cover image Splintered Souls

Splintered Souls

Erica Lucke Dean. Red Adept (redadept-publishing.com), $15.99 trade paper (226p) ISBN 978-1-940215-57-0

Dean’s first Twin Flames novel is incomplete without its companion volumes, but it certainly whets the appetite for the rest of the series. In Cromwell’s England, Lady Catherine Fairchild seeks a witch’s blessing for her unborn child—that he will be reunited with his soul mate. When she delivers twin boys, the soul, with its blessing, is split between the two. In 21st-century Maine, Ava Flynn has just started classes at the local college while supporting her mother after her father’s sudden death. As Ava navigates her new friendships and environment, her dreams and her classes are occupied by the mysterious and captivating Maddox. Ava soon learns of the curse that drives Maddox and his twin brother, Laith, and she builds a connection with them both. The intriguing concept of soul mates throughout time will keep the reader’s attention through the padding of Ava’s first days at college and Maddox’s inexplicable elusiveness. The time-travel elements are coherent and fascinating, and Dean (To Katie with Love) finds her strengths when she brings Maddox, Laith, and Ava together. The hanging plot threads will keep anticipation high for book two. (Dec.)