Mind Games by Heather W Petty

Mind Games by Heather W Petty
Release Date -  December 6, 2016

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

**Spoilers for Lock and Mori**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Sherlock Holmes and Miss James “Mori” Moriarty may have closed their first case, but the mystery is far from over in the thrilling sequel to Lock & Mori, perfect for fans of Maureen Johnson and Sherlock.

You know their names. Now discover their beginnings.

Mori’s abusive father is behind bars…and she has never felt less safe. Threatening letters have started appearing on her doorstep, and the police are receiving anonymous tips suggesting that Mori—not her father—is the Regent’s Park killer. To make matters worse, the police are beginning to believe them.

Through it all, Lock—frustrating, brilliant, gorgeous Lock—is by her side. The two of them set out to discover who is framing Mori, but in a city full of suspects, the task is easier said than done. With the clock ticking, Mori will discover just how far she is willing to go to make sure that justice is served, and no one—not even Lock—will be able to stop her. 

Retelling Sherlock Holmes is nothing new. It seems there is always a new adaptation or twist in the works. A teenage Sherlock may have been the initial hook, but this series charms far surpass that particular character. It boasts a finely crafted doomed romance, an unforgettable Mori, and some impressive plotting to create something fun, fresh and attention grabbing.

Heather Petty's Mori is the stand out of this entire series. You may pick it up for Sherlock, but will be pleasantly surprised by Mori. She's imperfect, and that is what makes her so fascinating. You can see the antagonist she'll become for Lock. You can see the damage being done to her, and all the broken pieces being made within her as a result. You see the path she is heading down, and you want to prevent it even as you want to see what she'll become. She's already formidable, capable, and steadfast. Her love for her brothers is the beacon guiding her and what she clings to with admirable stubbornness. She balances Lock and his quirks while still being given her own agency and story. She's not there to simply advance his.

Mori, in this sequel, is still dealing with the fallout of her father being  arrested for murder. The ramifications of the events of the first novel are felt strongly through every single page of this story. Every character's actions are a direct result of choices made in the first novel and that ensures not only to make the story feel cohesive, but shows the meticulous planning that went into this story. There is one longer arc that will thread through the entire series, even if it appears we're solving self contained mysteries. 

The romance in this is the stuff of shipping dreams. Part of the allure is that you know this is going to be soul crushing. You know this relationship could never work even as you lie to yourself that it could. The glimpses of what if, the moments of happiness, the potential it holds, all make it all the more agonizing because the author makes it so easy to fall into the idea of hope. You want them to work out so badly that it burns. The calming influence each has on the other is endearing, and their bond really shines in this sequel. Mori's point of view adds a little more poignancy to the heartbreak as you can see the cracks that will eventually break them. It's compelling, and would be an incredible dynamic for a television show. 

The mystery, just like in the first novel, is well crafted. It is logical and once you have all the puzzles pieces it makes perfect sense. It may sound strange but the mystery is really secondary to the characters and the stories that are being told through them. The mystery at the heart of both books are used to further the characters, and the plot. It all works in tandem to create a really entertaining reading experience. The mystery isn't the hook, the characters are,  and that makes this resonate all the more.

The only missing link is Lock's Watson. He's presence is a looming thing. I think it is because you associate Holmes with Watson and not having Watson be a more prominent presence feels strange. He is briefly teased, and I hope for much more of him in the future installments of this story. 

Heather Petty crafts her Sherlock with a fun mystery, wonderful character development, and a Moriarty that is witty and complex. Fans of the source material will delight in this fresh take while non fans will fall under its spell for many other reasons. I cannot wait to read the next chapter in Lock and Mori's doomed love story, Heather Petty has made it impossible not to want to.

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.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

A quiet, but AMAZING mailbox week this time around. I was sort of freaking out at my apartment mailboxes when I opened this package!

Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook (goodreads)
Mind Games by Kiersten White (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada for sending me these. Nobody But Us has been one of the titles I have been majorly pining for. I can't wait start both of these. *Shannon, you are amazing*

Also, a huge thank you to Nova Ren Suma for the amazing 17 & Gone bookmarks. I am pining for this book so bad right now!

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!