What do you think?
Rate this book
Defending Meridian: A Matt Sheridan Novel - Book Five
In the rugged aftermath of global catastrophe, one place remains a beacon of fragile hope and fierce resilience—Meridian Island. In "Defending Meridian," the electrifying fifth installment of the acclaimed Matt Sheridan series by Robert Cole, the stakes have never been higher.
Former soldier Matt Sheridan has made Meridian his sanctuary, a remote island stronghold where survivors band together against encroaching chaos. But as shadows of the past surge relentlessly toward Meridian’s shores, Sheridan must summon every ounce of his tactical brilliance and hard-won courage to preserve humanity's last stand.
With gripping realism and heart-pounding suspense, Cole plunges readers into a world where survival hinges on loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. Sheridan and his team face a perilous siege as they defend their isolated haven from relentless threats—both human and nature-made. An ominous adversary, steeped in stealth and cruelty, emerges from Sheridan’s past, forcing him into a ruthless confrontation that will test his limits and force impossible choices.
Against a breathtaking backdrop of desert cliffs and violent seas, "Defending Meridian" weaves an intricate tapestry of duty, camaraderie, and determination. The narrative pulses with intensity, drawing readers into the raw, visceral struggle of people desperate to protect the fragile peace they've carved from a devastated world.
Perfectly blending the thrill of military action with profound human drama, this masterful tale underscores the resilience of the human spirit under fire. Fans of pulse-racing survival stories, military thrillers, and intricate character drama will find themselves enthralled and moved by this gripping, unforgettable narrative.
Will Matt Sheridan safeguard Meridian’s future, or will the island become humanity’s final battlefield? In "Defending Meridian," the battle for survival has just begun.
Former soldier Matt Sheridan has made Meridian his sanctuary, a remote island stronghold where survivors band together against encroaching chaos. But as shadows of the past surge relentlessly toward Meridian’s shores, Sheridan must summon every ounce of his tactical brilliance and hard-won courage to preserve humanity's last stand.
With gripping realism and heart-pounding suspense, Cole plunges readers into a world where survival hinges on loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. Sheridan and his team face a perilous siege as they defend their isolated haven from relentless threats—both human and nature-made. An ominous adversary, steeped in stealth and cruelty, emerges from Sheridan’s past, forcing him into a ruthless confrontation that will test his limits and force impossible choices.
Against a breathtaking backdrop of desert cliffs and violent seas, "Defending Meridian" weaves an intricate tapestry of duty, camaraderie, and determination. The narrative pulses with intensity, drawing readers into the raw, visceral struggle of people desperate to protect the fragile peace they've carved from a devastated world.
Perfectly blending the thrill of military action with profound human drama, this masterful tale underscores the resilience of the human spirit under fire. Fans of pulse-racing survival stories, military thrillers, and intricate character drama will find themselves enthralled and moved by this gripping, unforgettable narrative.
Will Matt Sheridan safeguard Meridian’s future, or will the island become humanity’s final battlefield? In "Defending Meridian," the battle for survival has just begun.
- GenresPost Apocalyptic
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2025
82 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Robert Cole
8 books47 followersRobert Cole is a former U.S. Army infantry officer (75th Ranger Regiment, 101st Airborne) who holds a Ph.D. in International Relations. His fiction draws on real-world military and geopolitical experience, including time spent in African conflict zones. He is the author of the Matt Sheridan post-apocalyptic series, the Fractured Union political thriller series, and Diamond Coast, the first book in the Relief Solutions international thriller series. He is also a college professor, entrepreneur, and devoted father.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 27, 2026
Defending Meridian follows Matt Sheridan as he fights to protect the fragile refuge of Meridian Island in a world already shattered by catastrophe. The island has become a last safe haven for survivors, but its isolation is threatened when a ruthless enemy from Sheridan’s past resurfaces with the power and determination to take everything he’s built. Sheridan is forced to balance strategy, leadership, and the emotional weight of keeping his community alive. As tensions rise, the island’s defenses—and Sheridan’s resolve—are pushed to their limits. The story blends tactical action with personal stakes, showing Sheridan not just as a soldier but as a man trying to preserve hope in a collapsing world. Cole builds suspense through shifting threats, moral dilemmas, and the constant reminder that survival requires both strength and sacrifice. The result is a tense, character‑driven thriller about loyalty, resilience, and defending what matters most.
October 2, 2025
Post apocalypse #5. Having established a peaceful settlement on one of the Canary Islands, Matt Sheridan and his team must now defend them against the terrorist group called The Base, who desperately want their many vials of the pox vaccine. Determined not to move again, Sheridan's group decide to make their final stand.
No shortage of drama or action in what appears to be the final story in this entertaining series. There were perhaps too many long conversations between battles where the characters would reinforce how much they believed in each other, but besides that I really enjoyed this book and this series.
No shortage of drama or action in what appears to be the final story in this entertaining series. There were perhaps too many long conversations between battles where the characters would reinforce how much they believed in each other, but besides that I really enjoyed this book and this series.
July 21, 2025
Captivating and exciting read.
Congratulations Robert Cole on another wonderful book and great series. I have enjoyed every step of the Sheridan’s journey, from bucolic Woodstock to peaceful (most of the time!) Meridian and all of the chaos in between. Thank you for keeping safety of family and the goal of peaceful existence at the heart of this series. I do not often consider the terrible price some pay for the peace we enjoy. Yes, I want and appreciate someone “…standing on that wall!” Well done.
Congratulations Robert Cole on another wonderful book and great series. I have enjoyed every step of the Sheridan’s journey, from bucolic Woodstock to peaceful (most of the time!) Meridian and all of the chaos in between. Thank you for keeping safety of family and the goal of peaceful existence at the heart of this series. I do not often consider the terrible price some pay for the peace we enjoy. Yes, I want and appreciate someone “…standing on that wall!” Well done.
July 4, 2025
Another 5 Star barnstormer from Robert Cole!
Robert Cole makes the Canary Islands part of the world come to life with his in depth research and narrative. If you are looking an exciting “can’t put it down” story that combines a real world military thriller with a new spin on post apocalypse fiction, this is your first class ticket! Well done Robert! Can’t wait for the next story!
Robert Cole makes the Canary Islands part of the world come to life with his in depth research and narrative. If you are looking an exciting “can’t put it down” story that combines a real world military thriller with a new spin on post apocalypse fiction, this is your first class ticket! Well done Robert! Can’t wait for the next story!
July 21, 2025
Hope for what is ahead
After 4 previous Matt Sheridan novels, all well plotted, this one felt padded, rife with trite dialogue. There is probably one more, at least, and I’ll be there to read it, hoping Matt can finally tone down his John Wayne pronouncements. His last target is a political hack with an axe to grind and a man whose ego has been bruised by Matt and his partner. Go get ‘em, Matt!
After 4 previous Matt Sheridan novels, all well plotted, this one felt padded, rife with trite dialogue. There is probably one more, at least, and I’ll be there to read it, hoping Matt can finally tone down his John Wayne pronouncements. His last target is a political hack with an axe to grind and a man whose ego has been bruised by Matt and his partner. Go get ‘em, Matt!
September 8, 2025
Great addition to the Matt Sheridan series.
The fifth in the series was just as good as the first four, I especially liked the naval warfare scenes. Robert Cole paints vivid pictures with his details of the battles and geography. My guess is that this is the last of the series but who knows, if there is a sixth book I will definitely read it.
The fifth in the series was just as good as the first four, I especially liked the naval warfare scenes. Robert Cole paints vivid pictures with his details of the battles and geography. My guess is that this is the last of the series but who knows, if there is a sixth book I will definitely read it.
June 28, 2025
What a Fantastic Read!!!
Robert Cole does it again with the fifth tremendous installment of the Matt Sheridan series. Hopefully it’s not the finale but if it is the ending it is phenomenal!
Robert Cole does it again with the fifth tremendous installment of the Matt Sheridan series. Hopefully it’s not the finale but if it is the ending it is phenomenal!
July 8, 2025
Another page turner
Thanks Robert, this was yet another page turner for the series. I look forward to the next instalment!
This series is always entertaining and the characters are family too.
Thanks Robert, this was yet another page turner for the series. I look forward to the next instalment!
This series is always entertaining and the characters are family too.
July 22, 2025
Incredibly interesting and intriguing. Hard to put down. Very believable. Hope there's many more!
Loved the characters. I feel like I know each one. I hate when one dies but to make it real, its necessary.
Loved the characters. I feel like I know each one. I hate when one dies but to make it real, its necessary.
August 23, 2025
Matt Sheridan books 1-5
I have read all five books, twice. I intend to read them again and again.
The family dynamics is heart warming and believable. The characters are well developed. I am sorry the series had to end.
I have read all five books, twice. I intend to read them again and again.
The family dynamics is heart warming and believable. The characters are well developed. I am sorry the series had to end.
October 10, 2025
Dropped off
Earlier books of the series's were 4 stars or better. The writer eliminates any dignity, honor,or virtue in his characters in book 5 and turns the heroes of books 1 to 4 into morally vacant husks. Pitiful end to a good series.
Earlier books of the series's were 4 stars or better. The writer eliminates any dignity, honor,or virtue in his characters in book 5 and turns the heroes of books 1 to 4 into morally vacant husks. Pitiful end to a good series.
August 4, 2025
Defending Meridian- Wow!
Amazing wrap up to the Matt Sheridan Series. It’s one of my favorites and is highly recommended. Great job Robert Cole and thank you.
Amazing wrap up to the Matt Sheridan Series. It’s one of my favorites and is highly recommended. Great job Robert Cole and thank you.
September 13, 2025
saved the best for last!
Good series last book was definitely the best. A good read and although slow in places it wound up being good.
Good series last book was definitely the best. A good read and although slow in places it wound up being good.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews