The Matrix Opal

The Matrix Opal: A Dystopian Science Fiction Novel (The Duchy Wars Book 1)

By Stella Atrium. Kindle Edition.

From a five time award winning writer. Editor’s Pick from BookLife.

Communing with animals is easy until Bybiis is captured by fearful villagers. Skin wards to suppress the talent are added, but only sharpen her connection with birds and rodents and even sea serpents. Rescued by her tribe, now she must choose if she will use immoral compulsions on creatures or follow the warrior way.

Ariseng is skilled with making and energizing wards of all kinds. She agrees to join Bybiis’s escape only if the matrix opal is hers for magic and protection. The uneasy partnership falters when warriors and diplomats and even friends demand bigger and more difficult magic.

When Bybiis and Ariseng are separated by a foreign power that exploits women of talent, both will face hard choices and learn to combine their abilities for resistance.

This fast paced novel explores the agency of women working together and how youthful heroes manage the unforgiving burden of duty and legacy, even when undervalued by the larger group.