Imagine how useful you could be if, just by holding an object that belonged to someone, you could instantly determine not only whether they were dead or alive, but more importantly, if alive, exactly where they were. This is a talent that Jake Lukin possesses, and unfortunately the wrong people have figured out his ability. Life for this 18 year old and his family might never be the same. ( )

I was very excited to read this book that combines psychic abilities with a spy-thriller. I have to say that I was disappointed with the action in, what I assume will be, a series starter. About halfway through the book there is an opportunity for intense action. While there are chase scenes and narrow escapes from death that one would expect in a spy novel, the final confrontations are surprisingly blah.

If this is a series started I hope the next installment fulfills my need for intense suspense and action. If it is not a series starter, add a disappointing ending to this rating ( )

Jacob thought his life was nondescript but all right. And it was, until the night the high school senior drank too much at a party and showed his friends his secret ability.

Tunnel Vision is what Jacob can do. If he holds an object belonging to someone else, he can "tunnel" his vision to where they are. His military father told him to always keep that ability a secret, but his dad died in a plane crash a couple years ago. Now a stranger is following him and he's worried about keeping his little sister and mom safe.

Who the stranger is and how anyone found out from the party about Jacob's ability are just the opening mysteries in Susan Adrian's fast-paced YA novel. Along the way, Jacob will have his loyalties and sense of trust tested, and will discover his family's secrets.

Jacob also knows other people's secrets when he holds their objects. Some of the cases he is obliged to take on by holding the objects are intense, and at least once lead him to questioning whether he's serving a higher purpose or adding to people's sorrows.

Adrian's novel not only is a page-turner, it also features strong characterizations of Jacob's family, including his grandfather, a reclusive Russian, and those Jacob is forced to work with. Tunnel Vision also kicks into high espionage gear, with the twists and turns one would expect. As with all great espionage stories, the themes of who to trust and why play a significant role here. Indeed, observant teens and other readers could have a field day making connections between Tunnel Vision and principles that underscore current events. Adrian has not written a sermon on the last, but her storytelling skills have folded in layers that make the most of story and theme.

At the end, it's evident there is more that could be told about Jacob, so more novels would be welcome. This is a young man on the cusp of coming into his own, and it bodes to be a journey well worth watching. ( )

TUNNEL VISION by Susan Adrian is a heart-pounding paranormal suspense that will keep young adult readers engaged from beginning to end.

Jake has a secret. When he holds an object, Jake he can see through the eyes of the owner. A party game reveals his talent and sets in motion a string of events that include government surveillance, rouge agents, and underground scientists.

A talented storyteller, Adrian does a masterful job layering the lies and deceit. Readers will quickly become caught up in the intrigue wondering who our protagonist should trust. Adrian’s description of the tunneling experience makes the phenomena seem real. Her vivid descriptions of captivity and escape contribute to this nail-biting suspense.

Containing a hint of romance and just enough paranormal elements for fantasy lovers, this fast-paced adventure will appeal to a wide range of YA readers.

This YA novel serves as an excellent bridge to adult thrillers. It also opens the door for paranormal readers to explore related sub-genres involving government espionage and spy novels.

Published January 20th, 2015 by St. Martin’s Griffin. Edelweiss ARC used for review. ( )

Romance and action come crashing together in Susan Adrian'sTunnel Vision in which a teenage boy with incredible powers is brought to the attention of the government.

Jake Lukin just turned 18. He's decent at tennis andHalo, and waiting to hear on his app to Stanford. But he's also being followed by a creep with a gun, and there's a DARPA agent waiting in his bedroom. His secret is blown.

When Jake holds a personal object, like a pet rock or a ring, he has the ability to "tunnel" into the owner. He can sense where they are, like a human GPS, and can see, hear, and feel what they do. It's an ability the government would do anything to possess: a perfect surveillance unit who could locate fugitives, spies, or terrorists with a single touch.

Jake promised his dad he'd never tell anyone about his ability. But his dad died two years ago, and Jake slipped. If he doesn't agree to help the government, his mother and sister may be in danger. Suddenly he's juggling high school, tennis tryouts, flirting with Rachel Watkins, and work as a government asset, complete with 24-hour bodyguards.

Forced to lie to his friends and family, and then to choose whether to give up everything for their safety, Jake hopes the good he's doingâe"finding kidnap victims and hostages, and tracking down terroristsâe"is worth it. But he starts to suspect the good guys may not be so good after all. With Rachel's help, Jake has to try to escape both good guys and bad guys and find a way to live his own life instead of tunneling through others.