Pyramids of Meridian

Pyramids of Meridian by Sam Arnold is an intriguing tale with a dystopian setting in another world that will arrest the attention of readers. Michael Rene Gostani dies in the Vietnam War and in the afterlife, he discovers that he is invested with a unique gift that allows him to free billions of trapped souls and build the city known as Meridian. A vicious, evil entity awakens and is on the path to destroying everything Michael has built. Michael crosses paths with Nathan Doss and Kelly Pear, strangers from the world of the living. They are stranded in Michael's world and quickly discover that their survival will depend on their relationship with the gifted man. Will they be able to stop the evil menacing the afterlife? 

Arnold's Pyramids of Meridian felt like a beautiful dream — the feeling of waking up from a beautiful dream in a strange land is what I experienced when I turned the last page of this engrossing epic fantasy. The story features elements of science fiction, compelling traits of space opera, and irresistible hints of the supernatural. Writing a story in the realm of the dead requires a lot of imagination and Sam Arnold writes like someone who has been to that world, yet he infuses reality and humanity into the writing, making the characters lovable and believable. These characters are complex and deeply flawed, and I enjoyed the way the author explores the complexity in the relationships. Survival, intrigue, the proverbial struggle of good vs evil are themes that are skillfully developed in this fascinating tale. The plot is unpredictable and Arnold writes strong motivation into his characters. It is a delightful science fiction that runs at full tilt, featuring gorgeous prose and powerful plot points. The larger-than-life characters make for wonderful companions.