Forced Landing

By: Thomas Block

Narrated by: Thomas Block

Learn the 'Inside Story' of a complex high-tech crime from years ago! Taking place in a pre-9/11 world of the 80′s, a former US submarine is hijacked in the Gulf, a floating aircraft carrier museum is hijacked from its dock in South Carolina, a Learjet and then a DC-9 are hijacked from New York shortly thereafter. The story is a vintage-era caper that involves gold, hostages and a memorable cast of noble and exceptionally nasty characters.

©2012 Thomas Block (P)2013 Thomas Block

Engaging story, lots of thrills

Any additional comments?

The bad guys are really bad, the good guys have some flaws but overcome them to be heroes. This is an enjoyable thriller.

We're going to land on what?!

What did you love best about Forced Landing?

The reliving of the Doolittle raid.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Of course. With the in-flight abduction of an airliner, the theft of an aircraft carrier, and the mutiny and theft of an Iranian submarine all coming together at once how could you not be involved with the plot.

What about Thomas Block’s performance did you like?

Mr. Block wrote the book in the first place consequently you never have to wonder if the nuance of the narration is true to the intent of the author.

Any additional comments?

Of course the constant action in the story keeps you interested and makes the story a page turner. However, it is obvious that Mr. Block has done his homework over a vast range of expertise. History; the operation of B-25s off a carrier during WWII and flight deck testing of a C-130 during Vietnam. Nautical; sub operations down to the fact that a test firing of a tube would negate further firing if the correct steps weren't followed. Also the fact that this carrier had an elevator trunk instead of deck edge elevators like modern ships. And as always Mr Block's excellent understanding of aviation in general.

Just like a good James Bond movie - very fun read

What did you love best about Forced Landing?

The multiple sub-plots and how they all come together. I love books where you don't know where the plot is going but you know somehow the pieces will come together. The author does a wonderful job of creating intrigue and then bringing it together so you can't stop listening.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It's hard not to like the main character O'Brien though the "bad guy" is so bad that you have to enjoy the character for what he is. Hard to write too much here without giving away the plot.

Have you listened to any of Thomas Block’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. This is the first Block audiobook. The narrator does a really great job with all the various characters (which there are many). He makes it very easy to follow because you get to learn who's who by the way he changes his voice and inflection. This is a great skill for a narrator to have.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

For sure...definitely a "page turner". Its too long to listen to in one sitting but I found myself wanting to turn it on whenever I could...even found myself in the slow lane on the highway so I wouldn't get to where I was going to fast. It really is like a James Bond thriller wrapped up in an Audiobook. Some of it seems implausible but the author brings in the history from WWII which makes the listener then believe its "possible" because there is actually some factual elements that you can't ignore.

Any additional comments?

Its clear the author has background in flying so there is a lot of detail around the planes and ships that bring the story to life. Also, you won't have any idea at the beginning of the book what is really happening....don't be put off by that...it comes together. This listen was really fun and entertaining...I'm a James Bond fan so I like this kind of "is it really possible" craziness.

Slow starter made worse with narrator

confusing at start however as plot developers it gets better midway through to end.

Enjoyable listening

Any additional comments?

Interesting, enjoyable fiction story, keeps your interest to the end. Ending not what I expected.

Intriguing

Exciting to listen to as the plot unfolds, coming to a spellbinding ending. Tom Block was masterful at writing and telling this one.

Great Book

What did you love best about Forced Landing?

This the third Tom Block book that i have purchased and was not disappointed. As a former airline pilot, he does an excellent job on accuracy of what planes are capable of. If you like good a good plot with a large cast of characters, you won't be disappointed. If you like this book you would enjoy other books featuring flying.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Forced Landing?

The only thing i would have liked was for the Captain to have punched out the attorney instead of being polite to him.

Have you listened to any of Thomas Block’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Compare very favorably.