Thoughts:
I purchased this book because I was provided with an ARC of the second novel in the Skatia series, Amethyst Rising. When I bought this book I new nothing about this series. I started reading without knowing anything. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story.
The development of Marla from a spoiled 14-year-old girl living with both her parents to a 20-something-year-old Queen ruling over a planet called Skatia was done very well. Despite the fact that there is a huge amount of time that occurs in the novel, about 6 years, the story didn't seem rushed and it didn't seem slow either.
This story held my attention the entire time. I loved the characters that Hendricks created. I loved the way that Marla interacted with everyone, the good and the bad. Towards the end of the novel you can see the way that Marla holds herself when she becomes Queen. She isn't a girl who is going to let people command her or walk all over her. She has more power than anyone on Skatia has seen in a long time. When she decides she's going to do something no one can change her mind.
I recommend this book to everyone who loves Scifi and fantasy.
April 11, 2016
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was entertaining, it opened with good character description and drew me right in. I was excited to read this book because it was in the Sci-Fi / Fantasy genre and by a black author. I enjoyed this book because of its multicultural aspect and diversity. The story was slow at times, but kept my interest. Learning about Marla and why she is being hunted and why her parents were killed has an interesting twist to the story as Marla travels north to learn that her mother was not even a part of this world and she is not only a part of both, but the Half Breed Queen, and the evil Queen that found her mother a threat, is now after her. I know science fiction is not easy to write, and for a first book, this author did a great job. The book was pretty mild in violence and also romance, so it would be suitable for teens to read as well. I hope she can excuse my delay in getting this review of the book posted. Look forward to the next book.
March 28, 2016
3.5 stars
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