Perpetual

by Emma Volcan

Marie felt her thoughts getting sucked away as if they were being abducted. She recognized this all-too-familiar sensation that she dreaded more than anything else in the world. Her mind was stuck in a tunnel, and she couldn’t resist the tug toward its pitch-black core.

‘Marie! Stay with me! Open your eyes! Look at me!’ she heard her sister exclaim, but no resistance was possible. Her mind went blank—again.

This book tells the story of two sisters who, while trying to save each other, unintentionally get tangled up in a race against time that changes the world for good.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2024

About the author

Emma Volcan writes character-driven fiction that blends mystery, emotional depth, and a playful touch of the unexpected. Her stories explore the quiet wonder of everyday life, the connections that pull people together, and the hidden questions that shape how we see the world.

Emma is the author of Perpetual and the upcoming novel Why Are You Here?.

What she loves most is creating worlds that feel familiar yet a little off-center—where characters can surprise you and nothing is ever exactly what it seems, often leaving readers with a big smile or, sometimes, a tear.

Emma lives in Belgium with her three wonderful kids and her husband, Eric Volcan—her partner in life and writing. Together, they run TheVolcans.com, where you can read about their story and discover their novels.

By day, Emma works as a biomedical engineer; by night (or whenever the little Volcans finally fake sleep convincingly enough), she writes.

She loves connecting with her readers! You can reach her via email at emma@thevolcans.com.

Follow Emma on Goodreads for updates on new releases and giveaways.

Reviews

[Veerle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book through a friend and enjoyed every page of it… I loved the codes and the world created, original ánd inspiring!

[Melissa Lambrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing debut that leaves you filled with warmth and empathy.A smoldering ember you'll carry with you in times like these when you need your faith in humanity restored....

[Karen Luyckx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Unbelievable how the author came up with such a mind-boggling concept and yet explained it so clearly in the smooth and engaging dialogues between the protagonists and through their internal dilemmas. Given the ethical dilemmas faced by Marie and Alice (the sisters at the center of the story) it's surprising how easy the read is, it got me hooked quickly and took me along for all sorts of fascinating twists and turns. Not sure what else to say out of fear of putting spoilers, especially because the book is wonderful in the way in which it slowly releases all its surprises as new pieces to an awe-inspiring puzzle.

[Rachelle McKinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it was a bit confusing in the beginning, I’m so glad I stuck with it because that’s sort of the point! Interesting and unique story, and so heartwarming. To quote Severance, “the work is mysterious and important.” Don’t forget to read the afterword.

[Lieve Hendrikx · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mesmerizing book that rekindles the joy of dreaming!

From the moment you start reading, the story flows effortlessly, pulling you in with unexpected twists that keep you captivated. The protagonists are portrayed with such raw openness that their internal struggles feel deeply personal, making every emotional turn resonate.

It's a beautifully crafted journey that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

[Kristl.Speelmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly, I got hold of this book. 'Perpetual' is remarkably original. It is a comforting story that kept me captivated until the end. It took me into a parallel world that nevertheless felt so real. Loved it.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be a persistent and goodhearted reader and you shall get through to a magic dreamland that is set to improve the world.

[Tanguy Kormoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story that keeps the reader wondering until the very end. A real page turner with interesting, well developed characters. Unique and exceptional storyline. Never seen before!

[Diane Schwarzkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from a Goodreads Giveaway for my honest opinion. The story stated off slow due to the world building. The author did a good job on the world building.

The book picked up around the middle with a couple of surprises along the way and delivered with all the feelings at the end.

Good book and plot!

[Eric Volcan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not surprised that my wife has come up with a story so familiar, yet so otherworldly. Still, I was flabbergasted. It made me laugh, it made me wonder, it made me cry (and I never, ever cry when reading a book).

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a giveaway winner. I strive not to let this bias my review.

This is novel is unlike any I've read. As a reader always starving for the next book, I feel that most fiction I've read lately tells the same stories with different flavor. This one was different though, and it was beautiful, and captivating, and hopeful, and heart felt. At times I gasped in surprise at discoveries made, at others I laughed or cried. I found myself retelling the story to my husband with more excitement then I ever do when reading something new. I would recommend it to most and when it's officially released, I will buy it for many.

As a note to the author, there is a little editing to do still, but now I'm not sure it wasn't intended. Either way, the story was so strong that I couldn't remove a single star. I will take the message forward with me and look forward to what you might bring to us in the future. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[Astrid Philippron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible good book! After reading, you immediately want to spread goodness.
Altough the story works towards the plot at the end, there is no way you can guestimate it during reading, incredible well done by the author!
The first pages were not easy as I was not aware that the story happened in 2 different world. Once this came clear to me, I couldn't stop reading.
Looking foreards to read more from this amazing author!

[Silke Janssens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others. In the first chapters, I had a lot of questions, but it was all part of a mystery that unfolded into a truly surprising story. I was eager to see how it all came together, and thanks to a well-thought-out and clever storyline, it definitely didn't disappoint. I felt a warm connection with Marie and her sister Alice; their relationship felt familiar and left me wanting to keep reading.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started out just a little bit slow, but then I really got hooked. The story was really original, unlike any other book. I read this many months ago, but I still regularly think about it. I also really loved the section at the back with the alternative story!

[Pj Corthouts · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first it took a little moment to get started, but i am so happy i continued reading.

Emma Volcan took me by the heart with the story and the end of it really made me emotional.

I really recommend reading!

[Nele F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one of a kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
Dan Brown meets Jostein Gaarder, and they create something magical.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! has everything I love—a beautiful idea, honesty, vulnerability, and intellect. It’s heartfelt and thought-provoking and leaving a lasting impression.