Sempiternal

by Michael F Simpson

A child prays for a companion, a friend of his very own, and an angel arrives to fulfill these wishes. Unfortunately, angels are not at all what the child thought they were. Now his suffering-filled life is going to become more painful, more depressing, and more terrifying.
While he scrapes his way through the nightmare, other things stir inside him. Things from deep inside the worst parts of his own mind. Or maybe, those things come from somewhere else.

Genres: Horror

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2024

About the author

There are two sides to Michael F Simpson's brain. One side is stuck in the world of stories, and the other is stuck in the world of dreams. Unfortunately, he can't remember which side is which anymore.

Michael writes books that combine something unreal with something very real, creating weird, affecting books that are open to interpretation. He also writes Analysis blog posts about his favourite stories on his website, as well as book reviews here on Goodreads.

Reviews

[Ga.selle (Semi-hiatus) Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A black mass erupted from my mouth and onto the floorboards. Its grotesque splattering led to an explosion that painted the room black. From the explosion’s source in the centre of the room, a pure white mass grew and filled the room. I remained completely still. The mass mutated and shaped into a featureless form, and though it was distinctly human and clearly feminine, its bare skin took on the characteristics of arachnid flesh. Once it had completely formed as a beautiful hybrid of girl and spider, it looked around the room twitching like a creature trapped in its own web." 🕷️🕸️🧛‍♀️

Author's disclaimer: "You are unlikely to enjoy this story. It is filled with trauma of both the psychological and physical varieties, and a great many distressing events you will probably believe to be fantasy . All of them are truth."



⚠️⚠️Triggers and spoilers⚠️⚠️
Graphic animal abuse, extreme violence and gore, sadism, cannibalism, mentions of rape and suicide


💭 Bizarre nightmares unfold in this tale of terror.
After reading this elevated horror, I can't seem to put into words exactly how I feel or think. It's like my feeling after watching Guillermo del Torros' cabinet of curiosities: That 'What-the-heck' did I just watch/read?!'
It's all sorts of weird, creepy, violent, unsettling and just gave me the icks. You are left guessing if the boy is truly sort of possessed by this she-spider thing or him having nightmares and having 'imaginary friends or companions' like the seraph and the wraith, are results of extreme paranoia or severe mental illness. Like a fever dream, or in this case, nightmares - It's hard to distinguish which narrative is the dream/nightmares and which one is the waking world. I would have rated this higher if it did not involve such graphic content of animal abuse. 🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the arc!

2.5✨ rounded up

[Kelsey Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, my horror warning is for cat lovers:
This isn't the book for you.

2.5 rounded up to 3 stars. This was an odd read. It wasn't scary, but the situations the main character was put through were horrific. Gore is probably a more specific category in which to place this book, which disappointed me because I lean more toward psychological horror. I figured the premise of being an imaginary friend gone wrong would have leaned in my direction, but this was not the case.
There wasn't a true feeling of a plot in this book. I can't say I much enjoyed that part, either. It felt like one very long fever dream. This was a case of heavily descriptive writing that is more open for interpretation than a plot-based read. It wasn't necessarily bad, but I wouldn't suggest it to most people. It would have to be a very specific person with a taste for gore.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC.

[Alison Faichney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, that was weird as fuck. It’s probably the psychonaut in me but acid trip-esque books are my JAM. It’s a different sort of immersion than a typical novel. Almost like a vivid nightmare where things are completely nonsensical but the feelings you experience are still very real and affect the psyche in a different way, but it lingers.

I’m not even going to try and surmise the plot. The book takes so many hard left turns that I can’t even begin to give you a rundown. It has demons, space ships, seraphs, churches in active decay and that’s just scratching the surface. I didn’t fully understand the book and was super pleased that the author mentions in the afterword that he *hopes* you haven’t fully comprehended.

I’m sure much of the book went over my head but it’s incredibly vivid. The prose is evocative and some of the scenes provoked my mind in the best way. I remember my first time tripping when I was 15 or 16. We were sitting in my best friend’s car with her mom listening to “We Are All on Drugs” by Weezer (I couldn’t make this shit up if I tried, swear) when a near car accident happened in the lane directly next to us. I remember just sitting there in silence, contemplating, for about five minutes when I suddenly had to ask if that was even real. This is this book. At times it’s completely nonsensical and then the plot just reverses. Or not even reverses but meanders off into an entirely different place. And I definitely enjoyed it.

This book isn’t for everyone. It has a massively unreliable narrator and some difficult scenes. It’s also not a book you can just read the lines and understand the story. Like the author mentioned, it’s not really meant to be understood but boy, that was an experience and a half. I definitely recommend but more to those who vibe with weird horror and also those who may like to celebrate Bicycle Day every so often.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, the cover of this book really sucked me in and I'm grateful to the author for a chance to read it. This is one of those books that sticks with you. Some of the images he describes are beautiful and some are beautifully horrific. It was like the most feverish of fever dreams put down on paper. I'll be honest that I'm not sure that I 100% understood the story, but after reading the author's note, I feel better about that. And I will definitely be checking out more of this author's work.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was certainly an adventure. Its twisty, horrific, while also being poetic in what you get out of it. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Kai Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5☆~

this book feels like a fever dream. its a bit hard to follow but that seems intentional. theres some great imagery & body horror as well as some pretty relatable moments in the confusion. its definitely not my fave, but I highly recommend giving it a try if it sounds interesting to you! love the way Simpson writes.

CW: death, violence, ableism, bullying, blood, body horror, religious zealotry/cults, abuse, toxic relationships

[Sweet Suriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fever Dream!
The narrator experiences a sort of "imaginary friend gone horribly wrong" in this book. Learning early on that the Seraph knowingly harms the narrator through dreams, it was an interesting read as far as discerning reality from dreamscape, heavily leaning into fever dream territory. I found it more creepy and unsettling than scary, with gory scenes and psychological aspects. There was no overlying plot, but the length of the book is perfect for what I think it sets out to do. If anyone is looking for a unique Spooky Season short read that will make you think, "What the f- did I just read?" (in a good way), try this one out. DEFINITELY check trigger warnings beforehand, it is a very dark book!!!
Thank you Witching Hole Publications for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley

[Kirstyn (readwithkirstyn) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sempiternal by Michael F. Simpson presents a thought-provoking exploration of time and existence through a unique narrative lens. The story intertwines philosophical themes with elements of science fiction, inviting readers to ponder the nature of reality. Simpson's writing is introspective and layered, though some may find the pacing uneven at times. Overall, the book offers an intriguing experience for those interested in deep philosophical questions, even if it may not resonate with everyone.

[Mark Kenific · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know how to rate this book. Written very well, but I have no clue what was supposed to be happening.
I can't recommend anyone read this book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 rounded down to 4.

Thanks to NetGalley and Witching Hole Publications for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sempiternal was a graphic, terrifying fever dream/nightmare of a story! This is Michael's second book, and the one thing I love the most about his writing is the raw emotion and vulnerability that shines through. While at times this story was hard to follow (each chapter was literally a different nightmare, which are never really linear and tend to not make sense at times), I did enjoy the bleakness and I appreciated once again, the raw representation of mental health and the struggle to get through each day. It seems to be a recurring theme with Michael's stories, and they hit so close to home every time, especially if it's something you struggle with.

If you love books that are ambiguous like this, and have a deeper meaning that up to your own interpretation, I highly recommend any of Michael's books.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is dark and terrifying. If you like cultish vibe and bizarre read, this is the book for you. Some of the parts were so terrifying. Behind the cult, people are doing sinister things. The book has gripping narrative with short chapters and poems. I liked the poems too. The characters were so interesting. No one can summarise this book because it’s better to go into it blindly. The ending was mindbending.

Thanks to the Publisher

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael F. Simpson’s Sempiternal is a dark, unsettling exploration of the human psyche and the terrifying consequences of misplaced faith. The novel takes a familiar premise—a lonely child’s wish for a companion—and twists it into a chilling narrative that delves into psychological horror, the nature of suffering, and the darker aspects of what we imagine as “angels.”

At the heart of Sempiternal is the story of a child whose prayers for a friend are answered, though not in the way he hoped. Simpson’s depiction of the angel that arrives is far removed from the comforting and benevolent beings we often associate with the word. Instead, this angel brings an escalation of torment and despair, turning the protagonist’s already painful life into an even more nightmarish existence. What begins as an innocent, even hopeful desire, spirals into a harrowing experience that forces the child to confront deeper, darker forces—whether those are from within himself or from something more malevolent remains ambiguous, adding to the novel’s tension.

Simpson excels at creating an atmosphere of dread, where reality blurs with the protagonist’s deteriorating mental state. The horror in Sempiternal is psychological as much as it is supernatural, with much of the terror stemming from the protagonist’s internal struggles. As the angel’s presence becomes more oppressive, the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined become increasingly unclear, leaving readers questioning whether the horror originates from the angel, or from the darkest recesses of the child’s own mind.

This ambiguity is one of the novel’s strengths. By refusing to give easy answers, Simpson forces readers to grapple with the nature of the horrors the protagonist faces. The child’s suffering is palpable and raw, and as the story progresses, other elements—possibly memories, traumas, or manifestations of his worst fears—begin to stir within him. Whether these are repressed parts of his psyche or external forces exploiting his vulnerability is left open to interpretation, which heightens the overall sense of unease.

Sempiternal is not a fast-paced horror story; it’s a slow-burn descent into madness and despair, which will appeal to fans of psychological and atmospheric horror. Simpson’s writing is evocative, painting a vivid and often disturbing portrait of the protagonist’s inner and outer turmoil. The novel taps into primal fears—loneliness, abandonment, and the betrayal of trust by something that should be pure and protective. These themes resonate throughout the story, making the horror more impactful and emotionally charged.

One of the more fascinating aspects of the novel is its exploration of the idea that angels, traditionally seen as agents of divine intervention and protection, might not be as benevolent as they appear. Simpson subverts this trope effectively, turning what could have been a simple supernatural horror story into something deeper and more thought-provoking. The angel in Sempiternal represents a force beyond human comprehension—perhaps not evil in the conventional sense, but certainly not aligned with the child’s well-being.

However, the novel’s bleakness and slow unraveling of the protagonist’s psyche may not be for everyone. The story is heavy, and its focus on psychological torment can make for an emotionally draining read. But for those who enjoy horror that gets under your skin and lingers long after you’ve finished reading, Sempiternal is a compelling and unsettling journey into the darker corners of the mind.

In conclusion, Sempiternal is a haunting and atmospheric tale that reimagines the idea of divine intervention as something terrifying rather than comforting. Michael F. Simpson has crafted a deeply psychological horror story that will leave readers questioning the nature of the forces at play and the fragility of the human mind. If you’re looking for a novel that delves into the complexities of suffering and the horrors that lurk within, Sempiternal is well worth the read.

[Richard Livesay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sempiternal – Michael F. Simpson

What do you do with a book when even the author admits that It’s more like a nightmare than a story? How do you evaluate what you’ve read? With Sempiternal, Michael F. Simpson asks that question early on. He doesn’t quite answer it, but the journey is, in a way, one worth taking anyway.

The narrator is a college student unable to fit into normal society. He continuously goes through terrible experiences, none of which seem exactly real, as a result a seraph that claims to be his friend. This seraph openly admits that he’s hurting the young man but says that it is in service of helping him as well. These experiences range from a horrific church, to being attacked by a giant, to revenge fantasies. None of these seem to carry any type of weight as events. It’s tough as a reader to even keep up with which are supposed to have happened in the reality of the book as opposed to which are dreams given by the seraphim. Plot doesn’t seem to be the point of this book, however.

The book succeeds more as a long tone poem than as a novel. None of the scenes seem actively scary, though they are horrific. The writing is a little too cold for horror, and much of the book is a little too blood-and-guts. We’re not connected to any of the characters enough to care about what’s happening to them. But as a mood piece, the book is effective. The scenes flash by like visions in a series of bad dreams you can’t quite wake up from, and I suspect that was Simpson’s goal all along. If so, he’s achieved what he set out for.

[Frank Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by Michael F Simpson (who I know) and as with the first book, Sempiternal is like nothing else I’ve ever read. It has many different layers and (at least for this reader) many different interpretations of the characters and their stories. I really felt overwhelmingly sad after reading Slug’s story. Sadness runs throughout the book along with feverish horror and black comedy. There are so many amazing descriptions and one liner’s that I could fill a whole book just by repeating them here. So I’ll leave it with two short quotes from the book:

“The thing from inside my soul started to sing. It sounded like suicide.”

“Loudmouth turned his head and pointed at me, with wide eyes that weren’t ready for an afterlife.”

I know, I said only two quotes, but I couldn’t stop myself adding another…

“He flicked a switch, and the voltage screamed as it ran through my soul.”

Anyway, as I'm sure you can guess, I recommend this book for those who like something different, something deep and who like stories that make them have to think a little in order to truly understand.

[pages._.turned · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Sempiternal is an experience. One that for me hasn’t quite worked, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t recommend giving it a try.

There are many different ideas and concepts in this book. Many of these concepts were really interesting and could have been truly captivating if they had been properly fleshed out. That is also my main gripe with this book – nothing has been given the proper time to actually have an effect.The cult, the spider and Wraithweed all could have worked really well in a book of their own. Since every concept only got a few pages though, nothing felt really substantial or connected. The whole book felt like a stream of consciousness and it felt a bit like a fever dream. Apparently that was the intention of the author, so it has been done well in that regard. It just wasn’t really for me.

Definitely keep the trigger warnings in mind before picking this book up. There’s a lot of gore, animal death and maybe don’t pick this book up if you’re afraid of spiders.

Thank you to the publisher for the e-ARC

[Hannah Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about this book. Like. A lot.

This book was pure fever dream. I went into it a little unsure of whether or not I would like it, but once I caught on to what the story was trying to say, I was hooked. I read this book in one sitting kind of hooked. The storyline is such a wonderful thing to read and the writing itself is incredibly beautiful. Everything weaves together to give a really haunting, eerie sort of read. The one where you just know this book is going to sit with you for a while.

I would definitely recommend this book to... anyone.