Terror in the Skies

Turbulent Skies #1

by Alana Terry

A hijacked airplane. A fatal disaster. A desperate soul in need of salvation ...

Willow's spirited, carefree, and far too young to die. Trapped on a hijacked airplane with no promise of survival, Willow's forced to confront her darkest fear as well as her soul's deepest need.

Genres: Suspense, Christian Fiction, Christian

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2019

About the author

When Alana isn't writing, it's likely that she's on the floor wrestling with her kids. Or playing outside with her kids. Or chauffeuring her kids. Or trying some random science experiment with her kids. But she's probably not cooking or cleaning.

Alana is a homeschooling mother of three who loves to write, hates to cook, and enjoys reading a good book almost as much as she enjoys writing one.

Alana won the Women of Faith writing contest for "The Beloved Daughter," her debut inspirational novel. "What, No Sushi?" is Alana's first book in a chapter-book series for kids published by Do Life Right, Inc.

Reviews

[Becky Lewis]

Terror in the Skies by Alana Terry was a different kind of read for me. I wasn’t ready for the first-person narration, almost stream-of-consciousness thought. Willow Winters, who starts to tell us the story of her and her roommate’s plane hijacking, goes down several rabbit trails on the way. Willow pontificates on everything from human trafficking to illicit drug use to environmental protection, then climbs on a soapbox about Flint, Michigan’s water issue. I wish this book had been presented as a social ills book, instead of a suspense. Even the suspense part (not a major part of the novel that I was hoping for) becomes secondary to the social gospel and the True Gospel. We all need to think seriously about eternity, but for me, this story has too many side journeys and barely delivers as a suspense novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. This in no way affects my opinions, for which I am solely responsible.

[Caitlyn Santi]

A great suspenseful read. I loved that this story is told in first person POV!
Willow was a great and quirky character that I hadn't met before, but I really liked her, she has such a big heart and the way she has the courage to say things that lots of people wouldn't voice even if they thought them was awesome.
This story is presented a bit differently than I expected, almost like we are reading an autobiography or journal entry about the events, and I must admit that it took a little while for me to get used to this, but when I did I really enjoyed it and felt that it was the perfect fit for the story.
The writing was awesome and kept me frantically flipping pages from beginning to end!
I so admire how Alana Terry doesn't sugarcoat things while at the same time not glorifying the bad things of this world, and her stories are always full of hope, it makes for stories that are gripping and soul stirring!
Terror in the Skies is an excellent suspenseful read that will keep you glued to the page and leave you encouraged and inspired!
I really enjoyed Terror in the Skies and highly recommend it!
(4 Stars!!


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

[Joan]

Terry does a good job of building suspense in this short novella. Those who have read the books featuring Kennedy Stern will be happy to find this one is from the viewpoint of free spirited Willow, Kennedy's college roommate. They will remember having read of this adventure in one of the novels featuring Kennedy. Willow tells her story of the terror while on a flight. It is almost like she is sitting across the table from us, sharing her memory of the experience with random interrupting thoughts.

Terry is not afraid to have her characters express opinions. Here, Willow gives us her mind on environmental issues and whether Christians have to vote for a certain kind of candidate or whether they can check the other guy's box.

I enjoyed this quick read (well under 100 pages). Willow delaying her telling of the actual suspenseful events seemed a little like dragging out the story. Other than that, a good novella for young adult or career age readers containing a clear spiritual message.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Debbie Wentworth Wilson]

Willow Winters, a blue-haired theater major, and her Christian roommate are flying to Alaska to spend Christmas with Willow's parents when three men take over the airplane. Their first acts are to beat the air marshal and demand people take out their phones and record this. Next, they shoot the flight attendant, a mother of two who was kind to Willow. Then the leader of the hijackers chooses another victim, Willow.

Alana Terry does an excellent job putting us in the mind of Willow Winters. Unfortunately, Willow is not a logical, chronological thinker, and I found the story a little hard to follow during the first few chapters with Willow's digressions and rabbit trails. That was why I gave the novella three stars. Terry's characters' thinking is not usually so uncoordinated. The story is suspenseful and has a strong Christian message. It would probably appeal most to younger readers since the main character is a college student, a very realistic college student.

[Maureen Timerman]

This story grabs you from the first page, and doesn't let go, until the end, and page turning I did. This is a novella, so I was finish real fast, and left wanting more!
This is Christian Suspense at its finest, and holding your breath you will do, especially when you find out at least someone will die.
Told in the first person, we travel with Willow on a flight from Anchorage to Detroit, and are with her for every thought, and panic
A sweet read you don't want to miss! It is the beginning of a new series!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit. and was not required to give a positive review.

[Ruth Ann Lingwall]

In this short story, you will find enough light reading to fill an hour or two. It was a refreshing change of pace.

Willow Winters is an organic hipee-type girl with naturally dyed blue hair. I enjoyed reading about her idyllic life in Alaska before she went to school at Harvard. Now she tells the riveting tale of her first trip back home.



The character goes on to tell her story in a meandering way. I enjoyed this way of storytelling as it seemed characteristic of Willow’s personality. My boys did not appreciate it as much. I occasionally listen to Siri read an ebook aloud. This story seemed to capture my son’s interest somewhat but he became impatient with the randomness. I rather sympathize with the character as I tend to share idea connections I’ve made when storytelling as well.



Some of what Willow philosophizes on is rather important. The inhumanity of human trafficking is a topic that has been addressed in several other novels I’ve reviewed. I disagree though with the suggestion that violence is the only way to get government officials to listen. I’ve seen good come from community lead efforts to change government politics. It does take a lot of effort.

I was warmed as I read of an incredible act of kindness and bravery. This and other unexpected scenes throughout this novella kept my interest. It reminds me of the following Quote.

You have felt love for others...even someone who just came into your life, a stranger. That feeling of love is a gift from God. Henry B. Eyring

If you want to read something inspirational and have a couple hours, I recommend picking up Terror in the Skies. I plan on reading more of Alana Terry’s books and novellas in the future!

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own. Originally posted on Book of Ruth Ann!

[Jasmine]

A simple flight home...or not...

My confession about Terror In The Skies is that I didn't even bother to read the blurb before picking up the book. All I really had to see was Alana Terry's name on the cover and I knew that it was an e-book I wanted to read. Needless to say, because I didn't read that blurb I was quite surprised to find out that this novella featured Willow's perspective of the hijacking in Alana Terry's Kennedy Stern novel Turbulence.

Yeah, you know Willow, Kennedy's blue haired wild child of a roommate. The girl I couldn't really disagree with more on pretty much everything but I also couldn't help loving. Yep, that Willow. Terror In The Skies is her story of how she must make a life altering choice as she stares death in the face.

When I first started reading Terror In The Skies, which is the first novella in the Turbulent Skies series, I didn't realize that it was a novella. As with pretty much every other Alana Terry book I couldn't put it down, finishing in about an hour or so. I know I was pretty surprised when I looked down and saw that I was 48% done and I could have sworn I had just started.

Anyway, great suspense story from a great author. I can't wait to read the rest of the Turbulent Skies series as I know it will be a good one.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Deana Dick]

Although this is a short story the author has accomplished giving readers an edge of your seat ride. I loved getting to know Willow better and sharing her journey to witnessing Jesus coming into her life. She is an in your face sort of person at times, but she has a heart of gold. It was fun to read about how her and Kennedy started hanging out.
I liked how Willow discovered her discernment while on the plane. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt something was about to happen? Willow has a come to Jesus moment on the plane and it shows how she learned to trust God even more. I loved the story and thought that maybe God placed a certain person on that plane. There is always a reason why things happen and for Willow she will learn several lessons as she take a plane ride of terror.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Amy]

Terror in the Skies is a great read. This first installment from the Turbulent Skies series is the first book I have read by Alana Terry. After reading this, it will not be the last. It is a little over fifty pages long and I easily had it read in one sitting. I instantly loved Willow from page one. Her story was engaging and her story was full of action and suspense. I never knew what would happen next. I could not imagine what her and the others were going through.

I am giving Terror in the Skies four and a half stars. I look forward to seeing where else Alana Terry’s imagination takes her readers to in the second book from her Turbulent Skies series, Refined by Fire. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy a quick, clean and page turning suspense, with the element of faith and inspiration.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Annie Lima]

If you've read Alana Terry's book Turbulence (in the Kennedy Stern Christian Suspense series), you might find this a bit redundant. It's basically the same story but a little shorter, told from a different character's point of view. Still, I enjoyed it. It was fun hearing Willow's thought process and seeing events (and the world in general) through her eyes. This was a quick read - I usually read on my Kindle while I jog, and I finished this story in a little under two miles.

[Janice Sisemore]

Terror in the skies

This is a very interesting short story. It is also very inspiring which is really what the book is about. Most of the book is telling about the character leading up to the hi-jacking. The actual scene of the hi-jacking is very short. It was a very powerful scene though. I loved Grandma Lucy who was willing to sacrifice herself. Read the book to see what happens. I believe she was an angel, she was you think.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

[Abigail Harris]

Terror is the Skies is my first read from Alana Terry, I've heard of her, her books, and I've seen her social media as suggested follow.

Terror in the Skies is a quick suspenseful novella that is told in first person. I wasn't expecting the story to be told the way it is ... The story is all told by the main character, Willow, as she processes what happened after the fact, which I found to be ingenious. It was done in a way that wasn't boring, it kept my interest even when I thought it might end up to be a badly written book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Melissa Henderson]

Breathtaking, heart stopping, mesmerizing story that kept me guessing and kept me reading. Powerful and very interesting. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Pamela]

3 and a 1/2 stars.. interesting short book.. I am new to Alana Terry books.. but each one has held my interest... had intrige and Christian writing all of which I Adore!

[Emily Yager]

Wow. A hold you breath kind of thriller with strong faith message blended into it. This is a fairly quick read that packs a lot of punch. Willow is an interesting character; and travelling with her as she is trapped on a hijacked plan and the thoughts and emotions she experiences bring this clean story to life.

At times the story felt as if it moved to fast, and I almost wish this novella was longer. Good thing is this is the first book of a series and there are more. I really liked this book and the deeper story within the suspense.

[Abby]

"I'm going to thank God every day that he forgave me for my sins and saved me from an eternity of fire and terror. Because I've tasted enough fire and terror on earth. I certainly don't want it chasing me into the afterlife.

I'm saved now. And I thank God for that. But it's terrifying to think of how close I came to the end without knowing him at all.

How close I came to dying with no hope or chance of salvation whatsoever."


In this book, Alana Terry handles another issue - Christians afraid to share the Gospel, and the realization that one day it will be too late. One day unsaved people will die and the Bible clearly states that those who do not place their faith in Christ alone for salvation will spend an eternity in hell. This book is suspense novel as well as a call to action.

[Diane Higgins]

I really enjoyed this novella. This was an easy read. I read it in one day! This book follows Willow, Kennedy's roommate (from Alana Terry's other series). I loved how this whole book was written in first person point of view. I feel like a book written in first person point of view really helps you to identify and know the character. This helped me to really get to know Willow and the kind of person she is.

Alana Terry is one of my favorite Christian suspense authors. I have never read a book by her that I didn't love. Her writing just flows and is so easy to follow. I've never been bored with any of her books. I highly recommend this book and all of Alana Terry's books to everyone out there!

I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.

[Sarah]

A novella and the first in Alana Terry’s Turbulent Skies series, “Terror in the Skies” provides readers with a short yet powerful story about air travel and nascent faith. As with all of this author’s books, this one will make you think, and that is what I like the most about it. Despite its brevity, Terry packs a great deal of emotion and intensity into it without causing it to be overwhelming. The situation that the characters face is indeed terrifying, but because of the pragmatic and spiritual approach employed by the author, this is not a scary book in the classic sense. Instead, it is an examination of the soul, a reflection on who or what you cling to in the moments between life and death, or, as the narrator puts it, “It’s time for me to tell you about the closest I’ve ever come to dying, and how that experience ultimately saved my life.”

“Terror in the Skies” is narrated in the first person by Willow Winters, a Harvard student and Alaska native who is the self-proclaimed “blue-haired second fiddle” and agnostic. In all honesty, I was not that fond of her; although I appreciated her honesty in telling her story, her voice was too informal for me. I think that it is meant to be so, and that it fits her character; it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Nevertheless, I think that Terry very effectively bookended the story with Willow’s statements about herself, which you’ll notice if you read the novella. The first half of the narrative is a buildup to the main action, which surprised me with the brevity of its duration, although the adrenaline keeps pumping. Willow also shares her views on human trafficking and environmental justice and how in her opinion they either seem to support or contradict Christian theology. Overall, however, this story is Willow’s testimony, and it demonstrates how God works even through outwardly horrific events to bring us home to Him. And as Willow says, “One step at a time. And maybe what matters isn’t whether or not you’re taking baby steps or giant leaps as long as you’re headed in the right direction.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read]

I have enjoyed Alana Terry’s books, and I was glad to have the opportunity to review this one.

I like that this story is written in the first person point of view. Willow Winters is a young lady who is a sophomore in college. She’s sharing with us how the experiences on the plane led her to make a decision to accept Christ as her Savior. It’s very much how a newly born-again teenage girl might explain her experience, and I found it refreshing. Willow rambles in her story at times, sometimes quite a bit, but I got to know some of the other passengers on the plane quite well in her descriptive ramblings. My interest was held throughout the whole story.

However, this is a short book, only 55 pages long. I did not realize this when I began reading the book, and it threw me off just a little bit. I’m telling you this now, because If you know this isn’t a full length book before you read it, you’ll understand why there’s a such fast paced storyline from the beginning. I wanted more from this story, and it just wasn’t there. But my wanting more from the story also proves this author is a talented writer.

So, all in all, I liked the book. I’m hoping the author will put the whole series in one collection at some point. I’d love to read it straight through.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Erin]

My Thoughts on Terror in the Skies:
I love this author. I’ve read several of her books and they’re amazing. This is not her best work. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a good read and I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars, but it’s not my favorite. It did not suck me in like some of her others do.

The problem with this novella, in my opinion, is that I really didn’t like Willow that much. She’s a self-proclaimed agnostic that comes to Christ within the book but she’s very informal and flippant and just not the type of person I’d be best friends with. Normally the main character draws me in and we become friends. Willow is more of a yeah I know her but I wouldn’t consider us friends type of main character.

I do still recommend this book and this series and this author. She’s one of my favorites. But this book isn’t a favorite. It’s well written and easy to read. You’ve got drama and adrenaline and suspense all within the pages of this book! Happy reading!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Joy]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I have enjoyed books by author Alana Terry, but with this one, I had a difficult time connecting with the story. Maybe it’s because it is told in the first person point of view the view of the free spirited Willow. I don’t do so well with this type of story. However, Terror in the Skies sets the stage for the future books in this Turbulent Skies Christian Thriller series. And it is written with the same expertise as all of Alana’s books, with characters well crafted and respected as they develop throughout the story.

Terror in the skies is a pretty quick read, I read it in a few hours. This is one thing I can enjoy about short stories, they can be read in one sitting. Sometimes its nice reading a novella, just for a little fun and enjoyment. If you enjoy a good clean, Christian, suspenseful story, I encourage you to check this one out. I think you will find that you will enjoy this book. 

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

[Betti]

A page-turning suspense written in the first person giving an introspective look at what occurred on that fateful day. Willow likes to stand out in the crowd, so experiencing this through her eyes gives us a whole different view. Her friend, Kennedy, seems to be along for moral support, or perhaps for spiritual support. The terror of this trip will long affect the lives of both of these young ladies.

I found it fascinating how Willow realizes the discomfort felt by the Mennonite family, wondering if It was God’s way of warning them. The courage of Grandma Lucy is something all Christians should be striving for, and that kind of bravery showed Willow what Christianity really means.

Terrifying to think how close I came to the end without knowing Him at all — Willow

This digital copy was received through CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and no positive review was solicited.

[Melissa]

This book wasn’t quite what I expected.
I have enjoyed most of Alana’s other books. She touches on topics that a lot of Christian authors won’t touch. Her characters also don’t fall into the typical Christian box, which I appreciate.
Honestly, if I hadn’t read the book preceding this one I don’t think I would have been invested at all in the story, but because I read the other book I found it somewhat interesting to read Willow’s POV. However, I don’t know if anyone who hasn’t read the Kennedy series would really like this book. Maybe they would.
With that being said, it’s a super quick read, you could read this in an hour or less. For me it wasn’t my favorite Alana Terry book and this probably won’t be a series I continue to read. But I look forward to her other books, this one just wasn’t for me.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

[Mary Hake]

I have enjoyed many of Alana Terry’s thriller novels. Her Kennedy Stern series is great. And in this book we have Kennedy and her quirky, wild roommate, Willow, flying to Alaska. The story, told from Willow’s point of view in the immediacy of first person, offers insights into her character and vulnerability. The author gradually unfolds Willow’s thoughts and fears as she observes and interacts with some of the other passengers. False impressions can be misleading, as we learn along with her. Not only does the drama offer an exciting read (which only takes a couple hours), the tale also presents a modern environmental problem that should be addressed. In addition, we witness Willow’s spiritual journey from doubting unbeliever to seeker and beyond. The characters and setting are well crafted and quite realistic. I’m glad this novella is first in a new series so we have more to look forward to. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Ruth Hill]

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

This book is a short, pithy tale with nothing offensive in it. It is a Christian book written totally in first-person as if it were a genuine eye witness account.

I truly enjoyed the brevity of the book and even the way the main character meandered around a bit. I see that it is the first book in a series and I'm wondering what the rest of the series will entail. I also appreciated the way in which the story unfolded. My only complaint is that I walkee away from the book with more questions than I would like. So although I enjoy that I could read this in a half hour or less, that is also my criticism. Perhaps future installments will fill in more details.

[Ashley Dawn]

This is a really quick read as it is a short novella. The author does a good job grabbing you from the start and keeping your attention. It's written from Willow's point of view and that was an interesting ride to take! The first person view point gave her thoughts and emotions more depth and I enjoyed that.

I liked that Willow was outspoken and not afraid to say what she thought on a number of controversial topics. Even though it was short, the story was full of suspense. I loved the overall feeling I got from the book of God puts people in exactly the right place at the right time. It's an amazing thought. I will absolutely look for more from this author.

It was a 4/5 for me.



Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via celebrate lit. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Sandra]

A fun, delightful short story by Alana Terry - who else could take a book called Terror in the Skies, and make it also 'delightful'? For those of you who have read the Kennedy Series by this author, you will immediately recognize the interesting character, Willow, and also Grandma Lucy.

This story is more of YA story then the Kennedy series, and it is not as deeply into faith, and with no scripture, but it's a perfect read for young minds thinking about Christianity, and wanting to know what is involved in turning one's life around, and to encourage them to start searching the Bible and asking questions. The story could easily in read in one or two reading sessions.

[Carol Brandon]

Interesting story about a girl who survived a plane hijacking, written like a diary, as she reflects on the experience. It’s not subtle about the Christian content, and there’s a rant about the water in Flint, Michigan, which made sense in the next chapter. It’s a realistic account of her surprising journey. The only thing I would say, is that as she muses about accounts where people die and come back, she doesn’t understand why some Christians don’t believe in them - I think the issue is that everyone goes to heaven, yet the Bible is clear that after death you go to heaven or hell. But I did really enjoy it. I listen to an audio version and quite liked the narration.

[Carol Keen]

This is a fast read, it’s a shorter story. It’s all told by Willow, in a first-person view. I think that was necessary because of the book-length, and it’s not my favorite view. It worked okay for this book. It does packs a good bit of action as well as some soul searching. After all, a hijacked plane is not an easy issue and if you don’t have your life right with God, being in a situation like this would definitely be cause for some changes.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely.

[Joni Truex]

Alana Terry. Terror in the Skies

Terror in the Skies focuses on the unpredictability of the world today. This book's setting is on an airplane flight and written from the passenger’s perspective. While I read this book, I would be engaged until the subject of the writing and time setting would abruptly shift. Other readers may be distracted by this, too. There were several “rants” on side subjects which I found impaired the readability. Other readers may also find this disruptive in their reading. The acceptance of the Lord was redeeming. There are others that will enjoy this book.