Review of Sandcastles and Rainbows

[Prem Mathur]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Sandcastles and Rainbows" by Christopher D Myers.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Fundamentally, Sandcastles and Rainbows is a deep philosophical journey that dares to examine identity, love, memory, and the pursuit of meaning-the most universal human experience—through a cosmic perspective. In addition to flesh and blood, Christopher D. Myers depicts a world of energy and consciousness, of beings drawn to the physical but not constrained by it and fascinated by its sensory intensity and the challenges of living within its bounds.

The story revolves around celestial entities like Falin and Xin—Mental Beings from the Ethereal Universe—who embark on a metaphysical experiment. They agree to a "game" that strips them of memory and power as they enter various physical vessels across galaxies. The romantic arc between Falin and Xin is profound and long-lasting, spanning numerous incarnations and forms. Their relationship is not romantic in the traditional sense; it transcends physicality and borders on spiritual synthesis.

The book is captivating due to its thematic layering. It is a study of contrasts, not merely a science fiction romance, such as memory versus amnesia, truth versus manufactured reality, and celestial freedom versus social control. But these minor issues are outweighed by the novel's heart and ambition. In addition to telling a story, Myers challenges readers to ponder and think. The book critiques modern indoctrination systems through characters like Scott, a young child raised under Joktar's Corporate regime; this is a subtle reflection of our society's over-reliance on media, technology, and mindless conformity.

The writing style is poetic in places, especially in its descriptions of alien landscapes and emotional awakenings. The book does have some shortcomings, though. Some scene changes feel abrupt, and some characters progress through the story too quickly, which diminishes the resonance of their arcs. Though the book is professionally well-edited, there's a sincerity in the prose that makes even the most surreal events feel emotionally grounded.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Readers who appreciate challenging speculative fiction, particularly themes of reincarnation, cosmic love, and the philosophy of selfhood, should pick up Sandcastles and Rainbows. It is a story about remembering what home means in the first place, not just about figuring out how to get there.

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Sandcastles and Rainbows
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