Unstoppable Tension: Review of ‘Falling’ by T.J. Newman
In Falling, T.J. Newman crafts a sweat-inducing thriller that grabs your attention from the very first page. The story revolves around a pilot who faces an unimaginable dilemma: crash his plane with everyone on board or risk his family being murdered. From Falling into Chaos to Finding a Happy Place, this novel takes readers on a nerve-wracking journey filled with high stakes and impossible choices. As a former flight attendant, Newman brings authenticity to this jet-based novel, filling it with facts that make the scenario chillingly believable. The opening line, “When the shoe dropped into her lap the foot was still in it,” immediately catches you off-guard, setting the tone for a gripping narrative. Despite moments of mindless fun, the book dives deep into themes of peril and sacrifice, leaving readers relishing the thrill. Reading this while on a flight might not be the brightest idea, but it’s a testament to how immersive this story truly is.
A Thrilling Ride in the Skies
Newman’s storytelling pulls you in from the get-go as the tension builds around Bill, a pilot grappling with an impossible choice. Should he crash the plane, killing everyone on board, or risk his family—held hostage on the ground—being kidnapped and murdered? Through multiple perspectives, we see Bill wrestling with his decision, his wife Carrie bonding with her captor, and their children caught in the chaos. Newman’s exceptional use of language and deep knowledge of aviation safety make the scenario disturbingly realistic. With terrorists potentially watching his every move, Bill must decide whether he can save both his passengers and his loved ones. This pace-driven narrative keeps readers on edge, as every breakthrough brings a new problem lurking just around the corner. Reading late at 11 pm, I ignored my alarm for a toddler the next morning, so absorbed was I in the unfolding drama.
A Mixed Bag of Characters and Tension
The characters in Falling are a mixed bag, but Jo, a fearless flight attendant, stands out. Her sharp interactions with coworker Big Daddy provide humor and heart amidst the chaos. As the passenger journey unfolds, readers are drawn into a helpless race against time, where every choice Bill makes has cataclysmic consequences. His close relationship with Jo feels genuine, steering clear of hackneyed romance tropes. Meanwhile, Carrie’s bond with her kidnapper showcases compassion as a tool for survival. The plot hooks you early and remains engaging, even as the tension tightens like a vice. Reading it felt like being strapped into a middle seat on a cross-country flight—uncomfortable yet oddly enjoyable.
A Compelling Yet Flawed Thriller in the Skies
While Falling delivers a compelling dive into the high-stakes world of aviation, it isn’t without flaws. Characters like Sam, the Kurdish hostage-taker, add depth through flashbacks revealing his trauma, loss, and desperation for revenge. However, some characters feel shallow or thinly drawn, leaning on stereotypes rather than complexity. The writing occasionally dips into clichéd territory, with phrases like “jaw dropped” appearing too often. Despite these shortcomings, Newman cleverly weaves detailed backstories into each chapter, making readers feel connected to the characters. By the closing pages, you may find yourself waving goodbye to them, unsure if you’ll ever encounter their stories again.
A Thrilling Ride from Beginning to End
From beginning to end, Falling grips you with its outrageous yet fun moments, making it an ideal read for a summer day by the pool or beach. Newman’s descriptions and dialogue pull you into a story so personally involving that you’ll ache to know what happens next. Though some parts feel over-the-top, the short read balances terrifying ordeals with adventurous twists, erasing any pandemic-induced FOMO about traveling by plane. With its chilling actuality, this standalone debut novel feels like a masterpiece of powerful independence. If adapted for the screen, it could shine in the right hands, though its ingredients already make it a GREAT pick for fans of air travel thrillers.
