Review: Mind Games

Mind Games
Author: Kiersten White
Published: February 19, 2013
237 pages
4 Gold Stars

(summary from Goodreads)

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.

Oh boy, does the title for this book ever suit it! From the first page, my mind didn't quite get every detail and I got confused over events very quickly, but this is exactly what the author intended. With two very different view points, Fia, a bold femme fatale who risks everything for a guy who decided to pet a dog, and Annie, her blind, seer older sister whom she is sworn to protect. Two different girls living two very different lives, yet connected by each other. Flashing between both girls and the past and present, Mind Games left me questioning everything at the end of each chapter with no idea as to how everything would pay out in the end.

The sisters live at a school for girls with abilities. There are seers, feelers, and readers, and then there's Fia. She is one of a kind and her instincts are perfect. She knows exactly what to do and when to do it to get what she wants, and that's why Keane is so keen on keeping her around. By keeping Annie locked up in her own little apartment, Keane knows Fia won't go far because she would never leave her sister. The mystery behind these girls kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't know for sure what Fia was really capable of, but I knew she was bad ass. She knows how to hold her own and I never knew how she'd react in a situation (and yes, that was the point, she had to be unpredictable) Though she pissed me off with some of the things she did (most of which involved James, Keane's son) Fia was a strong character who was just really messed up. considering how she's been living most of her life, it's understandable and White wrote her extremely well. Annie is kind but powerful, and though people try to take advantage of her because she's blind, she's smart enough to know when to keep some of the things she sees secret.

The book flowed perfectly, and even though I kept getting a little confused since White was only letting out so much information at a time, it just made me want to read more. Fia and Annie have been trying to plot their escape from the school for so long, without actually plotting. Both their lives are complicated and not easily described in one sentence. What I loved most was how slowly we learned about each girl's life through their individual chapters. I think this book could have been longer just so I could get to know the sisters better. There is easily room for more books and I would love to see what happens with the school after the events of the book.

White wrote that this was originally meant to be a femme fatale book, which is definitely was, but it turned out to be more about choices and how far you would go to save the ones you love. Fia and Annie have to make many tough choices throughout the book and some were good and some were very sad. Responsibilities and loyalties are put to the test as both sisters face their own challenges. Their relationship was realistic, heartbreaking and touching. Mix that in with supernatural powers, and I'm sold.

(This is going to be a series!)

“Still, I will protect Annie. She is the only person in the world who loves me. She is the only person in the world who would never use me. She is my anchor, the chain around my ankle, the thing that means it doesn't matter what James does or who he is - I will still be his because I will always be Annie's.”

Review: Burn For Burn

Burn For Burn
Authors: Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
Published: September 18, 2012
368 pages
4 Gold Stars

(summary from Goodreads)

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste.

Stories about revenge are always sweet. Throw in an island, some popular kids and a little bit of drugs and you've got yourself a party. Each of these girls had a good reason to get back at those who scorned them. Kat used to be popular and was best friends with Lillia and Rennie until suddenly she wasn't. Now she's been outlawed at school and it's time to make Rennie pay for everything she's done. Lillia went to a party in the summer and can't stand to think about what happened there. Now she's worried her younger sister is slipping into the same mistake, but she won't let that happen. This boy needs to pay. Mary just moved back to the island, finally ready to face the reason she left. Ready to get her revenge.

The minute we step onto the island with Mary, I was stuck. I never wanted to leave. With every passing chapter, I grew more curious about why these girls were looking for revenge and how they were going to get it. Han and Vivian write flawlessly together. There is no part of the story that seems out of place. There is no way of knowing when the next author takes over. Each girl has her own distinct voice and the story telling just kept me wanting more. Told from each girl's viewpoint, we gradually discover what happened to make them want revenge. Each story will break your heart and make you want to seek revenge along with them. Kat is badass and doesn't take anything from anyone. She could car less about being popular. Lillia has popularity thrown at her and she uses it to her advantage, but she's not a bitch. In fact, the way she talks to Kat even though they aren't friends anymore is inspiring. Mary doesn't know anyone but as soon as Kat and Lillia take her secretly under their wing, she has hope for new friendships. She is one of the strongest characters in the book and rarely shows fear. Every supporting character has their own personality as well. Each of the popular kids has a flaw that is shown perfectly and plays to the girls' advantage. All the characters feel like real people.

The revenge scenarios are what you'd expect during the first half of the book. They are pity, but I had to remember that they are just teenagers and to them, and those they are doing these things too, mean a lot. High school life is so completely different than one small thing can ruin anyone. Especially those kids in the popular crowd. The last revenge scheme is well planned and could possibly ruin the lives of those they plan to ruin. Of course, revenge has its consequences for both teams.

What surprised me was the slight supernatural element that Han and Vivian gradually created throughout the novel. I won't mention anything about it, but I'm still trying to figure out how it fits in with the story. I hope the second book in the series, Fire With Fire, will explain it better. Though I do hope it doesn't become the main element in the book because this novel can hold its own in the contemporary world without having to add gimmicks. I certainly hope it's not a gimmick. 

Though I haven't read any of Han or Vivian's other books, I thought their writing was amazing and I fell in love with their styles and characters. I might have to pick up a few of their books so I can get more of a taste of who they are as separate authors. 

Mary  nods first, then Lillia. I smile, because, hot damn, we're really doing this.

Review: Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Published: August 31, 2010
335 Pages
4 Gold Stars

(summary from Goodreads)

Evie's always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours.

But Evie's about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal.

Evie Green is a breath of fresh air in a sea of boring, frigid heroines. She's funny, sarcastic and has a mean sense of fashion. Plus, she kicks serious paranormal butt. The opening lines to this book says it all - 

“Wait- did you-- You just yawned!” The vampire’s arms , raised over his head in the classic Dracula pose, dropped to his sides. He pulled his exaggerated white fangs back behind his lips. “What, imminent death isn’t exciting enough for you?”

“Oh, stope pouting. But, really, the widow’s peak? The pale skin? The black cape? Where did you even get that thing, a costume store?” 

This was hilarious! And it certainly set the pace for the rest of the novel. Evie deals with some serious stuff and deadly beings but she hardly shows any fear. In fact, the only thing that scares here is Reth, her ex-faerie-boyfriend-thing. And you can't blame her because he has some serious mojo over her and I'd be scared to sleep too. But even with that fear lurking around her, she doesn't let it stop her from working and making friends, especially with the new kid that broke into the centre (the IPCA, which helps keep paranormal beings stabilized). Lend, a shape shifter, catches Evie's attention immediately. He is a supernatural being that she's never met before and he feels the same way about her. 

See Evie isn't entirely human. She can see through glamours, the mist that paranormal beings use to make themselves look normal to humans. She has always been able to see whats underneath, but she thought it was just a gift. Soon, with the help of Lend, she realizes she's much more than that. And with someone out attacking paranormals, Evie isn't sure what's safe and what's not anymore. The centre has forever been her only home and she's desperately wants to be a normal teenager. but by the looks of it, that's not going to be happening anytime soon. 

As Evie tries to live a normal life, hell breaks loose around her. Reth is still trying to take her heart and this rampaging paranormal showing itself to her. Add in Lend, vampires and werewolves and Evie's life is far from normal. This book was super easy to read and it threw me into a world that I didn't want to leave. I can't wait to pick up the next instalment, Supernaturally, to see what will happen next in Evie's crazy life. 

“Tasers are a one-size-fits-all paranormal butt-kicking option. Mine’s pink with rhinestones.” 

“I hate the vamp jobs. They think they're so suave. It's not enough for them to slaughter and eat you like a zombie would. No, they want to be all sexy, too. And trust me: vampires? Not. Sexy.” 

47: Wake

Book #47: Wake
Author: Amanda Hocking
Published: August 7, 2012
309 Pages
3 Gold Stars

(summary from Goodreads)

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

The premise is what drew me to this book. I love mermaids and I haven't really found too many mermaid books that I've wanted to read. So when I read the prologue and realized that these mermaids (or Sirens as they're called in the book) are far more than what they seem. Three mysterious girls come to the island paradise and set their sights on Gemma, a local girl who loves to swim and is finding that she has feelings for her older sister's best friend. Everyone on the island thinks there's something up with these girls. They are too pretty, and boys will do anything they tell them to. But when Gemma takes a midnight swim one night and is called over to the girls, she can't control her actions. And when her sister, Harper, finds her unconscious on the beach like a beached whale the next morning, she knows something is wrong. After that night, Gemma begins to act differently. She discovers that she can do things unimaginable to human beings. 

The problems I had with this book weren't the plot. The plot was well done and I enjoyed the twists and relationships. Gemma and Alex are adorable together. They've been friends for so long that becoming more than that is awkward but real. Harper's relationship was one I liked even more. She's kind of friends with Daniel, who lives on a boat near where her dad works. At first she hates him, but the tension between them is brutal and the every time they were together I just wanted them to start making out (oh, did I say that out loud?) The dialogue was choppy though and most of the story was told through the third person narration that seemed to be in both Gemma and Harper's points of view. I would have liked it better if it was told in first person with alternating points of view because than it would have made more sense. The words that were spoken out loud didn't sound realistic and most of the time I just felt awkward for the characters because they were saying awkward things. 

The story moves quickly but not too much seems to happen between the beginning and the end. Most of the plot is told in the description, which leaves little to nothing for us to figure out throughout the book. Some of the decisions that Gemma makes made me want to choke her and I still cant understand why she didn't have the power to escape the girls. I'll read the sequel because curiosity will get the best of me and the way that this one ended made me want to know what will happen next (mostly, will Harper and Daniel ever make out?) It was a quick read and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys mermaids or sirens because Hocking has an interesting take on these mythological creatures. 

“Every man would fall in love with their voice, their lovely appearance, but no man would ever get past that. They'd never really know the girls for who they actually were, never really love them. It would be impossible for any of the four girls to ever really fall in love and be genuinely loved in return.”