A high-stakes science-fiction thrill ride; fun through and through.
Space opera, speculative fiction, and romance combine to form an imaginative, intriguing post-apocalyptic story in Arnold’s debut novel. When Michael Rene Gostani arrives in the afterlife after his death in the Vietnam war, he realizes he possesses an extraordinary gift. He pushes his imagination, frees billions of trapped souls, and builds them a grand capitalist city called Meridian. In the process, he awakens an enigmatic entity that threatens to destroy everything he has built. Meanwhile, Nathan Doss and Kelly Pear, friends and warriors from the dying planet Vitalia, land in the afterlife and become stranded. As their paths cross with Michael, they realize they must unite with the extraordinary soul if they want to save the world as well as their own lives. The cast is fully fleshed-out and authentic. Arnold handles his characters struggles with identity, personal traumas, self-doubts, and feelings of inadequacy with an honest, thoughtful hand. Kelly has unresolved issues with her family and Stephanie. Similarly, Nathan is struggling with questions of identity and faith. The story brilliantly juxtaposes Kelly’s practicality and aptitude with Nathan’s sensitive and vulnerable nature. Their interpersonal dynamic is rooted in reality, and their journey to unravel the identity and motive of the unseen entity that brought them to the terrifying realm of the dead unveils the truth about the history of their world and their role in it. Michael is both flawed and sympathetic. A range of interesting secondary characters are a bonus, and their character arcs are satisfying, including those of Pana and the tortured Atlaz. A deeply felt sense of solidarity between Kelly, Nathan, Michael, Shelly and a dash of romance are the cherries on top. Themes of trauma, addiction, love, friendship, and what it means to be human are woven nicely throughout the narrative. There are some familiar, space-opera-ish elements, occasionally inconsistent pacing, and the characters’ heavy philosophical introspections. But Arnold’s descriptive, fully wrought-out worldbuilding effectively counters these uneven elements. The intricate, tight plot advances swiftly toward a conclusion that will leave readers both satisfied and content. Descriptive and inventive worldbuilding, a vividly drawn cast, and engrossing narrative are joined by high SF action and twisty revelations to make a winning tale. Lovers of hard SF and space opera will want to check this one out.
Pyramids of Meridian
Sam Arnold
BookBaby
Pub date September 1, 2023
ISBN 979-8350900590
Price $34.99 (USD) Hardcover
