3.12k reviews for:

Drowning

T.J. Newman

4.12 AVERAGE

thegourmetbookworm's profile picture

thegourmetbookworm's review

5.0


In Drowning by T. J. Newman, a routine flight turns into a nightmare when a plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, sinking 200 feet below the surface with twelve passengers trapped inside. As water floods the cabin, a desperate race against time unfolds. A small pocket of air keeps them alive, but the clock is ticking.

The story shifts between the passengers fighting for their lives underwater and the frantic rescue team on the surface, working against the clock to save them. Amidst the chaos and fear, the characters reveal their strength, courage, and humanity.

Newman delivers a heart-pounding and authentic portrayal of survival, hope, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. "Drowning" is a gripping, emotional thriller that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each bringing their own struggles and strengths to the harrowing situation. The emotional depth of the passengers and crew, combined with the high stakes of survival, creates a captivating human drama. The tension is palpable, and Newman’s background as a flight attendant lends an authentic touch to the aviation details, making the scenario even more believable.

Newman’s writing style is crisp and clear, with short chapters that enhance the pacing. The shifting perspectives provide a full view of the unfolding disaster and the desperate attempts to save those trapped underwater. The sense of urgency and the fight against time are skillfully conveyed, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Wow! This novel is super entertaining. For those with claustrophobia, Drowning might be daunting, but if you can get past a few hair-raising early scenes, you’ll be engrossed in this spectacular thriller.
5 stars

** Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for a review copy of this book. The opinions are my own.

momma_rodgers's review

5.0
adventurous tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
elle_bee_library's profile picture

elle_bee_library's review

4.0

Maybe it's because I just watched Titanic like 3 weeks ago, but there were some lines that literally came RIGHT out of it, and it made me laugh. Didn't bother me, and one line was quoted and acknowledged it was from Titanic, but the rest was like wow, I hear Gloria Stuart and Bill Paxton right now :D

belvaw's review

4.0

Obviously this author knows a lot about her subject matter but she's also an expert storyteller. Drowning is filled with action and suspense from beginning to end without any dull spots. The family connection is a bit farfetched but I let it slide because it does add to the suspense. This is the second book I've devoured by T.J. Newman and definitely won't be the last. Looking forward to her next adventure! My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring tense medium-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

tdheyen's review

3.75
emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
bookswithbecs_'s profile picture

bookswithbecs_'s review

4.0
dark emotional hopeful reflective tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

justkyris's review

4.0
adventurous emotional inspiring tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
loves_reading's profile picture

loves_reading's review

5.0
adventurous emotional sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This book was absolutely unbelievable—in the best way possible! I enjoyed every single moment of it.

T.J. Newman’s writing style makes it effortless to visualize every heart-pounding scene, pulling readers deep into the terrifying reality of a sinking plane. That’s what makes Drowning so memorable and remarkable—it doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel it.

And the emotional core of this book, Y’ALL!!! I have never rooted for characters so hard in my life. Will, his daughter Shannon, and his wife Chris had me on edge, hoping against all odds that things would turn out well for them. Every character left an impact—Kit, Ruth, Ira, Jasmine—they were all memorable in their own way.

LET ME JUST SAY....
If you love high-stakes survival stories, 
THIS. IS. FOR. YOU!!!

madiscelestialvoyage's review

4.5
adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Jeez. This was crazy. I don’t know why I continue to read her books, but in the best way. My stomach was in my throat the whole time and a fair few tears fell. Her books are short, insanely wild and near impossible to put down.