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Zara Sheridan #1
Brace for Impact
The hijacking of a Boeing 777 triggers an international crisis—and potential world war—in this pulse-pounding thriller from former brigadier general Anthony J. Tata . . .
The hijackers were among the last to board. Three men in their twenties—sporting close-cropped hair, tactical gear, and carrying small duffel bags—stood out immediately. Alongside them was a sharply dressed Chinese businessman in a $3,000 Zegna suit, also under suspicion. Minutes before takeoff, Zara Sheridan, a newly appointed air marshal and former military police NCO on her first assignment, is scrambling to find their true identities when she receives a disturbing alert from the regional office . . .
An experimental fighter jet, the Hyperion X, has crashed near Sheridan’s North Carolina home. One of the jet’s senior engineers is on board Sheridan’s flight, en route to Taiwan to close a multibillion-dollar deal for Blackwood Aviation. His presence is not a coincidence. But by the time Sheridan realizes who he is—and what’s going to happen—it’s too late . . .
The plane is in the air. The hijack team takes over.
The lives of 350 passengers and 14 crew members are at stake. As tensions rise and the violence escalates, Sheridan uncovers shocking information about the new weapons technology the hijackers are after—and how it could change the course of global events. In the wrong hands, it could trigger a third world war. And she’s the only one who can stop it . . .
Terrifying, tense, and all-too-possible, Brace for Impact delivers a masterfully crafted scenario ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.
The hijackers were among the last to board. Three men in their twenties—sporting close-cropped hair, tactical gear, and carrying small duffel bags—stood out immediately. Alongside them was a sharply dressed Chinese businessman in a $3,000 Zegna suit, also under suspicion. Minutes before takeoff, Zara Sheridan, a newly appointed air marshal and former military police NCO on her first assignment, is scrambling to find their true identities when she receives a disturbing alert from the regional office . . .
An experimental fighter jet, the Hyperion X, has crashed near Sheridan’s North Carolina home. One of the jet’s senior engineers is on board Sheridan’s flight, en route to Taiwan to close a multibillion-dollar deal for Blackwood Aviation. His presence is not a coincidence. But by the time Sheridan realizes who he is—and what’s going to happen—it’s too late . . .
The plane is in the air. The hijack team takes over.
The lives of 350 passengers and 14 crew members are at stake. As tensions rise and the violence escalates, Sheridan uncovers shocking information about the new weapons technology the hijackers are after—and how it could change the course of global events. In the wrong hands, it could trigger a third world war. And she’s the only one who can stop it . . .
Terrifying, tense, and all-too-possible, Brace for Impact delivers a masterfully crafted scenario ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
19 people are currently reading
3532 people want to read
About the author
Anthony J. Tata
22 books344 followersTony is the bestselling author of 16 novels, including the Garrett Sinclair Series from St. Martin's Press, the Jake Mahegan series from Kensington Books, the Reaper Series from St. Martins Press, and the Threat Series from Variance Publishing. He recently signed a new contract with Kensington Books to write two Zara Sheridan air marshal thrillers. Publishers Weekly selected Besieged as a 2017 Best Book of the Year and Foreign and Domestic was a Barry Award Finalist in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 8, 2025
Brace For Impact is the first book in Anthony J. Tata's new series and what a thriller it is! Non-stop action had me quickly turning the pages.
Zara Sheridan, a newly appointed air marshal and former military police NCO is on her first assignment when all hell breaks loose. Enroute to Taiwan the Boeing 777 is hijacked which triggers an international crisis and potential world war. As tensions rise and violence escalates Zara must navigate this deadly airspace in order to save the lives of all on board (350 passengers and 14 crew members).
A captivating and thrilling story as well as a cast of compelling characters make this an excellent read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Zara Sheridan, a newly appointed air marshal and former military police NCO is on her first assignment when all hell breaks loose. Enroute to Taiwan the Boeing 777 is hijacked which triggers an international crisis and potential world war. As tensions rise and violence escalates Zara must navigate this deadly airspace in order to save the lives of all on board (350 passengers and 14 crew members).
A captivating and thrilling story as well as a cast of compelling characters make this an excellent read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2025
Former army brigadier general Anthony J. Tata surprises the heck out of me with Brace for Impact. it's the first book of two? Here we have the new character Zara Sheridan air marshall. This book is something I would see Ward Larsen or maybe Jack Stewart write, not a former groun pounder like Tata. Do not get me wrong, this is one h__l of a ride starting with a plane crash in North Carolina witnessed by Zaras son Lucas. He spends a lot of time playing baseball and fiddling with computers and his parents are not on the best of terms with each other. Lucas stumbles onto some USB devices from the plane crash and they will turn out to be important. How important you ask? Well the book is released on the 25th of November and I recommend that you pre order it. It is a great espionage thriller that took me by surprise. I must thank Kensington Books and Netgalley for giving me this advance copy.
December 16, 2025
OMG I was looking for something different and accidentally came across this book..,uncertain where it was going I’m glad I found it to be riveting and interesting…
The cast of character’s was spot on…
Bravo to the author Antony J. Tara 👍👍
The cast of character’s was spot on…
Bravo to the author Antony J. Tara 👍👍
November 24, 2025
The hijackers were among the last to board. Three men in their twenties—sporting close-cropped hair, tactical gear, and carrying small duffel bags—stood out immediately. Alongside them was a sharply dressed Chinese businessman in a $3,000 Zegna suit, also under suspicion. Minutes before takeoff, Zara Sheridan, a newly appointed air marshal and former military police NCO on her first assignment, is scrambling to find their true identities when she receives a disturbing alert from the regional office . . .
An experimental fighter jet, the Hyperion X, has crashed near Sheridan’s North Carolina home. One of the jet’s senior engineers is on board Sheridan’s flight, en route to Taiwan to close a multibillion-dollar deal for Blackwood Aviation. His presence is not a coincidence. But by the time Sheridan realizes who he is—and what’s going to happen—it’s too late . . .
The plane is in the air. The hijack team takes over.
The lives of 350 passengers and 14 crew members are at stake. As tensions rise and the violence escalates, Sheridan uncovers shocking information about the new weapons technology the hijackers are after—and how it could change the course of global events. In the wrong hands, it could trigger a third world war. And she’s the only one who can stop it . . .
Terrifying, tense, and all-too-possible, Brace for Impact delivers a masterfully crafted scenario ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.
Crafting a story confined to the skies could easily feel restrictive, but Tata avoids that trap by splitting the action between Zara Sheridan in the air and her son on the ground. Add in a lethal assassin and shadowy private contractors, and the tension only escalates.
This marks a strong launch to a new series—tight writing, relentless pacing, and suspense that rarely lets up. The action unfolds so cinematically that it practically begs for a film adaptation, one that might even outshine the book itself. If high-octane thrillers packed with danger and intrigue are your thing, this one should be at the top of your list.
Thank you to Kensington and Net Galley for an ARC of this book.
An experimental fighter jet, the Hyperion X, has crashed near Sheridan’s North Carolina home. One of the jet’s senior engineers is on board Sheridan’s flight, en route to Taiwan to close a multibillion-dollar deal for Blackwood Aviation. His presence is not a coincidence. But by the time Sheridan realizes who he is—and what’s going to happen—it’s too late . . .
The plane is in the air. The hijack team takes over.
The lives of 350 passengers and 14 crew members are at stake. As tensions rise and the violence escalates, Sheridan uncovers shocking information about the new weapons technology the hijackers are after—and how it could change the course of global events. In the wrong hands, it could trigger a third world war. And she’s the only one who can stop it . . .
Terrifying, tense, and all-too-possible, Brace for Impact delivers a masterfully crafted scenario ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.
Crafting a story confined to the skies could easily feel restrictive, but Tata avoids that trap by splitting the action between Zara Sheridan in the air and her son on the ground. Add in a lethal assassin and shadowy private contractors, and the tension only escalates.
This marks a strong launch to a new series—tight writing, relentless pacing, and suspense that rarely lets up. The action unfolds so cinematically that it practically begs for a film adaptation, one that might even outshine the book itself. If high-octane thrillers packed with danger and intrigue are your thing, this one should be at the top of your list.
Thank you to Kensington and Net Galley for an ARC of this book.
October 28, 2025
Fast-paced spy/political thriller with interesting characters, but the almost non-stop action gets to be a bit much. Plus, I really had hoped the author would have an afterword addressing the obvious question as to whether the AI-based technology depicted in the novel was actually being developed/tested/used right now. Thanks to the author, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
December 8, 2025
This novel is an exciting branch off the General Sinclair series. The story revolves around one of Sinclair’s employees and her teenage son, and the events spiraling around them.
There is international intrigue and political conspiracy throughout the story, and sadly we readers need the author to hurry up and get the next book in the series published so we can find out what will happen next.
This book is another great tale written by Mr. Tata.
There is international intrigue and political conspiracy throughout the story, and sadly we readers need the author to hurry up and get the next book in the series published so we can find out what will happen next.
This book is another great tale written by Mr. Tata.
December 6, 2025
Wow. I really appreciate the fact that Anthony J. Tata is doing for this country, whatever it is, and to write this amazing book. I am very impressed with the fact he wrote such an amazing story. I'm not surprised by any of it. I should say, but he deserves a lot for his service to this country, and being such as an amazing author!
November 17, 2025
Another book this weekend that reads like an action packed movie. I really loved Zara and her teenage son working together throughout the story. Airplane related books always stress me out (in the best way) and this was no different. So fast paced. So much action. Fun characters. And a setup for future series. I really enjoyed this read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 5, 2025
Brace for Impact starts with a brutal crash that feels sudden and real. The moment the plane goes down the world tilts for both the passengers and the reader. From that moment on the tension never lets up as the story pulls you deeper into a web of secrets and danger. The stakes feel life or death not just for individuals but for entire organizations. The details of military procedure and aviation add a sense of realism that makes the threat more believable and the mystery more urgent. Every new clue raises the stakes and forces the main character to question who can be trusted.
The heart of the novel is the main character Zara Sheridan. She feels human because she is flawed and vulnerable but also strong and determined. Her struggles and doubts make her easier to root for. Watching her sift through lies and power plays while dealing with pressure from above and danger from below gives the story weight and emotion. The author’s writing builds scenes with clarity and drive so that each moment feels alive. By the end the revelations land hard and feel earned while still leaving room for more adventures. The result is a thriller that grips you with realism and character so that you care about what happens next.
The heart of the novel is the main character Zara Sheridan. She feels human because she is flawed and vulnerable but also strong and determined. Her struggles and doubts make her easier to root for. Watching her sift through lies and power plays while dealing with pressure from above and danger from below gives the story weight and emotion. The author’s writing builds scenes with clarity and drive so that each moment feels alive. By the end the revelations land hard and feel earned while still leaving room for more adventures. The result is a thriller that grips you with realism and character so that you care about what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2025
Wow! Tata masterfully does it again. Every page is suspenseful throughout this book, Brace For Impact. The bad guys are evil and the good guys are smart, conniving and more bad-assed. The story is creative, plausible and fresh. A wonderful page turner you can’t put down! Bravo Tony Tata.
December 2, 2025
I just found, 'Brace For Impact' to be unbelievable or even plausible, but the author's writing kept me reading it and just wish it didn't have James Patterson's Alex Cross Syndrome. Were the character is put in multiple situation's, out gunned, gets shot up or is unharmed and magical they survive.
The Author Anthony J. Tata, has Air Marshall Zara Sheridan, she is a retired Army Master Sergeant that's put through multiple situations with terrorist's, whom she easily picks out, where they are heavily armed, have poison even, other weapons, even a few terrorist's hiding in plain sight on the plane and yet they never think to take her out. It's like she has a protective force field around her, no matter the situation they don't think to take her out and in the end pay the price for that over sight. Why not have her bringing a war bag, with weapons, flash bangs, knives, tech weapons even and eliminate the bad guys verse knowing recognizing them, either just watching them or working with them, and having them trick her.
It involves AI technology that involves what the US Military can do to those they are in conflicts with. That element was interesting, yet with her son Lucas finding it, after witnessing the crash, he goes to help the pilot, who ejecte3d from the plane and pockets two thumb drives that work together. He seen at the crash site, gets attacked by a private military contractor several times, his best friend Mia gets shot, his parents house gets destroyed by them, trying to find the thumb drives, he kills someone, and yet his high-tech computer system with camera's surveillance doesn't get destroyed. It always works, for the kids, but just seems like the Sheridan's having a bomb shelter, have Lucas and Mia hiding in it, with his elaborate computer system would have been a better element for this one and the bad guys can't find them.
If you're looking for an espionage thriller, even though I'm giving it a three, it's still a worth while read due to Anthony J. Tata can write a great story and it's good enough keeping you reading. None the less, 'Brace For Impact' is a book that you would want to take the novel idea, then give it to Mark Greaney, Jack Carr, John Gilstrap or Marc Cameron see what they could do with it. Would it be more plausible, believable and be a 5 star read with the changes they do to the storyline.
The Author Anthony J. Tata, has Air Marshall Zara Sheridan, she is a retired Army Master Sergeant that's put through multiple situations with terrorist's, whom she easily picks out, where they are heavily armed, have poison even, other weapons, even a few terrorist's hiding in plain sight on the plane and yet they never think to take her out. It's like she has a protective force field around her, no matter the situation they don't think to take her out and in the end pay the price for that over sight. Why not have her bringing a war bag, with weapons, flash bangs, knives, tech weapons even and eliminate the bad guys verse knowing recognizing them, either just watching them or working with them, and having them trick her.
It involves AI technology that involves what the US Military can do to those they are in conflicts with. That element was interesting, yet with her son Lucas finding it, after witnessing the crash, he goes to help the pilot, who ejecte3d from the plane and pockets two thumb drives that work together. He seen at the crash site, gets attacked by a private military contractor several times, his best friend Mia gets shot, his parents house gets destroyed by them, trying to find the thumb drives, he kills someone, and yet his high-tech computer system with camera's surveillance doesn't get destroyed. It always works, for the kids, but just seems like the Sheridan's having a bomb shelter, have Lucas and Mia hiding in it, with his elaborate computer system would have been a better element for this one and the bad guys can't find them.
If you're looking for an espionage thriller, even though I'm giving it a three, it's still a worth while read due to Anthony J. Tata can write a great story and it's good enough keeping you reading. None the less, 'Brace For Impact' is a book that you would want to take the novel idea, then give it to Mark Greaney, Jack Carr, John Gilstrap or Marc Cameron see what they could do with it. Would it be more plausible, believable and be a 5 star read with the changes they do to the storyline.
November 18, 2025
Brace for Impact is a distinctive departure from typical thrillers. The book kicks off with a dramatic event: the secret US Air Force fighter jet, the Hyperion-X, crashes near 14-year-old Lucas's North Carolina home. Lucas, the son of retired Army Master Sergeant Zara, rushes to the scene. The pilot is gone, but Lucas finds and pockets two unusual thumb drives he intends to turn over to the authorities.
The crash site is immediately attacked by a helicopter bearing the insignia of a private military security contractor. This incident launches a relentless, pulse-pounding thriller. The action swiftly moves to the high-stakes hijacking of the inaugural flight of a new Boeing 777 model heading to Taiwan.
The global stakes escalate as Russian and Chinese operatives, along with the avaricious private contractors, jump into the fray. Standing against them are Zara—the formidable, lone woman—and her quick-thinking son, Lucas. This book is an engrossing, wonderful read that maintains a gripping pace right up to the final pages.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
The crash site is immediately attacked by a helicopter bearing the insignia of a private military security contractor. This incident launches a relentless, pulse-pounding thriller. The action swiftly moves to the high-stakes hijacking of the inaugural flight of a new Boeing 777 model heading to Taiwan.
The global stakes escalate as Russian and Chinese operatives, along with the avaricious private contractors, jump into the fray. Standing against them are Zara—the formidable, lone woman—and her quick-thinking son, Lucas. This book is an engrossing, wonderful read that maintains a gripping pace right up to the final pages.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
December 4, 2025
Hang on for this thrill ride!
Brace for Impact is an intense ride of a novel. Zara Sheridan is a new air marshal on an inaugural flight of a new route from North Carolina to Taiwan. Almost immediately, with her military police background, she notices some concerning things with the final passengers to board. Zara finds out that there has been a military jet crash near her home, and her son Lucas was at the site. Then the hijackers make their move. Soon, Zara and the passengers are careening on their way to Taiwan, hijackers in control and communications with the ground are out.
This was very fast-paced and engrossing. I loved that fourteen-year-old Lucas and his friend, Mia, had a prominent role in the story. Who knows if the technology involved exists or is being developed, but it made for an exciting story. I could see this being made into a blockbuster movie. Readers who enjoy John Gilstrap’s Jonathan Graves or Marc Cameron’s Jericho Quinn series will be thrilled by the fast-paced action in this book. I hope we see more of Zara and Lucas Sheridan.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for access to a digital ARC.
Brace for Impact is an intense ride of a novel. Zara Sheridan is a new air marshal on an inaugural flight of a new route from North Carolina to Taiwan. Almost immediately, with her military police background, she notices some concerning things with the final passengers to board. Zara finds out that there has been a military jet crash near her home, and her son Lucas was at the site. Then the hijackers make their move. Soon, Zara and the passengers are careening on their way to Taiwan, hijackers in control and communications with the ground are out.
This was very fast-paced and engrossing. I loved that fourteen-year-old Lucas and his friend, Mia, had a prominent role in the story. Who knows if the technology involved exists or is being developed, but it made for an exciting story. I could see this being made into a blockbuster movie. Readers who enjoy John Gilstrap’s Jonathan Graves or Marc Cameron’s Jericho Quinn series will be thrilled by the fast-paced action in this book. I hope we see more of Zara and Lucas Sheridan.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for access to a digital ARC.
July 27, 2025
Excellent techno thriller mashed into a an airplane hijacking’s. With the inherent tension built into such a story, the author does a good job of moving the story along and developing believable characters. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
December 9, 2025
Just before leaving on her first flight in new job as an air marshall, Zara Sheridan's son sees a plane crash near his house that contains military secrets. Taught by his parents never to leave such things for random people, he takes the data, brings it home and sneaks it into his Mom's things.
Things go south for me there. The story becomes too convoluted for me to read so sad to say, DNF!
Things go south for me there. The story becomes too convoluted for me to read so sad to say, DNF!
August 23, 2025
The plot was interesting, if crazily convoluted, and it was definitely fast-paced. The writing was a bit rough in parts - I can picture this as a fast-paced, crazily convoluted movie for streaming.
November 25, 2025
Nothing new. Recycled plots
October 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 – A solid concept that would shine more on screen than on the page.
Brace for Impact starts with an undeniably cinematic setup, a hijacked Boeing 777, military tech intrigue, and global stakes that feel straight out of a blockbuster. The pacing and high stakes tension make it easy to picture this story playing out as an action thriller movie.
That said, as a book, it dragged in parts. Some of the technical and procedural details slowed the momentum, and the emotional depth did not always match the intensity of the premise. I liked the concept and the overall story, but it did not completely pull me in.
It is a good read for fans of military or political thrillers, but I think it would translate even better as a film. Fast paced visuals and quick cuts would do wonders for this plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Brace for Impact starts with an undeniably cinematic setup, a hijacked Boeing 777, military tech intrigue, and global stakes that feel straight out of a blockbuster. The pacing and high stakes tension make it easy to picture this story playing out as an action thriller movie.
That said, as a book, it dragged in parts. Some of the technical and procedural details slowed the momentum, and the emotional depth did not always match the intensity of the premise. I liked the concept and the overall story, but it did not completely pull me in.
It is a good read for fans of military or political thrillers, but I think it would translate even better as a film. Fast paced visuals and quick cuts would do wonders for this plot.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
December 21, 2025
Action, Intrigue, and The Band of Brothers…Will the Country Survive Geo-Politics?
Kept my attention. Good character development. I love techy-stuff, so I enjoyed understanding the good/evil characteristics of “TYRANT”. Ending left a bit to be desired but definitely left a big opening for the sequel.
Kept my attention. Good character development. I love techy-stuff, so I enjoyed understanding the good/evil characteristics of “TYRANT”. Ending left a bit to be desired but definitely left a big opening for the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews