Review: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Mind Games (Mind Games #1) by Kiersten White
Expected Publication Date: February 19th, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 256 pages
Format: ARC
Source: Not Your Mother's Book Club
Goodreads | Books Inc.

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.

I'll admit that I haven't read any of Kirsten White's other books, but if they're anything like Mind Games I know I'll love them! Mind Games is a total roller coaster ride, switching between the POVs of the twins, Annie and Fia. While Annie's blind, she has the ability to see the future and Fia's abilities are unknown, but she's definitely special. Mind Games is just a taste of what's coming, but I'm really looking forward to whatever White has in store next!

The story alternates between Annie and Fia's POVs, as well as jumping between past and present. White does an awesome job of creating a clear voice for each girl. When Annie's narrating, the language is more mature and rational, but when it's Fia's turn, the words blend together creating an erratic tone that matches well with her thought process. I loved both sisters, but Fia's kick ass attitude and irrational behavior made her a little more interesting to read. Annie is pleasant enough, and I liked that she didn't let her disability get in the way of what she wanted. There is even a gorgeous, sexy love interest who is kid of a jerk, but I totally fell for him! You know how I love bad boys :)

The actual plot is mostly character-driven, involving chase scenes, fights, kissing, and lots of super powers. I loved the sci-fi elements, but the whole "damaged girl who is kick ass awesome and insecure" got old after a while. I also think that the story was too short. I know that there's going to be a second one, but I think it would have paid off more to combine the two books into one to make it longer and help explain some details more. By the time I was finished I was still a bit confused by some things. The best part of the book was definitely White's ability to switch voices so well. I could always tell who was talking without even looking at the chapter title. I did think some parts were a bit rushed and, as I said, some elements weren't explained, but since the story is told from the view point of two girls who are equally as confused, it was an understandable plot point.

Mind Games was a quick, exciting read and I'm looking forward to whatever she's got coming out next. I'm excited to learn more about Fia and Annie and their abilities and I really hope we'll delve deeper into this world of psychics. Hopefully, both sisters will get some therapy and work out their deeper issues so they can fight the bad guys together and stop complaining all the time. If you're a fan of thrillers and mind benders, you'll definitely enjoy this one. Mind Games is a good read for fans of Darkest Minds and Shatter Me.