Book review: Pyxis by KC Neal

Pyxis, aptly titled "The Discovery" is a novel, for my mind, designed only to introduce you to the idea of a future plot and the building of strong character foundations.
Pyxis presents the idea of something compelling, a story involving a pyramidal group of teens - protagonist Corrine, her best friend Angeline, and her sometimes-maybe-boyfriend Mason. 
Formed by the trappings of high school, but forging closer upon the discovery of this mystery box known as the "Pyxis", and the novel attempts to explore its purpose and the reasons why these kids have been chosen.
Interestingly enough, you never find out what the Pyxis is. In fact, the novel doesn't explain much of anything bar family secrets never to be fully revealed. I felt bogged down by several chapters exploring a cookie experiment using unidentifiable liquids from the Pyxis box bearing no hypothesis or result. Following these lack-luster chapters with shared nightmares of fog between Corrine and Mason and I started to think we might be getting somewhere - at least some answer or deeper deluge into their meaning, but then boom, the novel is pretty much at its end.
I wish I could say that I enjoyed Pyxis, but with a million questions unanswered and no discernible plot direction, I can't imagine picking up the next installment as I wasn't left wanting.
I cannot fault the writing style, the descriptive content, or the dialogue, as this was very consistent throughout the novel. Imagery was particularly creative and the introduction of some sinister characters did give the book promise, but with too much space in between explanation, no moments of suspense and very little intrigue, I can only rate this book two out of five fangs.

Synopsis:

Corinne lives an average teenage life working at her dad’s cafe, hanging out with her best friend, and trying to forget a falling-out with her almost-boyfriend Mason. Things take a strange turn when she uses her late grandmother’s food dyes for a bake sale, and her customers suddenly find her irresistibly alluring. Then she discovers she and Mason are haunted by the same dreams of a dark force that consumes everything in its path. 
Pursued by shadowy figures and a crazy woman with secrets from the past, Corinne must find out who her grandmother really was. In her quest to unravel her family’s history, she learns she is destined to protect this world--and the dark world of her dreams. She races to find the answers she seeks before her nightmares break free.

Kristy :)