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The Watchers #2
The Bar at the Edge of the Sea
A world underwater. A missing weapon. A fight for redemption. Zeke Watson has his first mission as a a quest to find a kidnapped child who knows the location of a missing weapon. In the wrong hands, the weapon will upset the balance of good and evil across the known universe. He seeks the child. The weapon. And redemption. But can he find any of that in a flooded post-apocalyptic world filled with ruthless pirates—where his skills behind the wheel are useless and his newfound power is as unsteady as a skiff on choppy seas? Don't miss the thrilling sequel to Bar at the End of the World. It's perfect for fans of A.G. Riddle, Hugh Howey, and Stephen King's The Dark Tower.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2020
59 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Tom Abrahams
71 books343 followersTom Abrahams is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award winning television journalist and member of International Thriller Writers.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
He is also a Kindle Unlimited All-Star, an Audible 5 Star Favorite, and author of more than forty novels.
He writes in several genres including dystopian, sci-fi techno-thriller, post-apocalyptic, and political thrillers.
The dramatic rights for his "A Dark World" trilogy are optioned for television and film.
He's married with two children and lives in Southeast Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 21, 2020
This book picks up where the previous one left off, they have returned from the mission to rescue Li, and during this mission, Zeke gained an understanding of his new role as one of ‘The Watchers’.
Whilst the first book was mostly about Zeke, with a small amount of the story covering the rest of his party, Uriel, Gabe, and Phil, the second book has a lot more main characters for us to learn about, broadening the story focus.
We are still learning about Zeke (and you get the feeling that Zeke will always be a main character, so most of the stories in this series will come from his point of view, however, in this book, we have a new protagonist who has come to the bar seeking to redeem their soul.
Lucius Mander arrives at Pedro’s door step, bringing with him the ocean, quite literally. Gone is the desert in this book, that was from Zeke’s slot in time, and we have been drawn to Lucius’s slot in time, and he lives on an Earth in which the polar icecaps have totally melted, covering the Earth in water, so that only the very tips of the highest mountains poke through.
This story covers a lot of topics, one of them being climate change (even if it is inadvertently), as the Earth has been smashed by humanity, leaving it covered in water. In a particular section, Li see’s other versions of Earth, and all of them seem to be in various forms of decay, and it is like Abrahams has made a point to deliberately show that the future of the Earth and Humanity is bleak if we continue how we are.
We learn that Zeke is to lead a mission, to help Lucius, who has to return to his time, and not only rescue his Daughter, Anaxi from the clutches of a vile pirate called Desmond Branch (who happens to be the person who killed Lucius to begin with), but to also begin to atone for his life, and earn back his soul, he must find and return a lost Watcher’s weapon, one that has been missing for a few thousand years, an ancient and powerful sword that goes by several names, depending on which culture it has moved through, and it has been through several, Japanese, British (where it was a little thing called ‘Excalibur’), and currently, in this timeline, where it is known as Kalevanmiekka.
To retrieve the sword, you must pass 3 trials, or riddles, and only the worthy will be found suitable to remove the sword from its current resting place. Abrahams puts such a lot of effort into creating this epic storylines, in which they are not only beautifully crafted, but they have so much depth and detail to them, his world building is outstanding. There is extraordinary detail, not just in linking the Characters, and keeping his timelines together, but the weapons, the different characters and where they come from, the tech, some of it being old, some of it almost magical. And he tells these tales of basically Angels, going on missions of redemption, with people who have just died in horrific ways (and we read how they died at the start so we know what has happened), before following our Angels on a bloody path to this redemption. And yet, throughout all of this, you find yourself having to stop, as you are in fits of laughter at some of the comments made. This book is full of some of the best one liners, some of them references to pop culture, others just biting comebacks that leave the receiving party slapped into next week, Abrahams must be a lot of fun at parties!!
Add to all of this the magnificent Character work, and the story is just about perfect. Abraham’s characters are wonderful, Zeke continues to grow, questioning everything as he tries to understand what has happened, but he has come to grips with it in this book, and he is now trying to understand how to be a better Watcher. Uriel is one of the best characters in the book – she is where a lot of the best one liners come from, and when she speaks, you listen, you generally laugh after, but if you don’t pay attention to her, she will make sure you do next time. The relationship between Zeke and Uriel is very interesting in this book, and makes the story just that more interesting.
We don’t get to hear a lot about Gabe or Phil, they are kind of secondary, as they were in the first book, it would be good to know more about these Watchers. Pedro is still a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, and the more you learn, the less you know. Li is fascinating in this book, as she tries to reconcile what has happened, and who she now is. I don’t want to give anything away about her character, but her story is really interesting in this book.
Overall, this story is just as good as the first, Abrahams has outdone himself, and this is more than worth the read, it is a must read. I can’t wait for the next episode in the series!!
Whilst the first book was mostly about Zeke, with a small amount of the story covering the rest of his party, Uriel, Gabe, and Phil, the second book has a lot more main characters for us to learn about, broadening the story focus.
We are still learning about Zeke (and you get the feeling that Zeke will always be a main character, so most of the stories in this series will come from his point of view, however, in this book, we have a new protagonist who has come to the bar seeking to redeem their soul.
Lucius Mander arrives at Pedro’s door step, bringing with him the ocean, quite literally. Gone is the desert in this book, that was from Zeke’s slot in time, and we have been drawn to Lucius’s slot in time, and he lives on an Earth in which the polar icecaps have totally melted, covering the Earth in water, so that only the very tips of the highest mountains poke through.
This story covers a lot of topics, one of them being climate change (even if it is inadvertently), as the Earth has been smashed by humanity, leaving it covered in water. In a particular section, Li see’s other versions of Earth, and all of them seem to be in various forms of decay, and it is like Abrahams has made a point to deliberately show that the future of the Earth and Humanity is bleak if we continue how we are.
We learn that Zeke is to lead a mission, to help Lucius, who has to return to his time, and not only rescue his Daughter, Anaxi from the clutches of a vile pirate called Desmond Branch (who happens to be the person who killed Lucius to begin with), but to also begin to atone for his life, and earn back his soul, he must find and return a lost Watcher’s weapon, one that has been missing for a few thousand years, an ancient and powerful sword that goes by several names, depending on which culture it has moved through, and it has been through several, Japanese, British (where it was a little thing called ‘Excalibur’), and currently, in this timeline, where it is known as Kalevanmiekka.
To retrieve the sword, you must pass 3 trials, or riddles, and only the worthy will be found suitable to remove the sword from its current resting place. Abrahams puts such a lot of effort into creating this epic storylines, in which they are not only beautifully crafted, but they have so much depth and detail to them, his world building is outstanding. There is extraordinary detail, not just in linking the Characters, and keeping his timelines together, but the weapons, the different characters and where they come from, the tech, some of it being old, some of it almost magical. And he tells these tales of basically Angels, going on missions of redemption, with people who have just died in horrific ways (and we read how they died at the start so we know what has happened), before following our Angels on a bloody path to this redemption. And yet, throughout all of this, you find yourself having to stop, as you are in fits of laughter at some of the comments made. This book is full of some of the best one liners, some of them references to pop culture, others just biting comebacks that leave the receiving party slapped into next week, Abrahams must be a lot of fun at parties!!
Add to all of this the magnificent Character work, and the story is just about perfect. Abraham’s characters are wonderful, Zeke continues to grow, questioning everything as he tries to understand what has happened, but he has come to grips with it in this book, and he is now trying to understand how to be a better Watcher. Uriel is one of the best characters in the book – she is where a lot of the best one liners come from, and when she speaks, you listen, you generally laugh after, but if you don’t pay attention to her, she will make sure you do next time. The relationship between Zeke and Uriel is very interesting in this book, and makes the story just that more interesting.
We don’t get to hear a lot about Gabe or Phil, they are kind of secondary, as they were in the first book, it would be good to know more about these Watchers. Pedro is still a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, and the more you learn, the less you know. Li is fascinating in this book, as she tries to reconcile what has happened, and who she now is. I don’t want to give anything away about her character, but her story is really interesting in this book.
Overall, this story is just as good as the first, Abrahams has outdone himself, and this is more than worth the read, it is a must read. I can’t wait for the next episode in the series!!
September 6, 2020
Just Fantastic
The Bar at The Edge of the Sea is the second book in The Watchers series by Tom Abrahams. It feels like this could have been read as a standalone but why would you. The first book absolutely blew my mind and I hope that if you’re looking at this that you’ll check that one out as well.
The book felt like a mixture of a bunch of apocalyptic movies thrown into a blender – usually when you do that you get some mush that feels like it’s trying too hard. But when Abrahams does it – what you get it not only probably one of his best books. You also get one of his most original feeling books. I know, that doesn’t make a lot of sense. The Bar at the Edge of the Sea felt a lot like pirate movies (none specifically, just obviously had that pirate feel) and it felt like Waterworld (and he even makes a joke about that at one point) – but it was this unique world unlike anything I’ve read before.
Abrahams introduces us to the fact that the world that they are living in (spoiler alert for the first book, so stop now if you haven’t read it) – throughout the first book they are in a water-less wasteland. This time there’s so much water – land is now hard to find. We learn that the places that they end up change depending on who dies and who is next to enter the domain of the Watchers. I thought that was easily one of the coolest parts of this book.
Abrahams also does a lot with sea monsters and you know I love a good sea monster book. There were lots to go around (along with land monsters as well). But, the monster-heavy scenes are new for him and it didn’t feel like it. He wrote those scenes like a seasoned pro and they just bled off of the pages.
Each character is unique and the character building on display in this book was top notch. Abrahams was able to make us like unlikable people – and really dislike people who are hate-able. He really pits the reader against these people to the point where you almost want to cheer when they do well and clap when the “bad guys” go down.
Overall, I believe this might be Abrahams longest book but it didn’t feel like it. The pages and time just flew by. Each new scene and new stanza of the adventure they were on felt unique. I wanted to know where they would end up next and I wanted to know what perils they would face. I also like that he built out the world that The Watchers are living in and explained a bit more about what they are doing (and if they do it for good or evil).
The Bar at The Edge of the Sea is the second book in The Watchers series by Tom Abrahams. It feels like this could have been read as a standalone but why would you. The first book absolutely blew my mind and I hope that if you’re looking at this that you’ll check that one out as well.
The book felt like a mixture of a bunch of apocalyptic movies thrown into a blender – usually when you do that you get some mush that feels like it’s trying too hard. But when Abrahams does it – what you get it not only probably one of his best books. You also get one of his most original feeling books. I know, that doesn’t make a lot of sense. The Bar at the Edge of the Sea felt a lot like pirate movies (none specifically, just obviously had that pirate feel) and it felt like Waterworld (and he even makes a joke about that at one point) – but it was this unique world unlike anything I’ve read before.
Abrahams introduces us to the fact that the world that they are living in (spoiler alert for the first book, so stop now if you haven’t read it) – throughout the first book they are in a water-less wasteland. This time there’s so much water – land is now hard to find. We learn that the places that they end up change depending on who dies and who is next to enter the domain of the Watchers. I thought that was easily one of the coolest parts of this book.
Abrahams also does a lot with sea monsters and you know I love a good sea monster book. There were lots to go around (along with land monsters as well). But, the monster-heavy scenes are new for him and it didn’t feel like it. He wrote those scenes like a seasoned pro and they just bled off of the pages.
Each character is unique and the character building on display in this book was top notch. Abrahams was able to make us like unlikable people – and really dislike people who are hate-able. He really pits the reader against these people to the point where you almost want to cheer when they do well and clap when the “bad guys” go down.
Overall, I believe this might be Abrahams longest book but it didn’t feel like it. The pages and time just flew by. Each new scene and new stanza of the adventure they were on felt unique. I wanted to know where they would end up next and I wanted to know what perils they would face. I also like that he built out the world that The Watchers are living in and explained a bit more about what they are doing (and if they do it for good or evil).
July 5, 2020
A very good read
Interesting, well written, and fun to read. The characters have grit and are full of life. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Interesting, well written, and fun to read. The characters have grit and are full of life. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
January 16, 2022
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: In this drowned world there is a legend of a mythical sword awaiting a worthy hand. Someone who will know how to find it, someone who will be able to survive the challenges. Someone as the notorious pirate, a powerful ruler of his own country on the sea, the captain of his own ship. He’s aware he might not be worthy, yet is ready to risk taking it by force. While Zeke with the team of other watchers chase the man to stop him.
My Opinion: The Story had some interesting lore, events, and even action. There was a little bit, just the tiniest bit of character development. And it was very different from the first book. Not great, still. Just good enough for me to not quit the trilogy. And, I genuinely believe that is enough, for the most part, so best of luck to the author farther in the career.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: In this drowned world there is a legend of a mythical sword awaiting a worthy hand. Someone who will know how to find it, someone who will be able to survive the challenges. Someone as the notorious pirate, a powerful ruler of his own country on the sea, the captain of his own ship. He’s aware he might not be worthy, yet is ready to risk taking it by force. While Zeke with the team of other watchers chase the man to stop him.
My Opinion: The Story had some interesting lore, events, and even action. There was a little bit, just the tiniest bit of character development. And it was very different from the first book. Not great, still. Just good enough for me to not quit the trilogy. And, I genuinely believe that is enough, for the most part, so best of luck to the author farther in the career.
July 8, 2020
The Bar at the Edge of the Sea brook two. Tom Abrahams
A man named Pedro owns the bar. His clientele are a mixture of patrons who serve a purpose In a world in the future ripe with injustice, cruelty, an existence of survival from day to day. They are called watchers. They try to maintain a balance between good and evil in their world. Most, if not all of the watchers crossed this line of imbalance and are striving for redemption from their past. The watchers all have one thing in common. Their dead. They made it to this bar in the middle of nowhere and were given a second chance. This is book two in this series and both are excellent reads. Enjoyed immensely!!
A man named Pedro owns the bar. His clientele are a mixture of patrons who serve a purpose In a world in the future ripe with injustice, cruelty, an existence of survival from day to day. They are called watchers. They try to maintain a balance between good and evil in their world. Most, if not all of the watchers crossed this line of imbalance and are striving for redemption from their past. The watchers all have one thing in common. Their dead. They made it to this bar in the middle of nowhere and were given a second chance. This is book two in this series and both are excellent reads. Enjoyed immensely!!
July 1, 2020
The Bar is the home of the Watchers
As Pedro explains to one of the newest Watchers, "Watchers have guarded the balance of good and evil for a very long time, Ezekiel. A very long time. There were Watchers long before you, and, balance willing, Watchers will exist long after you’ve done your duty." The Bar is surrounded by a world of desert sand as far as the eye could see until it wasn't. Suddenly, the bar is surrounded by the lapping waves of ocean covering the sand in all directions, you guessed it, as far as the eye could see. The multiverse has a new problem and is anticipating the arrival of a new Watcher.
An amazing group of characters lead this storyline. The story leads the Watchers in and out of trouble, but also explains a bit more as Zeke, Uriel and the rest strive to restore and maintain 'The Balance'.
Excellent read! Nonstop action! This one you need to read!
As Pedro explains to one of the newest Watchers, "Watchers have guarded the balance of good and evil for a very long time, Ezekiel. A very long time. There were Watchers long before you, and, balance willing, Watchers will exist long after you’ve done your duty." The Bar is surrounded by a world of desert sand as far as the eye could see until it wasn't. Suddenly, the bar is surrounded by the lapping waves of ocean covering the sand in all directions, you guessed it, as far as the eye could see. The multiverse has a new problem and is anticipating the arrival of a new Watcher.
An amazing group of characters lead this storyline. The story leads the Watchers in and out of trouble, but also explains a bit more as Zeke, Uriel and the rest strive to restore and maintain 'The Balance'.
Excellent read! Nonstop action! This one you need to read!
February 12, 2023
I had issues with the first book, but the premise was still good and I wanted to see if this second book could hit the mark. Sadly, it had all of the same problems of the first book and some new ones. The conclusion gave explanations for a lot of plot issues I had, but it felt like a fight to finish this one.
The premise is still good, but I don't think I can bring myself to fight through the last book.
The premise is still good, but I don't think I can bring myself to fight through the last book.
August 29, 2020
Interesting Story
Not quite as enthralling as the first, but an excellent yarn, nonetheless. I enjoyed this story and especially the tension created by Uriel and Zeke. Zeke is still a man troubled by attraction to two people, for entirely different reasons. Despite the conflict, he gets the job done, while growing his skill set. I believe he will soon see his own "Acension".
Not quite as enthralling as the first, but an excellent yarn, nonetheless. I enjoyed this story and especially the tension created by Uriel and Zeke. Zeke is still a man troubled by attraction to two people, for entirely different reasons. Despite the conflict, he gets the job done, while growing his skill set. I believe he will soon see his own "Acension".
July 12, 2020
Excellent!
An excellent follow-up to read while stuck at home because of the pandemic (Covid 19)! Drank each world, can't believe I have to wait for the end of summer to know the conclusion! I really hope the author will consider to make more...
An excellent follow-up to read while stuck at home because of the pandemic (Covid 19)! Drank each world, can't believe I have to wait for the end of summer to know the conclusion! I really hope the author will consider to make more...
August 4, 2020
A master wordsmith strikes again.
This amazing world comes alive on the pages. The words flow like lava. One of the best authors I have ran across in a long time. A very unique storyline in a series I don't want to end.
This amazing world comes alive on the pages. The words flow like lava. One of the best authors I have ran across in a long time. A very unique storyline in a series I don't want to end.
December 28, 2020
Excellent
Maybe better than the first book and certainly more interesting as the reader is lead deeper into a biblical allegory with clAssic, modern and futuristic symbolism just waiting to be discovered.
Maybe better than the first book and certainly more interesting as the reader is lead deeper into a biblical allegory with clAssic, modern and futuristic symbolism just waiting to be discovered.
December 12, 2023
I am enjoying this fascinating series with a quite a different approach to many different aspects of mythology, good and bad, heaven and hell, etc, with lots of interesting characters and constant action.
June 24, 2020
Another Great Book!!!
Tom Abrahams has created an amazing series with The Watchers series and I love it and can't wait for book 3 hopefully more after that.
Tom Abrahams has created an amazing series with The Watchers series and I love it and can't wait for book 3 hopefully more after that.
July 7, 2020
Excellent
Another excellent adventure and I can’t wait for the next one! These are must read books for just about everyone.
Another excellent adventure and I can’t wait for the next one! These are must read books for just about everyone.
July 22, 2020
God action and great story
The story of redemption is what we all strive for. The author asks more questions than he answers. Well written
The story of redemption is what we all strive for. The author asks more questions than he answers. Well written
August 11, 2020
Hooked
Book one took time to set up the characters and draw me in. Now I am booked and look forward to reading more.
Book one took time to set up the characters and draw me in. Now I am booked and look forward to reading more.
September 17, 2020
just as good as book 1. Can't wait for Book 3
September 24, 2020
Watchers
Fun read kept me there and was not happy that book 3 wasn't out yet but still a fun read
Fun read kept me there and was not happy that book 3 wasn't out yet but still a fun read
October 12, 2020
Really like this series.
Very original idea. I have read Tom Abraham’s other series’s and this is different and equally good. As always go read the first book first.
Very original idea. I have read Tom Abraham’s other series’s and this is different and equally good. As always go read the first book first.
October 24, 2020
Good story!
Different type of a Dystopian story but very good. Looking forward to reading the 3rd book in this very good series.
Different type of a Dystopian story but very good. Looking forward to reading the 3rd book in this very good series.
November 4, 2020
Amazing
A great world and lots of mysteries in this series.some of the best writing I have had the pleasure of reading
A great world and lots of mysteries in this series.some of the best writing I have had the pleasure of reading
April 24, 2021
Is this just a good read or is it more
Tom Abrahams' series , this book being one of three in the series , can be enjoyed purely as entertainment but may stir deeper thought.
Tom Abrahams' series , this book being one of three in the series , can be enjoyed purely as entertainment but may stir deeper thought.
August 29, 2021
Another good book. This one has our heroes trying to help on a sea world. Their goal is to ger a sword and help find the daughter of a new friend. Well done! Onto the last book in the series.
February 6, 2022
Divergence
The Watchers leave their arid environs to tackle a mission at sea. An ancient legend comes alive as Zeke learns more about what his duties entail.
The Watchers leave their arid environs to tackle a mission at sea. An ancient legend comes alive as Zeke learns more about what his duties entail.
September 4, 2022
Divergence
The Watchers leave their arid environs to tackle a mission at sea. An ancient legend comes alive as Zeke learns more about what his duties entail.
The Watchers leave their arid environs to tackle a mission at sea. An ancient legend comes alive as Zeke learns more about what his duties entail.
December 14, 2025
Good, no surprises.
Very much like the last book. Maybe 3 will be better? Running out of things to say. Relation between Li, and others interesting
Very much like the last book. Maybe 3 will be better? Running out of things to say. Relation between Li, and others interesting
August 14, 2023
Similar to the 1st book. Having said that, it was fun. The last bit was a surprise twist, can't wait to see how the new addition changes things.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews