©1979, 1998 by Thomas H. Block and Nelson DeMille, All Rights Reserved; (P) and ©1998 Time Warner AudioBooks, A Division of Time Warner Trade Publishing
"Strong and electric!" (Washington Post)
"Truly horrific...delicious terror. Mayday is a novel for the true connoisseur of disaster novels." (The New York Times Book Review)
"Great adventure! Hard to put down."
I wouldn't give many books five stars, but this one is well deserving. Although updated from the original written in the late 70's (which I haven't read), the story is by no means old. The characters are well defined, and the story line keeps you hooked and wanting more.
The author throws in enough twists to keep you on your toes and unable to predict the next move. Granted, not everything is 100% believable, but is entertainment after all. I have read other DeMille books and highly recommend him as an author.
"Mayday"
Not enough superlatives to describe this book.....gripping, most definately comes to mind. I found myself searching for things to do that did not require thought so I could continue listening to "Mayday"....I just didn't want to turn it off. As one who does not like to fly, I found myself even more convinced that staying on the ground is prudent. And, "Mayday" will make everyone think twice about the motives of corporate leaders when disasters strike.
"Some good some bad"
Whilst the story idea is certainly riveting and would likely be a good read, the robotic narration accentuates the use of awkward metaphors and glaring cliches. A better narrator may have done this novel more justice, as it sounded like a computer was speaking at times. It was enjoyable nonetheless, but I don't think it is DeMille's best. I half wished that some of the painfully extended dialogue could have been replaced with a better conclusion better describing the aftermath and repurcussion of the events. I would recommend the book, but would warn again the audiobook unless you're willing to put up with the bad narrator (I suggest use the preview first).
"You'll keep thinking about it long after finishing"
Absolutely amazing, thought provoking and chillingly real. An updated version of a timeless novel by one of the great authors of this century! The book starts quickly and keeps going and going!
47 is the real answer
"Suspenseful and wonderful"
I must confess that I didn't care for this narrator's style. However the story and knowing the kinds of books Nelson writes was enough for me to still enjoy listening to this book. It was hard to put down and get some sleep. I also found myself taking an extra lunch break so I could finish a chapter. The details and the dynamics of real air planes was well-researched and added to the realism. I guess there was a movie made from this book, which I know isn't as good knowing how movies are, so I might watch it one day if I'm bored. This book is a definite keeper however and is worth reading more than once.
I enjoy both Fiction and Non Fiction Books. Not having the best of eye sight, Audible books are a bonus. Great stuff.
"A1.. Excellent story!"
I’ve recently finished listening to this book for a second time and as I love well written fiction (and non fiction) stories about air disasters, Mayday most certainly didn’t disappoint me. I wish Audible would stock more of this genre.
I disagree with the many negative comments we see here about the narrator as I found the narration to be excellent, but I guess that just boils down to personal preference. Happily, the books sample audio gives you a good idea of what to expect so be sure to check that out before you buy.
The story doesn’t take too long to get you hooked and the author avoids a lot of pointless dialogue just to fill in pages. He has a great imagination which led to me totally enjoying the story. Can’t recommend this book highly enough. Get it!
"Makes a disaster fun."
Although the story has quite a bit of gratuitous grossnesses (?) with unbelievable events and plot twists, that's what makes it fun. I couldn't stop listening as I had to know what kind of trouble these folks would get into next. The narrator is kind of stiff, but I think we're all getting spoiled by Scott Brick. If you can put Mr Brick out of your mind, Mr Prichard isn't too bad.
If you aren't obsessed with accurate details and logical plot, but just what a good nail biter, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, read Up Country.
"Great Book -- Suspenseful -- Nice plot."
Great book. I'm into Airplane type books and suspense novels. The authors involve corporate and military scandals in which a layperson would never think of.
I am an avid eclectic reader.
"Riveting, nail biting suspense"
The book opens with the statement if you are on a plane do not read this book. Apparently it is a remake of a book from the 70's they updated it and it was also made into a TV movie. The story grabs you from the beginning and the story goes into one problem or disaster to another and there is just no good place to put the book down. A missile hits a super sonic passenger jet at 62,000 feet and the plane decompressed, some passenger die and some are have oxygen deprived brain disorder only 5 people are functioning and one is a civilian pilot. I won't give the story away but you will find you can not stop listening. There is enough real world situation to the story to make one think about flying but enough is far fetched to keep one going to the airport to catch a plane.
"Silly fun..."
Calling this book "the most terrifyingly realistic air disaster thriller of all time", as the Publisher's notes do, is misleading. The story is anything but realisitic! It would be more accurate to describe the book as a cross between Conspiracy Theory (for evil conspiracies), Gilligan's Island (for ridiculous plot threads) and Night of the Living Dead (for, what else, the "living dead" - a term even used in the book!). Given all that, I found it to be an enjoyable book that I wanted to keep listening to, if only to see what sillyness happens next. If you want a serious thriller, take a pass on this book. If you don't mind silly fun, however, then Mayday is an immersive yarn.