Book Review: Sempiterno (Extraños, #2) by Joana
When I first picked up Sempiterno, the second book in Joana’s Extraños series, I was brimming with excitement. The first book had drawn me in with its intriguing premise and vibrant character dynamics. However, what began as a promising sequel soon morphed into an experience reminiscent of a long, drawn-out marathon—an exercise in patience rather than pure enjoyment.
From the outset, the world-building was appealing; setting up the atmosphere is one thing Joana does exceptionally well. Yet, the pacing felt sluggish. I often found myself checking the page count, longing for a spark that seemed to flicker on and off. Many sections felt like pure filler—scenes that didn’t contribute to the narrative and seemed to go on forever. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of duty to finish the book, almost like I was forcing myself to complete a long homework assignment.
As the story revolves around characters like Swayer, Caleb, and Axel, it became painfully evident that their personalities had morphed inexplicably. Caleb, for example, seemed to lose his edge, transforming from a complex character into someone engaging in blatantly "family-friendly" antics. It felt like each character had two distinct personas—one from the previous book and another that felt almost removed from who they were. This dissonance made it difficult for me to connect with the story or care about their journeys, particularly the relationships and dramatic turns that didn’t feel authentic.
Even pivotal moments like Caleb’s reaction to Brenan’s death left me confused. While grief is undeniably complex, the inconsistency in Caleb’s behavior begged for deeper exploration. I found myself questioning how a character so deeply affected by loss could be so indifferent to another’s struggle, especially when they had shared such a close bond. I almost felt guilty for questioning it, as if I were undermining a raw emotional experience.
Joana’s writing style, known for its flair, also fell into a repetitive rhythm. I felt like I was experiencing déjà vu, encountering recycled scenes from her other works, which took away from the excitement of this new narrative. Nonetheless, there was a turning point in the last chapters; the plot finally picked up steam as Ania made her grand entrance. I couldn’t help but glance at the clock, fully aware of my late-night reading session stretching beyond rational limits, but I was completely hooked.
Despite my criticisms, there’s a significant kernel of a great story buried within Sempiterno. The potential for unique themes and character depth felt largely untapped, yet I couldn’t shake off the lingering excitement that stemmed from the engaging climax.
In closing, while I struggled with many elements of Sempiterno, I still believe there might be readers who could find enjoyment in its pages—particularly fans of Joana’s previous works or those who appreciate character-driven narratives with a twist of fantasy. So, if you’re willing to wade through some slower sections for glimpses of a gripping plot, this sequel might still have something for you. For me, it reflected a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.
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