An action adventure like Indiana Jones, a science adventure like Jurassic Park and a human feel-good story like Slumdog Millionaire.
Masters of the Broken Watches is a must-read.
Sebastian Miles and his team of marine biologists stare at their watches. Time outside their lab has jumped forward by twenty-two hours. Minutes before this illogical space-time event, they were analyzing a mysterious glowing nodule extracted from an unknown marine specimen.
News of this marine life reaches powerful governments, inadvertently triggering a race to hunt, capture and control it. But these governments and their nationalist leaders have never faced a team of scientists known as the Paramarines. They have no idea to what lengths Sebastian and his Paramarines will go in order to protect the species from capture and exploitation.
The first of a multi-book series, this genre-bending novel leaves readers on the edge of their seats. Thrilling like Blake Crouch and science-driven like Ted Chang, all approached in ways you’ve never seen before. A captivating adventure, a heartbreaking story of love, and a true display of human ingenuity and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.
Razi Imam's debut novel MASTERS OF THE BROKEN WATCHES has won the 2021 IAN Book of the Year Award, 2021 Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Award, and the 2020 American Fiction Book Award. In addition his book is also listed as a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Award.
He has an uncanny knack of creating stories that are a cross-section of global cultures, mysterious science, human ingenuity and hard-hitting action adventure. His dream has always been to write books that would inspire readers to get involved in solving some of the greatest challenges faced by humanity such as hunger, poverty, illiteracy and disease.
He is also the CEO of 113 Industries, an Artificial Intelligence company where his work in understanding human behavior inspire his stories.
Thank you so much to Books Forward PR for my gifted copy of Masters of the Broken Watches. This magical book weaves together countless story-lines seamlessly, providing a fun science fiction adventure! The beginning chapter pulls you right into the adventure, with vivid scenery throughout the novel. I loved the variety of characters (some you love, some you hate), however I did feel that some of the characters lacked depth, not showing much personality aside from their dedication to the research. I think this was helped though by the multiple POVs that showed us a full picture of the adventure. My one real issue was the ending, which felt very lackluster compared to the rest of the novel, however I understand this might be the author’s way of setting up for the sequel.
Overall, this was a beautiful, clever, and mystical read that made me want to live in the imagination of the author forever. You can tell Masters of the Broken Watches is heavily-researched, which makes it feel all the more realistic. I mean there’s so much of the ocean that is unexplored, so who knows what we haven’t discovered! If you’re tired of being at home and longing for an adventure, this is the book for you!
This is being compared some classic action/ thriller movies. It basically is a screen play. Lots of characters, minimal character development, crazy unrealistic action scenes all over the globe, the themes of them vs. us, the underdogs finally getting their moment to shine, the small heart warming subplot and helping make the world a better place. I found my attention straying at times but ultimately a feel good adventure story.
All I ask is that whom ever writes the screen play gets rid of calling this team the paramarines. This team of scientists are not paratroopers, who were originally called paramarines. This band of merry disenfranchised scientists might kick butt but are not all military. I cringed ever time their “commander “ called them that. No one else in the book gives the collective that title. Done with my little rant. Read this debut novel for the fun adventures no matter what their called just for the rollercoaster ride.
What if scientists discovered a species of fish with the capability to use time to its advantage? This question is the premise of Imam's fascinating novel, which explores what gaining control over time might mean on personal, political, medical and global levels. Part sci-fi thriller and part Tomb Raider-style adventure, the story is based on sound logic and in-depth research but keeps you turning pages with its constant action and well-formed characters. I felt protective compassion towards simple Vietnamese fisherman Pham Kai and his ailing wife, and I couldn't help but root for brave scientist Sebastian and his team of researchers. The crossover between myth and reality is expertly done, and had me wishing it was based on truth! Imagine – the ability to speed up time for a long plane journey or reverse cell damage to treat awful diseases. It is as if the author has taken a wish and transformed it into a story. This was a tale unlike anything I've come across before, and I thoroughly recommend it.
This book has such an interesting premise and was, for me, absolutely captivating from the beginning. I love the play with time and the different aspects of it, how would we define it. How would we use it? There is so much we don't know about our marine life and life hidden away in secluded, sealed caves deep underground or underwater. It gave the author a lot to play with in terms of creative possibility. Including typical political manoeuvring that would come with discoveries like this gave the story some intensity as well. I sincerely hope this is the first of at least a couple of books, I'd love to see the team again
This book grabbed me from the very first page. I am not usually one who picks up science fiction, but after seeing this cover I knew I had to read Masters of the Broken Watches. I was not disappointed.
This book brought out my inner nerd and had me totally geeking out. Following along side a group of scientists as they experimented with a time bending entity was so much fun! I was immediately transported into the book and experimenting right beside them.
Not only was I fascinated by the science aspect of this book but it was also thrilling. There were quite a few moments I just couldn’t put this book down until I knew what was going to happen.
I really loved the characters and only wish we got to know them more in depth.
The beginning was a bit confusing because I couldn’t figure out how the chapters fit together. Although, about a quarter of the way through the book it all begins to come together, and it was definitely worth wait. This story is captivating and has quickly become one of my favorite science-fiction books. The trials and tribulations of the scientists as well as the bureaucratic hoops they have to jump through holds true to what most ground-breaking scientific discoveries endure. The tenacity of the characters and their experiences made this book difficult to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a realistic science-fiction novel that is full of adventure.
It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did I fell in love! The author really paints a beautiful picture in this novel- it feels less sci-fi thriller and more like a beautiful discovery you want to believe is real. I really enjoyed looking up some of the terminology and myths as I went along. And the plot IS thrilling-its not one of those books that advertise and don’t deliver. Job well done!
DNF @ 25% I wanted to like this. I liked the premise. But I just could not come up with the suspension of disbelief required to surrender to the story. I had less issue with the idea of time manipulation than of the resources available to the scientists. If I’m going to read sci-fi-y type books, I need to be able to buy in to the possibility, however remote, of the scenario maybe someday kinda sorta almost happening. I couldn’t get there with this one.
This book really pulls you into the story and you want to believe it is all real!! There is a lot of information in the story that is interesting to learn about.
The whole concept of time is very interesting, and makes you think!!
My first science fiction book and what a mind-blowing one at that. The concept of Paramarines (a combination of military and scientific teams) and the time modules are absolutely fascinating and hold the reader spellbound to the magical brilliance created by Razi Imam the author. I simply loved this book and the idea that problems faced by humanity need unconventional methods to arrive at solutions. Also, the book throws light on the fact that resilience is born out of setbacks (soul-breaking) such as stealing credit for our work by our superiors. The last chapter of the book is the best with the way a couple of scientists respond to a Congressional committee. Ethics, Diversity and the need to put behind us the days of rhetoric and nationalistic grandstanding are emphasized in this gem of a book.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, for which I am very grateful. The following is my unbiased honest review.
At first, this book took a bit to really get into. It began with the story of a Vietnamese fisherman, who always wanted to be an engineer, and his loved and loving wife of many years. Circumstances didn't work out for his goals, but they found that life as a fisherman couple, using the boat that both his father and grandfather has used in their profession, was still a good, satisfying life. Until, that is, they discovered that she had cancer. Things go downhill fast for them after that.
Sudden jump to another lead character. A young scientist/engineer with an adventurous streak. Think of Indiana Jones, except as a scientist rather than an archeologist. He's been working on a project that, if successful, would rock the theory of evolution on its ear, and provide many opportunities to advance humanity. He too has several chapters of introduction, as he is successful in his pursuit of the specimens of snail that can prove his theory while also introducing yet another character to the story (Nicely done, that!), only to have the senior members of the company he works for steal his research and take full credit for it, leaving him completely out of the picture. Of course he leaves the company; who wouldn't?
At this point, I was beginning to wonder how these two different story lines would come together. It didn't seem likely, but trust me on this one, they do so, in a creative and believable way.
Once they do, things begin to build. Our adventurous engineer gets what quickly becomes a dream job, with all the toys you could hope for. Our fisherman fights through adversities with the Chinese navy to discover a very unusual fish that seems to affect time itself, which when he and his wife meets up with our engineer and his team of fellow scientists, gives them a new theory to explore that makes his stolen one seem trivial by nature.
What follows is a rollicking good story, again much like an Indiana Jones movie, as our heroes meet and overcome crisis after adversity, all the while exploring and testing out the time altering properties of the strange fish. They quickly (maybe too quickly, but then you don't want the story to drag!) adapt the properties they find into usable tools, which they can utilize against the forces who want to confiscate their research for their own ends. As mentioned, they also have access to an amazing number of toys to benefit them. Some of these are a little fantastic, such as coming across a heavily armed Norwegian stealth catamaran warship they can conveniently borrow, that's perfectly adapted to their needs. Good thing they know how to use it, too! But then, good things really can and do come to those with lots of money and lots of friends in very high places, so it's not really all that farfetched. Besides, it's a story. Relax and enjoy.
My only criticism of the book is the number of homonyms in it, words that sound the same but have different spelling. There are more than there should be. Of course these words will pass a spell test (no misspelled words that I noticed), but apparently got missed during editing. (I should talk. I was taught speed reading as a child; it makes me a terrible proof reader!)
For a first novel, this was exceptional. I'm eagerly anticipating Mr. Imam's second one.
When I first started this book I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was the it was a science fiction story with elements of time travel. I am a very big lover of science fiction but rarely read them these days as I read all the classics years ago. This was a very refreshing read for me and I was hooked from the start. From the outset, you can see you’re in good hands. Razi Imam writes with careful detail, well thought dialogue and stunning descriptions of place.
The plot centres around a scientist named Sebastian, we get plenty of insight into his thoughts and motivations which gives him real depth. He’s a sort of Indiana Jones style character who is athletic and risk taking. After being betrayed by his scientific community, he learns that a strange fish has been caught in Vietnam, he is sent with a team of scientists, named the Paramarines to investigate. If you’re interested in marine biology or even sea life in general then you’ll know that there’s still so much we don’t know about our oceans and the creatures within them. This story provides us with a possible answer.
The story has a multitude of characters from different cultures and backgrounds , even giving the Vietnamese fisherman who caught the strange fish his own story and motivations. Of course there can’t be heroes without villains. The discovery of the fish leads to a global chase with some very powerful enemies.
One truly amazing thing about this book is that the author has such a wide knowledge of so many aspects. There are vivid descriptions of places all over the world, scientific equipment and processes and even recipes for delicious food! This level of detail is in no way boring or drawn out, it flows in and out of the narrative almost effortlessly and you feel like you’re learning about all kinds of things throughout. Furthermore the scientific aspects of this story are very realistic which made me feel even more engrossed in the amazing things which happen. It’s a sci-fi book for everyone – it even has a star trek reference!
Overall I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. I recommend it for anyone who wants a fresh sci-fi adventure. I can’t wait for his next book.
Masters of the Broken Watches is a novel hard to put down. From the heights and depths of mountains in Central America to the disputed South China and Vietnamese seas, we meet a diverse team of scientists led by young, bold ambitious, yet always pleasant, Sebastian Miles.
Sebastian and his team of paramarines discover a biological entity that will have you thinking about time in a completely new way. Time as particles emitted and experienced from a biological source constitutes a rare unique perspective about the nature of time. It sets MTBW apart from other sci-fi thrillers.
In addition to being a great adventure story, MTBW makes you consider a profound thought: What could humankind achieve if we could control time. Here the thriller part of the story is born. After all, the ability to control time or use it towards an end, would certainly command the attention of world governments, some with good intentions and some without.
Not only does the author present an original look at time, but also he wraps his story in a race against who can control it. Tense standoffs between Chinese and U.S. warships, a super computer that can present data in a human-like yet powerful manner, and a cast of compelling characters make this book a thought provoking yet fun read.
The author did a great job of moving things forward quickly, sometimes at a breakneck pace, while slowing down as needed to present small details such as the ingredients involved in cooking traditional Vietnamese recipes. These details lent great realism to the yarn. It is evident the author has done deep research on the subjects that power MTBW, from understanding the chain of command on the warships, to the science labs and equipment that would be needed to understand biological time, and insight into the power of supercomputing.
Perhaps one day we will understand time in new way. Until then, I believe you will find Masters of the Broken Watches an enjoyable intelligent sci-fi thriller that entertains while it makes you think; In short, time well spent.
Masters of the broken watches is a story written by Razi Imam is a bold, new voice in a science fiction, Razi Imam who is a very talented writer breathes genuine life into the stories with vivid characters, deft plot twists, skin-crawling creatures, and weird adventures that will thrill readers long after the story ends." Find out more by reading this very interesting novel, breaking the whole story would mean injustice to the readers.
The first 3 chapters of the book is about a fisherman named Pham Kai who wanted to become an engineer Could not fullf his dreams and ended up becoming a fisherman. Pham khai one day found out that his wife Minh whom he loved so much was suffering from breast cancer and required an immediate attention that would require a lot of money on the treatment. Pham Kai decides to catch the most expensive fish named ‘su vang’ generally found at most dangerous place called Bombay Reef which was ten miles long, located near the southeastern zone of the Paracel Islands. Somehow he manages to catch the fishes but he had to forego with it as he was caught by the Chinese caretaker of the reef. This story was described so beautifully by the author in 3 chapters. The words regarding the fishing techniques and catching of fish and later the way Pham Kai was caught were expressed so no lucidly that I could feel as if I was watching it live.
Chapter 4 starts with Dr Sebastian Miles who is on to some kind of expedition with Maria to find a unique variety of snails at “Cerro Tacarcuna is a formidable mountain, deep in the jungle which would help in Finding out the Human evolution. The way author describes her expedition and jungle adventure is too marvellous. It seems author has experienced all these expedition himself.
Will Dr Sebastian succeed in finding the snails? What happens next? Is there any connection between the 2 stories?
Find out more by reading this very interesting novel, breaking the whole story would mean injustice to the readers.
This book had so much heart, so much love, and so much intrigue. It was very exciting, and made me think about what could be. In one way, I was glad it was a work of fiction, and in other ways I wished parts of it could be true. At first I read quickly, then I went back to re-read and make notes and as I did that, the book came together, and I enjoyed it all the more. At first, it jumped around too much, but the more i read, the more it started to come together very satisfyingly and really quite cleverly.
The book begins with a fisherman in Vietnam who is willing to risk everything to catch a valuable fish that would provide enough money to pay for his beloved wife’s cancer treatment. He catches a fish that changes everything, an animal that can change time itself
The story moves to a group of adventurous scientists who are explorers, and are also risk takers, and they are also willing to risk it all for what they believe in. These scientists are studying hidden animals - mythological creatures about whom there are enough stories to make scientists and zoologists suspect they may be more than just story. In this book, the mysterious fish is Isikhathi Isilwandle from Zulu folklore, and it can change perceptions of time in different ways. Imagine what a gift, or a weapon this could be. When the governments catch wind of the discovery, the adventure begins.
I highly recommend this book. It keeps you thinking, and as I said, glad it isn’t true, but intrigued as to what might be. I loved the way the author portrayed his characters, and what they were willing to do and for what reasons. Conclusion, include your overall opinion
Looking forward to the next books as they come out.
Masters of the Broken Watches by Razi Imam is a thrilling novel that encompasses the magic and adventure of scientific discovery. It has sci-fi, physics, myths, politics, and is a thriller. This book has everything !
Plot: 🖌Sebastian Miles, an adventure loving, risk-taking marine biologist accidentally discovers a new species that has the power to change the way we humans experience time. While performing research, he and his team are shocked by a logic-defying phenomenon–where during one experiment the world outside their lab jumps ahead by twenty-two hours. News of this discovery soon reaches the heads of powerful governments and inadvertently triggers a global hunt to capture and control Sebastian and his team, their research and the species.
🖌These leaders know that this one discovery would pivot the power equation and the group that control this species will have access to the greatest resource mankind has ever seen – Time. Sebastian and his team attempt to stay one step ahead of their pursuers, but are they willing to risk their lives—in order to share their discovery with all mankind?
🖌It's a fast-paced book having interesting elements of time, science-fiction, traditional folklore, political thrillers and many more. The many threads of this story are seamlessly interwoven to create a masterpiece of modern science fiction. It is beautifully written, and every detail provided by the author adds to its beauty. It was a joyous and intriguing read. It is truly captivating, very tough to put down kind.
This is a debut novel by Author Razi Imam, I am looking forward to reading his future work!♥️♥️
Masters of the broken watches is a story written by Razi Imam.
This story is about a fisherman named Pham Kai who once upon a time wanted to become an engineer but ended up becoming a fisherman. Pham khai one day found out that his beloved wife Minh was suffering from breast cancer and required an immediate attention that would require a lot of money on the treatment. Pham Kai decides to catch the most expensive fish named ‘su vang’ generally found at most dangerous place called Bombay Reef which was ten miles long, located near the southeastern zone of the Paracel Islands.
Pham Kai opens his old trunk to find the map to reach to the right point at the reef. The trunk also contained his grandfather’s wristwatch, an old Tissot, complete with a metal strap. He needed an extra set of nylon nets to increase his odds of catching the fish so he decided to pawn it.
His first 3 weeks catch at the dangerous reef was always bucket full of normal fishes which were sold by afternoon every-time but they weren’t enough for the cancer treatment. But one day when he stared at his catch—in front of him lay two adult su vang fish. He knew they both were worth enough for Minh’s treatment.
What happens next? Will his wife be treated? What is the story behind his grand fathers watch? Will his life change forever?
Find out more by reading this very interesting novel, breaking the whole story would mean injustice to the readers.
The way fishing techniques have been described in the story seems as if the author himself knows so much about fishing.
Masters of the Broken Watches by Razi Imam - A Thrilling Sci-Fi Novel with a great connect to the common man
Story begins with a Vietnamese fishermen couple Pham Kai and Minh who goes through the shocks of their lives when they learn about the breast cancer. Being a humble couple who can’t afford to have the urgent surgery and have to either wait for the govt scheme or sell off all their assets or catch one The Su Vang Fish which considered to be the supreme delicacy and and fetch up to 25,000USD.
How Pham Kai risks his life to catch those 2 Su Vang Fish, and finally how he loses them is really heart-crashing. Writer has been able to take the imagination to the visualise the incident. Then arrives Dr Sabastian Miles, an adventure loving, risk -taking marine biologist with Maria. While doing his marine activity he accidentally discovered a new species that has a power to change the time. The Sci-Fi part of the book is very connecting.
Unfortunately the leaders find this discovery and understand that this species would give the power equation and the group holding this species would easily make the entry to the hugest hoard of the mankind. It is very engrossing to see how Dr Sabastian and his team works to protect this from the leaders
This book takes you through the roller coaster ride mixed of emotion, thrill, horror and peace after winning. It is beautifully written and keeps you engrossed all the time.
Full marks to the Author Razi Imam for writing such a wonderful novel and bringing his thoughts in such a nice way.
Master of the Broken Watches - A brilliant thrilling sci-fi yet connecting to ordinary being.
The story revolves around a Vietnamese couple Pham Kai and Minh who are financially very poor but a happy couple. The story took a very emotional turn when Minh diagnosed with breast cancer and Pham Kai, who is a fisherman is helpless to pay for the expensive treatments. Then he decided to venture out for a very rare fish which could help him to pay for the treatment.
On the other side of the world, Sebastian and Maria are marine biologist who are looking to discover new biological patterns. While doing his exploration they discovered a new species that a has a power to change the time.
Razi Imam has beautifully written this story, how Pham catches the fishes out of all the adventures and finally how he loses them is really heart breaking. How Dr. Sebastian and his team works to protect the unique discovery from going to wrong hands.
This story is definitely not less than a roller coster with a all the emotions of thrill, terror, love, sci-fi, hopes and peace. I just couldn't keep the books off for a long until I finished it. I was always indulged in the story thinking about what happens next. I really enjoyed it. A phenomenal job done by Razi Imam, I would highly recommend it.
Have you ever thought how life would be, if we experienced time differently? Maybe a little slower or faster than normal, or had the control to go to the future or past, as we wish? Interesting right. This is exactly the feeling, this book leaves you with!!!
The book begins with a fisherman in Vietnam who is willing to risk everything to catch a valuable fish that would provide enough money to pay for his beloved wife’s cancer treatment. He catches a fish that changes everything, an animal that can alter time itself.
Later, a group of adventurous scientists are introduced. Sebastien Miles is a marine biologist, who on one of his adventures, accidentally discovers a new species, that has the power to change the way we perceive or experience time. While performing research, he and his team are startled when they find out that during one of their experiments, the world outside their lab is advanced by twenty-two hours. Soon, news of this discovery, spreads like wild fire, and all powerful governments start a search operation for Sebastien and his team. Time is the most powerful tool, and gaining control of it, would make any government/political group invincible.
It's a fast-paced book with the perfect blend of geo-political thriller elements, fiction and science. The novel is very well written, and painted with vivid images. I definitely enjoyed reading it.
Masters of the Broken Watches by Razi Imam is an uplifting fantasy Sci-Fi Novel with elements of thriller, fiction, love, emotions.
The story is about a couple, named Pham kai and Minh, who are monetarily exceptionally poor yet a cheerful couple. And one day he discovered that his cherished spouse was suffering from breast cancer and required the treatment promptly and for that he would require a great deal of cash on the treatment. The angler is happy to chance everything that would give enough cash to pay his cherished spouse's disease treatment.
Later, a group of adventurous scientists are introduced. Sebastien Miles is a marine biologist, who on one of his adventures, accidentally discovers a new species, that has the power to change the way we perceive or experience time. While performing research, he and his team are shocked by a logic-defying phenomenon–where during one experiment the world outside their lab jumps ahead by twenty-two hours.
Soon, news of this discovery, spreads everywhere and all powerful govt organisations start a search hunt for Sebastien and his team. This was an excellent, intriguing and magical read. It is like a roller coaster ride of emotions of thriller, terror, love, hope and peace. I am impressed with the details author was put in to the story, I was totally engrossed in it. Loved the story line.
✍️Masters of the Broken Watches encourages readers to imagine what could be done with mastery of powers. Readers will be drawn into the story of discovery.
✍️At the beginning of the novel, Sebastian has studied evolution for years, risking his safety to collect samples and working nights to prove his hypothesis, but when his boss steals credit for the resulting discovery.
✍️An old colleague reaches out with a surprising new opportunity, promising scientific inquiry with a warm spirit of collaboration and an intriguing specimen, and Sebastian finds himself on a team investigating the mysterious time particle.
✍️This strange nodule was accidentally discovered by a village fisherman, who recognized the rarity immediately. Soon, the time particle begins to show six amazing powers, all connected with time.
✍️For the rest of the story you have to read the whole book. I'm sure you guys are going to love this.
✍️From the very first page of the book, I was transported into a different world. The author narrated the story so well that you can film the story while reading it. One thing that really impressed me is that author's writing style, It's so easy to understand yet so interesting ❤
Masters of the Broken Watches by Razi Imam is a thrilling, genre-bending novel that reveals the magic and adventure of scientific discovery. This action-packed work of science fiction will have you believing that space may not be the final frontier. A simple search for a theoretical species that could solve some of the universe’s greatest unanswered questions leads to a magical discovery and an international fight to protect it. Never would I think to pair the words “epic quest” and “science experiment” until now. There’s no mistaking the intelligence and research behind Imam’s writing. However, through all the mystery, danger, and thrills of the chase, this book doesn’t feel anything like a text book science lesson.
The many threads of this story are seamlessly interwoven to create a masterpiece of modern science fiction. This brilliant, fast-paced adventure is sure to be a welcome addition to the bookshelves of any Dan Brown or Umberto Eco fan.
Masters of the Broken Watches opens with a Vietnamese fisherman Pham Kai and his wife Minh. He is determined to help Minh who has been diagnosed with breast cancer even though they are very poor and don’t have the money for treatments. There is a rare and valuable fish that would bring in extra money and Pham Kai sets out to catch one.
On the other side of the world, a group of scientists and adventurers form a team to explore the far edges of science, specifically searching for hidden animals that most people would consider myth. When Pham Kai catches a fish the likes of which have never been seen before, the two groups come together.
This book is sci-fi and adventure, with a little thriller thrown in. There’s quite a bit of science here, it’s well-written and accessible (even for me). I loved the diverse settings and all the details that made me feel like I was visiting the different places. And don’t even get me started on the food! There’s also an emphasis on folklore and stories from various countries that I found fascinating.
I highly recommend Masters of the Broken Watches and I want to thank Rafi Imam and Books Forward PR for providing a review copy.
Thank you to @raziimam.author and @booksforwardpr for sending me this sci-fi fantasy thriller, Masters of the Broken Watches! A fascinating look at when the world of science and unforeseen possibilities collide with a regular fisherman. Life changes for all of them in a blink of an eye.
I really liked that this book feature Vietnam and has a diverse cast of characters. I wish the characters had been more flushed as some I connected to and others felt more flat, but the plot itself and the idea behind stretching the concept of time kept me riveted! Any author that says in their bio that their “dream has always been to write books that would inspire readers to get involved in solving some of the greatest challenges faced by humanity” has my vote. This book works as a standalone but I could also see a possibility for a second one and I would be really curious to read it!
Be aware this book will also have you craving fish curry and wishing that the character Minh could hand you a cup of her chai from the pages of the story.
Honestly I'm not usually the one who reads a science fiction, however after this book, I'm not hesitating anymore!! This story follows a few different perspectives such as a wholesome vietnamese couple, a group of scientists, and a whole load of political professionals. I absolutely ADORED reading about Pham Kai and Minh, their quiet little life uplifted and forced in heartache and a dangerous scientific discovery. I did think the start of the book was quite slow however I loved the character developments produced. The first chapter did confuse me as it wasnt mentioned again until the end but holy hell does it whip you straight in the face😂😂😂 when they are exploring the ocean I did get some serious David Attenborough vibes and I loved it! Seeing so many different perspectives was extremely interesting and enjoyable because theres so many adverse views and watching the characters overcome their differences was perfect and so wholesome! And the quality of the actual physical paperback is great! I cant wait to read more from this author❤🥺
(I am 75% through this book at time of writing the review)
This is a phenomenal un-put-down-able read, and I devoured half of the book in one night (would have read more, but it was almost 2am!)
An impoverished Vietnamese fisherman catches an all-new species of fish. Seeking help from his friends at the local Fisheries department, the fish catches the attention of a secretive band of researchers, who discover this fish has the ability to alter time. The researchers themselves are then caught in a race to find more, and protect the fish from the American and Chinese military who seek to weaponise it.
It's a fast-paced book encompassing geo-political thriller elements, science, science-fiction, traditional folklore and cryptozoology. Beautifully written, and vividly painted scenes, it's a joy to read, and I both want to finish it, and NOT want to leave this world.
If this is Razi Imam's debut novel, I look forward to reading his future work!
**Many thanks to NetGalley, and Books Forward for providing an advanced copy of the book. All opinions are my own**
Masters of the Broken Watches opens with a Vietnamese fisherman Pham Kai and his wife Minh. He is determined to help Minh who has been diagnosed with breast cancer even though they are very poor and don’t have the money for treatments. There is a rare and valuable fish that would bring in extra money and Pham Kai sets out to catch one.
On the other side of the world, a group of scientists and adventurers form a team to explore the far edges of science, specifically searching for hidden animals that most people would consider myth. When Pham Kai catches a fish the likes of which have never been seen before, the two groups come together.
The way fishing techniques have been described in the story seems as if the author himself knows so much about fishing. The words are expressed so well that I could create a picture in my mind.
This book was a very engaging read and I really enjoyed the story and characters. The storyline is well paced, it will keep you hooked to the plot. Would definitely recommend this to all and would love to read more books by Author Razi Imam.