cover image Into a Million Pieces

Into a Million Pieces

Angela V. Cook. Red Adept (redadeptpublishing.com), $11.99 paper (202p) ISBN 978-1-940215-38-9

In this series opener, first-time author Cook introduces Allison McKready, a teenager whose female family members have been born succubi, with the power to sap energy from men or kill them with sex, ever since their ancestor was cursed by the devil. While Allison’s Aunt Sarah uses religion to resist temptation, and her sister, Jade, dabbles in energy-draining kisses, Allison turns to black clothing and goth makeup to keep the boys away. It doesn’t completely work as Ren, a fellow classmate, breaches the walls she puts up. Though Allison is determined to keep Ren in the friend zone, tragedy throws her into his arms. Now, Allison has to resist the temptation to sleep with Ren or risk killing him. The development of Allison and Ren’s relationship feels rushed, especially considering how much time Allison has spent pushing people away, and some of the dialogue is stilted (“I’m not scared.... Well, I am but my fear has to do more with the emotions than anything else”). But Cook creates a cast of realistic characters, including sympathetic Allison, who will have readers looking forward to the next book. Ages 14–up. (BookLife)