The Cities of the Sun: Stories of Ancient America founded on historical incidents in the Book of Mormon

In Short

This collection of stories reimagines historical incidents from the Book of Mormon, placing them within the exotic, sun-drenched landscapes of ancient Mexico and the broader Americas. Through a series of interconnected character studies—ranging from the martyrdom of prophets to the political machinations of ambitious generals—the author explores the tension between spiritual integrity and the corrupting pull of worldly power. By blending historical drama with a romantic, almost mythic tone, the book seeks to humanize ancient religious narratives, grounding them in the familiar emotions of love, betrayal, and the quest for liberty.

The Story

The narrative moves through several distinct arcs, each focusing on key figures navigating a landscape of shifting political alliances and divine mandates. We follow Alma, a man whose spiritual awakening is sparked by the tragic martyrdom of the prophet Abinadi. As Abinadi is consumed by flames for his testimony, Alma is transformed from a court observer into a dedicated leader, guiding his people toward the "Waters of Mormon" to seek refuge and renewal. This quest for sanctuary is fraught with danger, as the influence of the wicked King Noah and his sycophantic priests continues to haunt them, eventually meeting a grim, prophesied end in the jungle.

The focus shifts to the political theater of the Nephites and Lamanites, where figures like the noble General Moroni rise to defend liberty against the cunning, power-hungry Amalickiah. Amalickiah uses poison and manipulation to ascend to the Lamanite throne, yet his triumph is short-lived as he is thwarted by the unwavering resolve of those who oppose him. Parallel to these wars, we witness the conversion of the Lamanite king Lamoni through the missionary efforts of Ammon. Ammon’s arrival is marked by his humble refusal to use his royal Nephite status, instead choosing the path of service, which leads to a dramatic public trance and the eventual conversion of the king’s household.

The narrative also wanders into more isolated, melancholic territory. We join the survivors of the "ships of Hagoth," where a shipwrecked pair, Hawai and Loa, forge a fragile life on a lonely island, building a bamboo shelter and finding solace in their mutual devotion. In another thread, we encounter the tragedy of the cliff dwellers, where Ulric discovers the aftermath of a brutal massacre, left to honor the dead among the ruins of their homes.

Finally, the epic scope narrows to the dark, obsessive romance of Akish and Aida. Akish, a man of cold calculation, is drawn to Aida's beauty, but their union is a harbinger of doom. As their nation falls into chaos and war, Aida descends into madness, ultimately losing her son in battle and taking her own life. Akish, stripped of his power and abandoned by his own soldiers, chooses to face his end with violent defiance, riding into the final battle alone. The book concludes with the wreckage of these lives, leaving the reader to contemplate the cyclical nature of power and the heavy toll paid by those who live by the sword.

How It Unfolds

The martyrdom of a prophet The story opens with the execution of Abinadi, whose refusal to recant his testimony inspires the conversion of Alma. The act of burning the prophet serves as a catalyst for the division between the righteous and the corrupt.

The rise of the general General Moroni takes command, rallying the people around the "Standard of Liberty" to protect their religion and independence. He finds himself pitted against the treacherous Amalickiah, whose ambition leads to the betrayal of his own king.

The mission of the heart Ammon arrives in the land of Ishmael, where he undergoes a transformation from a captive to a trusted servant of King Lamoni. His influence leads to the king's conversion, a radical act that disrupts the traditional enmity between the two peoples.

The lost at sea The narrative shifts to the desolate shores of an island, where survivors from the ships of Hagoth begin a new life. They find peace in isolation, far removed from the political strife of the mainland.

The tragedy of the cliff Ulric wanders through a decimated cliff-dwelling, performing final rites for his companions after a brutal raid. His journey highlights the personal, often invisible, cost of ancient tribal warfare.

The fall of the house of Akish Akish and Aida are caught in a downward spiral of political collapse and personal insanity. The story ends with the destruction of their kingdom and Akish’s final, futile charge against his enemies.

The People

Alma is the moral center of the early chapters, transitioning from a disillusioned courtier to a spiritual shepherd. He is driven by his profound reaction to Abinadi’s death and seeks to lead his people toward a life that rejects the "rottenness" of the palace.

General Moroni stands as the embodiment of duty. Despite his distaste for war, he is forced to become a military tactician to preserve the freedom of his people. His struggle is defined by his internal conflict between his desire for peace and the necessity of defense.

Amalickiah serves as the primary antagonist, a man whose "lean" appearance and "eaten up" ambition define his character. He is a master manipulator who views others, including the trusting General Lehonti, as mere tools to be used and discarded.

Ammon is the archetype of the humble servant. By relinquishing his rights as a king's son, he gains a unique authority that allows him to dismantle long-standing hatreds through his refusal to use force.

Akish and Aida represent the intersection of obsession and ruin. Akish is a man of singular, selfish focus who views the world in terms of conquest, while Aida, once a queen of beauty and grace, is ultimately unraveled by the senseless loss of her children.

In Its Own Voice

"Builded on the ruins of dead thrones Whose temple walls were old when Thebes was new, On altars whose weird sacrificial stones With ghastly offerings were crimson through."

(The author uses this poetic introduction to set the tone for the mysterious, ancient civilizations depicted in the stories.)

"Your eyes are blinded by the gilded surface and you do not see the rottenness beneath."

(Alma warns Zara of the dangers hidden behind the outward beauty and luxury of the king's palace.)

"I will not recall the words I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true."

(Abinadi stands firm in his beliefs moments before his execution, refusing to betray his convictions to save his life.)

What It's Really About

At its core, the book examines the precarious nature of civilization, suggesting that the strength of a society lies not in its gold or its stone temples, but in the spiritual integrity of its individuals. It argues that power, when divorced from conscience, leads inevitably to self-destruction. The stories draw a sharp contrast between the "gilded surface" of court life and the simple, often rugged, life of those who hold to their faith. Beneath the historical reenactments, the book asks whether humanity is doomed to repeat the cycle of war and betrayal, or if individual acts of service and moral courage can truly break the patterns of the past.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate the epic, high-stakes atmosphere of historical fiction will find much to engage with here. The book feels like a relic of a different era, written with a romantic, florid style that leans heavily into the tragic and the sublime. Those interested in the literary reception of religious texts or the early 20th-century interpretation of American history will find the prose fascinating for its earnest, earnest, and occasionally dramatic moralizing.

However, a modern reader should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes and the sometimes jarring transitions between the "civilized" courts and the "savage" battles. The narrative often employs a didactic tone, and the pacing shifts abruptly as it moves between disparate groups and timelines. It is not a modern page-turner; it is a reflective, atmospheric collection that asks the reader to look through the dust of centuries at the perennial human struggles of faith and power. You will likely walk away struck by the vividness of the imagery—the "green and gold" ceilings, the "crimson" altars, and the haunting solitude of the cliff dwellings—which linger in the imagination long after the final chapter is closed.