"Drowning" by T. J. Newman captivates with its gripping, high-stakes narrative and well-drawn characters, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. However, some critics point out pacing issues, with certain segments feeling dragged. While the suspense remains strong, the plot’s predictability slightly undermines its impact. Overall, an engaging read with minor flaws.

Readers who revel in high-stakes thrillers and edge-of-your-seat suspense will be gripped by T. J. Newman's Drowning. Fans of Michael Crichton's ingenious plots and The Martian by Andy Weir's survival flourishes will find immense satisfaction in this tension-filled narrative. Ideal for those craving an immersive, fast-paced read.

Drowning by T. J. Newman follows the harrowing ordeal of Will Kent and his daughter, Shannon, who are trapped inside a commercial aircraft that crashes and sinks into the Pacific Ocean, while Will’s estranged wife, Chris, works with an elite rescue team to save them. The novel features dual narratives of the passengers' struggle for survival and the intense race against time by the rescue team. This book includes a plane crash and death.

**Will Kent**  
An engineer and the primary protagonist with expertise in designing offshore oil rigs, who uses his understanding of trade winds to ensure the passengers' survival following a plane crash. His internal conflicts and motivation to save his daughter are central to his character.

**Chris Kent**  
An industrial diver and Will's estranged wife, who organizes the successful rescue of the sunken passengers through her decisive and headstrong nature. Her focus is primarily on saving her daughter, Shannon, and she clashes with military rescuers.

**Shannon Kent**  
The 11-year-old daughter of Will and Chris, who displays calm maturity and levelheadedness during the crisis. Her safety is the driving force behind her parents' actions throughout the story.

**Kit Callahan**  
The surviving pilot of Flight 1421, who assumes a leadership role among the passengers after the crash. She prioritizes reason and safety over protocol during the crisis.

**Jackie “Fitz” Fitzgerald**  
A Coast Guard District Commander responsible for the rescue operation, who initially opposes Chris's unconventional plan. He is competent and driven by personal loss.

**Andy Matthews**  
A passenger on Flight 1421, characterized as selfish and combative, with frequent clashes with Will.

**Jasmine Harris**  
A Flight 1421 passenger and bartender who brings comic relief to the group with her fear of water and inability to swim.

**Ruth and Ira**  
An elderly couple traveling on Flight 1421 together for a final adventure due to Ruth’s terminal illness.

**Ryan Wang**  
A newlywed who loses his wife in the crash and falls into shock during its aftermath.

**Molly Hernandez**  
A flight attendant on Flight 1421, who is helpful and dedicated to her duties.

**Kaholo Kapule**  
A Hawaiian native and flight attendant on Flight 1421, who loses his fingertips early in the story and takes risks to help others.

**Bernadette Kowalski**  
A nurse who aids injured passengers on Flight 1421, using her medical expertise in critical moments.

**Maia Taylor**  
An eight-year-old unaccompanied minor on Flight 1421, who is cared for by the other passengers after being left alone.

**Noah Murphy**  
A member of Chris’s civilian diving team, close-knit and supportive during the rescue mission.

**Peter Feeny**  
A member of Chris’s divers, involved in the rescue operation.

**Sayid Raval**  
Another member of Chris’s diving team, willing to risk his life during the climactic rescue efforts.

**Mikey Tanner**  
Part of the Coast Guard rescue team involved in the mission following the aircraft ditching.

**Steve Milton**  
Another member of the Coast Guard team partaking in the rescue operation.

**Runt**  
A Coast Guard rescuer aiming to assist Chris and her team.

**Patricia Larson**  
Involved with the Navy and participating in the post-crash rescue mission.

**Danny Rogers**  
A Navy participant in the rescue efforts.

**Caputo**  
Part of the Navy team involved in the mission.

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Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421

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