Review: Into a Million Pieces by Angela V. Cook

Allison McKready is a succubus. So is her twin sister. But while Allison spends her summer break hiding in the library behind her Goth makeup, Jade fools around as often as she can. Allison can’t believe Jade would ignore their mother’s fatal example so recklessly, but concealing a cursed bloodline and its dangerous effects is far from Allison’s only problem. Mean girl Julie’s snob mob is determined to ruin her summer, and Aunt Sarah’s Bible thumping is getting louder. Only her new friend, Ren Fisher, offers safe haven from the chaos of her life. 

When one of Jade’s risky dates leads to humiliation and sudden tragedy, Allison reels, and Ren catches her. But as her feelings for him grow, so does her fear that she’ll hurt him—or worse—in an unguarded moment. The choice is coming—love him or save him—but Allison might not live to make it. One way or another, the curse will have its due. 

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3 Stars

This was an odd book for me to read as I had not read a book before where the main character was a succubus, never mind twin succubi. There had been side characters in other novels, of course, but the focus afforded to Jade and Allison made it a whole different experience in Into a Million Pieces.

Characters

I liked Allison a lot because she has a lot of inner strength, which I suppose you would have to have if you were not only a succubus, but one with a sister that doesn't understand the danger of the situation she shares with you, an aunt constantly shoving religious views down your throat, and the overwhelming temptation that is an attractive male when you're a hormone ridden teenager.

There were a few aspects of her character that annoyed me. In the beginning she knows that taunting Julie is sinking down to the mean girl's level won't help or be right, but she does it anyway. That was infuriating, her knowing better but disregarding that feeling. She seemed whiny at times and a bit foolish in other moments, especially near the end.

Jade was a bit over the top for me, but I think that served a purpose because she was an example of what can happen in paranormal/fantasy books when you don't pay attention to a curse. You're a succubus, girl, get used to it!

She had her good points in that, while she didn't listen to her sister's warning or her mother's example, she did care about Allison in her own way and was protective, though like her aunt she did not go about protecting her in the right way.

Aunt Sarah reminded me of a lesser version of the mother from Carrie, until the end at least. She was unsettling to say the least because of how hard she was pushing her agenda on the girls. I understand that she was attempting to save them through the same method that "saved her", but boy was she going about it the wrong way.

Ren was a pretty cool guy and I liked him, even if Allison was suspicious of him at first. Their relationship was hurried and for me bordered on instant love which is a trope I've said before I hate. That's one of a few reasons why I think Into a Million Pieces would have benefited from being a bit longer.

Writing/Plot

There were a few segments where I thought that I would not be able to continue. It started in chapter one where things seemed to take off far too quickly, but that got better when things started to get explained. This was a fast book to get through and I did so in a few hours.

The plot was interesting to a point, but it and the writing felt rushed. I think it would have been a more satisfying novel if it had been fleshed out a bit more and certain plot points given more time to develop.

Even with the problems that I had with the book, it was still an enjoyable read that could be finished in a day, perhaps two.

Music Recommendation

This song was originally by Breaking Benjamin, but I saw this alternate take on the music video. It's a simple yet beautiful anime style picture with the lyrics appearing on screen.

It is dark enough that I was reminded of aspects of both Allison and Jade's personalities, but there was sense of hope, however small, that spoke to Allison's strength of will not to succumb to her mother's fate.

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