“Falling” by T.J. Newman is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that brings together the world of commercial aviation and suspense in a riveting fashion.
Set against the backdrop of a routine transcontinental flight, this story hooks the reader right from the first chapter, presenting a unique premise with captivating characters.
I chose to review “Falling” not only because of the hype surrounding its release but also because of my intrigue with how Newman, a former flight attendant, could translate her experiences into a gripping narrative.
The first time I picked up this book, I was caught by its intensity and the mounting tension that kept me flipping pages well into the night.
Summary of the Book
The novel is set mostly aboard a crowded passenger plane, Flight 416, traveling from Los Angeles to New York.
The captain of the flight, Bill Hoffman, is the central character; an experienced pilot who finds himself in an unthinkable situation.
The story starts with Hoffman’s family being kidnapped just as he is about to pilot a flight across the country.
He is then given a horrifying ultimatum: crash the plane and kill all on board to save his family, or save the plane and sacrifice his family.
A gripping tale of suspense, the story is a labyrinth of moral dilemmas, complex characters, and technical aviation details that only someone from the industry can accurately depict.
Apart from Captain Hoffman, Newman introduces us to an array of diverse characters, each carrying their unique backstories.
There’s Jo, the head flight attendant and a fierce character who becomes a key player as the story unfolds; Big Daddy, a veteran flight attendant who adds some comic relief; and Ben, a former military man turned first officer.
The author uses these characters to weave together a thrilling narrative that’s rich in human emotion, dilemma, and resilience.
Newman’s unique angle in “Falling” lies in her ability to maintain suspense throughout a story set in a confined space, thousands of feet above the ground.
She is also able to immerse the reader in the technical aspects of aviation, without overwhelming them or disrupting the pacing of the narrative.
In this high-stakes thriller, Newman deftly manages to bring together elements of suspense, action, and human drama in a narrative that leaves you breathless and rooting for the characters, all while questioning what you would do if faced with the same terrifying scenario.
Author’s Background
T.J. Newman, a former flight attendant, is an inspiring example of an individual who can seamlessly transition from a traditional career to a writing profession.
Her career in aviation spanned two decades, and it’s clear this experience greatly influenced the creation of “Falling.”
Her time spent in the air, observing passengers and colleagues, and learning about the technical aspects of aviation, have lent a layer of authenticity to her writing that is rarely found in such debut novels.
Newman’s writing style is engaging and direct, capturing the intensity of a high-stakes situation with an economy of words.
She knows how to balance the technicalities of aviation, the complexity of human emotions, and the tautness of a thriller, all while maintaining a steady narrative pace.
The language used is accessible, yet the descriptions are vivid and intense, immersing the reader fully into the world of Flight 416.
Analysis of the Book
“Falling” is an adrenaline rush from the very beginning.
The pacing is excellently managed, gradually building suspense, which grips the reader until the very last page.
Newman’s storytelling skills are on full display as she takes us through a flight that, for the passengers, started as just another routine travel experience, but quickly turns into a terrifying journey.
The characters are well-crafted and diverse, lending a sense of reality to the situation.
Captain Bill Hoffman, the protagonist, is portrayed as a competent, resilient, and empathetic character.
As the story unfolds, readers become deeply invested in his plight, experiencing his fear, desperation, and hope.
The supporting characters, like Jo and Ben, are also layered and contribute significantly to the plot’s development.
Newman’s portrayal of these characters highlights the human capacity for courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Newman’s use of the airplane and flight as symbols of both freedom and entrapment works effectively in this thriller.
As the plot unfolds, the plane becomes a character in its own right; a capsule hurtling through the sky, imprisoning its occupants as they grapple with the harrowing situation.
The author’s background in aviation shines through in the book, particularly in the detailed descriptions of flight procedures, the cockpit, and the dynamics between the flight crew.
The accuracy and authenticity of these details lend credibility to the plot, making the story more engaging and believable.
The emotional impact of “Falling” is considerable. It brings readers face to face with the concept of choice and the agony it can often involve.
It explores the moral and ethical dilemmas Captain Hoffman grapples with, raising the stakes of the narrative and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
“Falling” is a remarkable thriller that does not let go of its grip on the reader until the very end.
Its exploration of human nature, coupled with a tension-filled plot, makes it a compelling read.
Personal Reaction and Interpretation
“Falling” was an emotional roller-coaster ride for me.
It’s not just a thriller, but an exploration of human emotions, moral dilemmas, and personal sacrifices.
I was moved by Captain Bill Hoffman’s predicament, torn between the lives of his passengers and his own family.
It made me question: What would I do if I were in his shoes?
Newman’s gripping narrative and well-drawn characters made “Falling” a captivating read. Jo, the head flight attendant, quickly became one of my favorite characters.
Her courage, empathy, and ability to think on her feet made her a compelling and memorable character.
However, the intensity of the scenario sometimes made the plot feel a bit over-the-top, yet this did not significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the novel.
The climax of the book was nerve-wracking, a testament to Newman’s ability to maintain tension and suspense.
The conclusion was satisfying without being overly predictable.
“Falling” is a book that makes you ponder the complexities of life, the choices we make, and the consequences that follow.
Comparison to Other Works
“Falling” firmly situates itself within the thriller genre, but Newman’s unique background and the aviation angle set it apart from others in the field.
While it echoes some of the tension found in books like “Flight or Fright” by Stephen King and Bev Vincent, Newman brings a distinct authenticity to her narrative that only an insider of the aviation world can provide.
Her ability to combine intense suspense with intricate knowledge of flight operations creates a unique, realistic, and immersive experience.
Comparing Newman’s writing style, her direct and accessible language has some similarities with authors like Lee Child or Dan Brown.
But the depth of her character development and the moral complexity she weaves into the story offers a richer narrative, much like works by authors such as Jodi Picoult.
Newman’s storytelling, although debuting with “Falling”, proves that she can balance multiple elements of a successful thriller; suspense, character depth, moral dilemma, and technical knowledge, delivering a unique and captivating narrative.
Final Evaluation
“Falling” by T.J. Newman is a powerful debut novel that successfully combines elements of thrill, suspense, and human drama.
The book will appeal especially to lovers of thrillers and suspense novels, as well as those who appreciate a well-crafted human drama set in unique circumstances.
“Falling” indeed lives up to its hype.
It delivers a heart-pounding narrative that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
Newman manages to maintain a fine balance of suspense, action, and emotional depth throughout the story.
The technical authenticity she brings to the narrative enriches the reading experience, placing the reader right in the heart of the unfolding drama.
The book is definitely worth purchasing and reading.
It’s more than just a thriller; it’s a testament to human resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.
That said, the novel’s intensity might not appeal to everyone.
The high-stakes scenario, while engrossing, can feel a bit overdone at times.
However, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Newman’s gripping storytelling, well-drawn characters, and the moral complexity woven into the narrative makes “Falling” a standout debut.
Closing Thoughts
“Falling” is an impressive debut by T.J. Newman, taking readers on a high-stakes, adrenaline-filled journey from the first page to the last.
Newman effectively uses her background as a flight attendant to craft a unique, intense thriller that also explores the complexities of human nature when faced with an impossible situation.
Whether it’s the well-developed characters, the suspenseful narrative, or the vivid depiction of a hijacked airplane, “Falling” is sure to keep readers gripped till the very end.
It’s a roller coaster ride that brings together suspense, action, and human drama in a riveting narrative.
Our Rating for “Falling”
“Falling” by T.J. Newman is a powerful, high-octane thriller that brilliantly combines action, suspense, and emotional depth.
Plot: The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on their toes.
Newman’s narrative takes the reader through a terrifying scenario that unfolds with relentless intensity. It’s suspenseful, engaging, and commands your attention from the very first page.
Rating: 4.7/5
Characters: The characters in “Falling” are well-drawn, complex, and relatable.
From the resilient Captain Hoffman to the fiercely determined Jo, each character adds depth to the story.
Newman excels in showing the raw, genuine emotions of her characters, making readers emotionally invested in their plight.
Rating: 4.5/5
Writing Style: Newman’s writing style is direct, crisp, and effectively maintains the high tension necessary for a thriller.
The technical descriptions related to aviation are handled well, lending authenticity to the narrative without being overly complex.
Rating: 4.4/5
Emotional Impact: “Falling” is not just a high-stakes thriller; it’s also an emotional journey.
The moral dilemmas, the fear, desperation, courage, and resilience of the characters pack an emotional punch, making the narrative deeply affecting.
Rating: 4.5/5
Originality: The premise of “Falling” is quite unique, and Newman’s background as a flight attendant gives her narrative a credible edge.
The way she intertwines the suspense with the technicalities of aviation stands out in the thriller genre.
Rating: 4.6/5
On average, taking into account the plot, characters, writing style, emotional impact, and originality of the book, I would give “Falling” an overall rating of 4.5/5.
It’s a thrilling, emotionally gripping, and highly engaging read that delivers on multiple fronts.
I would highly recommend “Falling” to any reader who enjoys an adrenaline-filled narrative, complex characters, and a story that keeps you guessing until the very end.
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