Title: "Susza (Fala, #2): A Promising Wave That Missed Its Crest"
When I first picked up Susza (Fala, #2) by Anna Krasowska, I was brimming with excitement. The first part had captivated me with its vivid narrative and compelling characters. But, as I dove into this sequel, I couldn’t help but wonder: how could such potential feel so heavily squandered? Let’s dig into this bittersweet follow-up that left me feeling profoundly conflicted.
At the heart of Susza is Sydney, a character who continues to lead the charge but, unfortunately, stumbles in the process. Many times throughout the story, I found myself questioning why everyone seems to be enamored with her. She’s portrayed as exceptionally special, yet her allure often feels contrived. The romantic dynamics, especially with Gabriel, left an unsettling taste in my mouth. Sydney’s age, just 15, and the over-the-top obsession from older characters felt both uncomfortable and misguided. The author’s choices in developing these relationships sparked questions rather than intrigue, which could have been avoided.
As I flipped through the pages, I realized that the last hundred seemed almost like a different book entirely. The party scene, built around stolen resources, could have been a thrilling climax. Yet, it spiraled into absurdity, lacking continuity and engaging conflict. I wondered where all the other islanders were, as though the narrative needed a solid grounding in the world it had established. Additionally, some characters, like Elvis and Mila, seemed to exist only to mirror previous arcs rather than evolve meaningfully.
Krasowska’s writing style shines through at times—especially in her reflections on broader themes. However, it occasionally veered into a confusing territory. The obsession with Elon Musk felt bizarre and detracted from the authenticity of the world. It made me question how grounded the author is in the realities of the characters she’s crafted. While I appreciate a good literary nod, here it felt forced, as though a complex idea was simplified into a gimmick.
Yet, there were moments of brilliance too. The captain’s candid conversations with Sydney provided a touch of clarity amidst the chaos and served as a reminder of the potential this story had. His wisdom offered a glimpse of the depth that the narrative could have reached if it had sustained its focus.
Ending on a cliffhanger of escape was frustrating. I couldn’t help but feel that the story left me with more questions than answers. The excitement that once surged through my reading experience turned to disillusionment as I closed the book, hoping the next installment could salvage what felt lost here.
In conclusion, while Susza (Fala, #2) took me on a ride with glimpses of potential brilliance, it ultimately fell short of my expectations. If you enjoyed the first book and have an affection for complex characters and emotional dilemmas, this sequel may still hold allure for you. However, be prepared for a narrative that feels a tad muddled. I’m hopeful that the third installment can bring this series back on track, and I’ll be anxiously waiting for that next wave.