"Meridian" Summary

Introduction

"Meridian" by Amber Kizer is a young adult fantasy novel that tells the story of a teenage girl named Meridian Sozu, who discovers she is a Fenestra, a being with the power to guide the souls of the dying to the afterlife. As she grapples with her newfound identity and abilities, Meridian must navigate a world filled with dark forces and make difficult choices that will shape her destiny.

Brief Synopsis

Plot Overview

The story is set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, where Meridian Sozu lives with her overprotective and religiously zealous guardian, her Auntie. On her sixteenth birthday, Meridian's life takes a drastic turn when she starts experiencing inexplicable phenomena and encounters enigmatic characters who reveal her true nature as a Fenestra. As a Fenestra, Meridian is tasked with guiding the souls of the dying to the afterlife, a responsibility that comes with immense power and danger.

Setting

The novel unfolds in the fictional town of Revelation, located in the misty and lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The town is shrouded in an ethereal atmosphere, adding to the mystical and otherworldly elements of the story. As Meridian delves into her role as a Fenestra, the setting shifts between the ordinary small-town life and the supernatural realm, creating a captivating contrast between the mundane and the extraordinary.

Main Characters

The novel features several significant characters who play pivotal roles in Meridian's journey:

Story Points Over Chapters

Chapter 1-5

Meridian celebrates her sixteenth birthday and begins experiencing unusual occurrences, including the sudden death of a bird and an encounter with a strange old woman. She meets Tens, a captivating young man who seems to understand her supernatural experiences. Meridian's world is turned upside down as she learns about her true nature as a Fenestra and her role in guiding souls to the afterlife.

Chapter 6-10

As Meridian starts to embrace her abilities, she faces skepticism and opposition from Auntie, who is deeply rooted in her religious beliefs. Tens becomes an integral part of Meridian's life, and their growing bond complicates her sense of duty as a Fenestra. Meridian grapples with the weight of her responsibilities and the dangers that come with her newfound powers.

Chapter 11-15

Dark forces begin to threaten Meridian and those close to her, forcing her to confront the malevolent entities that seek to exploit her abilities. She delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her role as a Fenestra and uncovers startling truths about her own lineage. The stakes rise as Meridian's choices have far-reaching consequences for both the mortal and supernatural realms.

Chapter 16-20

Meridian's relationships are tested as she navigates the complexities of her duties as a Fenestra and the emotional entanglements that come with them. The line between the living and the dead blurs, and Meridian must confront the shadows that lurk in both realms. She faces betrayal and heartache, leading her to question her purpose and the sacrifices she is willing to make.

Chapter 21-25

The forces of darkness converge on Revelation, posing a threat to everything Meridian holds dear. She is forced to make harrowing choices that will shape the fate of not only her loved ones but also the balance between life and death. As the climax approaches, Meridian must harness her inner strength and embrace her destiny as a Fenestra, even if it means facing the ultimate sacrifice.

Main Events

• Meridian discovers her powers as a Fenestra on her sixteenth birthday.
• She forms a deep connection with Tens, a mysterious young man who harbors his own secrets.
• Dark forces threaten Meridian and the balance between the mortal and supernatural realms.
• Meridian uncovers shocking truths about her lineage and the responsibilities that come with her powers.
• The climax sees Meridian facing harrowing choices that will determine the fate of those she loves and the world of the living and the dead.

Themes and Insights

Themes

1. Destiny and Duty: The novel explores the weight of destiny and the responsibilities that come with exceptional abilities, as Meridian grapples with her role as a Fenestra.
2. Love and Sacrifice: The complexities of love and the sacrifices it demands are central to the story, as Meridian navigates her romantic entanglements amidst her supernatural duties.
3. Good versus Evil: The eternal struggle between light and darkness is a recurring theme, as Meridian confronts malevolent forces that seek to disrupt the balance between life and death.

Insights

"Meridian" offers insights into the internal conflicts of the protagonist as she comes to terms with her extraordinary abilities and the impact they have on her relationships and sense of self. The novel also provides a thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries between the natural and supernatural worlds and the consequences of breaching those boundaries.

Reader's Takeaway

Readers of "Meridian" will be captivated by the enthralling blend of fantasy, romance, and supernatural intrigue. The novel offers a compelling exploration of destiny, love, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, set against the backdrop of a mystical small town. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the gripping narrative will leave readers pondering the complexities of life, death, and the forces that shape our destinies.

Conclusion

In "Meridian," Amber Kizer weaves a mesmerizing tale of a young girl's discovery of her extraordinary powers and the challenges she faces as she embraces her role as a Fenestra. The novel's rich tapestry of themes, characters, and supernatural elements creates a compelling narrative that will resonate with readers who revel in the allure of the mystical and the complexities of the human experience. As Meridian grapples with her destiny and the forces that seek to unravel it, readers are drawn into a world where love, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness converge in a spellbinding story of courage and self-discovery.