Haydn of Mars is a fun light and entertaining read. This space opera full of derring-do and fun characters would be a perfect YA selection except for the number of bodies piled up in the course of the story. In this first of a series I would become interested in characters that were introduced, who would play important parts in the plot, and who would then fall into dangerous conflicts, and be killed. Young pregnant Haydn goes on the run from the usurpers and rallies an army as she travels across the planet. From being alone and vulnerable over the course of the book she becomes the most powerful force, on the planet, and leads her combined army against her enemies. Over all, the story held my attention for the one day of sitting in airports, riding planes and shuttle buses. The central character of Haydn, the deposed young queen, was able to hold my interest and goodwill to the last page. (also posted in GoodReads) ( )