Mind Games

Disillusionists, Book 1

By: Carolyn Crane

Narrated by: Rebecca Wisocky

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Justine knows she's going to die. Any second now.

Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal.

With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem. Or is it?

In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness - only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears.

Listen to more of the Disillusionists trilogy.

©2010 Carolyn Crane (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Mind Games is a violent U-Turn in a fresh direction, signaling the dynamic and welcome arrival of both Carolyn Crane and the most unique urban fantasy heroine I’ve seen on page in a long while, Justine Jones. And like Justine, Midcity is brightly imagined, beautifully dangerous, and perfectly flawed. Flashy and stylish, this is urban fantasy’s new shot-in-the-arm." (Vicki Pettersson, The New York Times)

Unexpected

Not what I was expecting, this tale tales place in a very structured and familiar world, yet gives insight into the dark, strange, criminal underbelly in a very unexpected way. The main character’s depth is such that it is easy to imagine the Author either has an incredible muse or direct personal insight into hypochondria. While we all suffer from self-doubt, social anxiety, and health concerns, the level to which the main character explains and defines her symptoms makes her incredibly strong, and frightening.

Head Candy

Original concept...Rebecca Wisocky interprets these characters with energy and skill...a fun listen...I'm going to buy the next few books, too.

Almost stopped listening glad I didn't!

This book starts out pretty annoying but it's just setting the stage for the reader to understand the main character and the power she developed. Fortunetely the book gets way better and the series end up being one of the best I have listened to in a really long time. This series is targeted more towards adults then teens thankfully! Also there is plenty of heat and romance without being overly sappy! I really enjoyed this series it was just felt like I was there more than other books. This is almost on par with the Outlander series 😊

Annoyingly entertaining

The main character drives me a little nuts. Concepts of good and evil are unrealistically unrecognizable. The first person view provides limited insight forcing you to read between the line to see this rich imaginative world and complex characters. Definitely worth it.

Frustrating Heroine

The story is enjoyable. I started off liking Justine, but her naiveté about men she meets rankles me. Everyone tells her the person is not who she thinks, but she is determined (because of her gut feeling) that the person. is good. she needs a famn laxative for that gut, cuz it's mucked up in there. I'm hoping she grows up and stops fairytale-ing every man she falls for! I agree with her anger with Packard, but this book ended with her on a self destructive path. I'm peeced, but will continue to the next installment backseat she needs to redeem herself

Definitely original, but...

*** NO SPOILERS ***

Ok so this story is definitely original, intriguiging and thought provoking but I had a hard time really finding any type of connection to any of the characters until the end of the book and still it wasn't a strong connection. I also got confused a lot on the characters, like who is that person again? Oh yeah that guy, wait no I was wrong! That irritates me when the characters are inconstant. The narrator does a good job though.
Would I recomend this to my followers??? Meh... I will hold off until I finish the series.
It was steady and kept my attention but it was not an absolute must have. I will finish the series though and write reviews for those books too. It is the originality of the story line that caught my attention. It did pique my interest enough to read the rest of the series. Hopefully the characters will be better written in the next two books.


HAPPY LISTENING!!

Unique Story Idea.

What does Rebecca Wisocky bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I really enjoyed This narration. Wisocky did an fabulous job. I would listen to other books narrated by her.

Any additional comments?

I'm planning on listening to the rest of this series.

Good Story, Exceptional Voice Actor

I started to title this "Best Voice Actor...," but her character voices have very little differentiation. However, every other aspect of her work is superb in this (and I plan to listen to her other titles right away). Truly interesting line readings make up for whatever perceived lack there is in characterizations. I found myself eager to return to what is an interesting story, but primarily to listen to her. A voice actor can ruin even an exceptionally good story, or create an improved experience of a mediocre tale. In this instance, both story and reader were delightful!

not your standard urban fiction

this series is harder to review i like the story excellent premise good enough writing i spent a lot of time thinking that the female lead was self centered whiny and not too bright but the story is about growing up regardless of age and that takes time through the course of the series her character evolves and it's pretty steamy sometimes so if you don't like that sort of thing you might not enjoy the book. this is an adult urban fiction story not ya

Suprising find

The narrator was fantastic! She made this story come to life! A very orginal story that was hard to put down. I can't wait to start the next book!