Perfect Lies

Review first published on fefferbooks.com.

Truth? I was a little disappointed by Perfect Lies. I loved [b:Mind Games|12578294|Mind Games (Mind Games, #1)|Kiersten White|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1342210560s/12578294.jpg|17589076], the first book in this duo. I love these characters, Fia and Annie, and the sisterhood they share. I love their connection to each other, and the way they keep each other sane and moving forward in impossible situations. I adore the premise of the books: the school full of girls with supernatural gifts being used for ill, against their will; two girls on the run for survival; but mostly, James and Fia. And I think that’s why I was so frustrated with this book.

Perfect Lies picks back up with show more Annie, who’s hiding out with the Landers group, and Fia, who’s working with James to destroy Keane and his organization. The plot, itself, is so fun, and I love how White writes these books not just in shifting perspective, but shifting time periods. I really enjoy not knowing how it’s all going to come down until the very end, and the suspense/thriller aspect of the book was really well written. Annie’s character develops by leaps and bounds in Perfect Lies, and I was delighted by getting to know her better. Mae was fabulous. Fia and James, though, were lacking altogether.

The chapters told from Fia’s perspective did a lot to forward the plot, but she spent most of the book feeling totally confused: about why her ability seemed hazy, what her part should be in her scheme with James, and how he felt about her. That, I felt, was never really resolved at all. Fia seems unable to trust herself, anymore, but we never really get a good explanation why. She’s unsure of her relationship with James, and I have to admit, I was too. Even by the end of the book, I had no idea what James’ role or intentions really were, exactly. He seemed to exist only to further the plot, and we never got any real sense of his true feelings about much of anything. James was such a dynamic character in Mind Games that it was disappointing not to feel his charismatic presence here, or to get any sense of a real connection between him and Fia. As much as I loved Annie’s story, I wanted Fia’s to be every bit as strong, and it just wasn’t.

White writes a clean book, and a fun plot. I burned through Perfect Lies pretty quickly and enjoyed it–I just came away wishing for more. 3.5 stars. show less

"The people we love are the ones with the power to destroy us."

what an amazing, twisty, turning, blood-pumping crazy ride. This story had me on the edge the whole time. I couldn't quite tell who was lying and who wasn't. I couldn't tell who were good and who were bad and what it really all meant.

This was a great book 2. I'm so so sad. to leave everyone behind. But there are so many promises and so much hope now....it's right. I'm so glad I made this journey. This series has been wonderfully addictive.

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers from the first book, Mind Games. You’ve been warned!

I just found out that this is the last book in the Mind Games series, and I have planned what to say about Perfect Lies before this news. Because I liked Mind Games and Perfect Lies, I’m going to tell you what it felt to read it previously to this knowledge, and what it feels now that I have finished it and realized that it is the end.

Before knowing that this was the last installment:
I was so thrilled when I god approved for this tittle on edelweiss. I loved the first book, Mind Games, and wanted to know more about this intriguing series. I wanted more Fia, more James; I wanted more Mind Games.
Because of how much I loved Mind Games, my show more expectations for Perfect Lies were really high. I was hoping for an incredible book full of lies, manipulation and that would blow my mind. And that’s exactly what I got.
I really enjoyed reading Perfect Lies, like totally felt in love with it; it was unexpected and thrilling; it kept me on the edge of my chair right up to the end.

Some people thing that the tap-tap-tap thing that Fia does is annoying, but for me it is just another thing that makes Fia special and easy to feel for; it makes her human; it’s a reminder of what she’s done.
I really liked Fia’s character in the first book: A lost girl with secrets, some bad and others worst. In Perfect Lies, Fia is even more lost than before; she has lost her anchor and does not know what’s right and what’s wrong anymore. She doesn’t know who to trust; she doesn’t even trust her instincts, which are never wrong. She is fragile, and even if she doesn’t realize, she is easier to hurt without her sister by her side.
I really enjoyed being in Fia’s mind in this book. It was painful to see her broken, how she was constantly on the edge of falling apart, giving up all the sacrifices she has done to achieve her goal.
As much as I loved to talk about Fia’s mess head, there is another sister we should discuss: Annie.
I wasn’t a big fan of Annie in the first book; she was selfish and naïve, but in Perfect Lies I met a different Annie. In Perfect Lies, Annie is no longer dependent of her sister; she doesn’t have Fia to beat the bad guys for her.
In this second book, Annie grew on me. She is no longer the selfish big sister, now she is looking after her little sis. I have to admit, that I didn’t see this coming, I expected Annie to be like she has always been, but I come to see an optimistic, brave and unbreakable character.
Oh, and there is a surprise for Annie, and I won’t tell you what it is, but it is so lovely.
As for the other characters, they were pretty good in this installment. There are new characters that were easy to read and to enjoy.

I was almost at the end, and I was biting my nails; it was all mystery! I wanted to know what would happen next; would that thing happen? Would that other? And finally, the end came. I was satisfied with the ending; it was a closed and kind of happy one (thinking that this was the second book of a trilogy).

After knowing Perfect Lies was the last installment:
My feelings for the characters hasn’t changed, I still like them. This new knowledge hasn’t changed what I felt while reading the book; it doesn’t make it less loveable.
What I see different now is the ending of the book. When I was blind, I thought the end fitted perfectly with Perfect Lies, but now…it feels no longer the same. I don’t think this was the appropriate ending for a series like this one. It is really open, and not the one I was expecting.
I strongly agree with one of the reviews, it should have had an epilogue. I want to know what would really happen with the sisters, not only imagine “what will be”.

Another thing I’d like to warn you, it’s about jumping-forward-and-backward thing, at first is disorienting, but once you get used to it (like two chapters); it would feel normal and no longer annoying.

Overall, I liked a lot Perfect Lies, not as much as Mind Games, but I enjoyed reading it. It was a perfect book, but not a perfect end for a series. I would recommend this series for those who like mystery, paranormal and dystopian. If you have read The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna, then you should try this one, you won’t regret it. If you don’t, you should still read it.

Disclaimer: I have received this book trough Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and haven’t been affected by a third party. show less

Perfect Lies would have been a 4-star read if I didn't spend the better part of the first third of the book confused as all hell. Shiz! It wasn't like it has been forever since I read Mind Games. I reviewed it before it came out, somewhere in September 2013. Kiersten White picks up Perfect Lies exactly where it left off, bringing us back to the very moment we were left at, and keeps going like the two books are just one giant novel. Maybe they should have been. There are no reminders about who's who, or subtle any recaps. Do not read this book if you have not yet read Mind Games.
After settling into the book I could finally enjoy the wonderful insights of sisters, Annie and Fia. The book is written from alternating points of view (POV) show more and the sisters did so much more than tell the story, we are privy to their deepest thoughts. That level of insight may be a distraction to some as thoughts are much more cluttered and chaotic than a speaking voice, but this is what made me feel like I knew every detail of these young women and their pain. It is an unexpected and beautiful thing really, considering the genre.
There are some interesting personality shifts. I loved saying "goodbye" to the pathetic Annie that I met in book one, and saying "hello" to the Annie who addresses her weaknesses and works to become something more. Fia is more of a basket case this time around. Wow! What a change! I wanted to take a hold of her and drop her off at the nearest therapist. How can such a badass chick like Fia (she really is a badass) be such a needy weeping willow when it comes to her man. Well it is realistic, because badass chicks can be stupid too. show less

Perfect Lies does not just pick up where Mind Games ends; the last sentence of the first book flows into first sentence of the sequel. It can be a bit jarring if there has been any significant amount of time between reading each book. Also adding to a reader’s potential discomfort is the fact that there is nothing to refresh one’s memory. The story continues as if one remembers exactly what happened during the first book. If one does not remember specifics, then Perfect Lies becomes a bit tortuous.

If one thought Fia was just this side of insane in Mind Games, her actions at the end of that book have pushed her over the edge. Her stream of consciousness ramblings take on an even more desperate note as all James’ and Fia’s plans show more come rushing to a head. Fia’s despair causes confusion as well because her thoughts ping around at random as she seeks closure and rest for her weary mind. It makes for intense and even disturbing reading as one watches Fia all but lose her mind.

The surprise of the story is Annie. While she is very much a victim in the first book, in the sequel she is done taking a secondary role to her sister and takes steps to act like the big sister she is. It is a welcome role reversal. Not only do readers get the opportunity to experience Annie fulfilling her potential, it gives readers a welcome respite from Fia’s unraveling. Also, it is wonderful to watch Annie step out from behind her disability to become proactive in her own fate.

As with the first book, the action is incredibly fast-paced. Readers need to pay close attention because the story flows quickly, the answers are fast and furious, and there is no respite for the inattentive. In many ways, the pacing matches Fia’s frenetic thoughts, which can in be disconcerting.

Perfect Lies is a decent sequel that stays true to its characters. Unfortunately, the answers that occur are somewhat disappointing. There are so many new characters introduced, while plot stretches into somewhat unbelievable directions. The final resolution feels anti-climatic and just a bit too convenient, but it is a solid resolution and that is something the story definitely needed. It is not exactly a happily-ever-after, but both girls obtain the closure they need. show less

Perfect Lies is the sequel to Mind Games and continues right where Mind Games left off with more intrigue, awesome mind powers, and an amazing sisterly dynamic. I quite enjoyed Mind Games, though this series is clearly not for everyone. If you enjoy stream-of-consciousness narration, crazy timelines interweaving, and broken characters, you should definitely check out this series, but go read Mind Games since there will be spoilers below ;-). If you have already read Mind Games, you will probably enjoy Perfect Lies just about the same amount that you did Mind Games, it all depends on your preferences, haha.
Note: I received Perfect Lies through Edelweiss for an honest review. Some things may have changed in the final version.



Perfect Lies show more by Kiersten White (Mind Games #2)
Published by HarperTeen on Feb. 18th, 2014
Genres: Sci-fi, YA
Length: 232 pages
How I got my copy: Edelweiss

Annie and Fia are ready to fight back.

The sisters have been manipulated and controlled by the Keane Foundation for years, trapped in a never ending battle for survival. Now they have found allies who can help them truly escape. After faking her own death, Annie has joined a group that is plotting to destroy the Foundation. And Fia is working with James Keane to bring his father down from the inside.

But Annie's visions of the future can't show her who to trust in the present. And though James is Fia's first love, Fia knows he's hiding something. The sisters can rely only on each other - but that may not be enough to save them.

Strengths:
Omg the plot twists! I have come to expect awesome twistiness from this series because of the way the books are structured, but I was still surprised :D.
I still freaking love Annie and Fia in Perfect Lies. They are separate for most of Perfect Lies and their relationship has changed pretty significantly due to the events of Mind Games. I enjoyed finding out just what those changes meant for how they felt about each other and wow I kind of wish I had a sister now, haha.
Annie really shines in Perfect Lies. She is tough and determined to do what is right for her sister and the world. Her blindness was also handled really well I thought. There are moments where people treat her like she is a child or isn’t there and I really appreciated her reactions and when she calls people out on this behavior. She finds ways to help the best she can and work around her blindness while also demonstrating that people with a disability are treated really weirdly at times. I’ll definitely be more conscious of those behaviors in my life.
There are a couple of new characters that show up and I love them for their own reasons. Without spoiling anything, I adore Pixie for her complexity and a certain other secondary character because she breaks my heart and I just want to help her.

Weaknesses:
I followed Mind Games’ timelines pretty well, but Perfect Lies actually confused me at times. I feel like the timelines were even more confusing since everything had just come together at the end of Mind Games and now I was back to trying to place when things were happening again. There also seemed to be fewer signposts to help me keep everything straight, which I think was the big thing. I can’t just remember how many months ago each timeline was because I have a horrible memory for numbers, so I really need those signposts.
I enjoyed the time jumping in Mind Games, but felt like it got a bit stale in Perfect Lies since we already did it once ya know? I wanted a new trick to make the mystery interesting instead of the same technique over again.

Summary:
If you enjoyed Mind Games, you must pick up Perfect Lies. I really enjoyed this sequel and wish that it wasn’t the end of the series :(. I feel like I should say more, but what it really comes down to is that I love the stream-of-consciousness narration, broken characters, plot twists, and strong sister relationship in Perfect Lies and hope that if you like those things too, you will read it ;-). show less

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: This was an amazing sequel full of suspense, romance, and mystery. I found that I couldn’t put the book down and would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick intense read.

Opening Sentence: ANNIE.

The Review:

For years Fia and Annie have been manipulated and forced to do things that they would never choose to do themselves by the Keane Foundation. With mind readers and seers watching their every move they knew that escape would never be possible until they found unlikely allies. Annie faked her own death and is now working with the Lerner group to try and save other girls like her. They also want to destroy the Foundation and stop them from destroying anyone else’s lives show more like they did to her and Fia.

Fia is working with James Keane. The boy she has fallen madly in love with, but can never fully trust. He claims he wants to destroy his father and everything he has built, but Fia knows that he keeps things from her. She is keeping things from him too. Is that how love is supposed to work? Fia is more confused than ever and she is afraid that her perfect instincts aren’t so perfect after all. The only person she can rely on is Annie, but even that might not be enough to save them both in the end.

I loved Annie and she grows so much more as a character in this book. In Mind Games, she always seems so helpless and she is constantly feeling like she is a burden to everyone. I was happy that in this one she really steps up her game and becomes a vital part in all the action. She learns to use her weaknesses to her advantage and she goes from being the incompetent blind girl, to a true heroine. I loved watching her experience everything and I thought that she was a wonderful character. For me, she became the sister to rely on and admire for her strengths.

Then there is the fierce and crazy Fia. She is suppose to have perfect instincts, so how could she ever make a wrong decision, but it seems that she can’t make a right one either. She is so lost and confused; she doesn’t really know what or who to believe. Annie is finally safe so Fia no longer has to fight to keep her protected, but without her she has lost her drive to go on. She tries to rely on others to help fill the void that has been left in her heart, but there is no one she can fully trust. Watching how broken and vulnerable Fia became really pulled at my heart strings. She was able to really pull at my emotions and if possible, make me like her even more.

Perfect Lies was a phenomenal sequel packed with action, romance, mystery, and suspense. I was lucky to be able to read this series and I am happy to say that this is my favorite Kiersten White book, and I love everything she writes so that is really saying something. Like Mind Games, the story is narrated by both sisters and it is told from different time periods. Some parts are just days ago and some are months ago, but it is all leading up to the epic ending of the book. I found this style of writing very captivating and it kept the suspense running high through the whole book. While reading it you really have no idea what is going to happen and who you can trust, which just made me want to keep reading. Another thing I really liked about these books is that they are fairly short, so they are quick to get through, but I in no way felt like anything was ever rushed. The pacing was spot on and I ended up finishing both of these books in one day. This is the ending of the series, which makes me sad because I loved the characters so much, but I felt that the ending was done very well. It is left slightly open ended so maybe someday White may come back to this wonderful story she has created. Suffice to say, I loved this series and I would highly recommend it to anyone that is looking for a fun intense read.

Notable Scene:

“You want to do something tonight? Or do you have plans with Peachy Keane?”

James would hate that nickname. I’ll have to use it. I feel a little better today. More patient. I roll my eyes, the word sticking in my head like one of my taps. Awful word.

The main office door opens and a woman walks in. “Afternoon,” she says, her voice low and sleepy.

Pixie pops her gum loudly, then pushes a button under her desk that opens the door to the hall. The woman goes straight back.

“We should see a movie. Movies are quiet. People don’t think much during them.” Pixie’s voice buzzes at me, but I can’t quite focus on it.

Something.

Something.

Something.

Something is wrong. Very wrong. SO WRONG.

FTC Advisory: HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Perfect Lies. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. show less