Title: The Matriarch Matrix
Author: Maxime Trencavel
Publisher: Tail of the Bird Books
ISBN: 978-0999335017
Pages: 599
Genre: Religious Mystery / Science Fiction Metaphysical & Visionary
Reviewed by: Barbara Bamberger Scott

Linking three different people to an ancient past and the near-future fear of world war, The Matriarch Matrix provides a rich mix of science, sin and star-crossed romance.

Peter is a tech-savvy guy traumatized by bizarre mental images and the imminent prospect of his grandfather’s death in the real world of 2021.   As he lies on his deathbed, the old man repeats to Peter the tenets of a family oral tradition connecting a “long-tailed star,” the evil Reindeer People and a “black object” that will guide Peter to a new life. Elsewhere a beautiful and embittered warrior woman named Zara wants revenge for the savage terrors inflicted on her Kurdish people. But she too is haunted by a vision of a black object hidden away thousands of years ago in the Middle East, in the time of the great matriarch Nanshe. The third link is a disaffected Catholic monk, Jean-Paul, whose scientific bent leads him to suspect the dark object might be a magnet for the DNA of those who search for it.

Each of these three wears a MoxWrap, the latest technological wristband miracle with the smarts of a minicomputer.   An international entrepreneur named Alexander uses the device to attract Peter, Zara and Jean Paul to work for his company Mox enterprises. In their intrigue-shrouded activities, they will come to understand more about their shared DNA, find the black ages-old artifact and realize the fate of the earth itself is now in their hands.

Author Maxime Trencavel is a transcontinental traveler whose knowledge of exotic cultures and settings has aided in the design of this cerebral sci-fable, displaying her often detailed knowledge of religion, science, psychology, business and archeology. Much of this wide-ranging saga is about sensuality and sexuality, as it seems that men such as Peter are more affected by the dark apocalyptic visions while women are somehow able to comfort the men through sexual contact. Rape, by the enemies of Zara and others, is also heavily featured, counterbalanced through the strength of Zara herself and her determination not ever again to be dominated by any oppressor. Some readers may find Trencavel’s book, at over 500 pages, too long and at times, repetitive. Dividing the story into two or even three volumes might have been a useful strategy. Nonetheless, the combination of fantasy, history, myth, time-warping and future-tech is undeniably gripping.

Modern marvels just beyond our reach and ancient mysteries, including the oldest one of all – the mystery locked in the human heart – make Maxime Trencavel’s premier novel The Matriarch Matrix an innovative cross-genre read.