Mind Games by Kiersten White

Mind Games by Kiersten White
Release Date – February 18, 2013
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages - 256 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**Provided by publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future.

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

In a world where young women are used for their supernatural like abilities Fia and Annie are fighting not just for themseleves but each other. Mind Games is as darkly dangerous as the world it’s characters inhabit. A page turning look at two sisters, and the lengths we will go to for those we love. An unflinchingly look at ulitimate price of sisterly bonds.

Fia’s narration is a steady stream of thoughts that jump around and are often jumbled. This narration flawlessly suits the broken, haunted young woman that Fia is.  Fia also happens to be tenacious, and a survivor. She, however, has a vulnerable side to her that she tries to bury under her attitude and trying to lose herself in oblivion. Her desire for escape using  music and the dance floor felt logical to me. Her guilt is palpable and is such a strong aspect of her character. Every horrific thing she’s had to do to protect Annie eats away at her until she’s so damaged that even her own sister doesn’t recognize her.I predict that some readers may end up disliking Fia. I, however, adored her for all her flaws.

Annie is the more level headed sister. She’s a sharp contrast to the fiery Fia. Annie feels responsible for everything that Fia has done in order to protect her. Her guilt is as much a part of her as Fia’s, but so different because she also carries Fia’s guilt along with her own. The cold truth is that both sisters are willing and capable to be ruthless if it means protecting the other and are not that different when faced with bleak situations.

The relationship between the sisters felt incredibly authentic. They each would tear the world apart to protect the other, and are loyal to the point of destruction. Jealously, and rivalry are infused with realism into their relationship. Guilt, and resentment also plague each sister. The relationship is entangled with emotions that make their bond unshakable, even if at times it would make things easier if they could let go.

The introduction between James and Adam provides some steamy scenes. Each boy has potentially threatening secrets that are beginning to unravel during the course of the novel. These secrets could result in dire consequences for Fia and Annie. I liked the sense of danger that it brought to the story, and that there is the potential for hidden motivations. Trust is not something easily given in the world these characters inhabit and as a reader, it kept me guessing.

Those looking for the lighter tone that I’ve heard is prevalent in Kirsten’s Paranormalcy series will find this new series packs a darker, sharper edge to it than perhaps expected. The ending promises darker secrets, and more twists on what is hopefully the road to Fia and Annie's eventual freedom.