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Final Boarding
Patrick Baldwin had no idea missing Phoenix Airlines Flight 619 would mean he would live to see another day. The flight he missed went missing itself over the Pacific Ocean, going off radar without a trace or any sign of debris. When the world can't stop talking about the disappearance, Patrick begins to delve into the mystery of the missing airliner in hopes of discovering its fate and the fate of his three colleagues who were on board. The deeper he finds himself in this mystery, the stranger the circumstances become. Was Flight 619's disappearance an accident, or something more sinister?
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
435 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Mayers
5 books32 followersI was born and raised in Laredo, TX. Much of my upbringing was surrounded by the wildlife and ranching community of Laredo. While I admire and appreciate the uniqueness of that upbringing today as I came from a family of ranchers, when I was a child I wanted something more. I dreamt of the big city and the world of media and entertainment. At six years old I began scribing in notebooks ideas and stories, which would lead to my passion for writing and the hopes of one day authoring my own books. When I became a teenager, my passion for storytelling evolved into filmmaking. I took a trip to Los Angeles to visit my grandfather who had moved out west to care for my great aunt. My first taste of Hollywood showed me that this is where I wanted to end up. I wanted to work in film and bring my dreams into reality. My time in high school was plagued with ups and downs. I always felt different and as if I did not fit in to any particular group. I pushed my creative side as much as possible and kept my grades up because it would lead me to Austin, TX where I attended film school at the University of Texas as a Longhorn. I was anxious to leave Laredo, not because I wanted to abandon my home, but because my dreams were elsewhere and obtainable far, far away.
I became the man I am today in Austin. College life treated me well and I became involved in various organizations and took on some amazing internships with Austin Studios, The CW and MTV. While at UT, I auditioned and was cast to guest VJ on MTV’s morning music video countdown show “The Big Ten.” This lead me to my MTV internship and to networking with producers, which then lead to getting my first job the summer I moved to LA (without a job) at the network. I even landed a part-time internship doing social media for Nestle Butterfinger, which garnered me airtime press on ABC News. MTV was amazing. I worked with the biggest names in the music and film business. I attended the Video Music and Movie Awards. I spent an entire year getting my real-life industry experiences and a few credits on TV shows.
Then after a year I left MTV as such was the climate of the economy. But within the two months of my unemployment I worked freelance for the Wonderful Pistachios campaign and blogger Perez Hilton on their advertisement campaign.
Then came Paramount Pictures. It was my dream studio and job. I went in for various interviews and landed my first job working for an executive in the marketing department. My time spent at Paramount has been fulfilling. I’ve worked on over 40 major films from Transformers, Star Trek, Mission Impossible, Thor, Captain America, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Anchorman 2 to name a few. I’ve interacted with talent such as Michael Bay, Katy Perry, and Tom Cruise. I’ve grown in my position at Paramount and have been an employee for nearly four years. I left Paramount in February 2015 to pursue a creative path in marketing at Universal Pictures. Today I work with the creative operations team at Universal where I've worked on films such as Fifty Shades of Grey, Jurassic World, Minions, Straight Outta Compton, and Furious 7. During my run in LA, I’ve also maintained a second job as an author and have indie published a sci-fi trilogy book series and crime drama available on eBook, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble both domestic and internationally. The trilogy series has won me the award of “Laredo’s Outstanding Son” from the mayor and city council of my hometown. I’m the 2nd person in the history of Laredo to receive this prestigious award.
Balancing two jobs is not easy, but I don't know any other way. I spend my free with my French bulldog, Dexter, and I'm a board member of an anti-bullying non-profit organization called Boo2Bullying
I became the man I am today in Austin. College life treated me well and I became involved in various organizations and took on some amazing internships with Austin Studios, The CW and MTV. While at UT, I auditioned and was cast to guest VJ on MTV’s morning music video countdown show “The Big Ten.” This lead me to my MTV internship and to networking with producers, which then lead to getting my first job the summer I moved to LA (without a job) at the network. I even landed a part-time internship doing social media for Nestle Butterfinger, which garnered me airtime press on ABC News. MTV was amazing. I worked with the biggest names in the music and film business. I attended the Video Music and Movie Awards. I spent an entire year getting my real-life industry experiences and a few credits on TV shows.
Then after a year I left MTV as such was the climate of the economy. But within the two months of my unemployment I worked freelance for the Wonderful Pistachios campaign and blogger Perez Hilton on their advertisement campaign.
Then came Paramount Pictures. It was my dream studio and job. I went in for various interviews and landed my first job working for an executive in the marketing department. My time spent at Paramount has been fulfilling. I’ve worked on over 40 major films from Transformers, Star Trek, Mission Impossible, Thor, Captain America, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Anchorman 2 to name a few. I’ve interacted with talent such as Michael Bay, Katy Perry, and Tom Cruise. I’ve grown in my position at Paramount and have been an employee for nearly four years. I left Paramount in February 2015 to pursue a creative path in marketing at Universal Pictures. Today I work with the creative operations team at Universal where I've worked on films such as Fifty Shades of Grey, Jurassic World, Minions, Straight Outta Compton, and Furious 7. During my run in LA, I’ve also maintained a second job as an author and have indie published a sci-fi trilogy book series and crime drama available on eBook, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble both domestic and internationally. The trilogy series has won me the award of “Laredo’s Outstanding Son” from the mayor and city council of my hometown. I’m the 2nd person in the history of Laredo to receive this prestigious award.
Balancing two jobs is not easy, but I don't know any other way. I spend my free with my French bulldog, Dexter, and I'm a board member of an anti-bullying non-profit organization called Boo2Bullying
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 27, 2016
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When Flight MH 370 Malaysia Airlines went missing in 2014 like everyone else I was in disbelief...how on earth could a plane just disappear? After reading the description for Final Boarding, I was excited to begin reading this novel.
Patrick Baldwin had always love the sky and airplanes. After a thrilling skydive when he was a freshman in college, he decided to switch his major to aerospace engineering. He wanted to improve the way people travel in the sky.
So it's no surprise when the forty-two year old begins work for a commercial airline company, Phoenix Airlines. The company was relatively new, only two years old but growing rapidly. Royce Killington, the wealthy entrepreneur founded Phoenix Airlines with the idea of making travel affordable for everyone and travelers were all treated the same, with no first class, business class etc. Not out to make a huge profit, this CEO wanted everyone to know the luxury of travel. Everything was state of the art and high-class, from the food to the in-flight entertainment. This was making travel and vacation planning available to lower-income families with most tickets costing $99 and the maximum cost of $500.
When he's promoted to senior engineer by the CEO, Patrick almost can't believe it. His boss tells him that his first task will be to attend a conference in China with the company that manufacturers Phoenix Airlines, safety systems. Royce's new goal is to make history providing accident free travel. Patrick and three other engineers are to leave that evening on the flight to China.
But after the meeting and Royce leaves, the other engineers bring up another meeting they are attending in China and they want Patrick on board. They have been working on something new and this discovery and their project will apparently change the world and the method in which people travel. They will be meeting with another tech company on the trip. But they don't want their CEO to know anything about it. Patrick has questions but they tell him he will be advised of everything in due time. Until the meeting in Beijing everything is hush-hush.
Patrick wonders if they feel guilty that they are doing this behind Royce's back. This would mean leaving Phoenix Airlines. Their boss is a good man, even donating his income to charity. For him it was about doing good for humanity.
"Royce wanted to do good for mankind. We are going to do better. It's not being selfish. We are doing a service for the future of this country and this world. You will understand in a few days. It is the biggest discovery of the twenty-first century, and you will soon be a part of it."
Patrick's head is spinning with everything he's been told in the last few hours. Just promoted and now the possibility of striking out on their own with this new venture. He's very intrigued and even flattered that these highly educated intelligent men want him to be a part of their team. But of course until the meeting he has no idea of what any of this means for his future.
After packing and having a few celebratory drinks, Patrick falls asleep. He wakes and rushes to the airport. He arrives just in time to hear the final boarding call for flight 619. He'll make it if he runs. Patrick sprints towards the gate and doesn't notice the spilled soda on the ground. He slides through it, loses his balance, and crashes to the ground banging his head . Patrick is okay but he's missed the flight. He watches in devastation as Phoenix Airlines Flight 619 heads down the runway for takeoff...
Patrick doesn't know it yet but falling asleep and a bit of spilled soda actually saved his life.
He books another flight for the next morning. When he gets there the next day right away he can tell something is wrong. People are rushing around and overhears something about how contact was lost with a flight and it can't be found on the radar.
The flight? Phoenix Airline Flight 619
He's thankful that he wasn't on that flight, yet he's devastated that his colleagues as well as many other people weren't so lucky.
Where is Flight 619? What happened? A mechanical failure? Was something done intentionally? So many questions arise as the media works everyone into a frenzy. Many people, including Patrick feel like they are not being told the entire story.
Patrick just wants to know the truth behind the disappearance. Weird things start happening the further he delves into what is going on. He feels like he's being watched and followed. He becomes suspicious of everyone.
Who can he really trust?
Final Boarding is a fictional story but is definitely inspired by Flight MH 370 Malaysia Airlines that disappeared in 2014. I think that made this an even more interesting read. I remember wondering how it could possibly happen. How could a plane go missing? Especially in this day and age.
A thought-provoking and enjoyable read. Very intense with well paced action that kept me turning the pages. I honestly had no idea what was going to happen next. I occasionally had to go back and re-read a page or two as there are quite a few characters and I had a bit of difficulty keeping them all straight. But at the same time those same characters all added something important to the story. I liked the plot and how the author pulled it all together. I agree with other reviewers that said this would make a good movie.
Thank you, A.J. Mayers for providing me with an advanced copy for me to read and provide my honest review.
When Flight MH 370 Malaysia Airlines went missing in 2014 like everyone else I was in disbelief...how on earth could a plane just disappear? After reading the description for Final Boarding, I was excited to begin reading this novel.
Patrick Baldwin had always love the sky and airplanes. After a thrilling skydive when he was a freshman in college, he decided to switch his major to aerospace engineering. He wanted to improve the way people travel in the sky.
So it's no surprise when the forty-two year old begins work for a commercial airline company, Phoenix Airlines. The company was relatively new, only two years old but growing rapidly. Royce Killington, the wealthy entrepreneur founded Phoenix Airlines with the idea of making travel affordable for everyone and travelers were all treated the same, with no first class, business class etc. Not out to make a huge profit, this CEO wanted everyone to know the luxury of travel. Everything was state of the art and high-class, from the food to the in-flight entertainment. This was making travel and vacation planning available to lower-income families with most tickets costing $99 and the maximum cost of $500.
When he's promoted to senior engineer by the CEO, Patrick almost can't believe it. His boss tells him that his first task will be to attend a conference in China with the company that manufacturers Phoenix Airlines, safety systems. Royce's new goal is to make history providing accident free travel. Patrick and three other engineers are to leave that evening on the flight to China.
But after the meeting and Royce leaves, the other engineers bring up another meeting they are attending in China and they want Patrick on board. They have been working on something new and this discovery and their project will apparently change the world and the method in which people travel. They will be meeting with another tech company on the trip. But they don't want their CEO to know anything about it. Patrick has questions but they tell him he will be advised of everything in due time. Until the meeting in Beijing everything is hush-hush.
Patrick wonders if they feel guilty that they are doing this behind Royce's back. This would mean leaving Phoenix Airlines. Their boss is a good man, even donating his income to charity. For him it was about doing good for humanity.
"Royce wanted to do good for mankind. We are going to do better. It's not being selfish. We are doing a service for the future of this country and this world. You will understand in a few days. It is the biggest discovery of the twenty-first century, and you will soon be a part of it."
Patrick's head is spinning with everything he's been told in the last few hours. Just promoted and now the possibility of striking out on their own with this new venture. He's very intrigued and even flattered that these highly educated intelligent men want him to be a part of their team. But of course until the meeting he has no idea of what any of this means for his future.
After packing and having a few celebratory drinks, Patrick falls asleep. He wakes and rushes to the airport. He arrives just in time to hear the final boarding call for flight 619. He'll make it if he runs. Patrick sprints towards the gate and doesn't notice the spilled soda on the ground. He slides through it, loses his balance, and crashes to the ground banging his head . Patrick is okay but he's missed the flight. He watches in devastation as Phoenix Airlines Flight 619 heads down the runway for takeoff...
Patrick doesn't know it yet but falling asleep and a bit of spilled soda actually saved his life.
He books another flight for the next morning. When he gets there the next day right away he can tell something is wrong. People are rushing around and overhears something about how contact was lost with a flight and it can't be found on the radar.
The flight? Phoenix Airline Flight 619
He's thankful that he wasn't on that flight, yet he's devastated that his colleagues as well as many other people weren't so lucky.
Where is Flight 619? What happened? A mechanical failure? Was something done intentionally? So many questions arise as the media works everyone into a frenzy. Many people, including Patrick feel like they are not being told the entire story.
Patrick just wants to know the truth behind the disappearance. Weird things start happening the further he delves into what is going on. He feels like he's being watched and followed. He becomes suspicious of everyone.
Who can he really trust?
Final Boarding is a fictional story but is definitely inspired by Flight MH 370 Malaysia Airlines that disappeared in 2014. I think that made this an even more interesting read. I remember wondering how it could possibly happen. How could a plane go missing? Especially in this day and age.
A thought-provoking and enjoyable read. Very intense with well paced action that kept me turning the pages. I honestly had no idea what was going to happen next. I occasionally had to go back and re-read a page or two as there are quite a few characters and I had a bit of difficulty keeping them all straight. But at the same time those same characters all added something important to the story. I liked the plot and how the author pulled it all together. I agree with other reviewers that said this would make a good movie.
Thank you, A.J. Mayers for providing me with an advanced copy for me to read and provide my honest review.
October 19, 2016
A.J. pours soul and suspense into his writing. As an author and creative, he is entertainment-savvy with a writer's ethic that leaves an imprint. Final Boarding is outstanding! Whenever a book's storyline, characters, and plot development live in the reader's mind throughout the workday--and create an urgency to return to the book--then I know the book is worthwhile. Final Boarding had that impact. Highly recommend!
November 20, 2016
“Patrick Baldwin had no idea missing Phoenix Airlines Flight 619 would mean he would live to see another day. The flight he missed went missing itself over the Pacific Ocean, going off radar without a trace or any sign of debris. When the world can’t stop talking about the disappearance, Patrick begins to delve into the mystery of the missing airliner in hopes of discovering its fate and the fate of his three colleagues who were on board. The deeper he finds himself in this mystery, the stranger the circumstances become. Was Flight 619’s disappearance an accident, or something more sinister”
The world wants to know...Where is Flight 619?
This is the very question that Patrick Baldwin asks himself, a question he wishes he could answer. Missing the flight saved his life but landed him smack in the middle of the media frenzy and the heartbroken families of the passengers that have disappeared along with Flight 619.
Patrick is an aerospace engineer for the new and revolutionary airline company Phoenix Airlines.
Phoenix Airlines is in the center of the media’s attention, it’s bringing new and innovative ways to fly, literally bringing commercial airlines to a new height. Then the worst happens, a flight goes missing. Flight 619 takes off from LAX and mysteriously disappears off radar, the world is sent into a frenzied panic, is this new airline as same as they claim to be?
Patrick tries to keep busy with his work helping, the CEO of Phoenix Airlines, Royce Killington reassure the public that their airline is still the best. However no matter what he does he still feels the burning desire to find out what truly happened to Flight 619. When he starts down the road to the truth he doesn’t realize just how far he will have to go to get answers. The more information about the missing flight that comes into light, the more danger he puts himself into. He must learn who he can trust and what dangers could be staring him in the face.
This book left me on edge until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed the epistolary-style that the book is written in. It gave me a indepth look at the inner workings of Professor Baldwin. Mr. Mayers was inspired by the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 that disappeared in 2014. Knowing this made the book that much more intriguing, while the story is a work of fiction the premise is a very real and devastating scenario. It read like a nonfiction account of someone who could have been on that flight back in 2014. It was the perfect balance of intrigue and suspense, it left me hanging at just the right parts. Almost toying with the reader with its plot twists.
Mr. Mayers is a wonderful author, he kindly answered any questions I posed to him. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
4/5 Stars
*I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy of this thrilling novel, I gladly give my honest opinion of it*
The world wants to know...Where is Flight 619?
This is the very question that Patrick Baldwin asks himself, a question he wishes he could answer. Missing the flight saved his life but landed him smack in the middle of the media frenzy and the heartbroken families of the passengers that have disappeared along with Flight 619.
Patrick is an aerospace engineer for the new and revolutionary airline company Phoenix Airlines.
Phoenix Airlines is in the center of the media’s attention, it’s bringing new and innovative ways to fly, literally bringing commercial airlines to a new height. Then the worst happens, a flight goes missing. Flight 619 takes off from LAX and mysteriously disappears off radar, the world is sent into a frenzied panic, is this new airline as same as they claim to be?
Patrick tries to keep busy with his work helping, the CEO of Phoenix Airlines, Royce Killington reassure the public that their airline is still the best. However no matter what he does he still feels the burning desire to find out what truly happened to Flight 619. When he starts down the road to the truth he doesn’t realize just how far he will have to go to get answers. The more information about the missing flight that comes into light, the more danger he puts himself into. He must learn who he can trust and what dangers could be staring him in the face.
This book left me on edge until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed the epistolary-style that the book is written in. It gave me a indepth look at the inner workings of Professor Baldwin. Mr. Mayers was inspired by the Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 that disappeared in 2014. Knowing this made the book that much more intriguing, while the story is a work of fiction the premise is a very real and devastating scenario. It read like a nonfiction account of someone who could have been on that flight back in 2014. It was the perfect balance of intrigue and suspense, it left me hanging at just the right parts. Almost toying with the reader with its plot twists.
Mr. Mayers is a wonderful author, he kindly answered any questions I posed to him. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
4/5 Stars
*I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy of this thrilling novel, I gladly give my honest opinion of it*
October 25, 2016
I have had the honor of reviewing A.J. Mayers up and coming book, Final Boarding. First of all, I must let you guys know that AJ is a fabulous writer and such a friendly author to work with. I contacted AJ wanting to help review his book and gain some followers and here we are. I hope I have your attention and your reading to see what “Final Boarding” is all about. If you’re ready to jump on board, continue reading below.
“Patrick Baldwin had no idea that missing Phoenix Airlines Flight 619 would mean he would live to see another day. The flight he missed went missing itself over the Pacific Ocean, going off radar without a trace or any sign of debris. When the world can't stop talking about the disappearance, Patrick begins to delve into the mystery of the missing airliner in hopes of discovering its fate and the fate of his three colleagues who were on board. The deeper he finds himself in this mystery, the stranger the circumstances become. Was Flight 619's disappearance an accident, or something more sinister?”
Patrick works for Phoenix Airlines, a company taking over the air with its economical flights. After Royce, the CEO of the airlines, calls Patrick to a meeting along with three other collages is when I knew something wasn’t just right. The meeting was about a secret mission he wanted Patrick to be in on. Flight 619 would take them to the meeting that would change the airline forever. As more information on the missing flight comes to life, the greater risk they put themselves at knowing the truth.
I love that Final Boarding is written in one POV. It makes a read so much easier as sometimes I get confused when it’s jumping around with different POV’s. I also loved that AJ added a bit of romance, being that I am a romance junkie. It was just enough that I was like YES! Through the book the main character, Patrick deals with a lot. After all, he should have been on flight 619 that in itself says enough.
After finishing this novel, AJ wanted to chat and his first question he asked was, “What do you think happened to the plane?” With that question in mind, I will not give you my answer because I want my blog to be spoiler free. I do think you will find that AJ put so much effort in making the best possible scenario of what happened to flight 619. I can’t tell you how many times my mouth dropped. Just when you think you know what happened or how you think the story will go, AJ surprises you with his greatness.
Let me end with saying, Final Boarding has potential of being on THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING and with YOUR help we can make this possible for AJ. So with further ado, Click the link below and order your eBook or paperback today.
Full blog here:
https://kcboymom26.wordpress.com/2016...
“Patrick Baldwin had no idea that missing Phoenix Airlines Flight 619 would mean he would live to see another day. The flight he missed went missing itself over the Pacific Ocean, going off radar without a trace or any sign of debris. When the world can't stop talking about the disappearance, Patrick begins to delve into the mystery of the missing airliner in hopes of discovering its fate and the fate of his three colleagues who were on board. The deeper he finds himself in this mystery, the stranger the circumstances become. Was Flight 619's disappearance an accident, or something more sinister?”
Patrick works for Phoenix Airlines, a company taking over the air with its economical flights. After Royce, the CEO of the airlines, calls Patrick to a meeting along with three other collages is when I knew something wasn’t just right. The meeting was about a secret mission he wanted Patrick to be in on. Flight 619 would take them to the meeting that would change the airline forever. As more information on the missing flight comes to life, the greater risk they put themselves at knowing the truth.
I love that Final Boarding is written in one POV. It makes a read so much easier as sometimes I get confused when it’s jumping around with different POV’s. I also loved that AJ added a bit of romance, being that I am a romance junkie. It was just enough that I was like YES! Through the book the main character, Patrick deals with a lot. After all, he should have been on flight 619 that in itself says enough.
After finishing this novel, AJ wanted to chat and his first question he asked was, “What do you think happened to the plane?” With that question in mind, I will not give you my answer because I want my blog to be spoiler free. I do think you will find that AJ put so much effort in making the best possible scenario of what happened to flight 619. I can’t tell you how many times my mouth dropped. Just when you think you know what happened or how you think the story will go, AJ surprises you with his greatness.
Let me end with saying, Final Boarding has potential of being on THE NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING and with YOUR help we can make this possible for AJ. So with further ado, Click the link below and order your eBook or paperback today.
Full blog here:
https://kcboymom26.wordpress.com/2016...
November 3, 2016
This is one of those books where you need to run not walk to pick up a copy. It is amazing. I was instantly hooked from the beginning. I literally would have to make myself stop reading after my breaks were over at work. On this note: "Don't take this book with you to work as it could cause you to stop working"!
This book reads as if it was ripped from the headlines. This story is a take off the real missing airline, Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 that disappeared in 2014. Thus, the reason that I was thoroughly enjoying this book. It read as if it was nonfiction. Based on the fact that there still unanswered questions as to what really happened to flight MH370, is why the concept of this story is not that far-fetched. All of the characters in this story brought something to the story. There was not one person that was dead weight. I am booking my ticket to the next book by Mr. Mayers. One of the best books of 2016!
This book reads as if it was ripped from the headlines. This story is a take off the real missing airline, Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 that disappeared in 2014. Thus, the reason that I was thoroughly enjoying this book. It read as if it was nonfiction. Based on the fact that there still unanswered questions as to what really happened to flight MH370, is why the concept of this story is not that far-fetched. All of the characters in this story brought something to the story. There was not one person that was dead weight. I am booking my ticket to the next book by Mr. Mayers. One of the best books of 2016!
October 25, 2016
Mayers has outdone himself this time. Final Boarding is by far his greatest work of art. This novel kept me on the edge of my seat, anxious to know the conclusion, and entranced at each turn of the page. This book has all the makings of an awesome movie; and I see it heading in that direction. This might quite possibly be one of the few novels I choose to read twice. 5 stars (ONLY because 6 is not an option!)
July 24, 2017
Unfortunately it has taken me a quite a while to actually continue reading this book and to finish it. I actually started reading it just prior to us flying to the Caribbean on holiday and it freaked me out because we were about to board a plane!! So I dropped it and only came back to it this week. But all I can say is once I got past my initial start of the book its been a 1 sitting finish. It had me hooked and was unputdownable!!
What a great story line, and very true to what happened a few years ago with the missing plane and all its passenger which has never been found. Wish the same outcome could happen for the missing plane as what was depicted in this book.
Loved it, can and will recommend it. Great depth to all the characters, both good and evil. The last few pages had me crying, but that is what a good story line is all about - happiness, tears, excitement, and urgency and compulsion to carry on reading to the very end. Well done, AJ Mayers.
What a great story line, and very true to what happened a few years ago with the missing plane and all its passenger which has never been found. Wish the same outcome could happen for the missing plane as what was depicted in this book.
Loved it, can and will recommend it. Great depth to all the characters, both good and evil. The last few pages had me crying, but that is what a good story line is all about - happiness, tears, excitement, and urgency and compulsion to carry on reading to the very end. Well done, AJ Mayers.
November 21, 2016
So I guess this is my first venture into the crooked side of the book world, sending out your book pre release to people who will give you friendly, "get out there a get this book" reviews. I sat here like an idiot reading through the many reviews and 5 star ratings, looking at what other books the inviduals have read, matching up with ones I've enjoyed and so thought this sounded exactly what I would want.....well after going through the first 10 pages it was clear the author did not have a strong grasp of writing or prose, it is just a very unbelievable prose and conversation style by characters in the book. After 25% through the book I deleted it from my Kindle, basically had gone no where with little promise of finding anything else out for another 25% down the road. The final straw was learning that the secret project the company was working on was a parachute ejecting out of the tail of the plane to gently drift passengers to the ground in case of a mid air malfunction. What a joke
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2017
It was okay but a lousy, unbelievable ending.
February 4, 2017
Beware of a bunch of 5 star reviews! That's the lesson I learned from this plane crash. This book got recommended to me somehow and pleased by all the glowing reviews, I went for it. And not 10 pages in, I had the sinking feeling of a terrible mistake.
There's so many things I can mention, so I'll just have to pick some of my top peeves for brevity sake, but in summation:
It's in diary form with a preface letting you know it was found in his cabin years later. And the diary form kills this book. For starters, it is not a believable diary at all. Detailed to a stupid degree with long pointless conversations transcribed robs it of the diary form. Not only do I NOT buy that people talk this way, but then you have to accept that this conversation took place and someone bothered to write it down in verbatim length, while ludicrous secret societies plot all around them.
But sometimes the book forgets it's a diary and goes for straight chapter, but so intermingled with diary, the effect is jarring. There's a lot of self-proclaimed "nice guy"-ness, which starts almost at the first page, and let me know exactly what I was in for. I think that phrase has now passed the point of irony and has become an oxymoron, but yeah "nice guy" Professor Patrick Baldwin is an aeronautical engineer and professor, commuting back and forth between beauteous Montana and LA, no time for a dog, so how could he find time for the most perfect woman in the world, aka intrepid reporter Francesca?
Short answer: he can't. If you want to read 362 pages about this "romance" go ahead, but again, unbelievable, self-pitying back and forth that bloat an already way too long and repetitive book.
In order to enjoy this book, I think you have to like the following concepts:
1) spiked drinks can give you cancer after just a few sips, and you won't catch on because cancer is tasteless
2) 1960s Batman TV show science
3) You find the title of mogul's biography both hilarious and "brilliant" and laugh each time it comes up (frequently): Jackson Killington: The Man Who Made a Killing and a Ton of It.
4) Jackson Killington's suicide--he blew himself up in his office and left behind a hole of scorched bills and his wallet, but not a trace of DNA, blood, bone nothing. Yep, this totally happens. I am sure forensic scientists and cops totally bought this.
5) When a plane goes missing with hundreds of people on board:
--the press release is mostly about the sadness for losing the 3 HQ employees on board, not including oh the 4 flight attendants and the 2 pilots
--loved ones only getting "$5,000" from the airlines
--fighting search efforts an okay thing
--people thinking you can totally cover the vastness of Pacific Ocean and floor with ease
--the one person who misses the flight b/c slipped in corridor is now a media celebrity with frenzy lasting for months, with everyone in public recognizing him.
6) Fu Manchu level villains and skullduggery
It then tries to become like the Prisoner tv show but by then, it's past the point of no return.
There's so many things I can mention, so I'll just have to pick some of my top peeves for brevity sake, but in summation:
It's in diary form with a preface letting you know it was found in his cabin years later. And the diary form kills this book. For starters, it is not a believable diary at all. Detailed to a stupid degree with long pointless conversations transcribed robs it of the diary form. Not only do I NOT buy that people talk this way, but then you have to accept that this conversation took place and someone bothered to write it down in verbatim length, while ludicrous secret societies plot all around them.
But sometimes the book forgets it's a diary and goes for straight chapter, but so intermingled with diary, the effect is jarring. There's a lot of self-proclaimed "nice guy"-ness, which starts almost at the first page, and let me know exactly what I was in for. I think that phrase has now passed the point of irony and has become an oxymoron, but yeah "nice guy" Professor Patrick Baldwin is an aeronautical engineer and professor, commuting back and forth between beauteous Montana and LA, no time for a dog, so how could he find time for the most perfect woman in the world, aka intrepid reporter Francesca?
Short answer: he can't. If you want to read 362 pages about this "romance" go ahead, but again, unbelievable, self-pitying back and forth that bloat an already way too long and repetitive book.
In order to enjoy this book, I think you have to like the following concepts:
1) spiked drinks can give you cancer after just a few sips, and you won't catch on because cancer is tasteless
2) 1960s Batman TV show science
3) You find the title of mogul's biography both hilarious and "brilliant" and laugh each time it comes up (frequently): Jackson Killington: The Man Who Made a Killing and a Ton of It.
4) Jackson Killington's suicide--he blew himself up in his office and left behind a hole of scorched bills and his wallet, but not a trace of DNA, blood, bone nothing. Yep, this totally happens. I am sure forensic scientists and cops totally bought this.
5) When a plane goes missing with hundreds of people on board:
--the press release is mostly about the sadness for losing the 3 HQ employees on board, not including oh the 4 flight attendants and the 2 pilots
--loved ones only getting "$5,000" from the airlines
--fighting search efforts an okay thing
--people thinking you can totally cover the vastness of Pacific Ocean and floor with ease
--the one person who misses the flight b/c slipped in corridor is now a media celebrity with frenzy lasting for months, with everyone in public recognizing him.
6) Fu Manchu level villains and skullduggery
It then tries to become like the Prisoner tv show but by then, it's past the point of no return.
December 19, 2016
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
I was totally captured and taken in after reading this blurb, then when I found out that the author was inspired by the missing Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, I was even more interested. It’s hard to fathom how, in this age of technology, a plane full of people can just disappear without a trace, right? There is no signs at all of where the plane crashed, no debris or anything. How is this possible? I can’t imagine being personally affected by this type of tragedy and never being able to receive any closure, it seems like it would be absolutely nightmarish. Mayers did such a good job writing this book that I almost forgot I was reading a fictional account and not a true story.
Patrick misses his flight and this is the luckiest day of his life even if he doesn’t realize it yet. He’s understandably devastated when his flight vanishes as he had close colleagues on board and he begins to chronicle the events in the aftermath in a personal journal. Final Boarding is actually his account in the days before the flight and the year afterwards. Telling the story of Flight 619 in this manner allows the reader to make a deep connection with Patrick. I was able to see his inner thoughts and feelings in relation to this catastrophic event and form a bond with him.
I don’t want to discuss the plot very much but it is full of twists and misdirection as Patrick searches for the truth. When the whole truth is revealed, it’s totally crazy and unexpected. This wasn’t a typical murder/mystery it was full of conspiracy theories and corruption. It would make a really great movie, it’s action packed and suspenseful with a few tender moments that tugged at my heart strings.
I was totally captured and taken in after reading this blurb, then when I found out that the author was inspired by the missing Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, I was even more interested. It’s hard to fathom how, in this age of technology, a plane full of people can just disappear without a trace, right? There is no signs at all of where the plane crashed, no debris or anything. How is this possible? I can’t imagine being personally affected by this type of tragedy and never being able to receive any closure, it seems like it would be absolutely nightmarish. Mayers did such a good job writing this book that I almost forgot I was reading a fictional account and not a true story.
Patrick misses his flight and this is the luckiest day of his life even if he doesn’t realize it yet. He’s understandably devastated when his flight vanishes as he had close colleagues on board and he begins to chronicle the events in the aftermath in a personal journal. Final Boarding is actually his account in the days before the flight and the year afterwards. Telling the story of Flight 619 in this manner allows the reader to make a deep connection with Patrick. I was able to see his inner thoughts and feelings in relation to this catastrophic event and form a bond with him.
I don’t want to discuss the plot very much but it is full of twists and misdirection as Patrick searches for the truth. When the whole truth is revealed, it’s totally crazy and unexpected. This wasn’t a typical murder/mystery it was full of conspiracy theories and corruption. It would make a really great movie, it’s action packed and suspenseful with a few tender moments that tugged at my heart strings.
June 9, 2017
Mayers creates a truly amazing suspenseful novel that will leave you wanting more of this stay up all night, page turner. I found myself completely swept away within the pages, wanting to know what happens next. I found this novel to be a remarkable read with a plot line that is full of surprises and a lot of twist and turns. The main character, Patrick Baldwin misses his flight and later learns that the flight is missing, gone off radar without a trace. While everyone can’t stop talking about the planes disappearance, Patrick becomes determined to find out what happens. This determination of Patrick is what makes him dig deep into the mystery of what happened and why. I found this to be a very suspenseful and outstanding read. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author!
October 18, 2016
I was able to have early access to this book because I am currently on his brand team for this book. It's a great read. Full of suspense, this book will keep you reading. I found myself not being able to put it down because I NEEDED to know the answer to the question: #WhereIsFlight619 ?
Great book by a great author. A.J. has the ability to keep the suspense going for all 362 pages of this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to a friend or to anyone looking to read a great book.
Great book by a great author. A.J. has the ability to keep the suspense going for all 362 pages of this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to a friend or to anyone looking to read a great book.
October 21, 2016
This is a fast paced journal account of events immediately prior to the departure of Flight 619 and the subsequent investigations and search. I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book, steeped in mystery and conspiracy as the search continues. Ideal for readers who like James Patterson and Dan Brown, this exciting story keeps the readers attention to the final pages. Definitely a good read!
October 29, 2016
I really enjoyed Final Boarding - the novel kept me in suspense the entire time. The cinematic style of writing and suspenseful plot really kept me on my toes. As a lover of travel, the idea of a flight going missing without a trace was so captivating. The book definitely appeals to those interested in conspiracy theories and what truly goes on behind closed doors of huge corporations. I would definitely recommend it as a thrilling and gripping novel to anyone!
October 18, 2016
Wow! A.J. Mayers struck gold with one. It held my attention for 362 straight pages! Final Boarding is an adventure for all passengers. You won't be able to put the book down. The book builds up to answering the biggest question...#WhereisFlight619? I had a chance to read this book early and it was an amazing opportunity. I would definitely suggest giving this book a good read.
October 26, 2016
Final Boarding was impossible to put down. From beginning to end, A.J. Mayers has created a taut and compelling story that always kept me guessing. In a time when aeronautic tragedy seems almost commonplace, this story feels fresh with an added layer of intrigue and mystery. Buckle up and be prepared to be on the edge of your seat for the whole ride.
October 27, 2016
I got the chance to read an early copy of this book. I normally am a nonfiction reader and this is not my typical genre, but this book blew me away and I couldn't put it down. It's definitely similar to a Dan Brown type mystery. You'll never expect how the events unfold and the secret connections between everyone...
October 31, 2016
Final Boarding takes several unexpected turns throughout the novel. A.J. Layers does a great job of character development as the reader experiences a genuine connection to the book's characters. In the end of the novel, several questions are answered, but many more arise. Looking forward to a sequel!
October 31, 2016
This would not be a book I would normally pick up but I am thrilled I did. Mayers had me on the edge of my seat for the entire book. The twists and turns along with the depth of the relationships between characters was incredible. I was surprised by how invested I felt in the character's lives and romantic storyline. Truly captivating, this is a must read!
October 22, 2016
A.J. WOW so much suspense . This is a must read. The author is very creative in his story telling, It feelsso real Final Boarding is EPIC! Final Boarding is going to make an amazing feature film. I Highly recommend!
October 27, 2016
Suspenseful from start to finish!
November 15, 2016
Final Boarding was absolutely amazing. AJ has such a way with words & a writing style that is all his own. It was a page turner from the start. Highly recommended!
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