The Matriarch by Frank Dravis

Intergalactic intrigue, forbidden romance, a missing agent from an advanced peace-keeping organization, and a primitive planet’s ultimate fate collide in The Matriarch, the second book of the impressive Dianis, A World in Turmoil series by author Frank Dravis.

A violent and self-serving mining company is threatening to take control of the precious aquamarine resources on Dianis, while Chief Achelous of the IDB has disappeared and is being hunted, but his son and wife may hold the secret to the planet’s powerful religious sect and the contentious world’s entire future. Heavy with military procedure, sci-fi drama, and remarkably detailed world-building, along with unexpectedly relatable characters and conflicts, this novel hits all the right notes.

Reading the series’ first book is essential, as it provides a foundation for this expansive world, along with the multiple vying factions, the characters’ myriad motivations, and the tumultuous history of Dianis itself. That being said, the engaging and descriptive writing is immediately immersive, without being overly dense. The large cast of characters is managed well, and the flow of the plot is intuitive and clear. There are few wasted words, yet Dravis still takes time for the occasional bit of levity, giving the story an insistent tone of authenticity, despite its narrative wildness.

For readers seeking a meticulously crafted and unique sci-fi universe overflowing with creativity, suspense, and sharp prose, The Matriarch and the Dianis series, as a whole, is highly recommended.