The Matrix Opal is a compelling dystopian novel. Each chapter unfolds a whirlwinds of emotion through the reader. It was difficult to put it down after getting past the harder parts for me in the beginning. The story depicts a world of destruction, treachery, betrayal, and discovery. Well-suited to young adults interested in science fiction.

Cool Concept, a Bit Confusing

The Matrix Opal has a super creative idea—there’s this mysterious gemstone that can bend reality, and a group of teens gets caught up in a wild adventure trying to figure out its secrets. There’s action, some sci-fi twists, and a lot of “wait, what just happened?” moments that kept me curious.

The main character is easy to root for, and the friendships are a nice touch. I liked the mix of tech and magic—it felt like The Matrix meets Percy Jackson with a sprinkle of Stranger Things. But sometimes the story got a little too complicated, and I had to reread parts to understand what was going on.

Still, it’s a fun ride if you’re into mysterious powers, secret organizations, and saving the world. Just be ready to keep up!

Thank you so much NetGalley Stella Atrium Writes LLC for this ARC!

<b>𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕄𝕒𝕥𝕣𝕚𝕩 𝕆𝕡𝕒𝕝</b>
<b>4/5 stars</b>

<p><i>Thank you to NetGalley and Book Buzz for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!</i></p> <p><i>Complex world, ambitious scope, and a voice that didn’t quite click for me, but I totally see the draw.</i></p> <p>This book is <b>big</b>in ideas, in worldbuilding, and in the web of political and magical forces shaping its characters. We follow Ariseng, a girl pulled from her forest home and thrust into a resistance movement, with the condition that she must carry the powerful Matrix Opal. I loved the classic feel of it, the rebellion, and powerplays. </p> <p>But… the <b>writing style</b> threw me off. It’s in <i>first person</i>, but often reads more like it should be <i>third</i>. There’s a distance in the narration that made me feel like I was being <i>told</i> the story, instead of living it. Pair that with some uneven pacing and I struggled to stay immersed even when I wanted badly wanted to be.</p> <blockquote> “A girl from the forest must carry the opal, or the rebels won’t have her.”</blockquote> <p>That said, I can absolutely understand why some readers are loving this. It’s smart, politically layered, and feels like the beginning of something <i>huge</i>. </p> <p><b>Final Thoughts:</b><br>Intriguing and intelligent, but not my perfect fit. Still, I’ll be watching what comes next.</p>