What do you think?
Rate this book
The Towers Still Stand
What if the Sept. 11 attacks had failed, and Americans remained ignorant of the hijackers' ultimate goals?
In this alternate history, several hijackers and their leaders survive and escape a botched Sept. 11 plot and plan a second attempt on the towers. Only one man in the government and an aggressive journalist suspect what might be afoot, but how can they convince a skeptical nation that the World Trade Center is in danger?
These two find themselves in a deadly battle against time and the complacent nature of the US government. If they fail, the World Trade Center towers could fall. The Towers Still Stand is a chilling alternate history thriller.
In this alternate history, several hijackers and their leaders survive and escape a botched Sept. 11 plot and plan a second attempt on the towers. Only one man in the government and an aggressive journalist suspect what might be afoot, but how can they convince a skeptical nation that the World Trade Center is in danger?
These two find themselves in a deadly battle against time and the complacent nature of the US government. If they fail, the World Trade Center towers could fall. The Towers Still Stand is a chilling alternate history thriller.
282 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2016
24 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Rosenberg
1 book13 followersA professional journalist, Daniel Rosenberg’s career includes stints writing for the Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. He currently writes about financial markets for a major brokerage firm. Rosenberg is married, has two sons, and lives in Highland Park, Illinois.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 11, 2018
This book is well written and deserving of a top award. It definitely gives the reader something to think about.
September 23, 2017
Review coming soon.
November 28, 2019
Variation on a theme
In this novel the government and press are more skilled than the ones we have in real life. As a result of this greater skill and attention to international terrorist threats the 9/11/2001 attacks are prevented and as a result the world does not suffer the mass casualties of that day nor the seemingly endless wars we gave been tangled up in for the last nearly two decades. I think the author is a bit optimistic, but the novel was an interesting read.
In this novel the government and press are more skilled than the ones we have in real life. As a result of this greater skill and attention to international terrorist threats the 9/11/2001 attacks are prevented and as a result the world does not suffer the mass casualties of that day nor the seemingly endless wars we gave been tangled up in for the last nearly two decades. I think the author is a bit optimistic, but the novel was an interesting read.
March 22, 2017
THE TOWERS STILL STAND by Daniel Rosenberg is a gripping suspense tale that will keep you reading long into the night. Imagine if the flights that struck the World Trade Center had instead managed to have a mid-air collision. And further, the strike on the Pentagon was called off. Would the remaining terrorists give up on their goal or would they plan to strike again? How would America and the world react to at least one hi-jacked plane colliding with another? How security conscious would we all be if the 911 attack never managed to happen?
That is the world proposed in THE TOWERS STILL STAND. One man in government destroyed his career on that day in 2001 when the two planes were taken. Virgil Walker felt there was more at stake than a mere hi-jack for ransom as most of the Bush/Cheney White House thought. He felt there was more at stake when he saw the flight paths that turned toward New York that day.
For going to the press with more information than the White House was willing to release, he was fired.
This is his story as well as that of the small cell of terrorists remaining in America. While Virgil works to get back into government, the terrorist cell is plotting another attack on the towers. The question is which side will succeed.
The pacing is just a little slow at times, perhaps hindered by the lack of many viewpoints involved in telling the story. I have noticed in thrillers there is a great use of multiple views by many different characters as they all interact within the frame of the story. For example, when a raid on a Taliban stronghold occurs, we see the action from the view of a New York Times reporter who is being held for ransom. Perhaps if we had seen the raid from the soldiers view, of the Taliban's outlook, or a mix of both, we would have been given more of an infusion of action into that segment of the story rather than just seeing what is happening to the reporter.
This is merely a suggestion, but one I have seen used very successfully in many other stories to ramp up the adrenaline. Perhaps in Mr. Rosenberg's next book. (Hint: you could tell more of the Director's story.)
Overall this is an intriguing look at what might have happened. It shows America's complacency in the aftermath of a "Non" event. And it appeals to all of us to remember what we lost that day and to to prepare for the next attack.
I do recommend this book for it's concept and the depiction of the creativity of those who would plot against the world in general.
We should never let our guard down. And perhaps a little less grumbling while waiting for the TSA to do their jobs. It is for your safety after all.
That is the world proposed in THE TOWERS STILL STAND. One man in government destroyed his career on that day in 2001 when the two planes were taken. Virgil Walker felt there was more at stake than a mere hi-jack for ransom as most of the Bush/Cheney White House thought. He felt there was more at stake when he saw the flight paths that turned toward New York that day.
For going to the press with more information than the White House was willing to release, he was fired.
This is his story as well as that of the small cell of terrorists remaining in America. While Virgil works to get back into government, the terrorist cell is plotting another attack on the towers. The question is which side will succeed.
The pacing is just a little slow at times, perhaps hindered by the lack of many viewpoints involved in telling the story. I have noticed in thrillers there is a great use of multiple views by many different characters as they all interact within the frame of the story. For example, when a raid on a Taliban stronghold occurs, we see the action from the view of a New York Times reporter who is being held for ransom. Perhaps if we had seen the raid from the soldiers view, of the Taliban's outlook, or a mix of both, we would have been given more of an infusion of action into that segment of the story rather than just seeing what is happening to the reporter.
This is merely a suggestion, but one I have seen used very successfully in many other stories to ramp up the adrenaline. Perhaps in Mr. Rosenberg's next book. (Hint: you could tell more of the Director's story.)
Overall this is an intriguing look at what might have happened. It shows America's complacency in the aftermath of a "Non" event. And it appeals to all of us to remember what we lost that day and to to prepare for the next attack.
I do recommend this book for it's concept and the depiction of the creativity of those who would plot against the world in general.
We should never let our guard down. And perhaps a little less grumbling while waiting for the TSA to do their jobs. It is for your safety after all.
March 22, 2017
THE TOWERS STILL STAND by Daniel Rosenberg is a gripping suspense tale that will keep you reading long into the night. Imagine if the flights that struck the World Trade Center had instead managed to have a mid-air collision. And further, the strike on the Pentagon was called off. Would the remaining terrorists give up on their goal or would they plan to strike again? How would America and the world react to at least one hi-jacked plane colliding with another? How security conscious would we all be if the 911 attack never managed to happen?
That is the world proposed in THE TOWERS STILL STAND. One man in government destroyed his career on that day in 2001 when the two planes were taken. Virgil Walker felt there was more at stake than a mere hi-jack for ransom as most of the Bush/Cheney White House thought. He felt there was more at stake when he saw the flight paths that turned toward New York that day.
For going to the press with more information than the White House was willing to release, he was fired.
This is his story as well as that of the small cell of terrorists remaining in America. While Virgil works to get back into government, the terrorist cell is plotting another attack on the towers. The question is which side will succeed.
The pacing is just a little slow at times, perhaps hindered by the lack of many viewpoints involved in telling the story. I have noticed in thrillers there is a great use of multiple views by many different characters as they all interact within the frame of the story. For example, when a raid on a Taliban stronghold occurs, we see the action from the view of a New York Times reporter who is being held for ransom. Perhaps if we had seen the raid from the soldiers view, of the Taliban's outlook, or a mix of both, we would have been given more of an infusion of action into that segment of the story rather than just seeing what is happening to the reporter.
This is merely a suggestion, but one I have seen used very successfully in many other stories to ramp up the adrenaline. Perhaps in Mr. Rosenberg's next book. (Hint: you could tell more of the Director's story.)
Overall this is an intriguing look at what might have happened. It shows America's complacency in the aftermath of a "Non" event. And it appeals to all of us to remember what we lost that day and to to prepare for the next attack.
I do recommend this book for it's concept and the depiction of the creativity of those who would plot against the world in general.
We should never let our guard down. And perhaps a little less grumbling while waiting for the TSA to do their jobs. It is for your safety after all.
That is the world proposed in THE TOWERS STILL STAND. One man in government destroyed his career on that day in 2001 when the two planes were taken. Virgil Walker felt there was more at stake than a mere hi-jack for ransom as most of the Bush/Cheney White House thought. He felt there was more at stake when he saw the flight paths that turned toward New York that day.
For going to the press with more information than the White House was willing to release, he was fired.
This is his story as well as that of the small cell of terrorists remaining in America. While Virgil works to get back into government, the terrorist cell is plotting another attack on the towers. The question is which side will succeed.
The pacing is just a little slow at times, perhaps hindered by the lack of many viewpoints involved in telling the story. I have noticed in thrillers there is a great use of multiple views by many different characters as they all interact within the frame of the story. For example, when a raid on a Taliban stronghold occurs, we see the action from the view of a New York Times reporter who is being held for ransom. Perhaps if we had seen the raid from the soldiers view, of the Taliban's outlook, or a mix of both, we would have been given more of an infusion of action into that segment of the story rather than just seeing what is happening to the reporter.
This is merely a suggestion, but one I have seen used very successfully in many other stories to ramp up the adrenaline. Perhaps in Mr. Rosenberg's next book. (Hint: you could tell more of the Director's story.)
Overall this is an intriguing look at what might have happened. It shows America's complacency in the aftermath of a "Non" event. And it appeals to all of us to remember what we lost that day and to to prepare for the next attack.
I do recommend this book for it's concept and the depiction of the creativity of those who would plot against the world in general.
We should never let our guard down. And perhaps a little less grumbling while waiting for the TSA to do their jobs. It is for your safety after all.
August 30, 2018
What if the hijackers failed on Sept 11? That is the subject of this alternative history that tracks 3 terrorists as they regroup and plan their next attack, and several career government officials who continue their search after the USA has become complacent. Long on suspense and short on any deep analysis of terrorism, it is nonetheless a well paced whodunit that leaves you guessing right up until the end. Even though this is fiction, the real 9/11 tragedy echoes throughout, which for me hit a little close to the heart.
June 10, 2019
Alternative history but not futuristic - the real people and situations woven into the story bring to light what could have been had the 9/11 attacks failed. All too real and possible. We still haven't learned the "prepare for the last event" approach, at least in the public eye. Makes me hope that there are people like Virgil in the system somewhere who are fighting to illuminate risk, even if we never hear about it
May 11, 2018
Reviewed by Larissa Distler, Adult Services Librarian
"The Towers Still Stand" is a fast moving suspense tale that reminded me of Dan Brown it its structure. The book poses an interesting question: What if the plot to take down the World Trade Center buildings had failed?
Rosenberg utilizes his background in journalism to explore that question with well a well researched fictional plot.
"The Towers Still Stand" is a fast moving suspense tale that reminded me of Dan Brown it its structure. The book poses an interesting question: What if the plot to take down the World Trade Center buildings had failed?
Rosenberg utilizes his background in journalism to explore that question with well a well researched fictional plot.
April 17, 2017
Gripping page turner! Couldn't put it down! If you like thrillers and historical fiction, this book is for you.
March 23, 2017
I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. 4.5 stars. The author describes an alternative history in which the original 9/11 terrorist plan goes awry. The hijacked planes that were to hit the towers crash into each other instead. An advisor to the US president, Virgil Walker, tries to convince top officials that the terrorists had something more in mind for the planes. Meanwhile, the towers are still in the sights of the terrorists.
A great story with believable characters and lots of suspense.
A great story with believable characters and lots of suspense.
January 10, 2018
I liked the short chapters, which made it easy to read. It had much more suspense in the second half of the book. It is always a scary thought that our nation will need to continue to be watchful and not become lax in protecting this country we love.
April 7, 2023
Not a bad story but not a good one either.
I like alternate history/timelines in general but this felt like just a reshuffling of most of the actual facts with a few "what if" ideas. In the end, it left thinking, "well that was interesting"
I like alternate history/timelines in general but this felt like just a reshuffling of most of the actual facts with a few "what if" ideas. In the end, it left thinking, "well that was interesting"
September 29, 2017
3.5 stars
March 18, 2017
I won a copy of this alternate history tale on this website. What would of happened had the two hijacked aircraft that were going to hit the twin towers collided in midair before their mission was completed ? The main character is a national security advisor who despises the Bush/Cheney administration but is the gem in the rough trying to save lives in the terrorists next attempt to finish what they started. Other good characters ,including terrorists, emerge in this very interesting story. Not a great story,but very good in my humble opinion.
September 9, 2017
What if the terrorists on 9/11 didn't complete their mission? Would they want to try again?
Great alternate history story!
Great alternate history story!
January 16, 2020
Excellent!
January 21, 2021
I don't want to give it a good review because it is sad to think of how September 11th could have been prevented, but it is a good story. It conveys a version of what it could be like behind the scenes, both for the government and for terrorists.
April 6, 2017
I loved this book. If only it were true. I was working 2 blocks away from the towers on 9/11/2001 and watched the whole horror enfold. At first we thought it was a joke, then we thought it was some stupid pilot who got lost and then we realized our lives would never be the same again. This story seems so real and plausible. It has the two planes colliding with each other and failing to strike their target. Five years later, another plot to strike the towers. The story is suspenseful and filled with believable villains and good guys. I would recommend this book to everyone.
April 14, 2017
Fascinating!
April 20, 2017
I read this because it was a finalist in the 2017 Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project.
I'm not normally a fan of alternate history, but I thought this wish fulfillment around 9/11 was well done. The concept would hit home with many readers. The beginning and ending were great and really pulled me in. It dragged a little in the middle, and it would benefit from an afterword explaining who is a real person and who is fictional. Still, I recommend it for any fans of alternate history novels.
I'm not normally a fan of alternate history, but I thought this wish fulfillment around 9/11 was well done. The concept would hit home with many readers. The beginning and ending were great and really pulled me in. It dragged a little in the middle, and it would benefit from an afterword explaining who is a real person and who is fictional. Still, I recommend it for any fans of alternate history novels.
December 27, 2017
Rosenberg's alternative history makes you think about how events like September 11 can turn one way or another based on small actions, outdated thinking, or the efforts of one person, and also how different the last decade would have been if the attack was thwarted.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews