Haydn of Mars, 2005 fantasy novel written by Al Sarrantonio

Haydn of Mars (2005), a fantasy novel by horror and SF author Al Sarrantonio.

Pictured: Paperback original (New York: Ace Books, 2005) $6.50. Cover art by Matt Stawicki depicts Haydn of Mars. Here is the promotional piece from the back cover:

On the planet Mars, in the distant future, the princess Haydn’s arranged marriage to a man she doesn’t love will no longer preserve her beloved Republic. Her archenemy, the warrior-woman Frane, seeks to overthrow the Republic and make herself queen while Haydn -- the legitimate heir to the throne -- must flee for her life.

With a bounty on her head, Haydn remains a reluctant symbol for those who would restore the monarchy. Considered too young and unprepared to assume the throne, Haydn is determined to become a great queen. To that end, she will make an arduous desert trek, give birth to offspring who will be targeted by assassins, find her true love amidst the chaos, meet unexpected allies -- and unexpected treachery.

And she will come to realize that -- in order to save her world -- she must sacrifice all that she holds dear...

Haydn of Mars is the first novel in a trilogy. It was followed by Sebastian of Mars (2005) and Queen of Mars (2006). All three novels were republished as a single hardcover volume: Masters of Mars (Science Fiction Book Club, 2006).