Sempiterno (Extraños, #2) – A Rollercoaster of Humor, Heart, and Hiccups
When I first dove into Sempiterno, the second book in Joana Amaya’s Extraños series, I was giddy with anticipation. There’s something there, in the whimsical chaos of her storytelling, that hooks you right from the start. Having enjoyed the first installment, I was eager to see how Victoria, Caleb, and their ever-evolving crew would navigate the wild hurdles thrown their way. But what followed was a mix of laughter, frustration, and a touch of bewilderment that kept me both entertained and scratching my head.
At its core, Sempiterno juggles familiar themes of friendship, adventure, and the occasional twist of romance, all wrapped up in the relentless pursuit of the “bad guys.” The laugh-out-loud humor that weaves through the pages resonates with the reader, particularly during moments of high tension where characters seem to breathe life into dire situations. But therein lies my main crux of contention—the narrative can feel almost juvenile at times, reminiscent of a chatty teen in a WhatsApp group, trading witticisms that, while charming, detract from the story’s depth. That carefree tone, while engaging, sometimes hovers too close to "cutre."
One of my biggest frustrations was how certain characters faded into the background as the story progressed. Bex and Kieran, for instance, started with so much promise but felt adrift as the plot thickened. Their lack of interaction or resolution was disappointing. Kieran, “son” of pivotal characters, seemed relegated to comic relief rather than a significant part of the unfolding drama. It’s as if Joana, in her quest to keep the momentum rolling, forgot to tie up some loose ends.
This ties into my next concern: the plot structure. The cyclical nature of the conflicts—enemy appears, scuffle ensues, and off they run—began to grate on my nerves. It felt like a prolonged loop that needed trimming. Although Sawyer’s unexpected transition from villain to ally brought a refreshing twist, it felt hastily crafted and somewhat unearned. This is where I sensed a lack of planning or structural stability, almost as if Joana was improvising her way through a high-energy script.
What really struck me, though, was the emotional punch in the book’s climax. The reunion between Victoria and Caleb had me feeling all the feels, and for a moment, I was reminded of why I picked up this series in the first place. However, the temporal jump in the ending raised eyebrows, leaving loose threads that begged for tighter knots and deeper logic. And that epilogue? A bit too forced—a checklist of where everyone ended up, rather than a true reflection of their journeys.
Ultimately, Sempiterno is a delightful read if you approach it with a mindset for light-heartedness and fun, rather than seeking a tightly woven narrative. If you’re a fan of escapades filled with quirky humor and charming characters, despite their flaws, this book could be right up your alley. Just know that while you might roll your eyes at certain plot devices and character fumbles, you’ll still find moments that tug at your heartstrings.
For someone like me, who enjoys a mix of chaos and camaraderie, Sempiterno was certainly entertaining—even if a bit chaotic. It reinforced the idea that sometimes, the journey matters more than a flawless map. If you dive into this one holding onto that sentiment, you might just find it as engaging as I did. Keep those expectations flexible! 🐽☁️💗
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