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Captain
Thomas Block has created "Captain" - his most ambitious, intricate and action-packed aviation tale yet . It is a chilling and all-too-real story about a routine Trans-Atlantic airline flight that suddenly turns absolutely insane. In the doomed airliner's cockpit, inside the passenger cabin and on the ground, a complex array of characters have been propelled at jet speed into a sudden and frantic race for survival."Captain" is about the individual and collective struggles of each of these men and women as they attempt to deal with and ultimately fight against the odds and circumstances that are stacked against them."Captain" is a novel that pits man against man while also pitting man against machine. It is a story about the need for human judgments, hard-learned experiences, gut feelings and unbridled perseverance in an effort to rise up against a world where the strict adherence to written rules, regulations and procedures have been accepted as the norm."Captain" is about the way real airline pilots think, feel and react, especially after those giant airliners that they've strapped themselves to have suddenly turned vicious and unpredictable.Author Nelson DeMille says of "Captain":After a long hiatus from writing, Captain Block rejoins the ranks of legendary pilots-turned-novelists such as Ernest K. Gann ("The High and the Mighty") and brings us "Captain" - one of the best aviation/adventure thrillers you will ever read."Captain" puts you in the cockpit, in the passenger cabin, and at airline headquarters with an intricate and intriguing array of characters. This novel is nothing short of the most frightening and heart-pounding Trans-Atlantic fliight since Charles Lindbergh's solo. Or will it turn out to be Amelia Earhart's tragic Pacific crossing?"Captain" is right up there with the best of the aviation thrillers; an edge of your seat story of what happens when something goes horribly wrong when there is no room for wrong. Captain Block knows his stuff, and it shows on every page. Welcome aboard.
348 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2012
39 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Block
55 books16 followersThomas Block has written a number of aviation-oriented novels, many which have gone on to acquire best-seller status in numerous countries. His novel writing began with the publication of "Mayday" in 1979. That novel was rewritten with his boyhood friend, novelist Nelson DeMille in 1998 and remains on DeMille's extensive backlist. "Mayday" became a CBS Movie of the Week in October, 2005.
Several of the other novels by Block include "Orbit" (a top bestseller in Germany, among other nations), "Airship Nine", "Forced Landing" (also done as a radio serialization drama in Japan), "Skyfall", "Open Skies" and "Captain". Thomas Block is still writing both fiction and non-fiction, and has edited and updated his earlier novels into ebooks in all the major formats and also into new full-sized (trade soft cover) printed versions.
Block's magazine writing began in 1968 and over the next five decades his work has appeared in numerous publications. He worked 20 years at FLYING Magazine as Contributing Editor, and as Contributing Editor to Plane & Pilot Magazine for 11 years. Block became Editor-at-Large for Piper Flyer Magazine and Cessna Flyer Magazine in 2001. During his long career as an aviation writer he has written on a wide array of subjects that range from involvement with government officials to evaluation reports on most everything that flies.
An airline pilot for US Airways for over 36 years before his retirement in April, 2000, Captain Thomas Block has been a pilot since 1959. Since 2002, he has lived on a ranch in Florida with his wife Sharon where they board, compete and train horses. Complete information (including direct links to booksellers) is available at http://www.ThomasBlockNovels.com or through the author’s additional website at http://www.FlyingB-Ranch.com. For Facebook users, complete information about Thomas Block Novels can also be found at two interlinked Facebook sites:
http://www.Facebook.com/Captain.by.Th...
http://www.Facebook.com/ThomasBlockNo....
Several of the other novels by Block include "Orbit" (a top bestseller in Germany, among other nations), "Airship Nine", "Forced Landing" (also done as a radio serialization drama in Japan), "Skyfall", "Open Skies" and "Captain". Thomas Block is still writing both fiction and non-fiction, and has edited and updated his earlier novels into ebooks in all the major formats and also into new full-sized (trade soft cover) printed versions.
Block's magazine writing began in 1968 and over the next five decades his work has appeared in numerous publications. He worked 20 years at FLYING Magazine as Contributing Editor, and as Contributing Editor to Plane & Pilot Magazine for 11 years. Block became Editor-at-Large for Piper Flyer Magazine and Cessna Flyer Magazine in 2001. During his long career as an aviation writer he has written on a wide array of subjects that range from involvement with government officials to evaluation reports on most everything that flies.
An airline pilot for US Airways for over 36 years before his retirement in April, 2000, Captain Thomas Block has been a pilot since 1959. Since 2002, he has lived on a ranch in Florida with his wife Sharon where they board, compete and train horses. Complete information (including direct links to booksellers) is available at http://www.ThomasBlockNovels.com or through the author’s additional website at http://www.FlyingB-Ranch.com. For Facebook users, complete information about Thomas Block Novels can also be found at two interlinked Facebook sites:
http://www.Facebook.com/Captain.by.Th...
http://www.Facebook.com/ThomasBlockNo....
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 13, 2012
I received won this book from Goodreads.
This book was really good. I enjoyed the plot lines and how many different stories were woven together. Even though the actual plane ride was the most suspenseful the rest of the characters in the book were interesting as well.
Although I really don't know anything about planes except being a casual passenger I could get a feel for how the pilots in the book were struggling to get through this experience. I was very interested throughout the whole story.
I would recommend this for great summer reading.
This book was really good. I enjoyed the plot lines and how many different stories were woven together. Even though the actual plane ride was the most suspenseful the rest of the characters in the book were interesting as well.
Although I really don't know anything about planes except being a casual passenger I could get a feel for how the pilots in the book were struggling to get through this experience. I was very interested throughout the whole story.
I would recommend this for great summer reading.
January 10, 2013
JUST STARTED and CANNOT put it down...
I have been so hungry for a good book and the last two ( my favorite authors, so disappointed me.) I am so glad to find a new author to invest my time in.
If you have read NELSON DEMILLE and enjoyed him ( well that is redundant isn't it? Never met anyone who read DeMille and didn't rave about him) you will recognize Thomas Block as being the co author of MAYDAY.
SO far this book is as great as MAYDAY and I am sure I will purchasing more of Mr. Block IN THE FUTURE.
UPDATE: Best thriller I have read in the longest time. A roller coaster ride high above the clouds this intriguing novel does for the AIRLINE INDUSTRY what Jaws did for the SUMMER BEACH RESORTS. You will think twice next time you are about to board an aircraft. Thomas Block you have made a fan out of me!
I have been so hungry for a good book and the last two ( my favorite authors, so disappointed me.) I am so glad to find a new author to invest my time in.
If you have read NELSON DEMILLE and enjoyed him ( well that is redundant isn't it? Never met anyone who read DeMille and didn't rave about him) you will recognize Thomas Block as being the co author of MAYDAY.
SO far this book is as great as MAYDAY and I am sure I will purchasing more of Mr. Block IN THE FUTURE.
UPDATE: Best thriller I have read in the longest time. A roller coaster ride high above the clouds this intriguing novel does for the AIRLINE INDUSTRY what Jaws did for the SUMMER BEACH RESORTS. You will think twice next time you are about to board an aircraft. Thomas Block you have made a fan out of me!
August 16, 2015
The author is or was an airline captain, so he really should have known better. This book is just full of completely implausible situations and propositions, ranging from hypothetical labor issues to a bizarre, fictional version of the Boeing 767 with some very strange aeronautical behavior. As a frequent flyer I expected to enjoy this greatly, but I was constantly jarred out of the story with stuff the author had either gotten wrong or simply made up. There are many great, dramatic novels about suspenseful airline flights, but this is not one of them.
June 3, 2012
Definately one of the best aviation-related books I have read. Fast-paced action once you're past the first few chapters that introduce the main characters. Not surprisingly, the actions of the airline executives and government agencies are more focused on covering their asses rather than on the plight of the stricken aircraft and her passengers and crew. Heroic and unconventional actions by experienced, seasoned pilots faced with out-of-control computer automation.
September 6, 2022
This was that rare combination of being a good, engaging story and a technically interesting and accurate tale that engages aviation geeks. As a pilot, I appreciated the richer than usual technical descriptions. Don't get me wrong though, the technical detail was just enough and woven in such that the story can fully be appreciated without any aviation background. It is one of only a few books lately that kept me up late in order to finish it.
October 24, 2020
From a fellow pilot.
Excellent reading. Enjoyed the twists and turns in weaving the story. Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to stop till I finished. As a pilot for over 40 years, this was really well done. Good job.
Excellent reading. Enjoyed the twists and turns in weaving the story. Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to stop till I finished. As a pilot for over 40 years, this was really well done. Good job.
August 2, 2012
I don't read a lot of suspense novels, though books I do enjoy contain this element in one form or another. For some this tidbit may not matter, but it is always a good idea to understand what the reviewer enjoys on a regular basis.
We are quickly introduced to the sides of aviation. Yes, sides. We see multiple point of views, all on the same situation. A flight on its way back to America has had both engines run away, an impossible scenario that today’s newer, by the book pilots can't wrap their heads around. On the other side we have corporate aviation, the ones who care only for numbers, and well money.
Finally, and perhaps the most intriguing of them all are the older pilots. Ray and Jack most specifically, but many more are involved on the now corporate side. These are very men (and women) who have been flying since a time before computers, a time prior to auto pilot. These prestigious pilots are from a generation where the rule book wasn't much more than a set of guidelines. At times they may push boundaries, but they understand and respect the airplanes they are tasked to fly.
During a heated battle in the cockpit of Flight 3, a new-breed pilot faces off against an old timer (Ray) to fix the runaway engines, a gun shot goes off, followed by another. A radio message is relayed that alerts the corporation to the flight being hijacked, and a repeat of 9/11 is underway. With the problem seemingly fixed, it's now up to the former Captain to safely land the plane, but they have a vast, icy cold, and deadly ocean to cross with nothing but his own two hands, and eyes as his guide.
The corporation must go off of the only facts they have, or so they tell the many ex-pilots working on the situation. Greed, secrets, and a boat load of money must be protected though, and soon the truth is stretched beyond belief as Homeland Defense and the TSA are brought into the search for the missing flight.
The pacing felt right, perfect even as each chapter gave just enough, not to little or too much, to keep you engaged. I understand the importance of this factor when reading suspense, action, and mystery genre stories, but I truly felt the author had a distinct knack for keeping his audience in the now. I didn't find myself hung-up on any of the lingo, but my grandfather and great uncle were both pilots. In fact that is what drew me to this story when I was asked to review it; I love aviation.
There were many side stories to fully complement the plot, and I felt that the author did a fantastic job at meticulously creating his characters, seamlessly weaving them into his plot. We have a good idea about the differences in the older pilots when compared to the newer ones, but what I liked was Linda Erikson, a younger pilot flying flight 3, that understood that the book, the rules, sometimes they needed to be broken in order to save lives. This is quite relatable for me, though, I don't have to worry about the lives of others like Linda did.
Due to language during intense moments, I would recommend Captain to those 17 or older. However older teens (and adults) who love suspense or aviation based stories would also enjoy it. This one will send chills down your spine as you experience the fear, greed, and the fight for survival when all the odds are placed against you.
We are quickly introduced to the sides of aviation. Yes, sides. We see multiple point of views, all on the same situation. A flight on its way back to America has had both engines run away, an impossible scenario that today’s newer, by the book pilots can't wrap their heads around. On the other side we have corporate aviation, the ones who care only for numbers, and well money.
Finally, and perhaps the most intriguing of them all are the older pilots. Ray and Jack most specifically, but many more are involved on the now corporate side. These are very men (and women) who have been flying since a time before computers, a time prior to auto pilot. These prestigious pilots are from a generation where the rule book wasn't much more than a set of guidelines. At times they may push boundaries, but they understand and respect the airplanes they are tasked to fly.
During a heated battle in the cockpit of Flight 3, a new-breed pilot faces off against an old timer (Ray) to fix the runaway engines, a gun shot goes off, followed by another. A radio message is relayed that alerts the corporation to the flight being hijacked, and a repeat of 9/11 is underway. With the problem seemingly fixed, it's now up to the former Captain to safely land the plane, but they have a vast, icy cold, and deadly ocean to cross with nothing but his own two hands, and eyes as his guide.
The corporation must go off of the only facts they have, or so they tell the many ex-pilots working on the situation. Greed, secrets, and a boat load of money must be protected though, and soon the truth is stretched beyond belief as Homeland Defense and the TSA are brought into the search for the missing flight.
The pacing felt right, perfect even as each chapter gave just enough, not to little or too much, to keep you engaged. I understand the importance of this factor when reading suspense, action, and mystery genre stories, but I truly felt the author had a distinct knack for keeping his audience in the now. I didn't find myself hung-up on any of the lingo, but my grandfather and great uncle were both pilots. In fact that is what drew me to this story when I was asked to review it; I love aviation.
There were many side stories to fully complement the plot, and I felt that the author did a fantastic job at meticulously creating his characters, seamlessly weaving them into his plot. We have a good idea about the differences in the older pilots when compared to the newer ones, but what I liked was Linda Erikson, a younger pilot flying flight 3, that understood that the book, the rules, sometimes they needed to be broken in order to save lives. This is quite relatable for me, though, I don't have to worry about the lives of others like Linda did.
Due to language during intense moments, I would recommend Captain to those 17 or older. However older teens (and adults) who love suspense or aviation based stories would also enjoy it. This one will send chills down your spine as you experience the fear, greed, and the fight for survival when all the odds are placed against you.
April 13, 2013
As I almost always say at the beginning of every review, I received this book as part of a GoodReads drawing. Despite that kind consideration I will provide my utterly candid opinion below.
Many other reviewers have pointed out the dramatic aspects of this novel and I won't disagree with them. The story runs along the typical line of air disaster movies that were so popular in the 70's and 80's and is a reasonable example of such. The standard 'plot complications' that arise in the story are reasonably novel and one does feel educationally edified by the end of things. Block's work grabs the attention and then holds on to it rather fitfully for what seems like a very long time. "Captain" is a standard pulp airline suspense novel.
At its heart the story has a good idea but at times the rendering is shaky. The text could use extensive editing and part of the reader's soul dies each time the author uses the phrase "can't hardly", drops one of several unnecessary profanities or uses the same trite phrase four times in the span of two pages of text. Block's rendering of the technical aspects of flying are wonderfully credible and solid but once he wanders outside his realm of immediate knowledge things seem to come apart. The interactions between characters range from maudlin to plastic and fail to sound the ring of truth in the reader's ear. Block also has a tendency to use rather obsolete terminology and wording that made me check repeatedly that the novel wasn't actually a reprint of one written 20 years ago. The pervasive use of the term "internet message" over the more common term "email" was especially distracting.
From a content perspective, it's clear Block knows his way around a plane but it's equally clear that he has a bone to pick with the manner in which the airline industry has evolved over the past few decades. I'm certainly in no position to make any value judgement on whether those changes are good or bad but it is evident what Block's opinion is. He spends considerable effort painting the old school pilots as heroes who get their jobs done despite the utter incompetence of their higher-ups. This results in some befuddlingly implausible situations that dilute Block's obvious knowledge of piloting an aircraft.
In summary, "Captain" does offer us a dramatic insight into the world of a commercial airline pilot. Unfortunately, some of the points of execution are firing rather amiss and the result is a novel that is obviously written by an airline pilot and not by a professional writer. There is much merit to be sure but this one needs quite a bit of additional polish to make it a quality novel.
Many other reviewers have pointed out the dramatic aspects of this novel and I won't disagree with them. The story runs along the typical line of air disaster movies that were so popular in the 70's and 80's and is a reasonable example of such. The standard 'plot complications' that arise in the story are reasonably novel and one does feel educationally edified by the end of things. Block's work grabs the attention and then holds on to it rather fitfully for what seems like a very long time. "Captain" is a standard pulp airline suspense novel.
At its heart the story has a good idea but at times the rendering is shaky. The text could use extensive editing and part of the reader's soul dies each time the author uses the phrase "can't hardly", drops one of several unnecessary profanities or uses the same trite phrase four times in the span of two pages of text. Block's rendering of the technical aspects of flying are wonderfully credible and solid but once he wanders outside his realm of immediate knowledge things seem to come apart. The interactions between characters range from maudlin to plastic and fail to sound the ring of truth in the reader's ear. Block also has a tendency to use rather obsolete terminology and wording that made me check repeatedly that the novel wasn't actually a reprint of one written 20 years ago. The pervasive use of the term "internet message" over the more common term "email" was especially distracting.
From a content perspective, it's clear Block knows his way around a plane but it's equally clear that he has a bone to pick with the manner in which the airline industry has evolved over the past few decades. I'm certainly in no position to make any value judgement on whether those changes are good or bad but it is evident what Block's opinion is. He spends considerable effort painting the old school pilots as heroes who get their jobs done despite the utter incompetence of their higher-ups. This results in some befuddlingly implausible situations that dilute Block's obvious knowledge of piloting an aircraft.
In summary, "Captain" does offer us a dramatic insight into the world of a commercial airline pilot. Unfortunately, some of the points of execution are firing rather amiss and the result is a novel that is obviously written by an airline pilot and not by a professional writer. There is much merit to be sure but this one needs quite a bit of additional polish to make it a quality novel.
December 7, 2012
Captain
By Thomas Block
When you combine a runaway plane, a delusional co-pilot, an unscrupulous Board of Directors, a reporter after the story, and a retired airline pilot you get Captain! Thomas Block has created an intense setting that will hold you riveted until the very end.
Trans-Atlantic Airlines has a secret that is about to be exposed and you are about to discover what that secret is....
The company is about to be sold off those only a few people know this and someone has leaked this to Jennifer Lane who is determined to get the story and what a story she is about to get.
Flight 3 out of Rome was a typical flight, not filled to capacity but still full enough. Retired pilot Ray Clarke is returning to New York after exploring Northern Italy. The Consolidated 768 was a converted Boeing 767 and to his eye it was a 767. Against company and TSA policy and the objections of co-pilot Peter Fenton, Captain Jack Schofield invited his old friend to the cockpit for takeoff..
But when a oddity that was not possible according to "the books" occurs, Jack asks Ray for his opinion on the matter and how he would handle it. What follows next is a panicked radio message and gunshots! As Consolidated Flight 3 struggles to survive actions are set into motion that could doom this flight before it can reach its final destination.
As everyone scrambles to determine the truth and figure out what went wrong lives hang in the balance and Consolidated President Brandon Kyle maneuvers to save his upcoming financial windfall regardless of the costs.
Lives are going to be lost, it is just a question of whose and how many.....
I found this to be an extremely intense "what's going to happen next" type book. And before you ask there are no women going into labor. (Ugh!!!!) The only distraction I found was the touches of swearing that the characters used occasionally in moments stress (unfortunately one hears worse from kids walking down the street). But overall I enjoyed Captain and would recommend it.
I was provided a copy of this title for the purpose of this review all opinions expressed are my own.
By Thomas Block
When you combine a runaway plane, a delusional co-pilot, an unscrupulous Board of Directors, a reporter after the story, and a retired airline pilot you get Captain! Thomas Block has created an intense setting that will hold you riveted until the very end.
Trans-Atlantic Airlines has a secret that is about to be exposed and you are about to discover what that secret is....
The company is about to be sold off those only a few people know this and someone has leaked this to Jennifer Lane who is determined to get the story and what a story she is about to get.
Flight 3 out of Rome was a typical flight, not filled to capacity but still full enough. Retired pilot Ray Clarke is returning to New York after exploring Northern Italy. The Consolidated 768 was a converted Boeing 767 and to his eye it was a 767. Against company and TSA policy and the objections of co-pilot Peter Fenton, Captain Jack Schofield invited his old friend to the cockpit for takeoff..
But when a oddity that was not possible according to "the books" occurs, Jack asks Ray for his opinion on the matter and how he would handle it. What follows next is a panicked radio message and gunshots! As Consolidated Flight 3 struggles to survive actions are set into motion that could doom this flight before it can reach its final destination.
As everyone scrambles to determine the truth and figure out what went wrong lives hang in the balance and Consolidated President Brandon Kyle maneuvers to save his upcoming financial windfall regardless of the costs.
Lives are going to be lost, it is just a question of whose and how many.....
I found this to be an extremely intense "what's going to happen next" type book. And before you ask there are no women going into labor. (Ugh!!!!) The only distraction I found was the touches of swearing that the characters used occasionally in moments stress (unfortunately one hears worse from kids walking down the street). But overall I enjoyed Captain and would recommend it.
I was provided a copy of this title for the purpose of this review all opinions expressed are my own.
August 12, 2012
I have always found flying an airplane fascinating, so i was excited to read Captain by Thomas Block. The story focuses on a retired captain who had lost his wife in an airplane crash. What was to be a trip home on Flight 3, ended up to be one that helped him let go of the guilt that had plagued him since the death of his wife. The story jumps from the drama in the airplane, to the drama in the control room as well as the management of the airlines. It took me some time to adjust to the change between scenes but once I got a grasp about what was going on, I could not put the book down.
The characters had a way of drawing you in. I enjoyed how Thomas Block was able to intertwine the characters on the doomed flight. From retired Captain Clark to air stewardess Tina's unrequited love of Clark, and the doctor on flight, the intriguing relationships had me rooting for the characters. Block also handled the unfolding of Peter' breakdown in the cockpit very well, and I was at the edge of my seat when the drama unfolded. On ground level, the characters played a big role as well. The change from in the air and on the ground in each chapter was very well done. It gave me, the reader, an insight of the bureaucracy and politics that goes on in the airlines industry.
Captain made me think about how much the airline industry is changing and at the hands of it are older pilots who often go by gut and instinct rather than by the book. It makes one wonder what would happen if all pilots end up like Peter, a stickler for rules, but unable to handle the pressure when things become bad. It also opened my eyes to our reliance in technology and how one would react if technology fails us and we have to fall back on skills. Captain by Thomas Block will keep you at the edge of your seat and send you through a variety of emotions as you root for Clark and Linda, pray for Maynard and wish Peter dead.
I do have to warn you about the language in the story and would recommend this book for older more mature teens, and adults only.
The characters had a way of drawing you in. I enjoyed how Thomas Block was able to intertwine the characters on the doomed flight. From retired Captain Clark to air stewardess Tina's unrequited love of Clark, and the doctor on flight, the intriguing relationships had me rooting for the characters. Block also handled the unfolding of Peter' breakdown in the cockpit very well, and I was at the edge of my seat when the drama unfolded. On ground level, the characters played a big role as well. The change from in the air and on the ground in each chapter was very well done. It gave me, the reader, an insight of the bureaucracy and politics that goes on in the airlines industry.
Captain made me think about how much the airline industry is changing and at the hands of it are older pilots who often go by gut and instinct rather than by the book. It makes one wonder what would happen if all pilots end up like Peter, a stickler for rules, but unable to handle the pressure when things become bad. It also opened my eyes to our reliance in technology and how one would react if technology fails us and we have to fall back on skills. Captain by Thomas Block will keep you at the edge of your seat and send you through a variety of emotions as you root for Clark and Linda, pray for Maynard and wish Peter dead.
I do have to warn you about the language in the story and would recommend this book for older more mature teens, and adults only.
August 17, 2012
Are you ready for one of the wildest rides of your life? This book was incredible! When I began reading it, I thought I might be bored with the book. After all, what on earth do I know about airplanes. And, yes, some of this book is technical, and I did not understand all of those sections. But you know what? I did not matter! This book was filled with such nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat action that I almost could not put it down.
The characters were quite intriguing. There was a lot more going for this book than just the main story. There were several sub-stories that made me consider the meaning of life and the way people react to stress and various other situations. The author seamlessly wove the other stories into the very fabric of the book, and nothing seemed out of place.
I am happy to announce that there were no sex scenes. Yes, there was profanity, but mostly it did not bother me. The strength of the story kept me going, and I was able to overlook any language issues.
I truly enjoyed the style in which the book was written. The reader was able to go back and forth between what was happening on the air and what was happening on the ground. In so doing, the tension was doubled. The reader is privy to both sides of the story, and this made my pulse race as I continued reading and reached the conclusion. And how does it end? Read it yourself! I will tell you this. You will not know for sure until the end!
So if you are ready to read a book that will transport you to the friendly skies and rob you of sleep and peace, this is the book for you! It is a wild ride, and I seriously doubt you will regret it.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100 percent mine, and I was not financially compensated.
The characters were quite intriguing. There was a lot more going for this book than just the main story. There were several sub-stories that made me consider the meaning of life and the way people react to stress and various other situations. The author seamlessly wove the other stories into the very fabric of the book, and nothing seemed out of place.
I am happy to announce that there were no sex scenes. Yes, there was profanity, but mostly it did not bother me. The strength of the story kept me going, and I was able to overlook any language issues.
I truly enjoyed the style in which the book was written. The reader was able to go back and forth between what was happening on the air and what was happening on the ground. In so doing, the tension was doubled. The reader is privy to both sides of the story, and this made my pulse race as I continued reading and reached the conclusion. And how does it end? Read it yourself! I will tell you this. You will not know for sure until the end!
So if you are ready to read a book that will transport you to the friendly skies and rob you of sleep and peace, this is the book for you! It is a wild ride, and I seriously doubt you will regret it.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100 percent mine, and I was not financially compensated.
August 29, 2012
I found Captain by Thomas Block to be a very engaging and engrossing story. I know next to nothing about aviation, short of the few flights we take every now and then, so I am certainly not speaking from any type of expert point-of-view - that is for the author, who retired as an airline pilot with a lot of experience.
This book gives readers an inside look at some of the possible situations being faced by today's airline pilots, crews, companies and passengers.
Thomas Block created some wonderful characters that will pull you into the story and keep your attention riveted to what is going on. In a few situations, I found myself holding my breath as conversations played out. I particularly liked the strength of Linda. There was also a depth of emotions that you don't always see often in books.
One thing I've never particularly considered is how technology has affected the choices and views of pilots today vs. pilots from an older era. When you rely on technology to do everything for you, you can loose some of the problem-solving skills that could mean the difference between life and death... and safety.
I also enjoyed looking at the airline situations from differing viewpoints - that of the pilot and crew (taking actions and making decisions as things unfold), and that of corporate, who is more concerned with money and numbers.
Join the flight crew and passengers on Flight-3 as the suspense heats up. This fast-paced suspense packed book will keep you entertained to the end.
Thrillers and suspense are not my normally read genres, but I'm glad I stepped away from the norm to read Captain. It is a wonderful story that kept me fully riveted.
Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Karma Media Book Tour
This book gives readers an inside look at some of the possible situations being faced by today's airline pilots, crews, companies and passengers.
Thomas Block created some wonderful characters that will pull you into the story and keep your attention riveted to what is going on. In a few situations, I found myself holding my breath as conversations played out. I particularly liked the strength of Linda. There was also a depth of emotions that you don't always see often in books.
One thing I've never particularly considered is how technology has affected the choices and views of pilots today vs. pilots from an older era. When you rely on technology to do everything for you, you can loose some of the problem-solving skills that could mean the difference between life and death... and safety.
I also enjoyed looking at the airline situations from differing viewpoints - that of the pilot and crew (taking actions and making decisions as things unfold), and that of corporate, who is more concerned with money and numbers.
Join the flight crew and passengers on Flight-3 as the suspense heats up. This fast-paced suspense packed book will keep you entertained to the end.
Thrillers and suspense are not my normally read genres, but I'm glad I stepped away from the norm to read Captain. It is a wonderful story that kept me fully riveted.
Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Karma Media Book Tour
February 7, 2013
Thomas Block spins a great yarn in CAPTAIN, an exciting, multi-faceted tale about a modern commercial airliner in dire trouble on a trans-Atlantic flight.
It’s a tale of old aviators vs. young, of experience vs. by-the-book. Of the fly-it-by-hand generation vs. the computer-reliant generation. It’s a story that highlights how much can go wrong when someone makes decisions based on only snippets of information, or on the basis of the bottom line instead of concern over people.
BUT. (Always one of those, isn’t there?) The book suffers from lack of tight editing and good proofreading.
Block is at his best when he’s writing about aviation--not surprising, he’s a retired airline pilot. But the drama loses momentum and approaches stalling speed when it veers off course into lengthy dissertations on psychology and guilt and lost loves. Better editing would have carved out those sections, or at least trimmed them into bite-sized portions.
It was hard for me to believe that people on a seemingly doomed airplane would be concerned with such things as opposed to worrying about the very real possibility they’re about to ride a 100-ton cannonball into the ocean.
So, because of that, I have to give CAPTAIN about three-and-a-half stars, although I’ll round it up to four and still recommend the book to people who have a keen interest in modern, commercial aviation. There were still many parts of the novel where I found myself relentlessly flipping pages.
It’s a tale of old aviators vs. young, of experience vs. by-the-book. Of the fly-it-by-hand generation vs. the computer-reliant generation. It’s a story that highlights how much can go wrong when someone makes decisions based on only snippets of information, or on the basis of the bottom line instead of concern over people.
BUT. (Always one of those, isn’t there?) The book suffers from lack of tight editing and good proofreading.
Block is at his best when he’s writing about aviation--not surprising, he’s a retired airline pilot. But the drama loses momentum and approaches stalling speed when it veers off course into lengthy dissertations on psychology and guilt and lost loves. Better editing would have carved out those sections, or at least trimmed them into bite-sized portions.
It was hard for me to believe that people on a seemingly doomed airplane would be concerned with such things as opposed to worrying about the very real possibility they’re about to ride a 100-ton cannonball into the ocean.
So, because of that, I have to give CAPTAIN about three-and-a-half stars, although I’ll round it up to four and still recommend the book to people who have a keen interest in modern, commercial aviation. There were still many parts of the novel where I found myself relentlessly flipping pages.
July 26, 2012
Captain by Thomas Block is an aviation thriller. I found the book energetic and the plot quite believable. From Captain Jack to flight attendant Linda each character offers something to the book . A different perspective, a different story about the journey of Flight 3.
Flight 3 a Trans-Atlantic air flight begins quite normal. Normal does not last long on this flight. Very quickly things go from bad to worse. This Mama gripped her kindle for dear life as she lounged by the water park pool last week wondering what would happen to the flight crew.
For me the plot is quite believable. I have no problem believing if things can go wrong they will. Captain provides a plot with a roller coaster of emotion. The personalities are quite convincing. All I can say is I hope I am never on a Flight 3. This Mama would have no problem picking up another of Block's books. I found Captain to be an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book for review. I was under no obligation to give a review. These are my honest opinions.
January 8, 2013
After reading this book I am not sure if I am going to get on an airplane again...seriously, this book was so descriptive of what can happen when human error is involved. Then there are computers that run everything and we know how a computer virus can really mess with stuff. So put those things together along with an airplane carrying 200+ passengers on a routine international flight and you have one scary situation.
There are pilots, flight attendants, owners of the airline, and a myriad of other characters, interspersed with personal stories that will keep you reading on.
It is obvious that Thomas Block knows his stuff when it comes to airplanes and being a pilot. He is also a writer that can keep the reader on the edge of the seat. I think about halfway through I had a problem putting the book down, it was that good. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and you will too, you don't even have to know about airplanes to enjoy it. Now about getting on that next plane.....
There are pilots, flight attendants, owners of the airline, and a myriad of other characters, interspersed with personal stories that will keep you reading on.
It is obvious that Thomas Block knows his stuff when it comes to airplanes and being a pilot. He is also a writer that can keep the reader on the edge of the seat. I think about halfway through I had a problem putting the book down, it was that good. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and you will too, you don't even have to know about airplanes to enjoy it. Now about getting on that next plane.....
August 10, 2012
This will be the first book I have read in the aviation field. I think Thomas Block did an amazing job of giving information about aviation. I felt like I was learning so much at the same time as I was enjoying a good book. Captain was on wild ride! I was constantly on the edge waiting to see what would happen next.
I enjoyed all the different character views. Block wrote from so many characters' point of views that it was like a very complete story. You didn't just get one main character's way of thinking. I also liked the history that Block worked into the characters. I learned a lot about them in the moment but also a lot of what helped shape them and their decision in this scary situation.
I really liked this book. I think it is a definite must read for people who enjoy aviation, and also a great read for people who love that fast paced rush from a book.
I enjoyed all the different character views. Block wrote from so many characters' point of views that it was like a very complete story. You didn't just get one main character's way of thinking. I also liked the history that Block worked into the characters. I learned a lot about them in the moment but also a lot of what helped shape them and their decision in this scary situation.
I really liked this book. I think it is a definite must read for people who enjoy aviation, and also a great read for people who love that fast paced rush from a book.
November 13, 2012
I received this as a Goodreads First Reads offer.
Thomas Block obviously knows his stuff, both aviation and writing. I worked in the aviation industry for about seven years, despite that I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy a novel about aviation.
I have to say, I couldn't put it down. I read it in two sittings, and just when I thought I'd guessed at some of the plot points, Block threw in a twist or surprise. Well done. Block writes in a way that whether you've sat in a cockpit yourself or you've never even been to the airport, you'll enjoy this tale.
Woven into this novel are some keen observations on the TSA, Federal Flight Deck Officers, and (mis)management within the airlines. An intricate plot full of twists and engaging characters, it's a novel worth reading.
Thomas Block obviously knows his stuff, both aviation and writing. I worked in the aviation industry for about seven years, despite that I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy a novel about aviation.
I have to say, I couldn't put it down. I read it in two sittings, and just when I thought I'd guessed at some of the plot points, Block threw in a twist or surprise. Well done. Block writes in a way that whether you've sat in a cockpit yourself or you've never even been to the airport, you'll enjoy this tale.
Woven into this novel are some keen observations on the TSA, Federal Flight Deck Officers, and (mis)management within the airlines. An intricate plot full of twists and engaging characters, it's a novel worth reading.
August 8, 2012
I got this book for free from good reads. I probably would have left it on the shelf in the store from just glancing at the cover and title. You should not judge a book by its cover. Parts were fairly technical, but I liked the attention and logic of the situation. For the majority of readers, I would be concerned that they do not appreciate the work it takes to get these details correct. I thought the character development could have been better. It was not as suspenseful as it could have been. I will have to become a Block fan, now thati have had a taste.
March 12, 2013
I thought this was a time travel book! Not so. Also, not my usual book I would buy, but this was an adventure! Exciting, dangerous, thrilling ride. Highly recommended for anyone that knows anything about airplanes. I don't yet I really enjoyed this book.
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