Decent story, but not developed enough. The writing was mediocre. I can definitely see my middle schoolers loving it though, which is why I bought it anyway. It is a great entry-level read for kids looking for mystery and suspense, and the supernatural element isn't overdone. I found the main character's ramblings to be cliche and contrived, though. Her angst was a little over the top. ( )

3. 5 stars ( )

Trance is one book that captivated me. Ashyln's character not only seemed real but one that you can relate with right away. Ashlyn's life has been tough. After a bad car accident, her family is torn apart. Left with dealing with her powers on her own, she must overcome the guilt and fear she has in order to save someone she loves.

Ashlyn has been though so much after the accident. She tries to be strong and move on, but the guilt of the night that happen plays into her mind over and over again. She does anything and everything to get her mind off it. She is alone. I hated that she is alone. She needed someone. Even though they blamed her for the accident, Ashyln needed guidance as well. I was upset that her father didn't take more care for than what he did.

The way the love part played out with her visions was perfect. I loved how it all tied in with the car accident. That I did not see coming at all. I was totally shocked and just awed. When you read the story, you only her Ashyln's POV. After reading the ending and how it truly panned out I understood. The love between Jake and Ashyln is real and true. I like how she did not allow the car accident affect how she felt about Jake. She loved him no matter what happen. True love. It always fixes everything. ( )

The premise of this book is interesting enough--Ashlyn and her sister "share" trances, with one sister getting one part and the other sister seeing another. While in the trance, both sisters did "automatic writing", writing a list of indecipherable numbers.

Then came the accident. Ashlyn, who was driving, broke her back and her mother lost her life. Of course, Ashlyn is tormented by this loss, especially since, while Ashlyn was in the hospital, her sister moved away. So Ashlyn returns to a near-empty house, living with a father who finds any excuse to leave for days at a time. He claims his travel is for work but what responsible, loving father leaves his not-nearly-recovered-in-mind-or-body daughter alone in a big house for days at a time? Or, maybe I'm just being influenced by the talk on the Internet about dead or absent parents. (If you haven't read about it, in Publisher's Weekly, Leila Smith believes that removing one or both of the parents is a cop out. Nathan Bransford, agent extraordinaire, also comments on the subject of parents in children's books. There are lots more posts on the subject, too, if you're interested.)

Beyond that, while I really liked some of the characters, the story itself felt unfinished and rushed. Okay, so Ashlyn had trances. But why about only ONE event? (The trances described in the book are just about one thing, never anything else.) Why were the trances treated like an illness or that they were "bad"? There were hints about possible religious issues and witchcraft and a confrontation with a former nun who seemed like she was just trying to be nice but Ashlyn was rude to her, none of which was really explained well. I needed more info. And where was her sister? Why did she go away; where did she go; and why won't Dad tell Ashlyn where she went? Ashlyn was big into photography but there was only a little bit about her personal photography. Why did it seem like she abandoned it?

All in all, a quick, interesting read but it left me with too many questions to be completely satisfying. ( )

The Short and Sweet of It
Ashlyn and her sister Kyra have a gift: they have visions of the future. But when Ashlyn ignores a vision of Kyra's, their family is devastated by loss. Now it looks like it's all happening again, but who will be lost this time? And can the girls prevent the tragedy?

A Bit of a Ramble
Meh. That's about all I can say. I read the entire book in about an hour, and when I was done, nothing intelligent popped into my head. Just meh. The premise is interesting, but the execution is rather humdrum. Not much happens in the story, which seems primarily focused on Ashlyn's thoughts rather than actions. Everything in the story is stilted, cut off without development.

For example, Ashlyn's relationship with her father is practically non-existent since the accident. He is absent, out of town at work, most of the time, and even when he is home, he is locked in his office. I can understand the distance...sort of...but no real conflict between Ashlyn and her father begins and no resolution comes about either.

Then we have Ashlyn and Kyra's relationship with their parents, told through flashbacks. Apparently both parents, especially the mother, were ashamed of the girls' visions. This rather serious issue is touched upon from time to time, but again there is no real development of what could have been an emotional conflict.

Next, we have Kyra's absence throughout the majority of the book which removed what could have been a major plot opportunity for conflict and character growth. Honestly, I feel like the entire book could have been squashed into opening chapters, setting the stage for the primary story.

As always, what doesn't work for me could quite possibly work for you, so if you are interested in reading this book, leave your email in the comments section! ( )