Some may describe soul mates as a single soul living in two bodies.
By this definition, K.L. Caldwell's "A Memory of Forever" is a story of one soul living in four bodies.
First, it dwells in Roman newlyweds Julius and Swanlake in 79 AD.
The couple escapes the turmoil following the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, only to be overtaken by a shark while trying to elude the ash and lava by fleeing into the sea.
They vow for their souls to know each other forever, and with their deaths the couple are reborn and destined to meet again.
In the present time, Dutch Giovanni is overtaken by a past life memory of Julius during a prison riot in present-day Arizona.
He's locked in a basement, and begins to have seizures where a prison nurse smells sea water on his breath, as though Dutch had drowned in the sea.
This experience begins a journey to Genoa, Italy - and to his other half.
At the same time, in Genoa, Swanlake awakens as Serena, paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Her parents believe she is having "fits" and is possessed by evil spirits.
Neither Serena nor Dutch are sick or possessed by spirits.
What's really happening is the awakening of two old souls, reborn from the promise in a poem.
As the couple draws closer to one another, each escapes the limitations of their daily lives and the ancient characters Julius and Swanlake are born anew.
K.L. Caldwell's poetic words artistically depict the ancient Roman era, striving to shed light upon the injustices of the world and trying to expose the current corruptions our world still suffers from.
While the concept of soul mates may be difficult for some to believe in, they'll have no choice but to believe in the love that clearly exists between Julius and Swanlake.
Caldwell brings the characters to life with his vivid description of their thoughts and feelings.
His avid attention to detail makes the setting very real and very dangerous.
While the story is interesting, the beginning flashbacks can be confusing.
Instead of diving into and becoming engrossed in the story, readers must gently wade into the waters and become familiar with the original characters' pasts before caring about their present.
Critic's Conclusion: Despite confusing flashbacks, once you care about the characters you'll be captivated.
Three-and-a-half stars out of five.
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