The Matriarch

by Frank Dravis

A sudden repeal of federation law strips Dianis, a protected planet, of federal agents who deter off-world incursions. A single team eludes the recall and goes rogue. Secrets, love, and honor motivate its members.

Dianis, an Iron Age world possessing a mineral coveted in the galaxy, succumbs to empire avarice, religious fervor, and galactic intrigue. The matriarch, leader of the Matrincy, intervenes on the planet to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the team's leader, Chief Inspector Achelous. Her motives are opaque and conflict with the law that once protected the planet. A fervent defender of Humanity in the genocidal war it suffers, the matriarch's methods are suspect. Achelous has information critical to her plans but has disappeared for a reason.

Recovering from a victorious but devastating battle against religious zealots and troglodyte minions, the people Achelous needs most face the feared arrival of galactic miners willing to use superior weapons to tyrannize the population.

With courage and audacity, Lettern, a woman archer, tracks these corsairs. In the trial she discovers the loves of her life: A former Marine, and a plasma assault rifle.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2020

About the author

An author with a flair for era-blending science fiction, Frank merges science fiction with fantastical elements such as ESP and the paranormal. His stories bridge the eras of the Middle Ages and the twenty-fifth century. In those plots Humanity is not alone in sentience, and in a nearly infinite universe how could it be? His cast of characters explore the interactions of humans of different eras, sentient reptiles, and AI bots. As an outcome of those interactions between people, love and romance blossom and die. After all, what is an engaging science fiction story without the human side, the emotions, the conflicts, to make the story relevant? In the end, science and technology serves its master -- us -- and is a means to a story's end.

On a personal note, Frank lives along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin, where he writes the Dianis, A World In Turmoil chronicles. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, and has two degrees: A Bachelor of Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration. His careers include writer, software engineer, marketing executive, and chief information officer. He spent six years in the US Navy, and his love of the sea is reflected in chronicles, a love he has shared with his wife and two daughters. Over twenty years his writing has tread many paths, from blogging, industry white papers, trade journal articles, and his passion, science fiction.

Reviews

[Michael Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After recently finishing another books series popularized through a television series and video games, I found the Foundry and the Matriarch to be refreshingly original and engaging to read. Whereas other book series left me bored with side stories that didn't move the plot forward and entire chapters dedicated to unmemorable and unimportant plots the authors never returned to, Dianis was focused and purposeful. The characters, plot, and general story are original, engaging, and left me wanting to read more. I appreciated the shorter chapters I could finish during a lunch break, reminders of acronyms and essential points of interest throughout the series, and stories that all tie the plot together. Most notably, the books include relevant maps and a cast of characters to see who they are, where they align with other characters, and a brief description about them – all conveniently located in the first few pages. I highly recommend these books and I'm impatiently waiting for the release of the Citadel.

[Kinsley Hackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found The Matriarch to be even a better read than the first book The Foundry(which was really good)
The plot has many twists and confrontations that keep you wanting to stay up all night. With just enough light hearted moments and humor to make you smile. I love the pace of Franks book. You don’t get bogged down by too many sub plots. Read the Matriarch and see if your favorite character is the same as mine Outish.