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Tunnel Vision #1
Tunnel Vision
Romance and action come crashing together when a teenage boy with incredible powers is brought to the attention of the government.
Jake Lukin just turned 18. He's decent at tennis and Halo, 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 doing—finding kidnap victims and hostages, and tracking down terrorists—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.
Jake Lukin just turned 18. He's decent at tennis and Halo, 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 doing—finding kidnap victims and hostages, and tracking down terrorists—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.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 20, 2015
21 people are currently reading
2275 people want to read
About the author
Susan Adrian
4 books86 followersSusan Adrian is a 4th-generation Californian who somehow stumbled into living in Montana. In the past she danced in a ballet company and worked in the fields of exotic pet-sitting, clothes-schlepping, and bookstore management. She’s settled in, mostly, as a scientific editor. When she’s not with her family, she keeps busy researching, traveling, and writing more books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
April 11, 2014
This book grabbed me from page one - and then it just kept getting better and better. At several points I was thinking I had the book figured out, knew more or less where it was going - and then Adrian pulled the rug out from under the reader in the best possible ways, with twists and surprises that feel utterly inevitable in retrospect, rather than just being shocking for the sake of it. This is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller that also had loads of heart and humor and romance and great family relationships, especially a sibling relationship that was my favorite part of the book. This one's not out until next year, but you should absolutely put it on your TBR list so you don't forget. (And I'll remind you, I promise.)
July 15, 2014
I was super lucky to get a sneak peek at this book, and it is fantastic! I think the cast of characters is my favorite part. I pretty much loved the main character from the first page, and his relationship with his sister made me love him more. Beyond that, the pacing of the book will keep you reading like it's your job until the very end.
You should definitely add this to your wish list for 2015. You can thank me later. :)
You should definitely add this to your wish list for 2015. You can thank me later. :)
February 2, 2015
3.5 Stars!
I admit, I had absolutely no expectations going into this other than keeping my fingers crossed that with that premises, I was going to get something totally fun and original, which I completely did but I also got an exciting story told from the point of view of a boy. Yes you heard me right, a YA book told from the male point of view.
Why do we not get more of these in the YA genre because I really enjoy them! It is refreshing to get something different and fun and yes, get a guys point of view on how it all is.
Throw in a mystery, a little paranormal woohoo, a conspiracy and you have a nonstop action packed read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This is Adrian's debut novel and honestly, I wouldn't have guessed it at all. The writing was fabulous and the plot was constantly moving. I really liked Jake and loved getting to know his personality and I love that his ability was explained and we weren't left guessing where is came from or how it all started.
My only real complaint was the ending. It wasn't a bad ending I just wanted more. I wasn't quite ready for it to be over and while the ending wasn't spelled out for us, there was enough implied that we get the gist of it with still being able to use our imaginations for how it all turned out in the end.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that I am glad I took a chance on. I will definitely pick up this author's work in the future.
I admit, I had absolutely no expectations going into this other than keeping my fingers crossed that with that premises, I was going to get something totally fun and original, which I completely did but I also got an exciting story told from the point of view of a boy. Yes you heard me right, a YA book told from the male point of view.
Why do we not get more of these in the YA genre because I really enjoy them! It is refreshing to get something different and fun and yes, get a guys point of view on how it all is.
Throw in a mystery, a little paranormal woohoo, a conspiracy and you have a nonstop action packed read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This is Adrian's debut novel and honestly, I wouldn't have guessed it at all. The writing was fabulous and the plot was constantly moving. I really liked Jake and loved getting to know his personality and I love that his ability was explained and we weren't left guessing where is came from or how it all started.
My only real complaint was the ending. It wasn't a bad ending I just wanted more. I wasn't quite ready for it to be over and while the ending wasn't spelled out for us, there was enough implied that we get the gist of it with still being able to use our imaginations for how it all turned out in the end.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that I am glad I took a chance on. I will definitely pick up this author's work in the future.
December 22, 2019
Tunnel Vision is a better-than-average YA novel, though there are a few elements that could be better and author Susan Adrian very nearly steps into a Fatal Flaw trap at the end.
The plot is okay, though similar to other stories that have appeared in both sci-fi and fantasy. A teenager who has a secret power is discovered and now that the secret is known, has to attempt to keep himself and his loved ones safe. Thankfully, Ms. Adrian doesn’t employ some of the clichés that these other books use, such as insisting on filtering the story through a secondary love plot that seems to take over the story. Yes, Jake Lukin is an ordinary teenager who does experience angst over a girl, but their relationship is a minor element through most of the book.
The use of first-person present tense, clumsy in the hands of many, comes off fairly smoothly and adds a measure of immediacy and danger to the writing. We also receive up-to-the-second evaluations of the action from Jake, and he provides the motives of the other characters. These elements were the five-star items of the book.
The ending felt rushed, and there was an error that extended from a previous chapter into the final pages. While it wasn’t enough to ruin the story I questioned why the author, who had presented a well-written story up to that point, would allow this to slip through. The strength of the book up to that point will probably convince me to buy the second book in this series. I am not normally a reader of YA and was happy this was better than what usually finds its way into my reading pile. Recommended. Four stars.
The plot is okay, though similar to other stories that have appeared in both sci-fi and fantasy. A teenager who has a secret power is discovered and now that the secret is known, has to attempt to keep himself and his loved ones safe. Thankfully, Ms. Adrian doesn’t employ some of the clichés that these other books use, such as insisting on filtering the story through a secondary love plot that seems to take over the story. Yes, Jake Lukin is an ordinary teenager who does experience angst over a girl, but their relationship is a minor element through most of the book.
The use of first-person present tense, clumsy in the hands of many, comes off fairly smoothly and adds a measure of immediacy and danger to the writing. We also receive up-to-the-second evaluations of the action from Jake, and he provides the motives of the other characters. These elements were the five-star items of the book.
The ending felt rushed, and there was an error that extended from a previous chapter into the final pages. While it wasn’t enough to ruin the story I questioned why the author, who had presented a well-written story up to that point, would allow this to slip through. The strength of the book up to that point will probably convince me to buy the second book in this series. I am not normally a reader of YA and was happy this was better than what usually finds its way into my reading pile. Recommended. Four stars.
May 20, 2015
A very good read, fantastic debut novel. The plot was very well designed and left me guessing which is hard to do. Jake was believable and had a great voice. And the way the love interest tied in was great and a good twist. I would have rated this higher but for one major thing - the foul language. A few swear words in a book I can overlook but it personally pulled me out of the story every time the F-bomb was used or Christ's name, especially in the beginning when I wasn't invested as much. I am really sad about this because it would a perfect book for my 14 year old, but this is one I won't recommend to him. I'm sure I'll get no amount of flack for this viewpoint, but its mine.
January 28, 2015
okay, okay, okay. i need the sequel now. where is it?!
tunnel vision took me completely by surprise. not a huge fan of the action genre, i expected this to be just another addition to a crowd already oversaturated with look-alikes. turns out i was wrong, way wrong. tunnel vision is exactly what this genre needs: it's got a whip-fast plot, hooks you from page 1, but never sacrifices characterization or logic for its thrills. it's the bee's knees of YA. oh, and it would make a perfect movie.
it's about jake, a pretty regular teenager with a pretty irregular secret: he can "tunnel" into objects when he holds them, giving him all sorts of information about the person to whom the object belongs. suddenly, the national government is on his tail, and jake has nowhere to run. i think the publishers put glue on the pages, because i could not remove my eyes from the words. i was completely hooked reading this story.
and you will be too!
tunnel vision took me completely by surprise. not a huge fan of the action genre, i expected this to be just another addition to a crowd already oversaturated with look-alikes. turns out i was wrong, way wrong. tunnel vision is exactly what this genre needs: it's got a whip-fast plot, hooks you from page 1, but never sacrifices characterization or logic for its thrills. it's the bee's knees of YA. oh, and it would make a perfect movie.
it's about jake, a pretty regular teenager with a pretty irregular secret: he can "tunnel" into objects when he holds them, giving him all sorts of information about the person to whom the object belongs. suddenly, the national government is on his tail, and jake has nowhere to run. i think the publishers put glue on the pages, because i could not remove my eyes from the words. i was completely hooked reading this story.
and you will be too!
September 30, 2016
3.5-4 stars
So Tunnel Vision took me by complete surprise! Considering none of my blogging buddies had read and reviewed it yet, I was nervous to maybe "take one for the team". That's so NOT the case here. I'm happy to report that you should absolutely be reading this book, especially if you're a fan of science fiction and likable male narrators. I can honestly say it's one of the most engaging and absorbing books I've read recently. I can't wait to see where Susan Adrian takes her story next!
Tunnel Vision is about Jake Lukin, an eighteen year old senior who has a dream to go to Stanford and plans to woo gorgeous and smart Rachel Watkins. He also has a secret. When Jake holds a personal object, he has the ability to "tunnel" into the owner. He can sense where they are and can see, hear, and feel what they do. When a DARPA agent (think CIA for the paranormal) gets wind of his ability, Jake is forced between keeping those he loves safe and the life he's always wanted for himself.
Ultimately, this is just a fun, thrilling read that kept me glued to my Kindle. I wouldn't say it relies heavily on twists and turns (except maybe one major one near the end), but the story had me hooked from start to finish. The plotting and pacing are perfect. Plus, Jake's ability is really cool. I can see why certain parties would go to great lengths to securing his cooperation. I didn't trust any of them, so I was nervous for Jake nearly the entire time, wondering how on earth he was going to get out of certain situations but at the same time confident that he was smart enough to do it. And that's the great thing - Jake is an amazing protagonist. It was so easy to root for this kid. Not only is he intelligent and clever, but he's extremely caring as well. He adores his sister and mother and will do anything to protect them, even if that means sacrificing his own happiness. I loved his relationships with both of them, as well as his "crazy" Russian uncle and his love interest, Rachel. There's not much actual romance, except in the beginning and the end, but what's there is sweet and managed to leave an impression.
The ending left me happy, but I'm hoping Tunnel Vision is just the first book. I really want more! While I'm waiting, I'm going to be recommending this debut like crazy. I hope you'll give it a try. :)
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
So Tunnel Vision took me by complete surprise! Considering none of my blogging buddies had read and reviewed it yet, I was nervous to maybe "take one for the team". That's so NOT the case here. I'm happy to report that you should absolutely be reading this book, especially if you're a fan of science fiction and likable male narrators. I can honestly say it's one of the most engaging and absorbing books I've read recently. I can't wait to see where Susan Adrian takes her story next!
Tunnel Vision is about Jake Lukin, an eighteen year old senior who has a dream to go to Stanford and plans to woo gorgeous and smart Rachel Watkins. He also has a secret. When Jake holds a personal object, he has the ability to "tunnel" into the owner. He can sense where they are and can see, hear, and feel what they do. When a DARPA agent (think CIA for the paranormal) gets wind of his ability, Jake is forced between keeping those he loves safe and the life he's always wanted for himself.
Ultimately, this is just a fun, thrilling read that kept me glued to my Kindle. I wouldn't say it relies heavily on twists and turns (except maybe one major one near the end), but the story had me hooked from start to finish. The plotting and pacing are perfect. Plus, Jake's ability is really cool. I can see why certain parties would go to great lengths to securing his cooperation. I didn't trust any of them, so I was nervous for Jake nearly the entire time, wondering how on earth he was going to get out of certain situations but at the same time confident that he was smart enough to do it. And that's the great thing - Jake is an amazing protagonist. It was so easy to root for this kid. Not only is he intelligent and clever, but he's extremely caring as well. He adores his sister and mother and will do anything to protect them, even if that means sacrificing his own happiness. I loved his relationships with both of them, as well as his "crazy" Russian uncle and his love interest, Rachel. There's not much actual romance, except in the beginning and the end, but what's there is sweet and managed to leave an impression.
The ending left me happy, but I'm hoping Tunnel Vision is just the first book. I really want more! While I'm waiting, I'm going to be recommending this debut like crazy. I hope you'll give it a try. :)
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
March 24, 2015
For this book, let's just say you'll get what you expect.
It has a reasonably see-through plot, a teenage boy with powers, and some evil government bad guys. It's not exactly original.
It was thoroughly entertaining and fast-paced though. I felt like the story was good until the end, when they suddenly sprung this very minor character, Rachel, into all of the action. The author tried her best to make Rachel seem like an important character, but her struggle was futile. I really hated Rachel, just because she was there. She served no purpose. Jake had a crush on her, but there was no actual romance. Rachel didn't even DO anything. I think I may have liked the book more if she was not present.
But overall, the book was good. I'd recommend it for younger teens or Tweens that don't always enjoy reading as much. It will probably suit them more than it does me.
It has a reasonably see-through plot, a teenage boy with powers, and some evil government bad guys. It's not exactly original.
It was thoroughly entertaining and fast-paced though. I felt like the story was good until the end, when they suddenly sprung this very minor character, Rachel, into all of the action. The author tried her best to make Rachel seem like an important character, but her struggle was futile. I really hated Rachel, just because she was there. She served no purpose. Jake had a crush on her, but there was no actual romance. Rachel didn't even DO anything. I think I may have liked the book more if she was not present.
But overall, the book was good. I'd recommend it for younger teens or Tweens that don't always enjoy reading as much. It will probably suit them more than it does me.
January 28, 2015
Susan Adrian’s Tunnel Vision pleasantly surprised me with how quickly and easily it swept me away into a thrilling tale full of supernatural powers, mystery, secret government projects, sweet romance, and fun action.
Eighteen year old Jake Lukin just wants to survive senior year, get into Stanford, play tennis, and maybe date Rachel...you know, normal stuff. But Jake is far from normal. He possesses the ability to touch an object and “tunnel” his way into that person’s head, sensing their location, thoughts, intentions, and actions. He promised his now dead father that he’d never reveal his secret, but Jake screwed up, and now he’s forced to work with DARPA, a US government agency. Jake doesn’t mind tunnelling to save people and stop bad guys, but he quickly learns that maybe the good guys are the bad guys too. With the help of gorgeous Rachel and his grandfather, Jake just might escape DARPA’s clutches and uncover long buried secrets.
Tunnel Vision is a fast-paced, smartly written story with a fascinating premise, likable hero, and enthralling storytelling. Susan Adrian mixes genres, with a little bit of mystery; thriller; and supernatural combined together to create a refreshing and captivating plot. The world Susan Adrian creates is a complex and layered one, with clever world-building. From mysterious men in suits, the steely DARPA agents, cryptic messages from Jake’s grandfather, and several twists; turns; and revelations, Tunnel Vision has such a thrilling and intense vibe. I found Jake’s tunneling ability to be super intriguing and wonderfully explored.
Jake is a funny, likable hero who, other than his ability, isn’t annoyingly special or talented. There’s something very relatable about him. Tunnel Vision is told from his POV and I mostly enjoyed being inside his head. I love Jake’s relationships with his little sister and grandfather. With the DARPA agents, Susan Adrian does a great job of creating characters that really straddle that line between good guy and baddie. The romance (which is really not much more than a cute flirtation and some smooches) between Jake and Rachel is sweet, and she’s likable enough, but I wasn’t wowed or moved by this aspect of the story.
I was, however, far more impressed with the unexpected twists, turns, and revelations throughout the book. The action, mystery, and thrills kept me on the edge of my seat and made Tunnel Vision quite unputdownable.
My Final Thoughts: With a plot that grabs hold and doesn't let go, smart storytelling, and a endearing hero, Tunnel Vision is an exciting, addicting read.
Eighteen year old Jake Lukin just wants to survive senior year, get into Stanford, play tennis, and maybe date Rachel...you know, normal stuff. But Jake is far from normal. He possesses the ability to touch an object and “tunnel” his way into that person’s head, sensing their location, thoughts, intentions, and actions. He promised his now dead father that he’d never reveal his secret, but Jake screwed up, and now he’s forced to work with DARPA, a US government agency. Jake doesn’t mind tunnelling to save people and stop bad guys, but he quickly learns that maybe the good guys are the bad guys too. With the help of gorgeous Rachel and his grandfather, Jake just might escape DARPA’s clutches and uncover long buried secrets.
Tunnel Vision is a fast-paced, smartly written story with a fascinating premise, likable hero, and enthralling storytelling. Susan Adrian mixes genres, with a little bit of mystery; thriller; and supernatural combined together to create a refreshing and captivating plot. The world Susan Adrian creates is a complex and layered one, with clever world-building. From mysterious men in suits, the steely DARPA agents, cryptic messages from Jake’s grandfather, and several twists; turns; and revelations, Tunnel Vision has such a thrilling and intense vibe. I found Jake’s tunneling ability to be super intriguing and wonderfully explored.
Jake is a funny, likable hero who, other than his ability, isn’t annoyingly special or talented. There’s something very relatable about him. Tunnel Vision is told from his POV and I mostly enjoyed being inside his head. I love Jake’s relationships with his little sister and grandfather. With the DARPA agents, Susan Adrian does a great job of creating characters that really straddle that line between good guy and baddie. The romance (which is really not much more than a cute flirtation and some smooches) between Jake and Rachel is sweet, and she’s likable enough, but I wasn’t wowed or moved by this aspect of the story.
I was, however, far more impressed with the unexpected twists, turns, and revelations throughout the book. The action, mystery, and thrills kept me on the edge of my seat and made Tunnel Vision quite unputdownable.
My Final Thoughts: With a plot that grabs hold and doesn't let go, smart storytelling, and a endearing hero, Tunnel Vision is an exciting, addicting read.
October 20, 2014
I received this book from the goodreads first reads program.
A well thought out mix of genres that was perfectly executed. My attention was grabbed from the beginning and was masterfully held throughout. The storyline is both compelling and believable, especially because the government has done this kind of testing in the past. An excellent read that I highly recommend.
A well thought out mix of genres that was perfectly executed. My attention was grabbed from the beginning and was masterfully held throughout. The storyline is both compelling and believable, especially because the government has done this kind of testing in the past. An excellent read that I highly recommend.
May 31, 2015
I love a fast-paced, high action story with wonderful characters. That combo made Tunnel Vision such a gripping, exciting read! Well done!
October 16, 2016
It feels like I'm in a Death to Spies game, this is World War II, and I have covert information he's after. Except this isn't a game, and I didn't imagine it. He is following me. But not for what I know. For what I can do. Who I am.
Jacob Lukin, eighteen years old, is preparing for the next step of his life: he wants to go to Standford, major in history, and in the meantime he wants to woo Rachel Watkins, a beautiful and smart girl in his class. But Jake isn't as normal as he would seem... because he has a rare, special ability he calls tunneling. If he holds an object, he can sense where the owner is, what they are doing, what they are seeing and saying. Jake's dad always told him to keep it a secret, even from his Mom and his littler sister, Myka. But Jake's slipped up, and now he finds that he is being followed. Trapped, he is forced to make a deal with DARPA, a top secret agency in the American government - he will tunnel for them, if they protect him and his family. But before long Jake starts to realize that maybe his protectors aren't up to any good, and he's got to find his way out.
Be ready to be surprised, because this book was author Susan Adrian's debut novel, and it is fairly well done. Not only does it have a male protagonist (rare for female YA authors), it is steeped with themes of paranormal abilities, conspiracies, and action. This is a book that I could easily see as a movie; it took you by the first line and pulled you along until the end.
Jake, the MC, is fabulous. Not only does he manage to be a great MC, but he manages to give a good male POV, too, something that is hard for female authors - they tend to either be "too girly" or "too lewd/crude." This is not a problem with Jake. Instead, we get to see how he is smart and determined and resourceful and caring. We even get to see him grow, from a boy that lays his trust (reluctantly) in others to someone who will fight for himself and those he cares about, even if it means becoming ruthless.
The new Jake. Cold, hard, manipulative liar. Play by their game, their rules - none - and beat them at it. It's the only thing that will get me out.
And one of my favorite things about Jake was his relationship with his sister, Myka. We've all seen the sibling relationships in books that are depicted on the extremes, but this is not one of them. Jake is a good older brother, constantly teasing his little sister but doing anything for her, too. And Myka clearly loves him in return, putting her trust and faith in him and helping him out whenever she can. I adored their totally realistic relationship.
There is never a dull moment. As I mentioned earlier, the book pulls you in and doesn't let go. I couldn't help but follow along as Jake struggles to earn his freedom. And what's fantastic is that the book doesn't leave anything unexplored. I have no lingering questions about the book.
My one, tiny, minuscule complaint is that the book's conspiracy starts to feel a little crazy. But hey, it had a purpose and a meaning, and though it was starting to get into a cliched action movie territory, I have to say that I never quite lost my interest.
My biggest complaint is the romance. I don't mind that Jake is interested in Rachel, nor do I mind that she clearly returns the sentiment.
I liked Tunnel Vision and will likely read the sequel. I liked the book well enough, but I didn't love it (hence the three stars.) I would recommend it for an interesting conspiracy-theory read.
October 21, 2021
You know there used to be this album.
Now that's what I call music.
This is a now that's what I call a book.
The moment I read the first sentence of the synopsis I was sold.
The moment I had my hands on my kindle version once my request to Pikes Peak Library on Libby came through I was hooked by the first sentence.
"The man was there again"
I sat and I read. From 21:00 - 23:00, there was one mandatory break to go eat dinner and we were back.
I think in theory it could be a 4-star book as in that it's not perfection but the fact that I had a moment where I was reading a sentence about a character reading and I thought aaw I also like to read and at that moment I was so engrossed in the story so transported I realized I had just thought I liked reading as if I was standing there watching and not that I was in fact reading. I was a bit disoriented when I realized oh wait I am reading right now.
Any book that gives me that gift. It is a 5 stars from me always.
My slight feedback would be, I thought the swearing was unnecessary it was oddly placed. Then again I always wish to remove swearing from books so that's a bit biased.
There was a trope that for me has been done a bit too much.
But I forgave it because of the gift what the story in total was.
Disclaimer I don't agree with the star system. I only use it to give 5 stars these days otherwise I'll rather write a review about it. Star system is not a good thing for the book commuity it brings the value of a book down to percentage and that's not how you'd rate a relationship with a friend.
There are good and bad in all books and different people have different experiences. I want people to stop using the 5 star reviews since it's almost a lazy way to give your opinon.
My poem
Tell me it made you mad. Tell me it made you sad.
Tell me it made you laugh. Tell me it made you rant.
But don't tell me the papers are worth a digital system that can be minimized to an algorithm
to easily fit the narrative of what the internet believes reality to be.
Now that's what I call music.
This is a now that's what I call a book.
The moment I read the first sentence of the synopsis I was sold.
The moment I had my hands on my kindle version once my request to Pikes Peak Library on Libby came through I was hooked by the first sentence.
"The man was there again"
I sat and I read. From 21:00 - 23:00, there was one mandatory break to go eat dinner and we were back.
I think in theory it could be a 4-star book as in that it's not perfection but the fact that I had a moment where I was reading a sentence about a character reading and I thought aaw I also like to read and at that moment I was so engrossed in the story so transported I realized I had just thought I liked reading as if I was standing there watching and not that I was in fact reading. I was a bit disoriented when I realized oh wait I am reading right now.
Any book that gives me that gift. It is a 5 stars from me always.
My slight feedback would be, I thought the swearing was unnecessary it was oddly placed. Then again I always wish to remove swearing from books so that's a bit biased.
There was a trope that for me has been done a bit too much.
But I forgave it because of the gift what the story in total was.
Disclaimer I don't agree with the star system. I only use it to give 5 stars these days otherwise I'll rather write a review about it. Star system is not a good thing for the book commuity it brings the value of a book down to percentage and that's not how you'd rate a relationship with a friend.
There are good and bad in all books and different people have different experiences. I want people to stop using the 5 star reviews since it's almost a lazy way to give your opinon.
My poem
Tell me it made you mad. Tell me it made you sad.
Tell me it made you laugh. Tell me it made you rant.
But don't tell me the papers are worth a digital system that can be minimized to an algorithm
to easily fit the narrative of what the internet believes reality to be.
May 20, 2015
Thoughts on the Overall Book: I love a good YA thriller and this was no exception. It took a little bit to warm up to the story, but once I did, this was one of those books that kept getting better and better as you go along.
Cover--Yea or Nay: It's not really anything special. Nothing that jumps out at me. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either.
Characters: I wasn't really sure how I felt about Jake at first. I didn't hate him, and I noticed he was a good big brother so I approved of that. Do I think he was stupid for getting drunk and revealing his ability to high schoolers? Yes. But this is a story where the character grows and so it's okay for him to have been stupid at first. I really grew to like Jake and feel for his predicament. I Loved his little sister Myka, she actually reminded me of my youngest brother (funnily enough, I also call my brother 'dorkus') But she was awesome, and I really loved their relationship. That was what first made me like Jake because people who care about their younger siblings always make me respect them. Their grandfather was also a pretty awesome character. I thought he was quirky and cool and I loved how he was there when Jake needed him. I hated Liesel, she was just one of those characters I wanted to punch in the face, in fact most of the characters from DARPA were really unlikable. I did feel bad for Eric, and Ana wasn't terrible either, in fact, I really wish we had gotten to see more of her. In any case, there was a really cool and diverse cast in this story.
The Romance: There is a bit of romance between Jake and Rachel and I really wasn't sure I liked Rachel at all. but she surprised me and I really ended up liking and respecting her. And I also like her and Jake together.
Writing Style: First person present tense from Jake's perspective. Present tense actually works out okay for this story and it wasn't choppy like it can be either. I didn't mind being in his head, and the book provides a good amount of suspense, action, and characterization so that it's a well-rounded story. I really liked Jake's ability. It was different than the typical 'vision' thing, it was really unique and what he could do with it was super cool.
Accuracy/ Believability: The storyline made sense and felt like something like that could actually happen, and certainly would if there were people with these abilities. I think I really liked it for the reason that it seemed like a perfectly reasonable scenario.
Problems/What bothered me: No real problems.
Conclusion: 4/5 stars. I really enjoyed this book and was continually surprised at how it seemed to get better and better. The ending was quite exciting, for a while I was super worried it was going to be a major cliff hanger. As it is, I feel there is probably a sequel, but it could almost end here too. Though i do hope there is a sequel!
Recommended Audience: Fans of YA suspense/thrillers with a hint of sci-fi would enjoy it. Girl or guy read, ages 17 and up.
May 9, 2015
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Tunnel Vision follows Jake Lukin, a teenager who has an ability he calls “tunneling”. He only has to hold an object and he can already locate its owner and even know his thoughts. It’s a unique ability that he has hidden all his life – that is until he makes a mistake at a party. Suddenly Jake and his family aren’t so safe anymore. Then a government agency tracks him and offers protection in exchange of Jake using his ability to work for them. Things got out of hand fast and Jake is thrust into a world of saving people and locating terrorists. As he finds himself caught in web of lies, deceit and betrayal, it’s up to Jake and his “tunneling” to save himself and his family from unknown danger.
Susan Adrian delivers a strong and remarkable debut with Tunnel Vision. The concept is unique and the execution is excellent. This gripping tale held my attention and didn’t let go. I immensely enjoyed reading this book! The writing is just flawless and smooth. The pacing of the story is perfect for a thriller novel. Tunnel Vision is definitely a page-turner.
The characters are also well-developed. The main character, Jake, is easy to sympathize with. Jake made some unwise decisions but he made them to protect his family. He’s young and scared, but he learned to fight back and be ruthless. He’s smart and was able to get himself out of the situation he was in. His father and grandfather are both mysterious and I would have liked to know their characters more. But as the story is told from Jake’s POV, we only know what he knows. That touch of mystery adds spice to the story, so I’m not complaining. Liesel is one character I love to hate. She’s a crucial and complex character. She’s ambitious and driven and sometimes cold. There were times when I just wanted to strangle Liesel. But what she did towards the end sort of redeemed her. The why of it wasn’t revealed, though. Eric is kinda Liesel’s opposite. He played the good cop to Liesel’s bad cop but his transformation surprised me. Jake's sister, Myka, is also an interesting character! She's smart and handled things in a mature way. And she's a genius! I felt like I didn't get enough Myka in this book.
This better have a sequel because although the ending is not a cliffhanger, there are still questions left unanswered. I certainly would love to know more about the characters and the ‘tunneling’ itself. Tunnel Vision makes
for an exciting and intriguing novel. Highly recommended!
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Purchase this book from: Amazon | The Book Depository
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Tunnel Vision follows Jake Lukin, a teenager who has an ability he calls “tunneling”. He only has to hold an object and he can already locate its owner and even know his thoughts. It’s a unique ability that he has hidden all his life – that is until he makes a mistake at a party. Suddenly Jake and his family aren’t so safe anymore. Then a government agency tracks him and offers protection in exchange of Jake using his ability to work for them. Things got out of hand fast and Jake is thrust into a world of saving people and locating terrorists. As he finds himself caught in web of lies, deceit and betrayal, it’s up to Jake and his “tunneling” to save himself and his family from unknown danger.
Susan Adrian delivers a strong and remarkable debut with Tunnel Vision. The concept is unique and the execution is excellent. This gripping tale held my attention and didn’t let go. I immensely enjoyed reading this book! The writing is just flawless and smooth. The pacing of the story is perfect for a thriller novel. Tunnel Vision is definitely a page-turner.
The characters are also well-developed. The main character, Jake, is easy to sympathize with. Jake made some unwise decisions but he made them to protect his family. He’s young and scared, but he learned to fight back and be ruthless. He’s smart and was able to get himself out of the situation he was in. His father and grandfather are both mysterious and I would have liked to know their characters more. But as the story is told from Jake’s POV, we only know what he knows. That touch of mystery adds spice to the story, so I’m not complaining. Liesel is one character I love to hate. She’s a crucial and complex character. She’s ambitious and driven and sometimes cold. There were times when I just wanted to strangle Liesel. But what she did towards the end sort of redeemed her. The why of it wasn’t revealed, though. Eric is kinda Liesel’s opposite. He played the good cop to Liesel’s bad cop but his transformation surprised me. Jake's sister, Myka, is also an interesting character! She's smart and handled things in a mature way. And she's a genius! I felt like I didn't get enough Myka in this book.
This better have a sequel because although the ending is not a cliffhanger, there are still questions left unanswered. I certainly would love to know more about the characters and the ‘tunneling’ itself. Tunnel Vision makes
for an exciting and intriguing novel. Highly recommended!
--
Purchase this book from: Amazon | The Book Depository
January 20, 2015
TUNNEL VISION is an incredibly exciting, action-packed story about a boy with a fascinating ability, one that can be used to help or to harm, and a ruthless government agent who is willing to do whatever it takes to control him and use his ability for her own gains. It’s a story full of twists and turns, nail-biting suspense, danger, deception, secrets and lies. It is a story that will keep readers intrigued, immerse them in a world that is dark and chilling, and hold them captive until the very last page.
When Jacob Lukin’s dad told him to keep his ability a secret, he tried to obey his wishes but never really believed anything bad would happen if the truth came out. Boy was he wrong. Being able to use an object to not only locate its owner but experience what they are and feel what they’re feeling at that moment, cost him the girl he liked, cost him his privacy, and cost him his freedom.
His ability to “tunnel” made him an asset to anyone looking to track down their enemies, to locate someone who didn’t want to be found, and to find someone in need of rescue. His ability made him a powerful weapon. One that the government would do anything to possess.
Told in first-person narrative, readers will be able to make a stronger connection with Jake as his life gets turned completely upside down after one slip-up proves more costly than he ever would have imagined. Seeing things through his eyes, they’ll get to witness his visions, experience their aftermath, and learn how powerful he really is.
Author Susan Adrian created a likable and interesting character in Jake Lukin and filled her novel with an array of both appealing and reprehensible characters, many of whom had hidden agendas, most of whom were clever, ambitious, and untrustworthy, forcing Jake to be on alert to have any hope of regaining his freedom. She delivered an absolutely thrilling story that will keep readers guessing as to who can be trusted and keep them on edge as Jake plans his escape.
Cunning and dangerous foes, shocking surprises and a scary yet thought-provoking ability make TUNNEL VISION a gripping and wildly entertaining read that will appeal to those who like smart and tension-filled stories that offer mystery and intrigue and build to a climactic conclusion.
GR Comments:
Am so hoping there will be a sequel. I would love, love, LOVE to keep reading about Jake, his "grandpa" and Rachel.
When Jacob Lukin’s dad told him to keep his ability a secret, he tried to obey his wishes but never really believed anything bad would happen if the truth came out. Boy was he wrong. Being able to use an object to not only locate its owner but experience what they are and feel what they’re feeling at that moment, cost him the girl he liked, cost him his privacy, and cost him his freedom.
His ability to “tunnel” made him an asset to anyone looking to track down their enemies, to locate someone who didn’t want to be found, and to find someone in need of rescue. His ability made him a powerful weapon. One that the government would do anything to possess.
Told in first-person narrative, readers will be able to make a stronger connection with Jake as his life gets turned completely upside down after one slip-up proves more costly than he ever would have imagined. Seeing things through his eyes, they’ll get to witness his visions, experience their aftermath, and learn how powerful he really is.
Author Susan Adrian created a likable and interesting character in Jake Lukin and filled her novel with an array of both appealing and reprehensible characters, many of whom had hidden agendas, most of whom were clever, ambitious, and untrustworthy, forcing Jake to be on alert to have any hope of regaining his freedom. She delivered an absolutely thrilling story that will keep readers guessing as to who can be trusted and keep them on edge as Jake plans his escape.
Cunning and dangerous foes, shocking surprises and a scary yet thought-provoking ability make TUNNEL VISION a gripping and wildly entertaining read that will appeal to those who like smart and tension-filled stories that offer mystery and intrigue and build to a climactic conclusion.
GR Comments:
Am so hoping there will be a sequel. I would love, love, LOVE to keep reading about Jake, his "grandpa" and Rachel.
February 15, 2015
Ooh! This was so much fun. I really enjoyed the narrator Jake. He starts off as a normal high school kid with regular concerns - except for one extraordinary talent. And he's quite naive and way over his head when he gets mixed up in government plots. But I loved seeing him grow up through it all. He learns to navigate some very sticky situations and becomes quite badass by the end. But he's still relatable and likable through it all.
Loved his sister Myka and grandfather especially. Eric became a much more complex character as the book continued and I was most surprised by his outcome. We eventually get more answers about the origins of Jake's Tunneling ability, which is pretty cool and also freaky. I appreciated that we were able to see both the benefit and danger of an ability like his.
Very mild romance, which was sweet. Tho not needed and I wish I'd gotten to know Rachel better. Unclear if this is a series, but it certainly could be.
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger scale: low but great potential for more story.
Full review to come.
Loved his sister Myka and grandfather especially. Eric became a much more complex character as the book continued and I was most surprised by his outcome. We eventually get more answers about the origins of Jake's Tunneling ability, which is pretty cool and also freaky. I appreciated that we were able to see both the benefit and danger of an ability like his.
Very mild romance, which was sweet. Tho not needed and I wish I'd gotten to know Rachel better. Unclear if this is a series, but it certainly could be.
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger scale: low but great potential for more story.
Full review to come.
September 20, 2016
A fast read with a very compelling story and authentic voice. Tunnel Vision is a fast paced science fiction novel with elements of a spy thriller. The main character is very well realized and despite the action and seriousness of his situation is able to inject humor and a teenage point of view into often dire situations. What I love most is that there is no filler in this book-- there are mysteries but nothing is withheld for too long and the author doesn't let the main character or reader wallow in misery (for too long). This means you are constantly surprised rather than just being relieved that the story has finally made it's way to an obvious plot point. It's only tarnished by it's ending, which sets up a sequel but doesn't feel like a very satisfying conclusion.
I read this book after it is was recommended as similar to Netflix's Stranger Things. If you are looking for a novel about children with strange abilities running from shadowy organizations this book will definitely deliver.
I read this book after it is was recommended as similar to Netflix's Stranger Things. If you are looking for a novel about children with strange abilities running from shadowy organizations this book will definitely deliver.
January 29, 2015
If you're in the mood for a fast-paced, twisty, spy adventure, this is the book. Jake is such a relatable main character, even with his unwanted tunneling power. I loved that I couldn't figure out what was going to happen next, plot-wise, and I especially loved the sibling relationship between Jake and his younger sister, Myka. This is just a really great book that left me wanting to find out what happens next. Sequel, please!
June 14, 2015
The cover copy makes this sound like it's about how romantic love will be the key that helps you save the day/escape from the corrupt government agency. It's not. It's a story about how family love will be the key that helps you save the day/escape from the corrupt government agency.
Important distinction.
Important distinction.
November 19, 2015
Positives:
1)mystery
2)gripping moments
3)cool cover
4)powerful sub-plots
5)intense roller coaster of action
6)no holes
7)fast pace
8)life lessens
10)interesting character back story
11)well written
12)character building
13)likable characters
14)Strong main character
15)fantastic ending
16) A little romance
December 14, 2016
This is a great book. It swooped me away from the first page. I wish this book had a sequel. Jake is a fun and loving character in the book Tunnel Vision, by Susan Adrian. The book is a great thriller and i just couldn't put it down. I recommend this book for anyone who is seeking a thriller and can't put the book down!
Want to read
January 20, 2015Pro tip, a super good way to get me to want to read your book is to tell me it was inspired by one of my favorite tv shows.
January 31, 2016
Okay read but not great. The concept was new but not used to make the story exciting. I wish the author had made it more about Jake using his gift to actually do stuff then spend the whole story running from his gift. Kind of let down with the use of the material.
January 21, 2023
This was such a fast-paced story that I read it within a day because it was actually fun to read, not because I was looking to procrastinate physics homework. And I'm so glad the romance didn't dominate the plot.
January 24, 2015
I LOVED this! I'm not much of a scifi girl, but maybe I've changed my mind because of this book!
November 16, 2015
It was a really good book.
December 21, 2017
Hey guys, so I finished Tunnel Vision by Susan Adrian and it was quite interesting. I thought the general description of the story had me thinking that this book would go a certain way. Yet, in that sense, the book jacket was misleading. However, I did enjoy the turn the novel did take. I wasn't expecting it, and now, I don't think I can imagine the novel without the direction it took kind of early on. Also, because how the novel was written, it was easy to glide from one chapter to another. Almost as easily Jake ended up being able to tunnel into people. In regards to that, wow. I thought the power was dangerous and daring in the beginning of the novel, but through the novel, the intensity and repercussions really refigured the power entirely. And....and it was an eye opener to see, according to this novel, how the government responded to such a "threat". What lengths they would go to. *shivers* I am so glad this is a work of fiction in that regard. *sighs* Now...Jake, the main character... Man...poor guy. Im almost surprised he didn't have a true freaking mental breakdown after everything. Actually, I admired how he dealt with and managed his situation every step of the way. He was indeed very brave. I loved how he finally able to take back control when things were out of control. Jake....Jake was just...very intriguing to get into the mind of. *wink wink*. I think the thing that I cheered most about, was that Jake, despite all the betrayals, he continued to fight. He never stopped, even if sometimes it seemed as if he did. But hey, there were only so many options available to someone in that situation, could ya really blame him? I would talk about some of the other characters, but I'm not sure if that would lead to a spoiler. I would also talk more about the novel itself, but I dunno I can do that without giving to much way. Sorry.... But there is one thing that won't sound off too many alarms, the book jacket says that there is romance in this novel. *snorts* more like, "sudden out of the blue why is this happening in the middle of something important" romance. But that's just my opinion, take it or leave it. Just like its my opinion that this novel is more heavily geared toward action, drama(ish), maybe some mystery that all centers around the progression of the main character through the novel. So yeah, if you wanna make your own conclusions about this story, be my guest. Oh, and another thing...I kind of felt like this novel, at points in time, was rushed? And because of that, the emotional build up for a shocker in the story was just...meh. But that's just my take. Make your own, please. Ha. Okay... Well, I don't really know what else to say at the moment, so I won't say anything at all;except drop comments below if ya have any questions, as always. Okay. Bye.
January 20, 2017
This was a solid book with an interesting premise. I haven't read a lot of YA thrillers, and I really enjoyed this one. Jacob struck me as a little whiny at some points, but his life wasn't exactly going so great, so I'll forgive it. I really liked his determination and protectiveness. He was a great son and brother and a good well rounded character. I loved Myka. She seemed like such a cute little nerd and I would have loved to go deeper into her story. I was interested in Dedushka as well. He was a gruff old man, but he was a great character with a great love for his family that I would have liked to know more about. It never quite explained how Jacob got his tunneling ability. The writing was great. The story was fast paced and kept the plot rolling so I had a hard time putting the book down. I just wanted to continue reading. I liked that every part of the book felt necessary to the story. There were no boring parts where I just wanted to move on with the plot. I am a little skeptical about the need for a second book. I think that with a few tweaks, this story could have been wrapped up nicely in one book. But I am tentatively excited to read the second book.
March 26, 2021
3 ⭐️
Trigger warnings: PTSD, imprisonment, mentions of torture/murder, mentions of dead parent
Content warning: sexism
That was pretty bland. While the running and government conspiracy was somewhat interesting, the sexism and generally cardboard cutout characters were boring as hell.
Jake is incredibly stupid and can't think about consequences at all. While it's not that surprising for a teenager to misread a situation and not mind about consequences to their actions, Jake's situation should at least make him a little more mature (especially since he's supposed to be 18). But every move he makes is completely dumb and throws him into a deeper pit. Which he would have foreseen if he'd stopped to think about what he was doing for one bloody second.
Then we have the worst romance. I don't know if I can even call it such, because there's no chemistry at all between those two, and Rachel is absent for about 80% of the book. Not to mention that her persona outside of Jake is nonexistent. Like pretty much every female character (with the exception of Myka, for whom being smart is the main and only attribute), she's one-dimensional and her appearance is the main thing we get about her. Oh, and that she's apparently into Jake enough to even though they spoke all of 3 times before in the book...
Is it a page-turner? Yes. Is it a good book with great characters and a plot that makes sense? Not so much. If you're looking to put your brain on pause, though, it should do the trick.
Trigger warnings: PTSD, imprisonment, mentions of torture/murder, mentions of dead parent
Content warning: sexism
That was pretty bland. While the running and government conspiracy was somewhat interesting, the sexism and generally cardboard cutout characters were boring as hell.
Jake is incredibly stupid and can't think about consequences at all. While it's not that surprising for a teenager to misread a situation and not mind about consequences to their actions, Jake's situation should at least make him a little more mature (especially since he's supposed to be 18). But every move he makes is completely dumb and throws him into a deeper pit. Which he would have foreseen if he'd stopped to think about what he was doing for one bloody second.
Then we have the worst romance. I don't know if I can even call it such, because there's no chemistry at all between those two, and Rachel is absent for about 80% of the book. Not to mention that her persona outside of Jake is nonexistent. Like pretty much every female character (with the exception of Myka, for whom being smart is the main and only attribute), she's one-dimensional and her appearance is the main thing we get about her. Oh, and that she's apparently into Jake enough to even though they spoke all of 3 times before in the book...
Is it a page-turner? Yes. Is it a good book with great characters and a plot that makes sense? Not so much. If you're looking to put your brain on pause, though, it should do the trick.
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