What do you think?
Rate this book
Hong Kong #1
Disruption
Are some things more important than money?
When millions of people take to the streets of Hong Kong to protest against the government, young Australian ex-pat Jacob Watson has to decide between pursuing his high flying career or joining the violent fight for democracy in the city he now calls home.
There were big fortunes to be made in Hong Kong, the financial heart of Asia, and no one knew that better than Jacob Watson. He was on the fast track.
After more than two years in the Asian financial hub, the young man was already managing a large property portfolio for one of Hong Kong’s biggest tycoons, networking with captains of industry, and living a life he could never have dreamed of back in Australia. It was onwards and upwards for the young Australian ex-pat,
But then life in Hong Kong changed.
Millions of people took to the streets to protest increasing interference from China, turning Jacob’s world upside down.
What should Jacob do? Ignore everything happening around him and focus only on his career and building his fortune? Or is freedom and democracy for all worth sacrificing ones personal desires?
Book 1 in The Hong Kong Trilogy.
Praise for Mark David Abbott
"The author puts the reader in a situation that a common person could realistically find themselves in... The reader, therefore, finds himself immersed in the story rather than experiencing the story as an un-involved by-stander."
"The author is an exceptional storyteller which has become a rarity these days."
When millions of people take to the streets of Hong Kong to protest against the government, young Australian ex-pat Jacob Watson has to decide between pursuing his high flying career or joining the violent fight for democracy in the city he now calls home.
There were big fortunes to be made in Hong Kong, the financial heart of Asia, and no one knew that better than Jacob Watson. He was on the fast track.
After more than two years in the Asian financial hub, the young man was already managing a large property portfolio for one of Hong Kong’s biggest tycoons, networking with captains of industry, and living a life he could never have dreamed of back in Australia. It was onwards and upwards for the young Australian ex-pat,
But then life in Hong Kong changed.
Millions of people took to the streets to protest increasing interference from China, turning Jacob’s world upside down.
What should Jacob do? Ignore everything happening around him and focus only on his career and building his fortune? Or is freedom and democracy for all worth sacrificing ones personal desires?
Book 1 in The Hong Kong Trilogy.
Praise for Mark David Abbott
"The author puts the reader in a situation that a common person could realistically find themselves in... The reader, therefore, finds himself immersed in the story rather than experiencing the story as an un-involved by-stander."
"The author is an exceptional storyteller which has become a rarity these days."
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2020
98 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Mark David Abbott
41 books86 followersMark David Abbott was born in Cyprus but spent most of his formative years growing up in New Zealand. A love for travel has meant that he has spent much of his life living and working in different countries around the world and currently calls India home.
Mark has worked variously as a barman, a factory hand, supermarket shelf stocker, and a real estate salesman, but now devotes his time to writing and traveling.
Mark is a keen runner and in between runs is slowly building an impressive collection of Gin.
Mark has worked variously as a barman, a factory hand, supermarket shelf stocker, and a real estate salesman, but now devotes his time to writing and traveling.
Mark is a keen runner and in between runs is slowly building an impressive collection of Gin.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 18, 2020
This is a very powerful story..Mixing reality and fiction results in a superb showcase of a young man, Jacob Watson from Australia, who goes to Hong Kong to become rich and well known by working hard and keeping his mind on business..Always..But he finds out that not Everything is as it seems..Protests are now slowing his business of managing properties for a Hong Kong tycoon, a man he emulates and tries to please..He believes that is just 'Kids' protesting, and that when schools reopen in the Fall all will go back to normal..But a jumble of protesters take him with them on his way home one night, unable to fight against the swarm, but as he looks around there are elderly, children..Folks young, old and in between..And he sees the protest through open eyes..Realizing all he has heard is Not quite true...
You will feel you are right there beside Jacob, descriptions of scenes and characters so intense that I felt I was In Hong Kong..Jacob learns more than how to do a job..He has lived there two years now, and although he is tall, white..Very easy to note..He finds a way to do what he believes in, giving back to this beautiful area that has become home by doing what he can to help 'his' people...No matter What differences you have, If You truly believe in something there is Always Some Way You Can Help...
I have read this author's stories from the start, this is a little different, but what emotions it brings out! A gem of a story that Everybody should read...
I received an ARC from the author and offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
You will feel you are right there beside Jacob, descriptions of scenes and characters so intense that I felt I was In Hong Kong..Jacob learns more than how to do a job..He has lived there two years now, and although he is tall, white..Very easy to note..He finds a way to do what he believes in, giving back to this beautiful area that has become home by doing what he can to help 'his' people...No matter What differences you have, If You truly believe in something there is Always Some Way You Can Help...
I have read this author's stories from the start, this is a little different, but what emotions it brings out! A gem of a story that Everybody should read...
I received an ARC from the author and offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
April 30, 2023
I love Mark Abbott’s books but this one was a little slow. I expect it will pick up tempo so I will go on to the next in the series.
October 1, 2022
A Fictional Tale of What Probably (Maybe Is) Will Happen In Hong Kong Soon
This book is a riveting account of what things will look like in Hong Kong before mainland China seizes power at the of the British rule there. Told from the perspective of an expat living in Hong Kong. Whether it is completely factual is unknown but the idea of what is presented here is unconscionable. Definitely worth your time to read!
This book is a riveting account of what things will look like in Hong Kong before mainland China seizes power at the of the British rule there. Told from the perspective of an expat living in Hong Kong. Whether it is completely factual is unknown but the idea of what is presented here is unconscionable. Definitely worth your time to read!
Read
September 21, 2020If you are concerned about protests and riots taking place in America due to a dysfunctional government and police brutality you may want to immerse yourself in this story of protests in Hong Kong. There, police viciously attack protestors, tear gas them, and arrest them according to the story. It was disturbing to read some of it because it sounded so similar to the happenings on the streets of America in 2020.
City inhabitants in Hong Kong fear the upcoming complete takeover by China in 2047. They do not want that to happen because they don't want to live under communist rule. They're trying to get the attention of the government but no one seems to listen.
Meanwhile, it appears China is intimidating those living in Hong Kong through the police force. Beefed up riot police known as Raptors have shown up to quash the protestors. The Raptors as very violent and bash and smash protestors when the typical riot police aren't able to control a scene.
I liked seeing that volunteer medics assist injured citizens with their needs before an ambulance can arrive, much like the volunteer fire service does in my county.
Jacob feels compelled to help protestors rebel against the government even though he has only lived there a couple of years. He doesn't speak Cantonese which puts him at a big disadvantage. He also doesn't appear to be able to respond quickly to danger, instead he freezes up and can't move. That's very dangerous for someone in the movement.
Voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
City inhabitants in Hong Kong fear the upcoming complete takeover by China in 2047. They do not want that to happen because they don't want to live under communist rule. They're trying to get the attention of the government but no one seems to listen.
Meanwhile, it appears China is intimidating those living in Hong Kong through the police force. Beefed up riot police known as Raptors have shown up to quash the protestors. The Raptors as very violent and bash and smash protestors when the typical riot police aren't able to control a scene.
I liked seeing that volunteer medics assist injured citizens with their needs before an ambulance can arrive, much like the volunteer fire service does in my county.
Jacob feels compelled to help protestors rebel against the government even though he has only lived there a couple of years. He doesn't speak Cantonese which puts him at a big disadvantage. He also doesn't appear to be able to respond quickly to danger, instead he freezes up and can't move. That's very dangerous for someone in the movement.
Voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
September 23, 2020
An experiential adventure
A story that is engaging from the very beginning. The reader is introduced to the initial mindset of the main character as he moves through a typical week trying to climb the ladder at his place of employment. It's easy for him to disengage from the world around him as he immerses himself in bringing his visions of his future to reality. His only outlet - weekend drinking binges with work mates. But the plight of the people of Hong Kong, where he lives as an ex-pat from Australia, begins to come into focus as he takes his mind away from his inner circle and expands it to really see beyond. Can he continue to believe the lies being spouted in the news and keep ignoring what's happening around him? Or does he choose another direction? A very intriguing insight that is totally aligned with today's real world. Highly recommended reading.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and am leaving my honest unbiased review.
A story that is engaging from the very beginning. The reader is introduced to the initial mindset of the main character as he moves through a typical week trying to climb the ladder at his place of employment. It's easy for him to disengage from the world around him as he immerses himself in bringing his visions of his future to reality. His only outlet - weekend drinking binges with work mates. But the plight of the people of Hong Kong, where he lives as an ex-pat from Australia, begins to come into focus as he takes his mind away from his inner circle and expands it to really see beyond. Can he continue to believe the lies being spouted in the news and keep ignoring what's happening around him? Or does he choose another direction? A very intriguing insight that is totally aligned with today's real world. Highly recommended reading.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and am leaving my honest unbiased review.
September 23, 2020
This is a powerful story. A young man from Australia, Jacob Watson goes to Hong Kong to make lots of money working managing properties for a Hong Kong tycoon. He works hard to get ahead of the game. But there are protests there that are slowing business down. Lot of out of country businesses are either not re-leasing, or moving to Hong Kong due to the riots and unrest. Jacob keeps his mind on work and wished the riots would stop because it was hurting business. Then one day he decided to check into the riots. Was he going to change his mind about what the people were doing or still believe these were mostly young people with nothing to do till school start up again. There is a lot going on here in the streets of Hong Kong, will Jacob continue to believe what he did before or will he join the fight? I had a hard time putting the book down because I had to see what happened next. Great Book that all should read.
September 17, 2020
If you have read books from Mark David Abbott before be prepared for something a little different. This story still reads a lot like a thriller but it’s also wrapped up in the actual current Hong Kong situation. With riots happening and so much unclear about Hong Kong’s place in the world right now Disruption really draws the reader in and throws them into that world we’ve all been hearing about but few experience.
The author blends his actual experiences into this story which adds a degree of authentication and makes everything more plausible. Our main character has a dilemma deciding how important money is, how safe he is and how involved he should become.
I can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens next.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
The author blends his actual experiences into this story which adds a degree of authentication and makes everything more plausible. Our main character has a dilemma deciding how important money is, how safe he is and how involved he should become.
I can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens next.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
September 19, 2020
Set in Hong Kong right now.Well at the beginning I wasn’t too sure. I did feel the book was a bit preachy. Maybe if I didn’t follow the news I would have needed all that information but the actual story was slow. However I persevered, and boy was it worth it. About half way through I realised I was now hooked and loved the main character. The book has such a feeling of reality in both time and space. Having seen the marches on Tv, reading I felt I was taking part in them. I got angry with them, felt for them, wanted to march too. Amazing for a book to give you such a picture of reality. I raced through the rest and was sorry when it ended. I'm definitely hooked and love the main characters. I think its going to be a very original, very good series. Brilliant work!
September 15, 2020
Fiction that reads like reality. Jacob, an Australian in his mid-twenties, went to Hongkong and works for a tycoon. All he ever wanted was to make a fortune. Then the protests started and he starts to question his priorities. Is money really more important than freedom ? He dives into the masses protesting the Chinese oppression that already has started 27 years before HK is supposed to become a part of China. I turned the pages like I was reading a super fast paced thriller. Looking forward to book #2.
September 16, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 19, 2021
Great read and a good story to follow in real-time. It's fascinating and frightening to watch China's ruthless manipulation of it's own people and aspirations for retaking Hong Kong, also very interesting that their leader is so mercenary with the entire world watching!
October 21, 2021
Enthralling story. Look forward to reading more of the series
July 11, 2023
What an incredibly powerful story about life in Hong Kong. This book will open your eyes too.
One thing I really like is that this book opened my eyes to what life is like for the Hong Kong citizens both those trying to make the most of the 50 years before the Communists take over completely and the mainland regime trying to take over earlier. I am looking forward to reading this continuing account of life in Hong Kong. The writing is powerful but very sensitive too.
One thing I really like is that this book opened my eyes to what life is like for the Hong Kong citizens both those trying to make the most of the 50 years before the Communists take over completely and the mainland regime trying to take over earlier. I am looking forward to reading this continuing account of life in Hong Kong. The writing is powerful but very sensitive too.
May 16, 2022
New job! New life! Cannot turn back now!
Action packed story telling of modern times evil of some powerful countries "eating up" countries for their destruction of democracy & profit.
Action packed story telling of modern times evil of some powerful countries "eating up" countries for their destruction of democracy & profit.
September 29, 2020
This is a really engaging story based around the real events in Hong Kong, and it could quite easily be a true story.
Jacob is the central character of this story, a young Australian guy who has moved to Hong Kong to make his fortune by working for a major property company, his only interest is to work hard, play hard and make lots of money. When he has his first experience of the protests his concern is the amount of disruption they cause to business, and his opportunities for advancement.
However when he accidentally gets caught up in a protest march, he discovers that things aren't quite what he thought, and he becomes much more sympathetic to the protesters, even taking part himself, but this doesn't end well.
I thought that the characters are very believable, both the protesters and also the ex-pats, I also really liked the descriptions of Hong Kong itself and found the excitement of the protests and the police brutality to very convincing.
This book is quite a departure from the author's recent thrillers, but it is written with assurance and makes a truly engaging read, very highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
Jacob is the central character of this story, a young Australian guy who has moved to Hong Kong to make his fortune by working for a major property company, his only interest is to work hard, play hard and make lots of money. When he has his first experience of the protests his concern is the amount of disruption they cause to business, and his opportunities for advancement.
However when he accidentally gets caught up in a protest march, he discovers that things aren't quite what he thought, and he becomes much more sympathetic to the protesters, even taking part himself, but this doesn't end well.
I thought that the characters are very believable, both the protesters and also the ex-pats, I also really liked the descriptions of Hong Kong itself and found the excitement of the protests and the police brutality to very convincing.
This book is quite a departure from the author's recent thrillers, but it is written with assurance and makes a truly engaging read, very highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.
September 28, 2020
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion. What an awesome story this is. I was a little unsure if I would enjoy it before I started reading because it is not my usual genre. (I'm a mystery/thriller girl at heart.) But since I have enjoyed everything else I had read by Mr. Abbott I decided to take a chance on it. I'm so glad I did. The story of Jacob and his involvement with the people of Hong Kong grabbed me from the first few pages and didn't let go until I turned the last one. There is action, heart-warming human kindness, abuse of power (be sure you haven't taken your blood pressure meds if this is an issue for you-it was for me!) and the question all of us must face at one time or another - Am I my brother's keeper and am I willing to put myself on the line for others? This story reminds us that events around the world affect each of us if we are living true to whom God created us to be. We are to step out to help whenever and wherever we can. This book will stir your heart if you are open to it. I highly recommend it. I have a feeling it will be one of those I read more than once.
January 17, 2022
I persisted, in spite of my own wish to stop reading, and finished this book. The plot had potential to be an interesting and compelling story, but the author missed the chance. He told a simple tale, yet kept repeating himself unnecessarily. The protagonist is a young Aussie working in Hong Kong focussed on making money and living the good life. When he encounters political protests, he is torn between joining them or staying on the sidelines. We are treated to endless pontificating and internal monologs about staying safe or doing what's right. Once he makes his choice, the story stops right in the middle of an adventure, forcing the reader to acquire the next book in the series in order to learn what happens next. This was an amateurish book and I won't be reading more in this series.
January 19, 2022
Fantastic Book. Amazing read. Excellent writing, flows smoothly and gives me hope that Americans will somehow pull together to save our great country.
Hong Kong reverts back to full Chinese rule in 2047, but the citizens are slowly becoming beaten down with restrictions and control by the mainland, yet the citizens protest in an attempt to keep the freedoms that they do have, knowing how precious they are.
This story told from the perspective of an Australian Ex-pat who stands out due to his size and appearance, is extremely heartwarming and inspiring.
One of the best books I have read in years. Don't miss this series and this talented author.
Hong Kong reverts back to full Chinese rule in 2047, but the citizens are slowly becoming beaten down with restrictions and control by the mainland, yet the citizens protest in an attempt to keep the freedoms that they do have, knowing how precious they are.
This story told from the perspective of an Australian Ex-pat who stands out due to his size and appearance, is extremely heartwarming and inspiring.
One of the best books I have read in years. Don't miss this series and this talented author.
October 31, 2022
An eye opening read. Jacob is a young expat executive from Australia working in Hong Kong. He thinks making money is everything until he accidentally gets caught up with the protesters rallying against Chinese rule and aggression. As well as the fun of reading a book taking place in a cool locale, you come away with a heart pounding understanding of the strife taking place in HK right now. The author does a fine job of giving the reader palpable feelings of fear mixed with excitement. We should all have a grasp of what is really going on over there.
September 27, 2020
Jacob works for a very wealthy man in Hong Kong. Jacob is from Australia and has lived in Hong Kong for 2 years. He sees the results of protests and damaging property. Jacob gets in one of the peaceful protests and sees how the police are reacting. Rubber bullets, smoke bombs and gas attacks on the protesters. China's influence on this city is causing concern. This is an eye opening experience for Jacob.
March 8, 2022
Eye opening!
Wow! Great job on bringing the headline news into full blown light. It is so terrifying what the Chinese communist government is doing in Hong Kong! I have family there and they love their city...
Great story and main character. Looking forward to reading the next book!
Wow! Great job on bringing the headline news into full blown light. It is so terrifying what the Chinese communist government is doing in Hong Kong! I have family there and they love their city...
Great story and main character. Looking forward to reading the next book!
November 6, 2021
Great story
This shines a new light on the protests that were in Hong Kong. This book looks at the protests in from a different perspective. Can’t wait to get the next book. I was enthralled from the beginning to the end.
This shines a new light on the protests that were in Hong Kong. This book looks at the protests in from a different perspective. Can’t wait to get the next book. I was enthralled from the beginning to the end.
July 31, 2023
This has been on my TBR list for quite some time. I'm glad that I finally got around to it as I will be binge-reading the rest of the series.
I am enjoying Jacob's transformation from a self-centred, career-focused young man, into someone who cares for the circumstances of the people around him in the country he has chosen to live and work in.
Although a work of fiction as stated by the author, events such as these did happen, and possibly still do, as China attempts to take full control of Hong Kong. China is still a communist country and while that continues, the Chinese, and all who live there, will never be free of political control.
I am enjoying Jacob's transformation from a self-centred, career-focused young man, into someone who cares for the circumstances of the people around him in the country he has chosen to live and work in.
Although a work of fiction as stated by the author, events such as these did happen, and possibly still do, as China attempts to take full control of Hong Kong. China is still a communist country and while that continues, the Chinese, and all who live there, will never be free of political control.
June 11, 2023
Plodding, dull, repetitive
None of these characters come to life. I have to remind myself who is who each time I open the book. The exact same scene is repeated over and over. It is as if the author didn't have anything else to write about. Skip this one.
None of these characters come to life. I have to remind myself who is who each time I open the book. The exact same scene is repeated over and over. It is as if the author didn't have anything else to write about. Skip this one.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews