Allison: Mind Games | Kiersten White | Book Review

Mind Games is the perfect title for this book by Kiersten White because honestly that is what this book does to you. It plays so many games with your mind! Everything is part of the puzzle, and every little detail is important to the puzzle. Even if you think it might not be important in the end it could be the one detail that really matters. It’s kinda crazy in a way.

There are two main characters in Mind Games. The first Fia was born with flawless instincts and has learned to trust her gut instinct as it is usually right. Her sister Annie is blind to the world around her – except that she has the ability to have strange visions of the future. Together, they have an unusual and complex bond doing whatever they can to save the other in a world filled with secrets and lies. Even if it means risking themselves in the process.

Mind Games is written in a duel narrative which gives the reader the ability to see where each sister is coming from in terms of their decisions. It also shows how devoted they are to each other, and how much they are willing to sacrifice for the other. The flip flopping of the points of view also created the tension that was needed for the puzzle of the story. Like I said, every little detail mattered, including the flashbacks into the past. It might not have seemed like it when the detail was first revealed but once things started coming full circle, it all started making sense. Except at the same time, it didn’t … and that actually made it more intense to read.

I didn’t necessarily fully connect with either one of the sisters. They both had their strengths and their flaws but I was so drawn into the plot execution of the story that the character’s actually kind of fell to the wayside in a way. This is odd for me to think about but honestly that is the way that it happened. I was so sucked into the strength of the plot, and the implementation of it that I wasn’t focused on the characters. It was something of a different pace for me which was nice. Of course, it was a little easy to get sucked into the story when there is spying, espionage, assassinations, secrets, and lies involved!

Overall, I enjoyed Mind Games, and I look forward to the sequel which I believe doesn’t come out till 2014 (of course). I’m hoping that the second book in the series will answer my still unanswered questions, and fill in the necessary gaps which I feel as still within the story. These gaps didn’t necessarily disappoint me but at the same time I still want to know more. More spying, espionage, assassinations, secrets, and lies please!

Disclosure: Received advanced copy from Oblong Books after attending a signing event.

Other Reviews of Mind Games by Kiersten White:
The Book Belles: “This book will keep you up reading…”

Mostly YA Lit: “I would totally recommend this to anyone who needs a fast, action-y read…”

Mundie Moms: “Mind Games is a thrilling, fun, and incredibly fast read…“