Beneath rock, rivers, and ancient fault lines, something is moving. Follow the Drake Institute into a world where the ground holds secrets—and the deepest mysteries are still alive.
Different places. Same connection. What lies beneath?A world connected beneath the surface
LAYER 01 · THE TOPSOIL / THE STORY
The world above. The truth below.
The Mother River blends scientific intrigue, international adventure and a question that reaches beneath civilization itself: what if the Earth has a way of responding when its delicate balance is disturbed?
Follow the researchers and field teams of the fictional Drake Institute as each mission uncovers another piece of a much larger mystery.
Hover over a book cover to discover its story, or select it to flip on touchscreens. Use the Buy on Amazon button below each book to visit its listing.
Get to know the people who face the mysteries beneath our feet. A collectible-inspired gallery of the Mother River world.
THE STONE-READER
Dr. Brianna “Bri” Wilson
A scientist with an extraordinary sensitivity to the world beneath the surface. Bri notices patterns others miss—and senses when something deeper is moving.
PERIMETER OPERATIONS
Nick Armstrong
A grounded and dependable presence on the field team, Nick focuses on protecting people when the mission shifts from investigation to danger.
Concept collectibles featuring fictional characters; these are illustrations, not products for sale.
Field reports. Mission insignia. Research stations. A world of discoveries that stretches well beyond the printed page.
Our companion site, thedrakeinstitute.org, is planned as an in-universe experience inspired by the fictional Edwin Drake International Institute for Oil & Gas Research.
Glenn Thomas writes novels that place ordinary people inside extraordinary moments of history, discovery, and danger. His stories draw on a fascination with engineering, science, the natural world, and the overlooked details that can change how we understand the past—and the world beneath our feet.
With more than four decades of experience designing and manufacturing engineered rubber components and fabric-reinforced diaphragms, Thomas brings a practical understanding of pressure, materials, and real-world problem-solving to The Mother River series. That technical background informs the researchers, engineers, and field teams who face extraordinary challenges throughout the books.
He is also the author of Ella Survives, a historical novel inspired by maritime history. Thomas lives in Wisconsin and continues to explore stories rooted in history, place, family, and the difficult choices people make when confronted with the unknown.
