Member Reviews
"WARNING: YOU WILL NOT GET ANYTHING DONE UNTIL YOU FINISH THIS BOOK" should be a required blurb on the cover of every upcoming T. J. Newman book. Worst Case Scenario is like her first two books in the sense you won't be able to put it down once you start. It's that gripping right from the start. It's easy to see why Hollywood is attracted to her. Every reader knows all three of her books would make great movies (or a sensational streaming series). Irwin Allen might have been the original "Master of Disaster" but Newman has proven herself a worthy successor to the title. Worst Case Scenario once again showcases Newman's knack for giving us characters we can relate to in situations we hope we never experience. It's an episodic narrative of the highest order. It's a thriller coupled with poignancy. Newman takes "What If..." to a whole new level with her plane crashes into a nuclear power plant tale. It's an incident that threatens not only a small town in Minnesota, but the entire world. I honestly don't know how Newman can possibly top this one in terms of plot. But, I'm looking forward to seeing what she cooks up next. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
A Thrilling Ride with Some Room for Improvement: "Worst Case Scenario" Delivers Excitement
Worst Case Scenario is a novel that offers a pulse-pounding journey through a high-stakes plot, and while it doesn't hit every mark perfectly, it’s still an engaging read for fans of suspenseful thrillers.
The book's premise is undeniably intriguing, setting the stage for a series of tense and dramatic situations. The author excels at crafting scenarios that keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The pacing is brisk, and there are moments of genuine suspense that make for a gripping read.
The character development, while occasionally lacking in depth, does provide a solid foundation for the narrative. The protagonists are relatable and driven, and their journey through the high-stress situations is portrayed with enough nuance to maintain reader interest. However, all the characters could benefit from more development to fully engage with their roles in the story.
The writing style is straightforward and accessible, which suits the fast-paced nature of the plot. The dialogue is functional, though at times it can feel a bit on-the-nose. Still, the story's momentum helps to keep these moments from detracting too much from the overall experience.
One of the strengths of Worst Case Scenario is its ability to maintain tension and keep readers guessing. The plot is filled with high stakes and dramatic developments that are sure to satisfy fans of the genre. However, the resolution might feel a bit rushed or predictable to some, leaving a slight sense of missed opportunity for a more nuanced conclusion.
This was a fast-paced adrenaline ride! The stakes are incredibly high and I was never sure what was going to happen next. Be prepared for a dark and gritty read but it’s absolutely top notch!
This is my third book from this author and dare I say it’s my favorite ◡̈
I was kind of disappointed in Newman's latest. It hits the ground running, that's for sure, but it's almost too much. There were so many characters and so much going on that it became hard to care about anyone because we didn't get to know them or spend enough time with them; they felt like archetypes more than people.
This is essentially a disaster B-movie in book form, which means it moves quickly (most of the time) but doesn't have a whole lot going for it in terms of depth or characterization. And not for nothing, we know they're going to avert the complete nuclear meltdown that would make the entire US unlivable, so despite how huge the central conflict is, it doesn't ever feel all that pressing because it's clearly not going to happen.
I think Newman just went too far out of her comfort zone on this one, but I'll happily and excitedly read what she does next.
In her third thriller, former flight attendant TJ Newman delivers a heart-stopping tale of catastrophe and heroism in "Worst Case Scenario." When a commercial airliner crashes into a nuclear power plant in Waketa, Minnesota, the stage is set for a potential global disaster of unprecedented proportions.
Newman's strength lies in her ability to create a palpable sense of urgency. The narrative skillfully juxtaposes three focal points: the engineers and firefighters battling to prevent a worldwide catastrophe, a small team of firefighters attempting to rescue a boy trapped in a van, and the president and his advisors helplessly observing from a bunker. This triple perspective adds depth to the story and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
While the characters may lack some depth, the relentless pacing more than makes up for it. The novel is hard to put down, with an emotional ending that packs a punch. Newman's exploration of the value of individual life amidst potential mass destruction is particularly poignant, as exemplified by the President's reflection on the paradox of saving millions versus saving one child.
"Worst Case Scenario" reads like a headline ripped from tomorrow's news, making it all the more thrilling and terrifying. Newman's background lends authenticity to the aviation aspects of the story, while her imagination takes flight in exploring the ramifications of a nuclear disaster. Fans of disaster novels and those who enjoy exploring ethical dilemmas in high-stakes situations will find plenty to appreciate in "Worst Case Scenario."
A big thank you to the publishers, Little, Brown and Company, and to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
WORST CASE SCENARIO is T.J. Newman's next novel coming August 13th, & is as fantastic and thrilling as I hoped! A true Thriller!
I immediately started reading the digital format when I received it from @novelsuspects and could barely set it down. When I saw that @hachetteaudio was offering the audio through @netgalley I was so excited to hear this cinematic story! It is a very propulsive read with the eyes, but paired with Joe Morton's narration, it came alive in an even more intense way. This may be too much for squeamish readers in places, but I loved it.
The premise is that a plane accidentally crashes into a nuclear power plant. What ensues is the quick, and often selfless decisions that must be made.
I really, really enjoyed this story. It is an action-packed novel that, not unlike another nuclear disaster book, plays out a terrifying scenario. This one gives a peek at some of the specific people who would be in the mix and made me feel the impact in regards to the individuals. This is a plot heavy story with less character development, but there is enough to make me care deeply for them as the story unfolds.
What I ended up loving about this novel, beyond the research that is done quite well (I had to do a safety class about radiation poisoning once), was the hope/faith in humanity. In a year where certain people will be exploiting differences in all of us, this book made me feel like there are so many more things that unite us. It also makes me sad that it takes tragedies to make us come together, but let's not focus on that. Instead, let's choose to be like Mr. Rodgers and look for the helpers and find ways to be those helpers. This book feels inspiring in that way.
This was my first TJ Newman book. I was really excited to receive an ARC because I’ve heard good things from my favorite booktubers but omg this really was amazing. The A Plot and the B Plot were both action packed and well developed. There wasn’t one storyline I was interested in more than the other. I was fully onboard and along for the ride (no pun intended).
Devoured this book in one day. A thriller that is particularly terrifying as it looks at a potential real life scenario. Great character development that really puts the reader in the mind of the various characters!
T.J. Newman’s best yet. I loved Falling and Drowning but somehow Worst Case Scenario is my favorite so far. The pacing was fantastic. It was complicated material made easily accessible to anyone and the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait to see what she’s got for us next!
Another compulsive and harrowing tale by T.J. Newman! No other author can captivate me and terrify me like this author. Unlike her other two novels, this one takes place on the ground in a nuclear plant that has been compromised by a large plane crash. It’s a race against time to fix the destruction before a meltdown occurs in order to save millions of lives. This story is riveting and chilling and guaranteed to keep you up way past your bedtime! Thank you Netgalley, Little, Brown and Company, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on August 13, 2024
A pilot suffers a heart attack at 35,000 feet, his commercial airliner crashes into the small town Waketa, Minnesota. With the catastrophic disaster happening right at the start what else could possibly go wrong? Waketa is home to a nuclear power plant, which crash damage has destabilised.
T J Newman goes big with this one, imminent nuclear meltdown, vehicles pileups and little fires everywhere. The power plant staff, local fire service and a hardy local community must all play their part to attempt to avert a national disaster.
There’s quite a lot of nuclear jargon, and I think the author does a fairly good job of making it accessible, I was reminded of Michael Crichton, giving us enough detail to make it convincing but not too much to overwhelm.
There’s a lot going on, and the balance between big disaster, the more personal - the boy needing rescuing from the trapped vehicle, and the human interest is quite well done.
I think it’s brave of T J Newman to carve this big disaster niche. While I much preferred the high tension of Falling I’m sure Worst Case Scenario will be a popular hit.
Thanks to Little, Brown and Company
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC and ALC! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. TJ Newman is a master of thrills, each of her books keep me on edge and this was no different. I love that this time we’re off of the plane but the threat feels no less imminent. This was fantastic, I can’t recommend enough if you want a high stakes thriller that keep the adrenaline going.
Egaads! What a phenomenal thrill ride! When I heard that TJ Newman had written another book about another plane crash, I thought no way could it be that good. I was wrong. It is even better!!!! I was intrigued being a Minnesotan when I heard the plane crashed here. Phenomenal! Did I mention too much that it was phenomenal? Ms Newman, please keep writing. I wait on pins and needles for the next one, and know that my seat belt is buckled as I await take off! Bravo! Thanks to NetGalley for this early read!
The International Nuclear Event Scale measures nuclear disasters, with only two Level 7 incidents on record: Fukushima and Chernobyl. In this gripping thriller, ordinary people must unite to confront an unprecedented crisis that threatens their community and humanity itself.
TJ Newman writes thrillers like no one else. Every single time I read one of her books, I’m immediately bought in, my anxiety is high, and I am captivated. Every single chapter ends on a cliffhanger. Chapters are short, enticing you to continue flying through the pages. You feel the tension radiating off the page. Every second of this book had me on edge. Part of the fear and tension comes from the realistic things that come up in these books and the absolute terror people find themselves in.
BUT! There is so much humanity. teared up multiple times. Dani and Connor especially had me in my feelings. That final chapter hit me in the heart. I absolutely devoured this one and am so happy I read it. If you read and enjoyed TJ Newman’s other books, you will love this one.
*I was provided a digital copy of this book for review from the publisher and NetGalley, all thoughts are my own.*
Wowza!
Addictive, shocking, pulse pounding, heart breaking, and moving! Worst Case Scenario delivers and then some! T.J. Newman's star continues to shine as she has dazzled me yet again with another gripping book involving an airplane tragedy. Flying the friendly skies has never been so deadly!
A pilot suffers a windowmaker heart attack at 35,000 feet and collapses on the yoke. His co-pilot is trapped in the lavatory and the plane, full of passengers, crashes into a nuclear power plant in Waketa, Minnesota! Can you even imagine the damage? This could be worse than Fukushima and Chernobyl.
Everyday people including plant workers, firemen, teachers, and community members are put to the biggest test of their lives as they scramble to not only save themselves, their children, and their community, but the world as they know it. This is no easy feat; in fact, it is unimaginable and beyond dangerous.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, my heart pounding, as I worried about the characters, the danger they are in, the losses they are suffering, while being amazed at their bravery and courage under pressure.
T.J. Newman pulled out all the stops with Worst Case Scenario. This book is full of tension, suspense, danger, and dread. I marveled at how well thought out this book was. Newman captured the characters’ intense fear, their sense of being powerless, their tenacity, their courage, and their hope.
This book also evokes emotion and I found myself thinking "no, no, no" multiple times while reading. The characters in this book are presented with heartbreaking decisions as they scramble to save the plant and each other. Whew! With T.J. Newman's stellar writing and descriptions, I felt as if I were right there with the characters as a silent observer.
I loved how ordinary people are put in extraordinary situations in this book. The characters were in impossible situations and found themselves not only making tough calls but performing acts of bravery that they never knew they could make. I rooted for them, I cried with them, and I was amazed at their strength.
I had both the book and the audiobook versions of Worst Case Scenario, which made for a thrilling reading experience. Joe Morton did a fantastic job of narrating the audiobook and bringing the characters to life.
If you have not read a book by T.J. Newman yet, what are you waiting for?
Gripping, shocking, heart wrenching and full of tension! Highly recommend.
Worst Case Scenario uses the tag line in an advertisement that "it's not about a plane crash, it's about what happens next." This really intrigued me because I really enjoyed the first two books, but wondered how T.J. Newman was going to write about something other than a rescue mission on a plane. I can confidently say, "the what happens next" is an absolute winner of a story. The twists and turns, the ups and downs truly make for an outstanding read. This is by far my favorite book of the three she has published. Each chapter propelled the story further and I cared so much for the multitude of characters in this story. I truly hope this book finds its way into your hands (preorder now for release on Aug. 13), and eventually on the big screen. It has blockbuster written all over it whether in book or movie form. Great job, T.J Newman! You should be very proud of your work.
I thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy for an honest review.
I started this book last night and just finished it. If you're looking for a book to completely consume you, grab one of T. J. Newman's books! This book starts off full of action, and continues throughout the story. There is no down time. This book is told within a span of 16 hours, and it's non-stop from start to finish. I fell in love with these characters and I was rooting for them so hard, and in the end I was in tears. This book brought out all the feels and I am really hoping this book gets turned into a movie because It surely played out in my head like one. All the stars!
✨The story here is quite literally…the worst case scenario for humanity. The plot unfolded with so much intensity and equal part emotion that I found myself in tears throughout.
✨There was uncommon bravery in these pages, but it also depicted the heroic nature of each person doing the things they could do in the face of tragedy to make things better for others. The reader gets the sense that the person who brought their sandwich fixings and Oreos to the church for the community to have food is equally as noble as the various professionals staring down death. This is a message for all of us in the times in which we find ourselves. We can each do something in our own little corner of the world to bring light and to offer aid to others. That’s how we save the world. We do what we can where we can.
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!
🌿Read if you like:
✨Doomsday scenarios
✨End of the world as we know it stories
✨Action thrillers
✨Stories of community
✨Adrenaline pumping, rollercoaster thrill rides
My thanks to @littlebrown and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book before its publication date.
Worst case scenario by T.J. Newman was my first book with by this author and I will definitely go back and read the prior two books.
This was a very fast paced, heart pounding story of a catastrophic plane crash into a nuclear power plant. The story revolves around all the different people impacted by this accident.
The book held my interest from start to finish. Highly recommend.
I listened to the audiobook and below is my review also applicable to the ebook.
Worst case scenario by T.J. Newman narrated by Joe Morton was five stars for me. First book/audiobook with both author and narrator and this was very hard to put down.
A tragic, heart racing story of a catastrophic plane crash in a rural town with a nuclear power plant. Several stories involving pilots, plane passengers, power plant employees, nuclear experts, the US president and families in the town and traveling through the town.
The fact that this could happen made this a very realistic and scary read. Highly recommend.