My Soul to Take

July 4, 2011
Due continues the conflict between mortals and immortals in this thoughtful near-future supernatural suspense tale, the fourth in the African Immortals series (after 2008's Blood Colony). Phoenix Smalls Harris, a talented singer, is approached by Fana Wolde and her organization to assist in spreading Fana's healing powers through song rather than the "Glow," a drug crafted from immortal blood. Phoenix agrees, not least because a member of her family has succumbed to the Praying Disease, a virus unleashed by Fana's fiancé, Michel. The bonds of families, lovers, friends, and fellow believers are tested as Michel tries to eliminate mortal humans and fulfill his interpretation of a prophecy while Fana moves to counter him. Due's immersive style encourages readers to delve into all of the conflicting viewpoints and agendas with a surprising degree of empathy, giving depth to a complex and powerful conclusion.

August 1, 2011
In the fourth book in the African Immortals series (which includes an appearance by Phoenix Smalls from Due's nonseries novel, Joplin's Ghost, 2005), immortal, telepathic teenager Fana faces the desperate challenge of distributing Glow, a sort of universal cure for diseases, before she will be forced to live up to her promise to wed the evil Michel, who would have killed Fana's family if she hadn't vowed to marry him. Meanwhile, Johnny Wright, who loves Fana and fears her marriage to Michel would spell disaster for humanity, is trying to find a way to keep her away from husband-to-be. You have to be familiar with the series' earlier entries to fully appreciate the context and story threads of this one; it's not a book for newcomers. The dialogue often wavers uneasily between contemporary and Gothic, but it's competently written otherwise and will be eagerly devoured by Due's fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)