“For centuries, those who dared to question the shape of our world were silenced, mocked, or erased. Masters of Control reminds us that the greatest battles are not fought in the ring, but in the struggle for truth against those who would hide it.”
At Flat Earth Research, we celebrate works that spark critical thought and inspire deeper exploration of truth.. Masters of Control by M.L. Salazar is one such book.
This gripping conspiracy thriller combines the adrenaline of a boxer’s journey with deep questions about hidden power structures and the unseen forces that shape our daily lives.
From the very first page, Salazar pulls the reader into the life of Jorge Salazar, a former boxer whose battles extend far beyond the ropes. What begins as a story about personal struggle quickly evolves into a much larger fight — one against manipulation, corruption, and the forces that seek to control freedom of thought and speech.
What Makes Masters of Control Stand Out
The brilliance of this book lies in its perfect balance between action-packed storytelling and thought-provoking ideas. Salazar weaves together the raw world of combat sports with larger conspiracies, creating a narrative that’s both fast-paced and deeply reflective.
Readers will find themselves hooked, questioning not only the character’s world but also our own.
Highlights
- A hero you can root for: Jorge Salazar is gritty, flawed, and determined — qualities that make his journey relatable and inspiring.
- A story that challenges the mind: Beyond the action, the novel raises questions about freedom, truth, and control in today’s society.
- A blend of fiction and reality: Salazar’s boxing background adds a raw authenticity that grounds the bigger conspiratorial elements of the plot.
Final Thoughts
Masters of Control is not just another thriller — it’s a story that dares to peel back the layers of society while keeping readers at the edge of their seats.
For those in our community who are passionate about uncovering hidden truths, this is a book that will resonate deeply.
Where to Find It
For more details and to explore the world of Masters of Control, visit the official author’s website:www.mastersofcontrol.com
Use code FER-ART to get a 10% discount on print copies from the author’s website above.
Each order will be fulfilled with a high-quality paperback or hardcover edition, signed and custom-dedicated by the author before shipping.
Also available on Amazon – Paperback – eBook- audible : https://a.co/d/6isr3Hb
Sorry, no discounts on Amazon.
Flat Earth Research Ratings:
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Synopsis: ★★★★ ½ (4.5/5)
Readability: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Pacing: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Freshness: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Writing Style: ★★★★ (4/5)
Structure: ★★★★ (4/5)
External Editorial Reviews:
EDITORIAL REVIEW: MASTERS OF CONTROL By, Mario Salazar
“If legacy is a fight, Masters of Control makes every round count.”
Reviewed by: Victor Alston
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Synopsis: ★★★★ ½ (4.5/5)
Part coming-of-age tale, part political thriller, and part philosophical meditation, Masters of Control follows Jorge Salazar as he navigates the brutal discipline of boxing, the complexities of exile, and the seduction of power. While some sections build slowly, lingering on flashbacks or internal dilemmas, the book never loses sight of its central questions: Who are we without our past? And what happens when knowledge becomes more dangerous than fists? Salazar weaves personal story against a global canvas, producing a novel that’s thoughtful, raw, and deeply resonant.
Readability: ★★★★★ (5/5)
As a reader who gravitates toward emotionally complex character studies, Masters of Control impressed me with its heart. What initially seems like a classic underdog sports story soon reveals itself to be much more: a tale about legacy, community, and self-discipline. Jorge’s journey from fighter to physicist is layered with emotional weight, and the early sections—especially those involving his grandmother and Coach Mario—are deeply moving.
Pacing: ★★★★★ (5/5)
“The pacing feels methodical rather than fast, Salazar takes his time developing characters and their relationships. Some might interpret that as slow, particularly in the middle third, where Jorge’s academic life takes the spotlight and the action stalls. But for readers who appreciate emotional build-up and internal conflict, this is a strength rather than a flaw.
Freshness: ★★★★ (4/5)
I particularly appreciated how the novel doesn’t glamorize violence or fame. Even the big championship fight is followed by a somber emotional reckoning. The narrative recognizes that “winning’ isn’t always the resolution—it’s often just the beginning of a new set of trials. I did feel that some of the later chapters, especially those involving global conspiracies and political machinations, were less grounded than the rest of the novel and felt slightly out of sync tonally.
Nevertheless, this is a powerful book for readers who value thoughtful storytelling over nonstop thrills. It read: like a memoir in parts, and that intimacy makes it especially compelling.
EDITORIAL REVIEW: MASTERS OF CONTROL By Mario Salazar
Reviewed by: Danielle R.
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
“A novel that throws punches with its heart— raw, ambitious, and unafraid to slow down and ask bigger questions.”
Synopsis: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Salazar’s Masters of Control is not your typical underdog story. It begins in the blood-soaked gyms of São Paulo and spirals outward into prison power plays, scientific acclaim, and whispers of global conspiracy. What keeps it anchored is Jorge Salazar’s unrelenting search for identity and meaning. Though sprawling in scope, the novel remains emotionally focused, each character serving as a mirror for Jorge’s evolving sense of self. With carefully built tension and a tone that balances action with thought, the book draws readers in slowly but delivers a lasting punch once it lands.
Writing Style: ★★★★ (4/5)
It stands at the intersection of historical fiction, sports drama, and socio-political thriller. What immediately struck me was the author’s attention to world-building. Jorge’s early life in Cuba and Brazil is painted with an authenticity that’s both nostalgic and sobering. The cultural, political, and emotional contexts feel lived-in, and that makes the story resonate.
Structure: ★★★★ (4/5)
Structurally, the book is ambitious. It’s split across timelines, geographies, and thematic arcs—from street fights in São Paulo to academic accolades to secretive global institutions. While this scope is admirable, it does present pacing challenges. Some chapters are dense with backstory or philosophical musings, slowing the narrative flow. For example, the sections about Tito’s rise in prison could have been tightened without losing impact. conversely, the boxing chapters are kinetic and sharply written—these are the moments when the prose breathes.
Pacing: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Character development is one of the novel’s stronger suits. Jorge’s evolution feels authentic: We see him fail, succeed, reflect, and shift paths. Tito, in contrast, is a fascinating foil—his descent into underworld dominance offers a darker parallel. If the book has a weakness, it’s in juggling so many tonal shifts. From emotional introspection to fast-paced action, the transitions can sometimes feel abrupt.
Still, Masters of Control rewards readers who are willing to immerse themselves. It’s a thoughtful, layered novel that takes its time building a multifaceted portrait of ambition, loyalty, and consequence.
EDITORIAL REVIEW: MASTERS OF CONTROL By Mario Salazar
Reviewed by: Marcy Delgado
Star Rating: ★★★★ ½ (4.5/5)
“More than a boxing novel, Masters of Control hits hardest when it asks: What do you do when your greatest fight isn’t in the ring?”
Synopsis: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Masters of Control is a layered, cross-genre narrative that blends the grit of underground boxing with the intellectual precision of theoretical physics. At its heart is Jorge Salazar—a fighter, a thinker, and a refugee—whose journey from the streets of São Paulo to international academic fame is as brutal as it is inspiring. Through richly drawn characters and emotional nuance, Salazar’s debut explores loyalty, betrayal, and the price of chasing truth in a world that rewards silence. Though the pace shifts between high-octane and introspective, the result is a deeply human story that rewards patience and reflection.
Writing Style: ★★★★ ½ (4.5/5)
On your first read, you can tell it is a gritty, heartfelt exploration of identity, legacy, and personal redemption. M.L Salazar crafts a narrative that pulses with raw energy, particularly in the early chapters that chronicle Jorge Salazar’s transformation from refugee to boxing prodigy. The training moments. There’s a palpable sense of mentorship and sacrifice that gives real weight to Jorge’s journey.
Pacing: ★★★★ (4/5)
Pacing-wise, the novel starts strong, hooks quickly, and then begins to meander slightly in the middle sections. Once the focus shifts from boxing to Jorge’s academic life and political entanglements, the narrative slows. These slower passages aren’t weak per se—they’re just more contemplative and may test the patience of readers looking for a continuous adrenaline rush. Some flashbacks are vivid and rich, while others feel like side quests that delay the forward momentum.
That said, Salazar’s ability to humanize his protagonist makes up for the slower beats. The emotional complexity of the characters, especially the subtle fracture in the friendship between Jorge and Tito, adds a satisfying depth. While it may not always read like a page-turner, Masters of Control hits hardest when it leans into its emotional and cultural stakes.
