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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Matrix Opal by Stella Atrium kicks off The Duchy Wars series with a richly imagined dystopian adventure featuring a determined young heroine, Ariseng. As she leaves behind the harsh life of the stone forest, Ariseng joins a resistance movement with one condition: she must possess the Matrix Opal, a source of both magic and power. But danger lurks not just from the Ciska assassin group closing in, but within her own ranks, where friends may be foes, and trust is fragile. This immersive science fiction tale explores tribal politics, personal growth, and the clash between tradition and rebellion. With appearances by beloved characters from Atrium’s previous works, The Matrix Opal blends action, cultural depth, and character-driven storytelling in a world where survival hinges on both courage and cunning.
Author Stella Atrium infuses her central character with energy and power that leaps off the page in this bold new sci-fi story with a heroine who sits perfectly in a vividly realized world of magic and resistance. I was with Ariseng from the start, and her attitude is authentically built from the detailed world around her, with Atrium’s top-tier world-building offering readers a layered, immersive, and compelling space to step into. Having read a lot of this genre and enjoyed a great many different action-adventure tales, it was so refreshing to see a deeper piece that maintains its tension and thrills but also breathes new life into dystopian YA with moral nuance and emotional depth. This is enhanced by the groundwork that Atrium puts into the relationships and cause-and-effect for her characters, with complex tribal alliances that are naturally conveyed in the dialogue and evocative personal stakes that make this a standout in the genre. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Matrix Opal to YA dystopian fans looking for an elevated and highly engaging read.
