Wowwwww.. This book was very thrilling. This story was about loss, second chances, hope, and love. You see the lengths a parent will go to for their child. You easily connect with the characters. It was a wonderful reading experience!

Thank you NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for the arc of this book.

I really enjoyed T.J. Newman’s Falling and this one is even better! Flight 1421 from Honolulu to San Francisco crashes into the Pacific Ocean six minutes after takeoff. While some passengers evacuate on life rafts, others choose to stay in the plane to avoid fires from an engine explosion - as recommended by fellow passenger Will Kent, an engineer traveling with his 11 year-old daughter Shannon. The 12 people who seal themselves into the plane become trapped when it sinks to the bottom of the ocean. Now they’re fighting a race against time hoping they’ll be rescued before they run out of air. Chris Kent, Will’s soon-to-be ex-wife and Shannon’s mother, becomes an extremely motivated member of the rescue team. The characters are really well-written and this is an edge-of-your-seat page turner revealing who survives and who does not. Thanks to #netgalley #avidreaderpress and #tjnewman for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. I just finished this book and that is the best word I can think of. This is my first book by the author T.J. Newman. I didn't know what to expect but knew once I read it that I may never want to fly again.

This is story of Flight 1421 and the three main characters: Chris, his daughter Shannon, and his wife Chris. While TJ doesn't focus much on the other passengers, she uses their issues to add depth to the story. The plane crashes 6 minutes into the ocean after take-off. From there, you better buckle up because it's one intense ride that never slows down. I held my breath bracing for every twist and turn and each time I was not disappointed. The story kept me captivated until the final page. Highly recommend! 4.5 Stars

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy of this book.

Did I like this book? Yes.
Did I love this book? No.
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TJ Newman has a knack for writing intense, compelling thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat the entire way through. I loved her debut, Falling, and was so excited for this one when I saw it being released as her second novel.
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Here's where it didn't work for me. You are introduced to a butt load of characters right away, some important, some not. On top of that, all the technical stuff went over my head. Literally. I was reading and "following along" but had zero clue what the heck she was talking about. From the engine failure (or whatever it was that caused the plane to crash), to the rescue attempts, to the welding operations and behind-the-scenes conversations. I. WAS. LOST.
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I did go through other reviews on Goodreads and found similar ratings that stated exactly why I gave the same 3.5 star review. So maybe it wasn't just me. I’m the type of reader who tries too hard to understand wtf is going on that I tend to lose some of the plot.
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I also didn't love the side storyline with the family. I don't know why. It just felt a little unbelievable and coincidental given what happens and how the mom is involved.
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However, I finished this book in like 2 hours. It was so easy to binge and I do think other readers will love this. Maybe go in with the notion that you might not get all your questions answered, but you'll be in for a wild ride.

This book had an impact on me as if I were watching a nonstop, heart-pounding, gripping action movie that made me jump out of my seat, bite my nails, scream at the characters on screen, squirm nervously, and finally find myself on the floor, closing my eyes to block the images that put me on the edge of a nervous breakdown! I am breathless now! T.J. Newman's newest twisty thriller leaves you feeling as exhausted as running a 10k marathon. You feel worn out after enduring the escalating pressure from the beginning. I read nearly 300 pages and, even though I tried to move from my seat to take a break for nature's call or to feed myself, I found myself silencing my husband who kept bickering because I forgot to turn off the oven and burned our dinner. The book is unputdownable, and I didn't want to stop reading!

Here's a summary of the main plot: Flight 1421 takes off from Honolulu, but six minutes later, it crashes into the ocean. You may think there's still a chance for survival as the pilots manage a water landing and safety checks get approval from the flight attendant. The survivors can exit from the doors, using their life vests as slides, but it's not that simple. The danger that awaits them outside may be much bigger than they expected! The plane is about to sink into the ocean, sitting on an unsafe shelf at almost 200 sea level. Can the survivors manage to stay alive without drowning in the middle of the ocean? What's going to happen to them? Do you want to find out immediately? Just order your copy, cancel your daily plans, prepare yourself to have an argument with your significant other (don't worry, the adrenaline pumping into your veins as you read this book is worth it), go blind, and enjoy the full ride!

The author's ability to balance action-packed sequences with emotional depth is commendable. Amidst the high-stakes situation, there are moments of vulnerability, introspection, and human connection that tug at your heartstrings. It's not just about the survival of the characters, but also about their resilience, determination, and the bonds they form in the face of adversity.

The writing is sharp, evocative, and immersive. I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing their fear, desperation, and hope. The pacing is relentless, never allowing for a dull moment, and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. T.J. Newman knows how to keep readers on their toes, delivering surprises that leave you gasping for breath.

If you enjoyed the author's previous book, "Falling," you'll love this book even more! I guarantee it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster for sharing this mind-blowing book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

The book starts with Will and his daughter Shannon on a plane that just took off from Oahu. Will hears the engine explode. The plane goes down. And we meet an incredible cast of characters throughout. Will they be rescued in time?

This. Book. Was. Incredible!

Cliffhanger after cliffhanger chapter, it was a book I could not put down. I only stopped reading to use the bathroom. I enjoyed Falling and Drowning was even better. The characters in this book were great. Some of the technical stuff was over my head, but the thrilling pace of the book more than made up for it. 100% please pick this one up to read. It is fantastic.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Falling when I read from this author abd wanted to read this so bad.
Received it today and devoured it isn't even a good enough word to describe how I sped through this story. Just as great if not better than the first, but even hard to outdo one another.
So much information that was obviously well researched made this story so believable.
Sad, happy I had all the feels.
Brilliant author that is beginning to become a favorite.. next book can not come fast enough.
If you haven't read tge first pick it up and then grab this on on its release date of May 30th

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book

I read Falling in one sitting and the same thing happened with this one. It unfolds like a tense action movie. Is it believable? Absolutely not. Is it a thrilling, fast-paced read that keeps you interested? 100%.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Holy moly, what a ride from the very first page! If you're hunting for a fast and suspenseful thriller to read at the beach or pool this summer then you've come to the right story.

Six minutes after a flight takes off from Hawaii it crashes into the ocean. The survivors are trapped inside. Against all odds, a massive rescue operation is launched to save them.

T.J. Newman gives the reader no time to buckle into their seats when they choose to pick up this thriller. From cover to end you are taken on a scary journey of whether the characters you get to meet will live to see another day as the plane sinks to the ocean floor. There's a lot more at stake here too, considering one of the leaders of the operation team has family stuck within the plane. Heart pounding scenes engulf the reader and leaves little to no time to breathe. I was at the edge of my seat through much of the cliffhanger!

Fans of shows like LOST or Manifest will love Drowning! The movie adaptation is already in the planning stages for this book and I think it will translate well in the thriller genre. T.J. had me hooked with her debut novel, Falling, last year and I love her backstory behind choosing to leave the flight attendant industry to pursue her dreams of becoming an author. She's slowly but surely making me scared to ever ride a plane if any of these scenarios she's conjured up ever happen! I can't wait to see what she writes next!

This was a fast paced thriller that literally took your breath away. It had so many unexpected twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. It was thoroughly researched by the author considering the complexity of the situation. It truly makes you wonder what you would do if your were in that situation.
It’s hard to imagine if your plane crashes that you could actually survive it but the author gives you the possibility of what could happen based on the limited choices that you have and whether the rescuers can actually pull off a miracle. It was such an enjoyable read that will stay with me for a long time.

Shortly after take off, Flight 1421 experienced an engine problem and had to ditch into the Pacific Ocean. Some of the passengers were out of the plane and floating in the ocean, not knowing the worst yet to come. But, twelve passengers following Will's advice, an engineer who's on board with her daughter, decided to stay inside the plane, and that's when the real emergency begins.

Reading this book will make yourself feel under the water struggling to survive, waiting for the rescue team. I couldn't breathe and felt traumatised🫣, that's how good TJ Newman described everything vividly, both the survival and the rescue process. It feels like you are experiencing yourself. Lots of exciting scenes and detailed technical information.

This is "a sit down and read until finished" kind of book, so it's best to read it when you totally have free leisure time. I finished up this book in one sitting up to 2am.

And, in five days, I'll be flying home, so I think I shouldn't read this book first 🫣

Hey TJ Newman I have a quick question for you: WHY. And also, for what reason? And also, why again. And a third also: I will read anything you write forever.

I have been ravenous to get my grubby little paws on this because Falling took me OUT (I read it while we were planning a vacation for which I would be flying several hours, which is what we refer to as a “poor choice”). And boy howdy was I whatever the opposite of disappointed is.

I also had a dream that I was trapped inside a plane underwater after reading it, but I’m not even mad (anymore) because it just goes to show you that it was a truly immersive experience. Also, I know this can’t actually be the case but I like to imagine she wrote both of these books while actually on the clock, purely because I get a weird amount of delight at the thought of like, glancing over at your flight attendant’s computer screen and she’s writing about how you’d all ☠️ in various plane-related crisis.

When Flight 1421 makes an emergency water landing only six minutes into their flight over the Pacific Ocean, the nightmare has only just begun. As fuel spreads over the surface of the water they’re evacuating into, and the wind begins to whip flames across the surface, those still on board the sinking aircraft make a desperate choice: to seal the doors with themselves still inside.

As the badly damaged plane settled over 200 feet below the surface, the handful of survivors are about to have to fight for their lives. Among them: Will Kent and his eleven year old daughter, Shannon.

On the surface, rescue teams are scrambling to make the right call in an unprecedented and ever-changing situation. The dive team is lead by none other than Shannon’s mother, Will’s estranged wife. But each rushed and desperate decision from the surface puts the lives of those in the plane in more dire circumstances…

And they’re running out of air.

The novel surpassed my expectations and provided a truly exceptional reading experience. After a previous disappointment, this book delivered all the sensations and feelings that a captivating story should evoke. From the moment the narrative unfolded, I was completely absorbed in its gripping plot. As a diver myself, I appreciated the attention to detail, capturing the underwater world and the profound concerns that accompany such a catastrophe. The urgency to save lives with an imperfect plan was palpable, intensifying the tension and keeping me enthralled. One standout aspect was the portrayal of people coming together amidst panic, showcasing the remarkable resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for compassion in dire circumstances. The book masterfully balances heart-pounding action with genuine emotional depth. The well-developed characters foster a strong connection with their struggles and triumphs. This thrilling and emotionally charged novel reaffirms the author's storytelling prowess. The relentless pacing, unpredictable twists, and vivid writing style transport readers into the heart of the story.

Thanks to the publishers, Avid Reader Press and Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster.and Netgalley for bringing this enthralling novel to readers

*Many thanks to the author, Simon & Schuster, and Avid Readers Press for my gifted ARC. Publication date 5/30/23*

Drowning was even better than Newman's previous novel, Falling. This was a nail-biting wild ride of a thriller that had my pulse racing so hard!!! I had no idea what was going to happen, and it's all I thought about when I wasn't able to be reading.

Six minutes after Flight 1421 takes off, it crashes into the ocean. Most of the passengers made it out of the plane into the water, but did they survive? The other 12 passengers are still inside the plane, and it keeps sinking...further.... further.... and further.

Pre-order and add this one to your TBR list, it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! And I highly recommend that you do not read this on a plane and if you do remember to breathe!

Posted on Goodreads and Instagram

My thanks to Net Galley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced copy of this e-book.

I hate to give away much more than what you can gather from the title, but author TJ Newman is back for another intense disaster story that literally had my jaw drop and my heart pound at each turn of this "airline crash and sink into the ocean" disaster! The characters were so good and the story line continued to bring on one disaster after another. Newman gives us the back story on our main characters that helped me relate to and care more about their outcomes. The chapters begin with how much time they have left to breathe the air in the pocket - that increased the intensity of the story a lot!!

I wondered what was even possible but the Acknowledgements page answered some of my questions. Dive in for this one on May 30, 2023....but not when you are about to fly over the ocean!!!

What a wild ride! When a flight goes down in the Pacific, 6 minutes after take off, a rush to rescue the survivors ensues. When the Coast Guard intially thinks they've rescued everyone who survived, they're ready to call it a success, until they receive pings from under the ocean. They realize there are survivors below the ocean, trapped in the plane with limited oxygen.

Wow. This was crazy!! Such a great thriller!

I loved TJ's first novel, Falling, so as soon as I heard about her next book Drowning I immediately added it to my tbr and it did not disappoint! When a plane crashes into the ocean shortly take off there is a ticking clock on how long the handful of passengers will be able to survive inside the plane before perishing. This was my type of suspense/thriller. The tension started from the first page and never let up until the final pages. I've already recommended it to friends but have warned them to set aside some uninterrupted time to read the book because once they start they won't want to stop! I also really enjoyed the audiobook version with narration by Stephen Weber.
Rating: 5 stars
Special thanks to @netgalley, the publisher and @libro.fm for the ARC and ALC of Drowning. All opinions are my own.

Holy Adrenalin rush!

I need to get my hands on Falling now that I have read Drowning.

How do you rescue people from an airplane that has ditched into the ocean. Normally, as a flight attendant, if the plane is on the surface, the FA would check to see if it was safe and the open the doors and enable the slides and then passengers could exit the plane and inflate their life vests while rescue was hopefully close by. This is how Drowning begins but once the flight crew realizes that another catastrophe is about to happen outside the plane, in the water, they seal the remaining passengers inside the plane in a place of relative safety. Until the plane sinks down into the ocean and sits on an unstable shelf at almost 200 feet below sea level. What now? You’ll have to read to find out.

I found myself holding my breath at times while reading this book and at other times in full on tears. It is marketed as a thriller and I suppose that is what it is but for me it was an extreme adventure with heart. I came to care about the characters, well except for one who was so unlikeable! The pacing took hold and I read it in 2 days which for me means I was completely tuned in and maybe a bit stressed out (haha). Faster readers will read this in one sitting.

TJ Newman is a former flight attendant and along with her own experience, sought out experts in the different fields to make this story believable. I went through flight attendant training several years ago and then came to realize it wasn’t something I wanted to do. Newman has shed light on the role flight crews put into safety. In my training we had 6 intensive weeks of long days and nights of specialized training on our aircrafts and one afternoon on how to do the food service. We had to pass difficult tests with few errors. I say this because the next time you take a flight, thank your crew who are there for your safety and will be the people you will be able to depend on during any kind of emergency.

Thank you to @netgalley, @avidreaderpress and @simonschusterca for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. Drowning comes out May 30, 2023.

Survivors of Flight 1421 crash think they are the lucky ones. They are still in the plane after a water landing, but alive. Until the plane begins to sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Another flight survival thriller, just as exciting as Falling was! Once you pick this up, you can’t put it down. The action starts immediately. There were some parts that were far fetched (like main guy’s wife being involved in the rescue mission) but I totally was willing to overlook those exaggerations because the story was just so exciting. There was a lot about physics and details on how the rescue attempts were done. It didn’t all make sense to me but the action and emotions were there the entire time.

Drowning comes out 5/30.

Terrified to fly again? Yes, yes I am. But would I recommend this book over and over again? Yes, I definitely would. This was the most heart stopping, gripping, engrossing book I’ve read this year. I’m 100% positive it will hold that slot for the remainder of 2023. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but such an amazing novel for those willing to take it on. Pay attention, you’ll read from many different characters and you need to know all of them. You need all of these perspectives. This book was fantastic. Read it.