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Manhattan Down
A propulsive rollercoaster high concept international thriller which dares to take the world to the edge of oblivion.
THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS JUST SAID GOODNIGHT.
On the anniversary eve of the 9/11 terror attack, New York swelters under a heat dome of record temperatures. Even the global leaders assembled at the UN HQ are forced to admitthat the climate crisis has reached boiling point and the world’s time is running out.
That same day, at precisely 5:25 p.m., everyone on Manhattan Island – every man, woman and child, including all the world leaders at the UN – falls unconscious. Everyone that is, except for Samantha Rossi, a single mother reeling from devastating personal news and Nick Lockwood, a wounded NYPD detective who wakes from a coma just as the City That Never Sleeps falls into one.
Rossi’s first concern is her daughter. Lockwood’s is his city. As night draws in, they must work together to unravel the mystery of what has happened and why. Each must decide how far they will go and what lines they will cross to save what matters most to them.
Manhattan Down is a pulse-pounding contemporary thriller which dares to imagine the unimaginable, a leaderless world being held to ransom by forces unknown for reasons unknown. The questions it asks are terrifying – and so are some of the answers.
THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS JUST SAID GOODNIGHT.
On the anniversary eve of the 9/11 terror attack, New York swelters under a heat dome of record temperatures. Even the global leaders assembled at the UN HQ are forced to admitthat the climate crisis has reached boiling point and the world’s time is running out.
That same day, at precisely 5:25 p.m., everyone on Manhattan Island – every man, woman and child, including all the world leaders at the UN – falls unconscious. Everyone that is, except for Samantha Rossi, a single mother reeling from devastating personal news and Nick Lockwood, a wounded NYPD detective who wakes from a coma just as the City That Never Sleeps falls into one.
Rossi’s first concern is her daughter. Lockwood’s is his city. As night draws in, they must work together to unravel the mystery of what has happened and why. Each must decide how far they will go and what lines they will cross to save what matters most to them.
Manhattan Down is a pulse-pounding contemporary thriller which dares to imagine the unimaginable, a leaderless world being held to ransom by forces unknown for reasons unknown. The questions it asks are terrifying – and so are some of the answers.
439 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2025
41 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Michael Cordy
30 books118 followersMichael Cordy's first novel, The Miracle Strain, about the search for the DNA of Christ, was published in over twenty five languages and forty countries. It reached the top five in the Sunday Times Bestseller List and became a bestseller around the world.
Disney bought the film rights for $1.6 million.
Another five novels followed: Crime Zero, Lucifer, True, The Source and the latest THE COLOUR OF DEATH. All have been published in the UK by Bantam Press and Corgi, and translated into several languages.
Warner Bros optioned the film rights to The Source and Michael recently optioned Crime Zero to the producers of Lord Of The Rings and The Golden Compass, agreeing to write the screenplay.
Due to the ‘high concept’ nature of Michael Cordy’s novels the Press have called him “Britain’s answer to Michael Crichton.” Some of his early books have also been compared to Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code - although they were bestsellers many years before that novel was written.
The Miracle Strain was republished as The Messiah Code in many countries and some of the other novels have since been republished with new titles too.
Michael Cordy is British but was born in Ghana and spent much of his childhood in West and East Africa, India and Cyprus. He was educated in England at Kings School Canterbury and the universities of Leicester and Durham.
After ten years in marketing and advertising, his wife, Jenny backed his decision to give up a lucrative career and follow his dream of becoming a writer - so long as he finished his first novel in one year. It took him two. (He claims to have written all the necessary words in the allotted twelve months - just not in the right order)
Disney bought the film rights for $1.6 million.
Another five novels followed: Crime Zero, Lucifer, True, The Source and the latest THE COLOUR OF DEATH. All have been published in the UK by Bantam Press and Corgi, and translated into several languages.
Warner Bros optioned the film rights to The Source and Michael recently optioned Crime Zero to the producers of Lord Of The Rings and The Golden Compass, agreeing to write the screenplay.
Due to the ‘high concept’ nature of Michael Cordy’s novels the Press have called him “Britain’s answer to Michael Crichton.” Some of his early books have also been compared to Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code - although they were bestsellers many years before that novel was written.
The Miracle Strain was republished as The Messiah Code in many countries and some of the other novels have since been republished with new titles too.
Michael Cordy is British but was born in Ghana and spent much of his childhood in West and East Africa, India and Cyprus. He was educated in England at Kings School Canterbury and the universities of Leicester and Durham.
After ten years in marketing and advertising, his wife, Jenny backed his decision to give up a lucrative career and follow his dream of becoming a writer - so long as he finished his first novel in one year. It took him two. (He claims to have written all the necessary words in the allotted twelve months - just not in the right order)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 22, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Insta Book Tours.
Manhatten Down is a fully immersive, edge of your seat, fast-paced thrill ride of a read, and I couldn't put it down.
It's the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York and all the world leaders have assembled at the UN HQ to discuss the climate crisis the world is facing.
The book starts several days prior to this when Nick Lockwood (a cop) and his partner are on a steak out of another of his partners' conspiracy theories brought to her attention by a security guard and cleaner in a tower block. When Nick is attacked and left for dead he awakens to an erily sleeping city. At 5:25pm on the day he awakens is just after the rest of the city collapsed in an unsettled dream state by the hands of a group of seven terrorists named after the seven deadly sins. Nick comes across one of them (Lust) as he tries to work out what is going on.
Our second POV is Samantha Rossi, who's just been told some shocking news about her health just before the city shut down. Samantha's main worry is her daughter who's out playing baseball at a park with friends. When Samantha and Nick first meet she thinks he's one of the bad guys but he's tagging along with them pretending to be one of them in the hopes of finding out exactly what they're up to and what they want.
This was not only gripping and in parts nerve-wracking, it also makes you question what you would do in a situation like this, how far you would go to protect those you care for and shows how crisis can bring people together unexpectedly. This book did bring a tear to my eye at the end and also warmed my heart.
Manhatten Down is a fully immersive, edge of your seat, fast-paced thrill ride of a read, and I couldn't put it down.
It's the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York and all the world leaders have assembled at the UN HQ to discuss the climate crisis the world is facing.
The book starts several days prior to this when Nick Lockwood (a cop) and his partner are on a steak out of another of his partners' conspiracy theories brought to her attention by a security guard and cleaner in a tower block. When Nick is attacked and left for dead he awakens to an erily sleeping city. At 5:25pm on the day he awakens is just after the rest of the city collapsed in an unsettled dream state by the hands of a group of seven terrorists named after the seven deadly sins. Nick comes across one of them (Lust) as he tries to work out what is going on.
Our second POV is Samantha Rossi, who's just been told some shocking news about her health just before the city shut down. Samantha's main worry is her daughter who's out playing baseball at a park with friends. When Samantha and Nick first meet she thinks he's one of the bad guys but he's tagging along with them pretending to be one of them in the hopes of finding out exactly what they're up to and what they want.
This was not only gripping and in parts nerve-wracking, it also makes you question what you would do in a situation like this, how far you would go to protect those you care for and shows how crisis can bring people together unexpectedly. This book did bring a tear to my eye at the end and also warmed my heart.
May 11, 2025
Wow this is an incredibly vivid edge of the seat thriller, just crying out to be made into a film.
Manhattan comes to a standstill at precisely 5.25pm on the anniversary eve of 9/11 as everyone falls unconscious at the exact same second. Cars crash. People drop to the ground in the streets. The description of people lying in the streets all over Manhattan and slouched over steering wheels and desks is quite horrifying. Then there are the ones who are ‘walkers’ and get up whilst still asleep, say a few words then fall asleep again.
The world’s leaders are all together in the UN building, and just as most people, have succumbed to sleep.
The group responsible, who call themselves The Deadly Sins, appear to be a handful of environmentalists who met on the dark web and have taken this drastic action to force the world to act now to save the planet. If their demands are not met, they will not wake the population of Manhattan and without water and in the sweltering heat, people will not live long. But is there more behind their plan? They certainly did not expect anyone being immune to the sleep, especially not a fearless New York cop with a score to settle and a cyber expert who just wants to find her daughter.
An absolute page turner. I read it over 2 days. It is definitely one of those ‘what if’ books which makes us realise how our lives can change so quickly.
I gasped out loud a few times and I cried at the end, the sign of an excellent book which had me completely immersed. Nick the cop was the outstanding character for me.
Michael certainly has plenty of bestsellers under his belt. I will be reading his previous books that’s for sure, and fully expect Manhattan Down will be another bestseller for him.
My thanks as always to Sophie at Ransom PR for my spot on the tour.
Manhattan comes to a standstill at precisely 5.25pm on the anniversary eve of 9/11 as everyone falls unconscious at the exact same second. Cars crash. People drop to the ground in the streets. The description of people lying in the streets all over Manhattan and slouched over steering wheels and desks is quite horrifying. Then there are the ones who are ‘walkers’ and get up whilst still asleep, say a few words then fall asleep again.
The world’s leaders are all together in the UN building, and just as most people, have succumbed to sleep.
The group responsible, who call themselves The Deadly Sins, appear to be a handful of environmentalists who met on the dark web and have taken this drastic action to force the world to act now to save the planet. If their demands are not met, they will not wake the population of Manhattan and without water and in the sweltering heat, people will not live long. But is there more behind their plan? They certainly did not expect anyone being immune to the sleep, especially not a fearless New York cop with a score to settle and a cyber expert who just wants to find her daughter.
An absolute page turner. I read it over 2 days. It is definitely one of those ‘what if’ books which makes us realise how our lives can change so quickly.
I gasped out loud a few times and I cried at the end, the sign of an excellent book which had me completely immersed. Nick the cop was the outstanding character for me.
Michael certainly has plenty of bestsellers under his belt. I will be reading his previous books that’s for sure, and fully expect Manhattan Down will be another bestseller for him.
My thanks as always to Sophie at Ransom PR for my spot on the tour.
May 22, 2025
Manhattan Down by Michael Cordy is an action packed thriller set in a Manhattan where almost every resident (almost four million) has just collapsed and fallen into a deep sleep. Or, to their death, depending on where they were at the time.
There are only a handful of people left - Samantha Rossi is fairly sure she knows why she's awake, and is worried for her teenage daughter Zoe.
Nick Lockwood is also fully conscious - ironic, given that he has spent the last week in a coma since his partner was killed on duty. His partner, O'Malley, was knee deep in conspiracy theories at the time of her murder, and now it seems that she wasn't far from discovering the truth.
A group who have identified themselves only by using the names of the Seven Deadly Sins are out for revenge - on everyone.
They have a list of demands, and if they're not granted, they'll destroy Manhattan - and everyone in it.
But are they as close as they've been led to believe?
This was entertaining enough. Reminiscent of books like I Am Pilgrim or Falling, or movies like Die Hard or Carry On. I could see it as a Netflix special, and it'd be really popular. I could imagine it being highly entertaining with someone like Nicolas Cage at the helm. As a book? I'm not sure if it works. There are a lot of questions left unanswered (Samantha and her condition, her mother, and certain characters that almost became caricatures). I didn't LOVE the whole "USA = Great, China = Evil" thing it had going on, but as I said, it's entertaining enough and for people who enjoyed the other books I mentioned, they might also enjoy this.
Thank you to Transworld/ Random House for granting me approval to read an ARC via Netgalley.
There are only a handful of people left - Samantha Rossi is fairly sure she knows why she's awake, and is worried for her teenage daughter Zoe.
Nick Lockwood is also fully conscious - ironic, given that he has spent the last week in a coma since his partner was killed on duty. His partner, O'Malley, was knee deep in conspiracy theories at the time of her murder, and now it seems that she wasn't far from discovering the truth.
A group who have identified themselves only by using the names of the Seven Deadly Sins are out for revenge - on everyone.
They have a list of demands, and if they're not granted, they'll destroy Manhattan - and everyone in it.
But are they as close as they've been led to believe?
This was entertaining enough. Reminiscent of books like I Am Pilgrim or Falling, or movies like Die Hard or Carry On. I could see it as a Netflix special, and it'd be really popular. I could imagine it being highly entertaining with someone like Nicolas Cage at the helm. As a book? I'm not sure if it works. There are a lot of questions left unanswered (Samantha and her condition, her mother, and certain characters that almost became caricatures). I didn't LOVE the whole "USA = Great, China = Evil" thing it had going on, but as I said, it's entertaining enough and for people who enjoyed the other books I mentioned, they might also enjoy this.
Thank you to Transworld/ Random House for granting me approval to read an ARC via Netgalley.
July 21, 2025
Enjoyed this book, bit of a switch your brain off somewhat, as required when watching Die Hard and the like, but it was well written with great character portrayals. I’m sure it would make a great Netflix adaptation. For its genre, it was an interesting plot idea. And for its pondering on the climate crisis - if only some of those ideas could be implemented!
April 17, 2025
Before I launch into my review, I would like to say a huge thank you to Michael Cordy, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and Netgalley for the Advanced Digital Reader Copy of this title. For anyone with their eye on this title, here is my personal review of the book to help you decide whether you are interested or not. All opinions offered are my own.
I was surprised at how quickly I got into this book once I read the first page. Reading some tedious family drama unfold and then Samantha Rossi outlining her mundane plans for the day gave me a false vision of the book being drab. Things start to get a little spicy once she starts undertaking some of her appointments and it is not long before the big sleep we were promised occurs.
Manhattan Down is a book like no other. Though it is set in today’s time, the eerie silence on the Manhattan streets gives it a dystopian feel. The global leaders have all assembled in Manhattan to discuss the threat of climate change but before any real talks can take place a weird event traverses the city and sends almost every inhabitant into an unconscious sleep. The questions on the readers’ lips are why did it happen, and who is responsible? With lives at stake, will the only two ‘friendly’ adults in town manage to beat the sins that hold the world to ransom?
I have never read anything like this book. There were some predictable elements that I solved quite early on that had me wondering whether the whole book was going to be giant, whopping loaves of bread rather than just some breadcrumbs that may or may not lead me to a merry dance up the garden path. I was pleasantly surprised when it took a different turn to what I expected and picked up speed. That is not to say it was not progressing at a great pace to begin with.
The story is told from different character perspectives, where each perspective is a chapter that starts at a given time. This meant that often, the current perspective would overlap with the one before which allowed the reader to run into a previous event but from a different angle. For example, there is a scene where one of the characters runs from a shooter. The next chapter starts five minutes before the gun shot and is trying to ascertain whether it has come from one of the characters they have just stumbled upon. I did find this a little confusing at first, but I quickly came to expect this. The style of writing led to a lot of ‘a-ha!’ moments as things became seemingly clearer on the one hand but raised questions on the other hand that makes the reader question everything they have believed as the novel progresses.
I enjoyed second guessing the motives of the characters as more of their backstories were unveiled. There were some heart-stopping moments as well as some thought-provoking ones, and I loved the idea of global solutions being adopted to solve certain issues. Though they made some foolish mistakes, I really liked that the characters had enormous potential. They were an intelligent breed but maybe had an over-abundance of trust.
This book is going to be an enjoyable read for lovers of thrillers. There are themes of terrorism, politics, climate change, working for the greater good, family, and terminal illness. This book is not straight forward so I advise readers to buckle up and settle in for a crazy ride that lasts less than 24 hours but seems like a lifetime because of the scenario and how it is handled. I can see why it has been an absolute age since Cordy published. Every minute spent carving out this plot was worth it. I highly recommend this 5 out of 5 read. It is un-put-downable!
I was surprised at how quickly I got into this book once I read the first page. Reading some tedious family drama unfold and then Samantha Rossi outlining her mundane plans for the day gave me a false vision of the book being drab. Things start to get a little spicy once she starts undertaking some of her appointments and it is not long before the big sleep we were promised occurs.
Manhattan Down is a book like no other. Though it is set in today’s time, the eerie silence on the Manhattan streets gives it a dystopian feel. The global leaders have all assembled in Manhattan to discuss the threat of climate change but before any real talks can take place a weird event traverses the city and sends almost every inhabitant into an unconscious sleep. The questions on the readers’ lips are why did it happen, and who is responsible? With lives at stake, will the only two ‘friendly’ adults in town manage to beat the sins that hold the world to ransom?
I have never read anything like this book. There were some predictable elements that I solved quite early on that had me wondering whether the whole book was going to be giant, whopping loaves of bread rather than just some breadcrumbs that may or may not lead me to a merry dance up the garden path. I was pleasantly surprised when it took a different turn to what I expected and picked up speed. That is not to say it was not progressing at a great pace to begin with.
The story is told from different character perspectives, where each perspective is a chapter that starts at a given time. This meant that often, the current perspective would overlap with the one before which allowed the reader to run into a previous event but from a different angle. For example, there is a scene where one of the characters runs from a shooter. The next chapter starts five minutes before the gun shot and is trying to ascertain whether it has come from one of the characters they have just stumbled upon. I did find this a little confusing at first, but I quickly came to expect this. The style of writing led to a lot of ‘a-ha!’ moments as things became seemingly clearer on the one hand but raised questions on the other hand that makes the reader question everything they have believed as the novel progresses.
I enjoyed second guessing the motives of the characters as more of their backstories were unveiled. There were some heart-stopping moments as well as some thought-provoking ones, and I loved the idea of global solutions being adopted to solve certain issues. Though they made some foolish mistakes, I really liked that the characters had enormous potential. They were an intelligent breed but maybe had an over-abundance of trust.
This book is going to be an enjoyable read for lovers of thrillers. There are themes of terrorism, politics, climate change, working for the greater good, family, and terminal illness. This book is not straight forward so I advise readers to buckle up and settle in for a crazy ride that lasts less than 24 hours but seems like a lifetime because of the scenario and how it is handled. I can see why it has been an absolute age since Cordy published. Every minute spent carving out this plot was worth it. I highly recommend this 5 out of 5 read. It is un-put-downable!
July 20, 2025
★★★
The synopsis sold it to me immediately. It sounded like the kind of high concept thriller I usually enjoy, and the opening showed promise. But the momentum did not last.
The short chapters are a plus. It is easy to put down and come back to when needed, which makes it a good choice for reading on the move or at the beach. The structure works, but the story does not make enough of its premise.
It is written very much like a TV movie or an episode of a big budget drama, visually paced with quick scenes and everything kept moving. But that approach comes at the expense of depth. By the 60 percent mark, more than 200 pages in, very little had happened. The narrative felt thin, and I did not connect with any of the characters.
The idea is strong, but it ends up feeling like a missed opportunity. Plenty of readers will enjoy the setup and pace, but for me it did not go anywhere interesting.
The synopsis sold it to me immediately. It sounded like the kind of high concept thriller I usually enjoy, and the opening showed promise. But the momentum did not last.
The short chapters are a plus. It is easy to put down and come back to when needed, which makes it a good choice for reading on the move or at the beach. The structure works, but the story does not make enough of its premise.
It is written very much like a TV movie or an episode of a big budget drama, visually paced with quick scenes and everything kept moving. But that approach comes at the expense of depth. By the 60 percent mark, more than 200 pages in, very little had happened. The narrative felt thin, and I did not connect with any of the characters.
The idea is strong, but it ends up feeling like a missed opportunity. Plenty of readers will enjoy the setup and pace, but for me it did not go anywhere interesting.
February 5, 2025
Unreal, yet just real enough to make you think that it possibly could happen. An eco terror attack on the eve of the anniversary of 9/11 sends Manhattan into a deep slumber, with a few exceptions - those wishing to bring harm and those hoping for something more. This book would make an excellent blockbuster and was so easy to visualise events as they unfolded. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book so much, I really did find myself rooting for the characters and cheering them on. Thank you to Netgalley for the advance reader copy.
May 14, 2025
I can envisage this as a film or TV series, with a few nips and tucks. The premise is truly scary – what I learned about computers and security makes me trust them even less! For every IT genius, there is an IT criminal mind that can hack and bypass every security measure … and when governments are behind a plan to obtain world governance under the guise of saving the world, the risks are all too plausible. The action is well-paced, the characters engaging, the events frightening. Perhaps the resolution was a little too cosy and predictable, but it was a really good read. The pages kept turning at a lick.
June 16, 2025
Probably 4.5 stars.
It did seem a bit slow at the start, but I flew through the second half and thoroughly enjoyed.
It did seem a bit slow at the start, but I flew through the second half and thoroughly enjoyed.
May 8, 2025
My Review -
Huge thanks as always to Ransom PR for inviting me to the blog tour, and Bantam Books for a copy of Manhattan Down.
Id never heard of Michael Cordy before, but I saw the cover and I just knew I had to read Manhattan Down - and as always my superpower of choosing a book just from the cover was spot on!
Manhattan Down starts with a bang- literally! We meet Nick Lockwood an NYPD Detective on a stakeout with a former colleague who specialises in Dark Web Conspiracies, outcast from the Police she is certain that she has stumbled on something big about to happen, and well being her partner, Nick has to back her up. But things go wrong and Paula O'Malley gets shot and Nick gets knocked unconscious.
Then we meet Samantha Rossi and her daughter Zoe, Samantha is a cyber genius who designs web security for major corporations and Banks, shes also an insomiac. Whilst New York is under a huge heat dome, people are going about their lives as best they can, and UN leaders are meeting in Manhattan in the UN building to discuss climate change - then at 5.25pm everyone falls asleep in the whole of Manhattan, and the world changes forever...
Im not going to give anymore of the plot away as its simply superb, think Day Of The Triffids meets Jack Reacher - I could not put this book down, it is an absolutely tension filled, page turning bookbanger, and one of the best thrillers river read since I read Eruption by James Patterson & Michael Crichton! It is incredibly well researched from cyber warfare to climate change, from health issues to Government procedure. If I could read a book like this every week my life would be perfect!
Michael Cordy has a huge hit on his hands with Manhattan Down, and I will be looking at his back catalogue as I loved his style of writing, and easy to read political thriller based in the future. A Massive 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read from me!
Huge thanks as always to Ransom PR for inviting me to the blog tour, and Bantam Books for a copy of Manhattan Down.
Id never heard of Michael Cordy before, but I saw the cover and I just knew I had to read Manhattan Down - and as always my superpower of choosing a book just from the cover was spot on!
Manhattan Down starts with a bang- literally! We meet Nick Lockwood an NYPD Detective on a stakeout with a former colleague who specialises in Dark Web Conspiracies, outcast from the Police she is certain that she has stumbled on something big about to happen, and well being her partner, Nick has to back her up. But things go wrong and Paula O'Malley gets shot and Nick gets knocked unconscious.
Then we meet Samantha Rossi and her daughter Zoe, Samantha is a cyber genius who designs web security for major corporations and Banks, shes also an insomiac. Whilst New York is under a huge heat dome, people are going about their lives as best they can, and UN leaders are meeting in Manhattan in the UN building to discuss climate change - then at 5.25pm everyone falls asleep in the whole of Manhattan, and the world changes forever...
Im not going to give anymore of the plot away as its simply superb, think Day Of The Triffids meets Jack Reacher - I could not put this book down, it is an absolutely tension filled, page turning bookbanger, and one of the best thrillers river read since I read Eruption by James Patterson & Michael Crichton! It is incredibly well researched from cyber warfare to climate change, from health issues to Government procedure. If I could read a book like this every week my life would be perfect!
Michael Cordy has a huge hit on his hands with Manhattan Down, and I will be looking at his back catalogue as I loved his style of writing, and easy to read political thriller based in the future. A Massive 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read from me!
October 7, 2025
Manhattan may be down, but so am I. Also off of this trainwreck.
I used to love Michael Cordy. His first five novels, published between 1997 and 2011 were truly gripping, high-concept thrillers, that combined thought-provoking concepts with thrilling, edge-of-your-seat stories, with "Crime Zero" and "The Colour of Death" being two outstanding novels.
He vanished after that, and I've always wondered why, seeing how good his writing and concpets are. This week I discovered he had finally returned, and according to his website, he stopped writing after his last novel, "The Colour of Death", due to his dad passing away and returned to writing during the pandemic. So naturally (and after a succession of reading truly awful novels, I ran like a crazy bat out of hell to get a copy, hoping for a good read.
Oh boy.
Oh fucking boy.
The novel started pretty good: Imagine the entire borough of Manhattan suddenly stopping. Everyone, at the same time, just loses consciousness, falling down, cars crash, chaos, mayhem.. and eerie silence. Three people, however, seem to be not affected by whatever has struck Manhattan. And another six people, who seem to belong to a extremist group and are on a mission, all covered with masks, organized, armed to the teeth and have demands or they will kill the incapacitated heads of stared at the UN HQ.
Sounds fascinating, right?
Don't I wish.
Because it's clear Cordy didn't really have nothing else going on accept for the basic premise. The book quickly becomes pedestrian and boring and excruciatingly slow, coupled with a slew of characters who most of them have zero significance to the story and are developed as a cardboard.
But that's not the biggest insult. No.
Cordy uses this premise to cry and rant and preach endlessly about global warming, and the 1 percent, and corrupt governments, and the patriarchy.... Because, as it turns out, our terrorists (because that's what they are, by their actions and death and devastation they've caused) are actually a group of cry-baby activists...
🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
Give me a fuckin' break, will ya?
I mean, how hypocritic can you get?
And if that's not enough for ya, I am to feel sorry for them because these terrorists (yes, not activists, terrorists) were hired by a rogue Chinese politician. Yes, I am supposed to feel bad because these so-called innocent, gentle, well-meaning terrorists were taken advantage by a rich man for his nefarious agenda.
All the while, trying to get me to forget how many people they've killed and put in danger for their own "good intentions".
Is this really where we are now as a society? You can kill, destroy, put others in extreme danger and just shrug it off because you call yourself an "activist" and have good intentions? Really?!?! Is this how warped and twisted our society has become? (and judging by the last two years, it seems we are, unfortunately).
No ideal, no intention, no matter how good, is worth death and destruction- and I don't give a flying fuck how right you think you are. Forcing your ideas, thoughts, intention onto others is nothing short of arrogance, because you think you know better than everyone else.
And I'm also done, sick and tired of authors (and artists, singers, actors, etc.) who have seem to have forgotten their job is to entertain, not to be so arrogant to think that their opinions matter more than everyone else's and have this need to shove their opinions into everyone's throat because they say so. Enough with this. Enough with politicizing everything and preaching. It's gone beyond effing ridiculous. Discussion is one thing (and indeed very important, especially in this day and age where everyone seem to lock themselves up in echo chambers and let their brains rot), but preaching and forcing is quite another.
1 star.
Disappointed would be the understatement of the millennium. Guess it has become too much in this day and age to read something intelligent, fun and good without being preached at. I'm sorry to see another author falling into this trap just to make a buck.
I used to love Michael Cordy. His first five novels, published between 1997 and 2011 were truly gripping, high-concept thrillers, that combined thought-provoking concepts with thrilling, edge-of-your-seat stories, with "Crime Zero" and "The Colour of Death" being two outstanding novels.
He vanished after that, and I've always wondered why, seeing how good his writing and concpets are. This week I discovered he had finally returned, and according to his website, he stopped writing after his last novel, "The Colour of Death", due to his dad passing away and returned to writing during the pandemic. So naturally (and after a succession of reading truly awful novels, I ran like a crazy bat out of hell to get a copy, hoping for a good read.
Oh boy.
Oh fucking boy.
The novel started pretty good: Imagine the entire borough of Manhattan suddenly stopping. Everyone, at the same time, just loses consciousness, falling down, cars crash, chaos, mayhem.. and eerie silence. Three people, however, seem to be not affected by whatever has struck Manhattan. And another six people, who seem to belong to a extremist group and are on a mission, all covered with masks, organized, armed to the teeth and have demands or they will kill the incapacitated heads of stared at the UN HQ.
Sounds fascinating, right?
Don't I wish.
Because it's clear Cordy didn't really have nothing else going on accept for the basic premise. The book quickly becomes pedestrian and boring and excruciatingly slow, coupled with a slew of characters who most of them have zero significance to the story and are developed as a cardboard.
But that's not the biggest insult. No.
Cordy uses this premise to cry and rant and preach endlessly about global warming, and the 1 percent, and corrupt governments, and the patriarchy.... Because, as it turns out, our terrorists (because that's what they are, by their actions and death and devastation they've caused) are actually a group of cry-baby activists...
🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
Give me a fuckin' break, will ya?
I mean, how hypocritic can you get?
And if that's not enough for ya, I am to feel sorry for them because these terrorists (yes, not activists, terrorists) were hired by a rogue Chinese politician. Yes, I am supposed to feel bad because these so-called innocent, gentle, well-meaning terrorists were taken advantage by a rich man for his nefarious agenda.
All the while, trying to get me to forget how many people they've killed and put in danger for their own "good intentions".
Is this really where we are now as a society? You can kill, destroy, put others in extreme danger and just shrug it off because you call yourself an "activist" and have good intentions? Really?!?! Is this how warped and twisted our society has become? (and judging by the last two years, it seems we are, unfortunately).
No ideal, no intention, no matter how good, is worth death and destruction- and I don't give a flying fuck how right you think you are. Forcing your ideas, thoughts, intention onto others is nothing short of arrogance, because you think you know better than everyone else.
And I'm also done, sick and tired of authors (and artists, singers, actors, etc.) who have seem to have forgotten their job is to entertain, not to be so arrogant to think that their opinions matter more than everyone else's and have this need to shove their opinions into everyone's throat because they say so. Enough with this. Enough with politicizing everything and preaching. It's gone beyond effing ridiculous. Discussion is one thing (and indeed very important, especially in this day and age where everyone seem to lock themselves up in echo chambers and let their brains rot), but preaching and forcing is quite another.
1 star.
Disappointed would be the understatement of the millennium. Guess it has become too much in this day and age to read something intelligent, fun and good without being preached at. I'm sorry to see another author falling into this trap just to make a buck.
June 25, 2025
Most speculative thrillers I've read which involve a threat to humankind feature some sort of devastating global event. Manhattan Down is different; only the people on Manhattan Island are affected but after almost every person there suddenly falls asleep at 5:25pm, the implications for the world are still terrifying.
Set in a near-future New York, the climate crisis has reached a critical moment and time is running out for the world – particularly the richest nations – to finally take some sort of decisive action to save the planet. As world leaders gather for the United Nations Summit of the Future at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, it has been termed the Summit of Resilience and Hope. Despite the sweltering temperatures, thousands of protestors are marching but Samantha Rossi insists her teenage daughter Zoe has to attend school. It's not long, however, before Sam hears far more distressing news but before she has the chance to talk to her daughter, almost everyone in the city falls unconscious.
Meanwhile, readers have already been introduced to Detective Nick Lockwood whose attempt to protect his partner, Paula O'Malley when she chases a lead many believe to be nothing but a conspiracy theory, results in him waking up eight days later from a coma. Lockwood wakes to discover nearly everybody is asleep while Samantha is unable to sleep. The explanation as to why neither has fallen victim to the audacious attack is quickly explained and is entirely plausible given the circumstances.
Nick's guilt regarding his past means he is determined to protect his city but after he witnesses another man attempting to assault an unconscious woman, he is presented with the opportunity to discover just what the small group of people responsible for the attack are hoping to achieve. Without knowing what his role is supposed to be, or what the ultimate aim of the gang is, the risk of being uncovered is high and Manhattan Down is a tense read throughout. Sam's sole focus is on protecting her daughter but after the pair cross paths, they have to decide whether they can trust one another.
Although being sent to sleep sounds like a relatively benign attack, the truth is more sinister; from the first few deaths which occur as a result of the suddenness of their induced slumber to the tragic accidents shortly afterwards, to the loves lost due to the actions of others, danger is never far away here. Poignantly, this event takes place on the anniversary of 9/11 but with the residents of Manhattan, as well as the world's leaders, once again apparently under attack, the objective here is never clear. While the world calls them terrorists, the Waking Eye group describe themselves as activists and are motivated by a desire to force change. It becomes chillingly evident however, that some of them have far more lethal plans beyond their declared demands.
The descriptions of a city which has been forcibly stalled but still teems with life as hordes of rats and other crazed animals roam the streets are vividly atmospheric. Nick and Sam are forced to make some difficult decisions and as well as being a high-octane read, Manhattan Down also challenges its readers to consider what they might do in the same situation. Michael Cordy clever explores some pressing contemporary issues and the dynamic storyline is nuanced and empathetic throughout.
With its likeable, authentic main characters, devious villains and a particularly moving redemption subplot, readers are never allowed to forget that whether humanity needs protecting from sophisticated tech attacks, avaricious treachery or the calamitous consequences of climate change, the eventual solutions are more likely to be found through the co-operative efforts of those courageous enough to take a stand. Packed with shocking twists, Manhattan Down is an addictively dramatic, thought-provoking novel; perfect for anybody who enjoys intelligent, pulse-pounding high concept thrillers!
Set in a near-future New York, the climate crisis has reached a critical moment and time is running out for the world – particularly the richest nations – to finally take some sort of decisive action to save the planet. As world leaders gather for the United Nations Summit of the Future at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, it has been termed the Summit of Resilience and Hope. Despite the sweltering temperatures, thousands of protestors are marching but Samantha Rossi insists her teenage daughter Zoe has to attend school. It's not long, however, before Sam hears far more distressing news but before she has the chance to talk to her daughter, almost everyone in the city falls unconscious.
Meanwhile, readers have already been introduced to Detective Nick Lockwood whose attempt to protect his partner, Paula O'Malley when she chases a lead many believe to be nothing but a conspiracy theory, results in him waking up eight days later from a coma. Lockwood wakes to discover nearly everybody is asleep while Samantha is unable to sleep. The explanation as to why neither has fallen victim to the audacious attack is quickly explained and is entirely plausible given the circumstances.
Nick's guilt regarding his past means he is determined to protect his city but after he witnesses another man attempting to assault an unconscious woman, he is presented with the opportunity to discover just what the small group of people responsible for the attack are hoping to achieve. Without knowing what his role is supposed to be, or what the ultimate aim of the gang is, the risk of being uncovered is high and Manhattan Down is a tense read throughout. Sam's sole focus is on protecting her daughter but after the pair cross paths, they have to decide whether they can trust one another.
Although being sent to sleep sounds like a relatively benign attack, the truth is more sinister; from the first few deaths which occur as a result of the suddenness of their induced slumber to the tragic accidents shortly afterwards, to the loves lost due to the actions of others, danger is never far away here. Poignantly, this event takes place on the anniversary of 9/11 but with the residents of Manhattan, as well as the world's leaders, once again apparently under attack, the objective here is never clear. While the world calls them terrorists, the Waking Eye group describe themselves as activists and are motivated by a desire to force change. It becomes chillingly evident however, that some of them have far more lethal plans beyond their declared demands.
The descriptions of a city which has been forcibly stalled but still teems with life as hordes of rats and other crazed animals roam the streets are vividly atmospheric. Nick and Sam are forced to make some difficult decisions and as well as being a high-octane read, Manhattan Down also challenges its readers to consider what they might do in the same situation. Michael Cordy clever explores some pressing contemporary issues and the dynamic storyline is nuanced and empathetic throughout.
With its likeable, authentic main characters, devious villains and a particularly moving redemption subplot, readers are never allowed to forget that whether humanity needs protecting from sophisticated tech attacks, avaricious treachery or the calamitous consequences of climate change, the eventual solutions are more likely to be found through the co-operative efforts of those courageous enough to take a stand. Packed with shocking twists, Manhattan Down is an addictively dramatic, thought-provoking novel; perfect for anybody who enjoys intelligent, pulse-pounding high concept thrillers!
June 3, 2025
The plot is certainly outlandish and is set on the evening/early hours of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, but as those events demonstrated some people do think the unthinkable. The plan is to put everyone in Manhattan to sleep, waking them only once their ecologically based demands are met. This is only the beginning though and like the analogy that writers sometimes make about writing as if they were diving a car and can only see as far as the headlights allow, the reader knows that there is more to come but has no idea what. This allows a degree of freewheeling that keeps the reader’s attention as a power struggle develops. It is cleverly done and beautifully executed, so much so that one of the oldest tropes with an added touch of sentimentality is instantly forgiven and becomes poignant. There is also a magnificent piece of verbal foreshadowing in the opening pages. This is a very well-crafted and thoughtful thriller.
It certainly captures some of the zeitgeist of now as climate concerns and protests morph into more direct action. A nuisance for some, but if these groups are ignored or if they see progress being too slow would eco-terrorism be the next step.
The technology that allows the events to take place was developed to do good and would benefit many in the West but was sidelined and then hijacked. A conspiracy theory perhaps, but more people seeing the medical and pharmaceutical world in a cynical light, there is more profit in treating the symptoms than curing the illness. Here the reader can see the moral dilemma for the creator, who is betrayed on all sides.
This kind of thriller thrives on unlikely heroes (and heroines) and here we are treated to a wonderfully quirky ‘band of brothers’ who we instantly root for. There is detective Nick Lockwood who wakes from a coma that resulted from an attack that killed his partner, Paula O’Malley. Paula was considered a crank, falling for conspiracy nonsense, so Nick is carrying on her struggle. Then there is Samantha Rossi, a banking online security expert and mother, who has had the worse news possible and now must somehow break it to her daughter Zoe. Sam’s skills will prove the key to the night’s resolution and during the evening she will process her news and see a way forward. Zoe is a bright, intelligent and switched on thirteen-year-old, but already engaged in the environmental cause. She brings the clarity of vision of youth, a little naïve of course, but not constrained by the adult world. Finally, there is invalided and discarded army veteran Hank Kowalski, a man who has paid a heavy price for his service and now lives on the street. For him the evening will come as a shot at personal redemption, to be proud and not just some bum.
The action scenes are well imagined and crisply written rather than drawn out, which also the story to move along briskly. There is also a great deal of suspense built up as events move to the deadline time. The finale was partly a surprise, with a touch of moral ambiguity, those with a harder heart may prefer a less upbeat note, but for me it was pitched about right.
A thoughtful and thought-provoking thriller that taps into contemporary global fears.
It certainly captures some of the zeitgeist of now as climate concerns and protests morph into more direct action. A nuisance for some, but if these groups are ignored or if they see progress being too slow would eco-terrorism be the next step.
The technology that allows the events to take place was developed to do good and would benefit many in the West but was sidelined and then hijacked. A conspiracy theory perhaps, but more people seeing the medical and pharmaceutical world in a cynical light, there is more profit in treating the symptoms than curing the illness. Here the reader can see the moral dilemma for the creator, who is betrayed on all sides.
This kind of thriller thrives on unlikely heroes (and heroines) and here we are treated to a wonderfully quirky ‘band of brothers’ who we instantly root for. There is detective Nick Lockwood who wakes from a coma that resulted from an attack that killed his partner, Paula O’Malley. Paula was considered a crank, falling for conspiracy nonsense, so Nick is carrying on her struggle. Then there is Samantha Rossi, a banking online security expert and mother, who has had the worse news possible and now must somehow break it to her daughter Zoe. Sam’s skills will prove the key to the night’s resolution and during the evening she will process her news and see a way forward. Zoe is a bright, intelligent and switched on thirteen-year-old, but already engaged in the environmental cause. She brings the clarity of vision of youth, a little naïve of course, but not constrained by the adult world. Finally, there is invalided and discarded army veteran Hank Kowalski, a man who has paid a heavy price for his service and now lives on the street. For him the evening will come as a shot at personal redemption, to be proud and not just some bum.
The action scenes are well imagined and crisply written rather than drawn out, which also the story to move along briskly. There is also a great deal of suspense built up as events move to the deadline time. The finale was partly a surprise, with a touch of moral ambiguity, those with a harder heart may prefer a less upbeat note, but for me it was pitched about right.
A thoughtful and thought-provoking thriller that taps into contemporary global fears.
August 11, 2025
A frightening eco thriller set in NEW YORK
At 5.25 PM on the evening of 10 September Manhattan involuntarily goes to sleep. Millions of people stop in their tracks and collapse to the floor or pavement. Hundreds of the world’s leaders are gathered in the United Nations Building for a conference on Resilience and Hope. They suffer the same fate. Cars spin out of control on the roads, and there are numerous accidents and many deaths. It is chaos and it is carnage.
Nearly everyone in Manhattan is impacted by whatever it is that is causing the city to close down, but a very few are not. Nick Lockwood is a detective who has been in hospital in a coma since he was attacked in the street a couple of weeks previously. He wakes up at the moment everyone else falls asleep. And Samantha Rossi is unaffected. She has just been diagnosed with FFI (Fatal Familial Insomnia) meaning she cannot sleep and is scheduled to die in the not too distant future. She suspects her daughter, Zoe, may well have the same condition – and Zoe is missing somewhere in Manhattan. Nick and Samantha (and Zoe) are critical players as the plot develops.
Only Manhattan is affected by whatever is going on. The New York State and the Federal Governments are panicking. They work out it much be some king of electrical impulse that is causing the situation, but they cannot determine much more than that. They have no idea how it was caused and by whom. They surmise a terrorist group is behind the action and await what they believe will be a ransom demand. They are not disappointed. A group called Waking Eye claims responsibility and issues a list of demands. All are connected to action to halt and reverse climate change. The authorities have little choice but to go along with the demands. Otherwise the sleepers will not be woken and will die.
A frightening eco thriller set in NEW YORKMeanwhile Nick and Samantha have encountered each other and are roaming the streets of a pretty deserted night time Manhattan trying to work out what is going on and how to stop it. They encounter, and (by luck and by trickery) are accepted by seven members of Waking Eye – people named after the seven deadly sins (Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Pride, Sloth, Greed, and Wrath). Each of them has a particular skill or expertise which is why they were selected for the team.
The story builds to a frightening crescendo.
Manhattan Down is a somewhat bizarre read. Easy to dismiss as perhaps a fanciful (if exciting) excursion into the real of impossibilities. But it is a lot more than that. Since finishing it (a few days ago) it has kept resurfacing in my consciousness. It is a book that makes you think about what could happen…
At 5.25 PM on the evening of 10 September Manhattan involuntarily goes to sleep. Millions of people stop in their tracks and collapse to the floor or pavement. Hundreds of the world’s leaders are gathered in the United Nations Building for a conference on Resilience and Hope. They suffer the same fate. Cars spin out of control on the roads, and there are numerous accidents and many deaths. It is chaos and it is carnage.
Nearly everyone in Manhattan is impacted by whatever it is that is causing the city to close down, but a very few are not. Nick Lockwood is a detective who has been in hospital in a coma since he was attacked in the street a couple of weeks previously. He wakes up at the moment everyone else falls asleep. And Samantha Rossi is unaffected. She has just been diagnosed with FFI (Fatal Familial Insomnia) meaning she cannot sleep and is scheduled to die in the not too distant future. She suspects her daughter, Zoe, may well have the same condition – and Zoe is missing somewhere in Manhattan. Nick and Samantha (and Zoe) are critical players as the plot develops.
Only Manhattan is affected by whatever is going on. The New York State and the Federal Governments are panicking. They work out it much be some king of electrical impulse that is causing the situation, but they cannot determine much more than that. They have no idea how it was caused and by whom. They surmise a terrorist group is behind the action and await what they believe will be a ransom demand. They are not disappointed. A group called Waking Eye claims responsibility and issues a list of demands. All are connected to action to halt and reverse climate change. The authorities have little choice but to go along with the demands. Otherwise the sleepers will not be woken and will die.
A frightening eco thriller set in NEW YORKMeanwhile Nick and Samantha have encountered each other and are roaming the streets of a pretty deserted night time Manhattan trying to work out what is going on and how to stop it. They encounter, and (by luck and by trickery) are accepted by seven members of Waking Eye – people named after the seven deadly sins (Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Pride, Sloth, Greed, and Wrath). Each of them has a particular skill or expertise which is why they were selected for the team.
The story builds to a frightening crescendo.
Manhattan Down is a somewhat bizarre read. Easy to dismiss as perhaps a fanciful (if exciting) excursion into the real of impossibilities. But it is a lot more than that. Since finishing it (a few days ago) it has kept resurfacing in my consciousness. It is a book that makes you think about what could happen…
April 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
I enjoyed the genre of this book and the way in which important global issues are the main focus, I just don’t know if the execution was quite right.
The premise is the entirety of Manhattan being held hostage by activists/terrorists, with only a handful of people able to fight back from within. The perspective shifts quickly and without warning between those awake within the city and those left to solve the demands from further afield. Though I do like a perspective shift between characters, it felt quite janky here in that you’d read from the viewpoint of 4 characters within just one chapter. Though this worked to build tension, it did become slightly difficult to follow each narrative.
I did enjoy and respected the highlighting of important global issues, but the repetitiveness started to feel slightly preachy. I absolutely believe in the importance of reversing global warming, but when it’s forced into every conversation throughout every chapter, it starts to feel self righteous. I felt the same way about the science and computing references. They were necessary to a degree, to understand how everything could happen, but were reiterated far too frequently.
The main characters were easily likeable but did seem to lack depth. My favourite character was Zoe, but I feel like the perspective switches meant it became difficult to connect fully with anyone. I really struggled with the activist/terrorist characters. Having their pseudonyms be the seven deadly sins was a great idea, but the constant mention of them, without any of the characters appearing to portray any of those traits, meant I lost track. At no point did I feel confident as to who was who.
This is a book I’d definitely like to see a TV/film adaptation of as I feel seeing the settings and characters would help to follow the story more easily. Overall, a worthwhile story which could maybe do with some tweaks to the execution.
I enjoyed the genre of this book and the way in which important global issues are the main focus, I just don’t know if the execution was quite right.
The premise is the entirety of Manhattan being held hostage by activists/terrorists, with only a handful of people able to fight back from within. The perspective shifts quickly and without warning between those awake within the city and those left to solve the demands from further afield. Though I do like a perspective shift between characters, it felt quite janky here in that you’d read from the viewpoint of 4 characters within just one chapter. Though this worked to build tension, it did become slightly difficult to follow each narrative.
I did enjoy and respected the highlighting of important global issues, but the repetitiveness started to feel slightly preachy. I absolutely believe in the importance of reversing global warming, but when it’s forced into every conversation throughout every chapter, it starts to feel self righteous. I felt the same way about the science and computing references. They were necessary to a degree, to understand how everything could happen, but were reiterated far too frequently.
The main characters were easily likeable but did seem to lack depth. My favourite character was Zoe, but I feel like the perspective switches meant it became difficult to connect fully with anyone. I really struggled with the activist/terrorist characters. Having their pseudonyms be the seven deadly sins was a great idea, but the constant mention of them, without any of the characters appearing to portray any of those traits, meant I lost track. At no point did I feel confident as to who was who.
This is a book I’d definitely like to see a TV/film adaptation of as I feel seeing the settings and characters would help to follow the story more easily. Overall, a worthwhile story which could maybe do with some tweaks to the execution.
May 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Random House UK for this eCopy to review
I just finished Manhattan Down by Michael Cordy, and wow—what a ride. This book is a high-stakes thriller that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. Cordy has crafted a pulse-pounding narrative that blends disaster, mystery, and human resilience into one unforgettable story.
Set in New York City on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, the novel plunges Manhattan into chaos when, at precisely 5:25 p.m., every single person on the island suddenly falls unconscious—except for two: Samantha Rossi, a single mother facing devastating personal news, and Nick Lockwood, an NYPD detective who wakes from a coma just as the city collapses into eerie silence.
The premise alone is chilling. The idea of an entire city—millions of people—suddenly rendered helpless is terrifying, and Cordy masterfully builds tension as Rossi and Lockwood scramble to uncover the truth. Their motivations are deeply personal: Rossi is desperate to find her daughter, while Lockwood is determined to protect his city. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and as the mystery unfolds, the novel forces its characters—and readers—to confront unsettling questions about power, survival, and sacrifice.
Cordy’s writing is sharp and cinematic, making it easy to visualize the eerie emptiness of Manhattan and the growing desperation of the protagonists. The pacing is relentless, keeping me hooked until the final pages. While the book delivers plenty of action and suspense, it also explores deeper themes, particularly the fragility of leadership and the consequences of global crises.
Manhattan Down is a gripping, thought-provoking thriller that dares to imagine the unimaginable. If you’re a fan of high-concept disaster novels with strong characters and relentless tension, this one is definitely worth picking up. Just be prepared to lose sleep over it.
I just finished Manhattan Down by Michael Cordy, and wow—what a ride. This book is a high-stakes thriller that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. Cordy has crafted a pulse-pounding narrative that blends disaster, mystery, and human resilience into one unforgettable story.
Set in New York City on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, the novel plunges Manhattan into chaos when, at precisely 5:25 p.m., every single person on the island suddenly falls unconscious—except for two: Samantha Rossi, a single mother facing devastating personal news, and Nick Lockwood, an NYPD detective who wakes from a coma just as the city collapses into eerie silence.
The premise alone is chilling. The idea of an entire city—millions of people—suddenly rendered helpless is terrifying, and Cordy masterfully builds tension as Rossi and Lockwood scramble to uncover the truth. Their motivations are deeply personal: Rossi is desperate to find her daughter, while Lockwood is determined to protect his city. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and as the mystery unfolds, the novel forces its characters—and readers—to confront unsettling questions about power, survival, and sacrifice.
Cordy’s writing is sharp and cinematic, making it easy to visualize the eerie emptiness of Manhattan and the growing desperation of the protagonists. The pacing is relentless, keeping me hooked until the final pages. While the book delivers plenty of action and suspense, it also explores deeper themes, particularly the fragility of leadership and the consequences of global crises.
Manhattan Down is a gripping, thought-provoking thriller that dares to imagine the unimaginable. If you’re a fan of high-concept disaster novels with strong characters and relentless tension, this one is definitely worth picking up. Just be prepared to lose sleep over it.
April 21, 2025
Hostage taking is a classic extortion technique. Taking four million hostages is egregious, but not hard if you’ve put them all to sleep. Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Pride, Wrath, Lust and Pride are ecoterrorists, and their hostages are all the inhabitants of Manhattan; including the leaders of all nations, who happen to be at the UN for a Climate Conference. With four exceptions: Samantha Rossi and her daughter Zoe, who have a genetic condition which makes the immune to the ultrasonic wave generator which induces sleep, Nick Lockwood, an NYPD cop with a brain injury, and Hank Kowalski, a marine veteran with an unspecified mental problem. The ecoterrorists are demanding major changes to world governance, global finance, and the replacement of all fossil fuels with renewables. And as a side line electronically robbing all of the major banks headquartered on the island. The unlikely collection of insomniacs find themselves involuntarily cast as the saviours of the four million, and the world order.
This is a fairly run of the mill thriller, with a few twists but a flat trajectory. The basic premise is not unbelievable, but the exposition is unlikely. The various characters are stereotypes, and there is a rather overt political bias in that the goodies are The West (essentially Americans), and the baddies, including the brains behind the baddies, are The Rest (especially Chinese), while the motivation for the terrorists is cast in an overly positive way. I can see this plot being quite a reasonable straight-to-video movie, where the speed of events limits the viewer’s scepticism, but it is a pot-boiler as a book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
This is a fairly run of the mill thriller, with a few twists but a flat trajectory. The basic premise is not unbelievable, but the exposition is unlikely. The various characters are stereotypes, and there is a rather overt political bias in that the goodies are The West (essentially Americans), and the baddies, including the brains behind the baddies, are The Rest (especially Chinese), while the motivation for the terrorists is cast in an overly positive way. I can see this plot being quite a reasonable straight-to-video movie, where the speed of events limits the viewer’s scepticism, but it is a pot-boiler as a book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
May 6, 2025
Literally, in the blink of an eye, at 5:25pm on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary the entire island of Manhattan goes to sleep. Four million people fall, and remain where they fell, be that on the pavement or at their desk in an office block or whilst walking in the street and as Manhattan goes eerily silent there are only a handful of eco-warriors who know precisely what is going on and they are about to put their ambitious plan into action.
The story hits the ground running and doesn’t let up pace until the whole of this clever plot is revealed. With a real sense of time and place Manhattan, lost in time, becomes another fascinating character in this daring story and I followed with a real sense of trepidation watching as the plot unfolded and the perpetrators started to reveal their true personalities. There’s a real sense of disquiet, rather like the deserted streets of our towns and cities during the recent global pandemic, an otherworldliness starts to evolve, with streets and building littered with bodies, there’s a glimpse of a futuristic world which could, however frightening it seems, be just around the corner.
This is a really accomplished thriller, from its scarily realistic setting, to the well thought out characters particularly those of the terrorists and also Samantha Rossi and Nick Lockwood who become real champions and who under normal circumstances would never have met and interacted. I flew through the story in a couple of sittings, reluctant to leave the sleeping Manhattan to its own devices and fascinated to see what would happen next in this fast action thriller.
Beautifully written, with such incredible and believable detail, I can well imagine Manhattan Down being picked up and made into a movie, it really is that good.
May 9, 2025
3.5⭐️💫 On the anniversary eve of the 9/11 terror attack, New York swelters under a heat dome of record temperatures. Even the global leaders assembled at the UN HQ are forced to admit that the climate crisis has reached boiling point. That same day, at precisely 5:25pm, everyone on Manhattan Island – every man, woman & child, falls unconscious. Everyone that is, except for Samantha Rossi, a single mother reeling from devastating personal news & Nick Lockwood, a wounded NYPD detective who wakes from a coma just as the City That Never Sleeps falls into one. Rossi’s first concern is her daughter, Lockwood’s is his city. As night draws in, they must work together to unravel the mystery of what has happened & why. Each must decide how far they will go and what lines they will cross to save what matters most to them.
This is an intense thriller from the offset, I was instantly intrigued by the synopsis of this title, especially with a personal love of NYC & imagining how this would impact in reality.
The characters are likeable, their emotions are conveyed by the author vividly throughout so that the reader is kept captivated by the tension of the events that take place. It is a very clever concept and the intrigue is prominent throughout as the two main characters strive to find a solution before the deadline. Switching between the different character POV’s also maintained a steady pace throughout.
My only criticism is that some elements become a little repetitive, specifically in terms of the hacking procedures, I completely understand this was quite a technical factor in the book but I felt it was explained a little too much at times without adding anything essential to the plot. I do however feel this book is crying out to be a feature film!
This is an intense thriller from the offset, I was instantly intrigued by the synopsis of this title, especially with a personal love of NYC & imagining how this would impact in reality.
The characters are likeable, their emotions are conveyed by the author vividly throughout so that the reader is kept captivated by the tension of the events that take place. It is a very clever concept and the intrigue is prominent throughout as the two main characters strive to find a solution before the deadline. Switching between the different character POV’s also maintained a steady pace throughout.
My only criticism is that some elements become a little repetitive, specifically in terms of the hacking procedures, I completely understand this was quite a technical factor in the book but I felt it was explained a little too much at times without adding anything essential to the plot. I do however feel this book is crying out to be a feature film!
May 13, 2025
3.5 stars, not quite a 4, for me. Manhattan Down is exactly what it says on the tin - an action thriller about Manhattanites being put to sleep, along with all world leaders at the UN, by terrorists/climate activists. All excluding a notable few who are exempt owing to head trauma or insomnia. These include Nick Lockwood, police detective; Samantha Rossi, insomniac IT genius; Zoe, her daughter and Hank Kowalski, Marine veteran.
On the whole it was a great premise that delivered well thought through peril and consequences of a city whose inhabitants drop unconscious regardless of what they may be doing. There's a lot of tech jargon that came across as plausible and the sense of threat packed a hefty punch, at times. The characters we get know are all likeable but on a shallow level. Though there is backstory provided for each, they felt ever so flimsy and two dimensional. Quite a lot happens as we visit five banks in one night repeating the same sequence. That process could have been whittled down with a good edit. I did enjoy the arch of the story but it seemed slightly formulaic and foreseeable. Bad events occurring didn't cause much anxiety for the reader as there was always confidence it would all work out. A bit too safe. A lack of emotional investment on my part.
It would be ideal for this to be adapted for tv. In the right hands this could be amazing to watch and characters could become three dimensional in a way the book wasn't. On the whole, a good distraction that I wouldn't mind seeing occur in real life.
On the whole it was a great premise that delivered well thought through peril and consequences of a city whose inhabitants drop unconscious regardless of what they may be doing. There's a lot of tech jargon that came across as plausible and the sense of threat packed a hefty punch, at times. The characters we get know are all likeable but on a shallow level. Though there is backstory provided for each, they felt ever so flimsy and two dimensional. Quite a lot happens as we visit five banks in one night repeating the same sequence. That process could have been whittled down with a good edit. I did enjoy the arch of the story but it seemed slightly formulaic and foreseeable. Bad events occurring didn't cause much anxiety for the reader as there was always confidence it would all work out. A bit too safe. A lack of emotional investment on my part.
It would be ideal for this to be adapted for tv. In the right hands this could be amazing to watch and characters could become three dimensional in a way the book wasn't. On the whole, a good distraction that I wouldn't mind seeing occur in real life.
May 15, 2025
I haven't read a politica/action thriller for a while so I was looking forward to reading this. I loved the premise that at 5.25pm one afternoon the whole of the population of Manhatten suddenly fell unconscious. A cyber event that feels terrifyingly possible.
Among the unconscious are the world's biggest political leaders who were meeting in central Manhatten at the time.
Only a few of the total population stay awake. These include tech genius Samantha Rossi and her daughter Sam. A pre existing health condition means they are unaffected. NYPD police officer Nick Lockwood also wakes from his coma at the same time.
The city is cut off and it isn't safe for the government or police on the outside to penetrate it. Together Rossi and Lockwood have to work out what is happening to the city and why.
It didn't take long to become immersed with the characters in the story. The plot moves ar a brisk pace and I was keen to learn more about the terrorists and how they had brought down the city.
There are some strong moral dilemmas as the book progresses. Was the actual reason behind the terror attack worth fighting for?
The book was clearly meticulously researched. I did find some of the cyber detail a little confusing and I would have preferred less detail as the terrorists visited each of the banks!
The last part of the book was particularly gripping and I couldn't wait to find how the situation would resolve.
Overall this was an action packed thriller and it would make a great film/TV series.
Among the unconscious are the world's biggest political leaders who were meeting in central Manhatten at the time.
Only a few of the total population stay awake. These include tech genius Samantha Rossi and her daughter Sam. A pre existing health condition means they are unaffected. NYPD police officer Nick Lockwood also wakes from his coma at the same time.
The city is cut off and it isn't safe for the government or police on the outside to penetrate it. Together Rossi and Lockwood have to work out what is happening to the city and why.
It didn't take long to become immersed with the characters in the story. The plot moves ar a brisk pace and I was keen to learn more about the terrorists and how they had brought down the city.
There are some strong moral dilemmas as the book progresses. Was the actual reason behind the terror attack worth fighting for?
The book was clearly meticulously researched. I did find some of the cyber detail a little confusing and I would have preferred less detail as the terrorists visited each of the banks!
The last part of the book was particularly gripping and I couldn't wait to find how the situation would resolve.
Overall this was an action packed thriller and it would make a great film/TV series.
May 17, 2025
On the anniversary of 9/11, a mysterious event renders all but a few people in Manhattan unconscious, leaving them to contend with the band of ecoterrorists who've taken the entire city hostage. Cordy's high-concept thriller delivers entertainingly on this premise in its best moments, conjuring up eerie vistas of a sleeping city. However, I felt MANHATTAN DOWN's execution left much to be desired. Its prose felt clunky, with long and predictable digressions about the climate and wealth inequality, and a tendency towards overwrought adjectives (the Treasury Secretary's aides being described as "[moving] with the silky, confident grace of apex predators, bearing their laptops like Samurai wielding swords", for instance).
The story's denouement also felt similarly predictable. The trope of activists with a superficially noble cause unintentionally doing the bidding of wealthy villains is pretty played-out, and the sequence revealing the plot's true culprits felt thoroughly ridiculous:
The story's denouement also felt similarly predictable. The trope of activists with a superficially noble cause unintentionally doing the bidding of wealthy villains is pretty played-out, and the sequence revealing the plot's true culprits felt thoroughly ridiculous:
June 17, 2025
My thanks to Sophie Ransom and Kelly Pike from Ransom PR and publishers Bantam Books/Transworld for my gifted review copy of 'Manhattan Down' by Michael Cordy
Mixing the urgency and speed of the best type of thriller, with a pulsating social commentary, set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic attack, 'Manhattan Down' is the type of book which keeps you on tenterhooks .
Beginning with an astonishing attack on 2 police people, who are meeting covertly because they have grave concerns about up coming potential terrorist attacks, on the American away of life, this story quickly descends into a hellscape.
The city which never sleeps, and whose symbol is the Statue Of Liberty, which represents safe haven , falls into unconsciousness.
All that's left awake and aware are a handful of people, desperately trying to band together to bring down the ominous 'The Fat Man', and personification of the seven deadly sins.
They are-
A mother fighting tiredness that could end her life, carrying in her genes the potential to gift a fatal lack of sleep to her daughter.
A cop waking from a coma to a find the world he knows, inexorably changed.
And a war vet living on the streets of Manhattan , whose skills for survival become very necessary indeed.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a thriller with a heart, suspense driven by short, sharp chapters and a compelling plot, 'Manhattan Down' was a visual feast in the mind of this reader!
Mixing the urgency and speed of the best type of thriller, with a pulsating social commentary, set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic attack, 'Manhattan Down' is the type of book which keeps you on tenterhooks .
Beginning with an astonishing attack on 2 police people, who are meeting covertly because they have grave concerns about up coming potential terrorist attacks, on the American away of life, this story quickly descends into a hellscape.
The city which never sleeps, and whose symbol is the Statue Of Liberty, which represents safe haven , falls into unconsciousness.
All that's left awake and aware are a handful of people, desperately trying to band together to bring down the ominous 'The Fat Man', and personification of the seven deadly sins.
They are-
A mother fighting tiredness that could end her life, carrying in her genes the potential to gift a fatal lack of sleep to her daughter.
A cop waking from a coma to a find the world he knows, inexorably changed.
And a war vet living on the streets of Manhattan , whose skills for survival become very necessary indeed.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a thriller with a heart, suspense driven by short, sharp chapters and a compelling plot, 'Manhattan Down' was a visual feast in the mind of this reader!
July 28, 2025
I'm pretty sure that the bones of the book came out of the whole Covid debacle...you get a sense of America Good/China Bad throughout like its spouted from TACO's public outbursts...not that anyone talks about injecting bleach thankfully.
I do like an end of times novel - never missed a copy or episode of The Walking Dead...this time its less about a Zombie Apocalypse, more about what happens when the majority of the planet go to sleep and don't wake up.
Its a good premise, and there might be a good novel there but it doesn't quite cut it for me...I think Stephen King and The Stand might have corrupted me in respect of what Good looks like...can't remember how many times I've read that classic in its various formats (extended re-writes, comic books and screenplays).
I can't say that I warmed to the main characters as I did to those who've gone before them, but praise to Mr Cordy for having a tale to tell and getting it out there for the masses.
I like the short chapters; sometimes they hung together well but I think it comes over as a TV movie synopsis more than a full novel...another couple of rewrites might have sorted that, might yet sort that...the world doesn't come to a grinding halt so there is scope for follow ups.
I was sent an advance copy of this book on the basis that I would provide and honest, personal review...and that's what you've just experienced...if it was a school report I think I'd conclude as "good effort, could do better"
I do like an end of times novel - never missed a copy or episode of The Walking Dead...this time its less about a Zombie Apocalypse, more about what happens when the majority of the planet go to sleep and don't wake up.
Its a good premise, and there might be a good novel there but it doesn't quite cut it for me...I think Stephen King and The Stand might have corrupted me in respect of what Good looks like...can't remember how many times I've read that classic in its various formats (extended re-writes, comic books and screenplays).
I can't say that I warmed to the main characters as I did to those who've gone before them, but praise to Mr Cordy for having a tale to tell and getting it out there for the masses.
I like the short chapters; sometimes they hung together well but I think it comes over as a TV movie synopsis more than a full novel...another couple of rewrites might have sorted that, might yet sort that...the world doesn't come to a grinding halt so there is scope for follow ups.
I was sent an advance copy of this book on the basis that I would provide and honest, personal review...and that's what you've just experienced...if it was a school report I think I'd conclude as "good effort, could do better"
November 21, 2025
The first Michael Cordy novel in over 10 years! I have to say that Michael Cordy’s first few novels were ground-breaking, which mostly had a compelling story with pseudo real-world consequences, he was, at least to me, the original Dan Brown, before Dan Brown become popular.
Manhattan Down was a simple reintroduction into the world, with what his story-telling capabilities could do. It was a simple thriller, simple enough because all he did was to put Manhattan, the busiest city in the world, to sleep. Thereafter he crafted the story to who, what, where, when, why and how the Waking Eye did what they did. I promise, no spoilers.
Overall, the idea of Somnopolis was intriguing, although I think it was not expanded upon as much as I liked. The 7 deadly sins of characters all had their own personal agenda, some of them linked back to the Vice Premier of China positioning himself to take over the Premier should requests not get met by the “terrorists”. But most of them had altruistic goals for the world to effectively change. As they say, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
I enjoyed the science behind the somnus device, which was originally had a different purpose, but as mentioned above, it was really not expanded upon sufficiently to give a satisfactory conclusion. And there were far too many coincidences to make the story flow.
Highly recommended for fans of Michael Cordy, and fans of thrillers.
7 out of 10
Manhattan Down was a simple reintroduction into the world, with what his story-telling capabilities could do. It was a simple thriller, simple enough because all he did was to put Manhattan, the busiest city in the world, to sleep. Thereafter he crafted the story to who, what, where, when, why and how the Waking Eye did what they did. I promise, no spoilers.
Overall, the idea of Somnopolis was intriguing, although I think it was not expanded upon as much as I liked. The 7 deadly sins of characters all had their own personal agenda, some of them linked back to the Vice Premier of China positioning himself to take over the Premier should requests not get met by the “terrorists”. But most of them had altruistic goals for the world to effectively change. As they say, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
I enjoyed the science behind the somnus device, which was originally had a different purpose, but as mentioned above, it was really not expanded upon sufficiently to give a satisfactory conclusion. And there were far too many coincidences to make the story flow.
Highly recommended for fans of Michael Cordy, and fans of thrillers.
7 out of 10
May 27, 2025
If I'm honest, I don’t normally read thrillers, but I saw the blurb for this and was immediately drawn to it, so I thought I’d give it a go.
I’m so glad I did!!!
My Review.
When the island of Manhattan goes silent because everyone has become unconscious, and then you see only two people who have remained awake, you know it will be a rollercoaster of a thriller!!!
The book starts with the hottest day in history when all the world leaders gathered at the UN building in Manhattan. Everyone suddenly falls asleep.
Samantha Rossi—a single mom with the world's weight on her shoulders, and Nick Lockwood, a NYPD detective who came out of a coma and went out into a ghost city.
I thought the story was just about the end, but it was also about relationships, the truth, and what is right.
Rossi’s strong mother-bear instincts and Lockwood’s determined loyalty to the city make them an interesting couple to read about.
Writing about the climate crisis, whats right and wrong, and human support are written altogether really well and make this a thriller of a read.
I loved the connection with Samantha and her daughter, Zoe.
I loved Nicks's adamancy about solving the mysteries and his never-give-up attitude.
The side character, Hank, was a solid favourite, his back
Story and what he did to defend everything was brilliant.
I’m so glad I did!!!
My Review.
When the island of Manhattan goes silent because everyone has become unconscious, and then you see only two people who have remained awake, you know it will be a rollercoaster of a thriller!!!
The book starts with the hottest day in history when all the world leaders gathered at the UN building in Manhattan. Everyone suddenly falls asleep.
Samantha Rossi—a single mom with the world's weight on her shoulders, and Nick Lockwood, a NYPD detective who came out of a coma and went out into a ghost city.
I thought the story was just about the end, but it was also about relationships, the truth, and what is right.
Rossi’s strong mother-bear instincts and Lockwood’s determined loyalty to the city make them an interesting couple to read about.
Writing about the climate crisis, whats right and wrong, and human support are written altogether really well and make this a thriller of a read.
I loved the connection with Samantha and her daughter, Zoe.
I loved Nicks's adamancy about solving the mysteries and his never-give-up attitude.
The side character, Hank, was a solid favourite, his back
Story and what he did to defend everything was brilliant.
November 19, 2024
This is an explosive thriller that's bound to be a best seller.
It has all the elements - it's fast-paced, has relatable characters, goodies and baddies, technology, audacious bank heists, political shenanigans and lies. It's also anti-billionaire and pro climate change action, on a worldwide basis.
The story takes place on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary when every person in New York suddenly falls asleep at 5.25pm - nearly every person, that is, since a small number with traumatic brain injury or disease don't succumb to the technology. We follow Samantha Rossi and her daughter Zoe, NYPD cop Nick Lockwood who suddenly wakes from a coma, and brain-injured army veteran Hank Kowalski as they gather clues, take action and fight for what's right - with the aim of resuscitating 4 million New Yorkers before they die from heat, rats and lack of water. They are set against the 'baddies' who are appropriately named after the seven original sins from the bible.
The plot is amazingly well put together. The relatively small cast of characters help the reader maintain a strong grip on the plot. The action is non-stop and highly immersive. Definitely recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an early e-copy of what everyone will be reading soon.
It has all the elements - it's fast-paced, has relatable characters, goodies and baddies, technology, audacious bank heists, political shenanigans and lies. It's also anti-billionaire and pro climate change action, on a worldwide basis.
The story takes place on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary when every person in New York suddenly falls asleep at 5.25pm - nearly every person, that is, since a small number with traumatic brain injury or disease don't succumb to the technology. We follow Samantha Rossi and her daughter Zoe, NYPD cop Nick Lockwood who suddenly wakes from a coma, and brain-injured army veteran Hank Kowalski as they gather clues, take action and fight for what's right - with the aim of resuscitating 4 million New Yorkers before they die from heat, rats and lack of water. They are set against the 'baddies' who are appropriately named after the seven original sins from the bible.
The plot is amazingly well put together. The relatively small cast of characters help the reader maintain a strong grip on the plot. The action is non-stop and highly immersive. Definitely recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an early e-copy of what everyone will be reading soon.
April 16, 2025
Action packed, tense and terrifyingly possible...
When everyone in Manhattan falls down into a deep sleep, only a few are immune. Samantha Rossi and her daughter Zoe, Nick Lockwood, a cop who wakes from an eight-day coma, and the members of the organisation who have caused the event. External drones are blocked and nobody can come onto the island without falling asleep.
oh, and every world leader is in the climate summit in the city too! There's a moral issue at play, when the "bad guys' reveal their reasons for what they are doing and it made me wonder whether they really were bad at all; I share their frustration that all these climate summits go on, with lots of talking and no action. They've had enough and have some pretty wild demands, but do they all know the full story?
The characters in the city were great, the bits with Maynard were all a bit pointless and could be edited out without anyone noticing or affecting the overall plot. It was a really enjoyable read overall, everything ties up a bit too conveniently and neatly though, so that makes it feel a bit Hollywood perfect and you will have to suspend some disbelief!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Michael Cordy and Random House for an ARC in return for an honest review.
When everyone in Manhattan falls down into a deep sleep, only a few are immune. Samantha Rossi and her daughter Zoe, Nick Lockwood, a cop who wakes from an eight-day coma, and the members of the organisation who have caused the event. External drones are blocked and nobody can come onto the island without falling asleep.
oh, and every world leader is in the climate summit in the city too! There's a moral issue at play, when the "bad guys' reveal their reasons for what they are doing and it made me wonder whether they really were bad at all; I share their frustration that all these climate summits go on, with lots of talking and no action. They've had enough and have some pretty wild demands, but do they all know the full story?
The characters in the city were great, the bits with Maynard were all a bit pointless and could be edited out without anyone noticing or affecting the overall plot. It was a really enjoyable read overall, everything ties up a bit too conveniently and neatly though, so that makes it feel a bit Hollywood perfect and you will have to suspend some disbelief!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Michael Cordy and Random House for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 7, 2025
The premise of this book is that suddenly everyone in Manhattan falls asleep, apart from three people affected by various brain disorders or injuries. However, the phenomenon is not natural, but an attack by an eco group who want to force the world to review its policies and make it a better place.
As a plot it was very reminiscent of a number of TV series and other books, and whilst the story flowed along quite well, it didn't really grip me. The characters were fairly one dimensional, put there to 'do' things rather than develop. Sam Rossi finds herself in the city and recruited by the team to help, even though her priority is to reunite with her daughter and escape. Lockwood is a policeman, who begins to realise the terrorists (lets call them what they are) are linked to the group who killed his partner and put him in a coma.
There's little sense of drama as deadlines approach, and over all the final pages are more of an anticlimax. I wasn't sure if the author was trying to make a plea for the world to turn back from the brink and tackle climate change, or if he just wanted to write a thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK and Transworld for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a plot it was very reminiscent of a number of TV series and other books, and whilst the story flowed along quite well, it didn't really grip me. The characters were fairly one dimensional, put there to 'do' things rather than develop. Sam Rossi finds herself in the city and recruited by the team to help, even though her priority is to reunite with her daughter and escape. Lockwood is a policeman, who begins to realise the terrorists (lets call them what they are) are linked to the group who killed his partner and put him in a coma.
There's little sense of drama as deadlines approach, and over all the final pages are more of an anticlimax. I wasn't sure if the author was trying to make a plea for the world to turn back from the brink and tackle climate change, or if he just wanted to write a thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK and Transworld for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
The premise of this book reminded me of a show I had seen years ago. That was intriguing and so was this.
On the anniversary eve of the 9/11 attacks, New York is sweltering from extreme heat and humidity. The leaders of every nation are at the UN discussing the climate crisis. There is no denying it now. There are protests and rallies as expected.
The clock strikes 5:25 p.m. and every man, woman and child on the island of Manhattan drop where they are - into a deep sleep.
Samantha Rossi, who has just received devastating news from her doctor of a fatal insomnia condition, somehow escapes whatever is affecting the city. Nick Lockwood, who was in a coma, wakes up at 5:25.
Samantha’s main worry is her daughter Zoey and Nick is determined to figure out what is happening and who is behind it.
What follows is a roller coaster of events where everyone involved must ask themselves how far they are willing to go and for what.
The book dragged a little for me. I would have liked it to be a little more thrilling, more heart stopping and dramatic. That would have knocked it up several notches.
But it did prove to be an interesting book with some radical thoughts, that I loved.
On the anniversary eve of the 9/11 attacks, New York is sweltering from extreme heat and humidity. The leaders of every nation are at the UN discussing the climate crisis. There is no denying it now. There are protests and rallies as expected.
The clock strikes 5:25 p.m. and every man, woman and child on the island of Manhattan drop where they are - into a deep sleep.
Samantha Rossi, who has just received devastating news from her doctor of a fatal insomnia condition, somehow escapes whatever is affecting the city. Nick Lockwood, who was in a coma, wakes up at 5:25.
Samantha’s main worry is her daughter Zoey and Nick is determined to figure out what is happening and who is behind it.
What follows is a roller coaster of events where everyone involved must ask themselves how far they are willing to go and for what.
The book dragged a little for me. I would have liked it to be a little more thrilling, more heart stopping and dramatic. That would have knocked it up several notches.
But it did prove to be an interesting book with some radical thoughts, that I loved.
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