Review: Mind Games (The Disillusionists Trilogy, #1) by Carolyn Crane

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Carolyn Crane's debut novel Mind Games breaks the mold in Urban Fantasy.  Just when you think you've read it all, here comes Carolyn with Justine Jones.  Neurotic and hypochondriac in the beginning to Crime Fighter by the novel's end.  Intrigue, suspense, paranormal and fantasy at its very best and flows perfectly through the novel.  The mix of psychology talk and felt fear is innovative and believable.  Books like Mind Games remind me why I enjoy this genre to no end and why I love debut authors.

Read Chapter One online

 Read Blurb

Now, let me ask you something. Can you imagine a hypochondriac fighting crime?
When I bought Mind Games the blurb on the back cover tapped into my curiosity- seriously, neurosis as a weapon? Not that I know much about it personally but I recall Psy 101 from college- so I knew enough to know that there was definitely going to be a twist in this novel.  What I didn't know is how well-written that twist was going to be and how much I would enjoy it.

Justine Jones lost her Mother to a vein star syndrome which she believes to be suffering from as well.  As a hypochondriac she absorbs medical research like I do Vampire-Werewolf love triangles.  With the help of Packard she learns to control and redirect her neurosis and together they build her neurosis into skills to fight talent. Packard is a highcap with special abilities that allows him to help Justine, others like her, and help the ward on crime in Midcity.  But Justine soon realizes that help is not cheap and the price demaded comes is various forms.  She is now a Disillusionist, trained to touch energy fields.  Disillusionists is a group of extremely neurotic individuals who use there "disability" to reform and reboot criminals.  And criminals are in abundance with Midcity's eight-year crime spree.

Carolyn Crane is my new favorite author to follow.  I found myself interacting with the novel.  For instance, in the latter chapters when Justine becomes very confused as to who can she trust- Chapter 30 specifically- I ran out of my bedroom and rushed over to my husband.  Apparently, I was babbling (whatevers) but I really needed to talk about what was happening.  DH is smart man though and  he knows to just nod in agreement and offer a calming touch- no words needed.

And who doesn't love an intense kiss scene.  Chapter 7: I sang (in my head mind you):

 "___ and ___  sitting in a tree:  (blank * no spoilers*)

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

First comes love,

then comes marriage,

then comes the baby in a golden carriage!"

The  description of that Kiss is written with vivid clarity. In fact, the novels entirety is written in the same respect. The premise of Mind Games is intriguing.  The plot is well crafted and takes readers into the lives of diverse characters.  Overall, Mind Games is innovative and fresh in the Urban Fantasy world.  Readers will be entertained.

Double Cross (The Disillusionists Trilogy, #2) 

September 28, 2010

 

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