Invasions throughout history have laid waste to peaceful nations' ways of life and their spiritual beliefs. The Last Matriarch (now available through AuthorHouse) by Kisma K. Stepanich-Reidling follows an epic struggle of a people's ancient traditions against a violent storm of change.

Lord Mahnet and his fighting troops arrive at a desolate point of Land Bann after voyaging in search of a new frontier. A scouting party member returns with a goddess figurine, which alerts the troops' captain, Garthe, that the natives are in trouble. Mahnet has a history of enforcing allegiance to his warrior god and is known to annihilate entire nations if they refuse to change religions. Garthe establishes a secret mission with his trusted friend Gaelann to warn the people of their impending doom. Soon after, he has a dream in which a woman with long, golden hair gives him a crystal.

Meanwhile, Priestess Muiranda, the next designated Matriarch of Land Bann, undergoes her last rite of passage to claim her destiny. She envisions Mahnet's imminent invasion while in her "dreamtime" state and awakens face to face with Gaelann. Heeding Gaelann's warning, Muiranda takes him to help her spread the word. They go to great lengths to convince the women of Land Bann that this man is worthy of trust, and they finally agree to prepare for war. However, the assault has already begun with the death of Muiranda's mother.

The priestess rushes to find Gaelann, only to meet Garthe, who has survived a mutinous clash with Mahnet's lyalists. Garthe recognizes her as the woman of his dreams and the priestesss realizes she has had visions of him, also. The wo realize their union is vial to defeatt Mahnet. They also begin to understand that they hold the future of Land Bann in their hands. As Muiranda's sister, Elsbeth, leads a tribe of women warriors into battle, Mahnet tracks the priestess and Garthe, and engages them in a final confrontation.

A thrilling tale that explores the fierce strength of women and love's power to conquer, The Last Matriarch also exposes the beauty of an ancient spirituality based on nature and femininity.

ISBN 1-4184-1653-3