Welcome to my Blog
Family history and genealogy books about Acadians and south Louisiana descendants.
Historical fiction books about ancient Mayas, featuring women rulers of Palenque.
Leonide Martin, award-winning author, retired California State University professor, writes historical fiction and narrative nonfiction. Research Member Maya Exploration Center, Member Institute of Maya Studies, Solar Initiate, Maya Fire Woman. President Colony Cousins Genealogy Club, member Temecula Valley Genealogy Club writers group. Murrieta, California.
My family is from south Louisiana in “upriver parishes” and New Orleans. We have Acadian and French-Spanish Creole heritage on my paternal grandmother’s side. I was drawn into researching and writing about this genealogy by my oldest daughter, and co-authored a book titled Upriver Families: Acadian Roots and Creole Heritage (2022).
The Mayas
I’ve lived and traveled in Maya regions of southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala learning from indigenous teachers. My blog focuses on ancient Maya sites, archeology, anthropology, epigraphy, current and past research, and the arts and sciences of Mayan culture.
Leonide Martin walking on sacbe at El Mirador with archeologist Ed Barnhart (red shirt)
My historical fiction books bring readers into the world of the ancient Mayas. You enter the mysterious domain of shaman-kings, warriors and scribes, artisans and stone carvers who built remarkable pyramids, temples, and palaces in tropical jungles. Their ambitions and desires, cosmovision and extraordinary abilities come alive in stories with vivid characters and compelling plots, based on actual Maya history.
Leonide Martin
Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
Leonide Martin at Teotihuacan, October
2018
Murals at Bonampak
Royal Women
My interest in ancient Maya women led to the 4-book series about historic Mayan queens in the “Mists of Palenque” series. These were powerful women in the family of K’inich Janaab Pakal, reknowned Maya ruler during the Classic period (ruled 615-683 CE). As rulers themselves or wives of rulers, these four women shaped the destinies of their people.
Mayan Queens Books
Mists of Palenque Series
The Visionary Mayan Queen: Yohl Ik’nal of Palenque
The Controversial Mayan Queen: Sak K’uk of Palenque
The Mayan Red Queen: Tz’aakb’u Ahau of Palenque
The Prophetic Mayan Queen: K’inuuw Mat of Palenque
My logo is 13 Rabbit Scribe — “Circle Complete” Ox Lahun Ub’aah. The rabbit scribe is seen in many Maya drawings on ceramics and bark paper folding codices. As a contemporary Maya scribe, my historical fiction books tell stories of real and fictional ancient Mayans. My articles and research provide information about their advanced civilization and impressive culture.
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