Half Outlaw

By: Alex Temblador

Narrated by: Luzma Ortiz

Literary Hub Pick | Gizmodo | Ms. Magazine Pick

Looking for the missing half of herself, a woman goes on one last ride with the motorcycle club that raised her and gets more than she bargained for.

After the tragic death of her parents when she was just four years old, Raqi is sent to live with her uncle Dodge in Escondido, California. Taking after her Mexican father, Raqi immediately faces hostility from the members of Dodge’s all-White, one-percenter motorcycle club, the Lawless, and from her uncle himself. Being raised by a drug addict is no picnic, and Raqi must quickly learn how to survive. She manages to form a few friendships. Still, as soon as she can, she leaves the violence and bigotry behind and doesn’t look back.

Years later, Raqi is a successful partner at a law firm in Los Angeles. She gets a call from Billy, the leader of the Lawless. Dodge is dead, and Billy wants her to go on the Grieving Ride, a special ride taken for all deceased members, and one that strictly follows the deceased’s wishes. There is no way Raqi would ever attend, except for one thing: Billy promises to give her the address of her grandfather if she goes on the ride. It’s the address of her father’s father, her Mexican grandfather. Learning for the first time that she has other family and desperate to connect, she agrees. But this will be no ordinary Grieving Ride. Raqi is reacquainted with her old bike and with the various club members. During the cross-country trek, she will learn more about her uncle, and about herself, than she ever imagined possible.

Alternating between Raqi’s childhood and a present '90s setting, and accented by moments of magical realism, Half Outlaw is the story of one woman’s quest to find a better future while still wrestling with a tumultuous past. In her first adult novel, Alex Temblador gives listeners an immersive look into a dangerous subculture at the end of an era, and a powerful and heartfelt story that explores self-knowledge, acceptance, and the meaning of family.

©2022 Alex Temblador (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Half Outlaw Stuns with Magical Realism

I finished reading the book two days ago and WOW! It is incredible. I found the elements of magical realism to fly off of the page and punch me in the face basically! The emotion behind the descriptions of every scene were palpable. I laughed at parts, cried at others, felt the guilt and the discord within Raqi. I found Raqi to be extremely relatable to me and my own life. I liked how the book seemed to be such an easy but dynamic read. The pacing was perfect. At times, I wanted more from the storylines of different characters and how they interacted with Raqi. I thought the world that was created could be even expanded more, but that was the beauty of a good story is that you want more. And I want more, I want to consume everything this author writes! My favorite parts were the parts that took place in Raqi's childhood. I think that this is a great read, and I am already rereading it again AND listening to the audiobook! If you have a chance, please give it a read and write a stellar review! Great job Alex, so proud of you sister.

Beautiful Story & Performance

I absolutely loved this book! Raqi’s journey was so moving and relatable. I laughed, I cried and everything in between. A fascinating story of survival and chosen family. Personal growth and forgiveness. I loved the heroine so much, I hope this turns into a series. Or at least a sequel. The narrator was great too. Loved all of the different character voices. Highly recommend.

One hell of a ride!

I was anxiously anticipating this book release, and it being released on my birthday was my favorite gift! I'm 38 and loved this book, it will speak to anyone from teen to ...(Whatever 38
is...mide aged, ?) who has fought to figure out who they are, where they belong, and what they want from life. Open the book, download the audio version , and enjoy the ride.

Great read!

This book contains wonderful imagery. I enjoyed the intermingling of past and present timelines. Tough topics are discussed in a very tasteful way. I will definitely look for more titles by this author!!