Drowning by T.J. Newman (Avid Reader Press)

And that is all life is. Shifting the balance, every day, to make room for joy and grace in whatever circumstances you’ve got before your time runs out.

"Drowning" by T.J. Newman grips readers with its heart-pounding narrative of a plane hurtling into the vast Pacific Ocean, a mere six minutes after takeoff from Hawaii. 

The story centers around Will Kent and his wife, Chris, as they embark on a harrowing journey of survival and reunion with their family. 

Throughout the book, the atmosphere is charged with tension, evoking feelings of uneasiness and intrigue. Newman skillfully weaves together the present-day narrative, filled with Kent's gripping perspective, and poignant glimpses into the family's life leading up to the tragic incident. 

Drawing from her own experiences as a flight attendant, Newman mesmerizes readers with her ability to captivate our fascination with calamity. 

The creative challenge lies in propelling the story forward when the characters have no escape. Yet, with deftness and precision, Newman transports us beyond the confines of the sunken plane's cabin through riveting flashbacks and nerve-wracking moments with the rescue team. 

"Drowning" is an exhilarating aviation disaster thriller, resonating with well-developed characters, an indelible atmosphere, and an unrelenting pace. From the first page to the last, this masterfully scripted tale of survival will leave readers breathless, its impact lingering long after the final words are read. 

Prepare to be enthralled as a family's fight for survival against insurmountable odds takes hold of your imagination.

3.5/5