Katy's Reviews > Mind Games

I really like this one, but not for the reasons you would think. I kind of got the "Ocean's 13" satisfaction at the end of the book. And I think this book is better named "Mind Games." I think if I had read it as "Sister Assassin," I would have been extremely disappointed.

SISTER ASSASSIN FAIL

While the prologue and first chapter throws you right into it, the rest of the book lacked that "slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense" action I was expecting from this book. The action scenes were too short and kind of disappointing. For a book that promises to be about a kickass assassin, I couldn't get a good image of all the hits, all the kicks or all the blows Fia was giving. Nor did I really get to see much of that instinct that made her so deadly.

And the whole espionage thing could have used a bit of work. I was hoping to be wrapped up in this whole conspiracy behind the school of specials. While it's obvious from the very start that the girls are being used for their powers, I'm not exactly sure what that power is being used for. I mean, I'm assuming it's for some mafia-type assassin business, but really, what's the point?

MIND GAMES - FOR THE WIN

When I started looking at the book from a psychological point of view, I began to see how crafty White had been. Don't get me wrong, it was a bit irritating at first - the constant switching back and forth of POV and from present to past. But, I really began to appreciate the style that White put into the book.

I did feel, that even though the POV were spread out quite evenly, Fia kind of dominated the book. I would have liked to see more character from Anna, especially since it all started because of her. But at the same time, I can see how her blindness fits so perfectly well in this book - how she could not see the very thing that was right in front of her all along.

And the constant flashbacks were a bit grating on my nerves because they interrupt the story at the most inopportune time. But I can see the effect White was going for, pushing readers forward, and the timing wasn't bad as far as giving us the background when it seemed to fit. The only place I felt it was just wrong was at the end You have an amazing end - kind of a cliffhanger, but kind of a forward-looking determination. Why in the world you use that point to give it a bland flashback? To me, it dulled a powerful end.

I would have liked to see more of the other characters in this book. I think James is way deeper than we give him credit for, and Adam may be linked to this whole thing, but his appearance in the book was weak considering his role and his powerful start. I wanted to know the story behind Ms. Robertson, and Eden is not the shadow that she appeared to be. With every amazing book is amazing supporting characters, and in this book, they were just taken for granted.

GUESSING UNTIL THE END

The reason why I liked this book so much was because it wasn't an easy read, partially because of the constant shifts and the writing style. But the thing that really got me was because although some parts were predictable, as expected, the most of it kept me guessing until the end, especially those questions concerning Adam and James and their roles in this book.

And the end? Holy crap! I never saw that one coming. I did understand about Anna's vision while she had it, but Fia's final move? Wow. So my question is: (view spoiler)[Was James in on it the whole time? Or was it the Lerner's plan, and Fia filled him in? (hide spoiler)] So many scenarios flying around in my head. So many questions still left unanswered. But like I said at the beginning. The book, sans last flashback, ended without that "Ocean's 13" satisfaction, where you walked out of the casino, knowing you have beater the system.