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Heng Mountain
In the seventeenth century guardians protected China's most precious secrets - teachings that could change the course of its history. When the Manchu tribe invade and march to the Great Wall of China, the legends of these secrets send Jun, a young man from the southern Hunan province, to find and protect them. From the first day his mother had held Jun, she wanted to share all that she knew of their province with him, but she died when he was a young boy. His father whispered her words of wisdom to him every night, but hid his family's knowledge of the ancient teachings, until the Manchu soldiers advanced upon their village. With hope lost, and freedom being surrendered to the murdering Manchu leader, Jun fights with destiny to win back his province, but without an army of men, or weapons, he needs more than just his mother's wisdom to defeat the enemy. Jun must find the inner strength of a great mountain...
- GenresHistorical Fiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2016
558 people want to read
About the author
Mike Robinson
1 book16 followersMike Robinson has trained in Martial Arts for many years and has always been fascinated by the mystique surrounding them. When he found Wing Chun, a Chinese Martial art brought to the west from Hong Kong, he was immediately drawn to the legends of China's Animal Kung Fu. Later, having trained as a Jikiden Reiki Practitioner, which is an energy healing practice originating from Japan, Mike became more aware of the 'Chi' or life-force energy that surrounds us.
With three daughters, who at the time of writing his first book were fourteen, twelve and nine, Mike started to write fictional stories to bring his insights of our journey through life to them and other children. He has written Heng Mountain to introduce the subtle system of Wing Chun and the body's natural healing process to young people. He hopes that after reading Heng Mountain children will also be inspired to find something which they can study with their own 'Kung Fu', which means a skill developed through great dedication and hard work.
With three daughters, who at the time of writing his first book were fourteen, twelve and nine, Mike started to write fictional stories to bring his insights of our journey through life to them and other children. He has written Heng Mountain to introduce the subtle system of Wing Chun and the body's natural healing process to young people. He hopes that after reading Heng Mountain children will also be inspired to find something which they can study with their own 'Kung Fu', which means a skill developed through great dedication and hard work.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 1, 2016
Heng Mountain is a fascinating story of love, war and secrets hidden in China; Heng Mountain takes you on young man's compelling fight for the freedom of his people. Throughout the enchanting journey, he uses his late mother's wisdom to guide him over falling friendships, testing battles and the tough choices he faces.
As the story unfolds each chapter brings a fresh turn in the plot, keeping you guessing all the way through, with an array of emotions to both put you on edge and warm your heart. What's more, everyone you meet over the course of the book possesses well portrayed unique traits allowing you to develop varying thoughts on their character that helps the reader to connect with them.
Ultimately a thrilling adventure and perfect for teenagers or young adults who are lovers of fantasy or interested in learning more about aspects of the Chinese culture. Heng Mountain is a perfect escape from the real world.
As the story unfolds each chapter brings a fresh turn in the plot, keeping you guessing all the way through, with an array of emotions to both put you on edge and warm your heart. What's more, everyone you meet over the course of the book possesses well portrayed unique traits allowing you to develop varying thoughts on their character that helps the reader to connect with them.
Ultimately a thrilling adventure and perfect for teenagers or young adults who are lovers of fantasy or interested in learning more about aspects of the Chinese culture. Heng Mountain is a perfect escape from the real world.
June 22, 2016
I received Heng Mountain as a winner of the Goodreads Giveaway!
While I was able to thoroughly immerse in the battle scenes, including the one-on-one and escaping-danger ones, it was difficult to identify with most of the characters, including the protagonists, Jun and Ling...not because they were uninteresting, but more because we just never really get to know them, except as they interact during their battles.
It is not always an easy thing to remember that, even though the writer is well acquainted with his/her characters, having given birth to them, per se, the reader is not so well blessed. I would like to have come to know all of the characters in this story much better, beginning with Jun's father (and memories of his wife, Jun's mother) and a bit more background on the friendship between Jun and Ling. That being said, I think Mr. Robinson treated the antagonists admirably, as cruelty and arrogance speak to the nature of such people, all on their own.
There was a wonderful amount of historical detail re: wars, dynasties, battle strategies and the workings of the mind of a tyrant; I was most impressed with these. The hardships endured by the "rebels" was also very well detailed and believable. And the ongoing "explanations" of the styles of fighting were also quite enlightening...much of it initiated a, "Well! I didn't know that!" internal response. As for the magical elements, I thought they were spot on for the storyline...I mean, who doesn't appreciate someone being snatched from the very jaws of death through magic? And it is not unusual in the Asian cultures (or any other, as far as that goes) to find weapons infused with the mystical capability of "like calling unto like".
The more naturalistic aspects of the book was able to evoke images of the spiritual practices that run as a common thread throughout the vast disciplines of the martial arts, and the 'taming' of the mind that is a necessity to master those arts and exert control over the body during times of great stress. Perhaps this wasn't actually stated, but there you have it, as it 'felt' to me.
I am normally able to complete a book of this length in the space of about 6 hours; unfortunately, even though I DID find much to interest me, Heng Mountain was not able to hold my attention for more than an hour at a time, whether because of the lack of identification with the characters, or the fact that perhaps more time could have been spent on what seemed to be important situations, deserving of more attention. Just not even being able to decide "why" is actually an indication that I enjoyed more about this book than my review may insinuate!
And none of this is not to say that this book does not have potential, nor that it would not appeal to, say, the YA reader, and most especially because, as one reviewer mentioned, the dialog seemed to reflect an adolescent mindset...which is probably because these WERE young people who, after losing the better part of fighting age men, had taken it upon themselves to save their communities' ways of life! I recognized this at the outset and tried to "go there" with them - it was another thing I was able to appreciate.
So, although it was not the perfect book for me, I would, indeed, encourage ANYone whose interest lay primarily in books about historical China, realistic battles and the martial arts, to give this novel a go, for I do see enormous potential for this book for the right reader.
While I was able to thoroughly immerse in the battle scenes, including the one-on-one and escaping-danger ones, it was difficult to identify with most of the characters, including the protagonists, Jun and Ling...not because they were uninteresting, but more because we just never really get to know them, except as they interact during their battles.
It is not always an easy thing to remember that, even though the writer is well acquainted with his/her characters, having given birth to them, per se, the reader is not so well blessed. I would like to have come to know all of the characters in this story much better, beginning with Jun's father (and memories of his wife, Jun's mother) and a bit more background on the friendship between Jun and Ling. That being said, I think Mr. Robinson treated the antagonists admirably, as cruelty and arrogance speak to the nature of such people, all on their own.
There was a wonderful amount of historical detail re: wars, dynasties, battle strategies and the workings of the mind of a tyrant; I was most impressed with these. The hardships endured by the "rebels" was also very well detailed and believable. And the ongoing "explanations" of the styles of fighting were also quite enlightening...much of it initiated a, "Well! I didn't know that!" internal response. As for the magical elements, I thought they were spot on for the storyline...I mean, who doesn't appreciate someone being snatched from the very jaws of death through magic? And it is not unusual in the Asian cultures (or any other, as far as that goes) to find weapons infused with the mystical capability of "like calling unto like".
The more naturalistic aspects of the book was able to evoke images of the spiritual practices that run as a common thread throughout the vast disciplines of the martial arts, and the 'taming' of the mind that is a necessity to master those arts and exert control over the body during times of great stress. Perhaps this wasn't actually stated, but there you have it, as it 'felt' to me.
I am normally able to complete a book of this length in the space of about 6 hours; unfortunately, even though I DID find much to interest me, Heng Mountain was not able to hold my attention for more than an hour at a time, whether because of the lack of identification with the characters, or the fact that perhaps more time could have been spent on what seemed to be important situations, deserving of more attention. Just not even being able to decide "why" is actually an indication that I enjoyed more about this book than my review may insinuate!
And none of this is not to say that this book does not have potential, nor that it would not appeal to, say, the YA reader, and most especially because, as one reviewer mentioned, the dialog seemed to reflect an adolescent mindset...which is probably because these WERE young people who, after losing the better part of fighting age men, had taken it upon themselves to save their communities' ways of life! I recognized this at the outset and tried to "go there" with them - it was another thing I was able to appreciate.
So, although it was not the perfect book for me, I would, indeed, encourage ANYone whose interest lay primarily in books about historical China, realistic battles and the martial arts, to give this novel a go, for I do see enormous potential for this book for the right reader.
February 7, 2016
A rich and thought provoking novel with sub-plots and intrigue throughout. Deep and cultural, Heng Mountain keeps the reader involved as the characters and the plot builds and develops. The pace is well maintained and leaves you fascinated with the imagination and tradition that runs through the book. I could read this again and still discover more. Looking forward to the next adventure
May 28, 2016
Heng Mountain is a fast paced gripping story of the magical journey of Heng Mountain. The author does an admirable job of weaving the Chinese culture into the characters’ lives that when I started reading the book I didn’t put it down until I was finished. I also find the cover to fit the story perfectly. If you want something to entertain you on a very different level and learn something new in the process. The book would be a good read for the summer. I do however really like the cover.
April 26, 2016
I won this in a giveaway, great read , thank you
July 3, 2017
3/5. I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads giveaway.
"Heng Mountain" tells the story of Jun- a young man living in China in the seventeenth century. When the emperor's forces come to destroy his village, Jun, his best friend/rival Ling and several other men in the village mount a successful attack that ultimately brings the full force of the emperor's army in search of them. Determined to save themselves and further their rebel cause, Jun and his followers end up in a temple in Heng Mountain, where they are housed and taught to fight by the temple's monks.
For me, the best and worst part of this book was the timing. The book is incredibly fast paced right from the beginning, and doesn't take a moment to pause or reflect. This was good in the sense that everything moved quickly and was action packed. Everything happened quickly and the story continuously moved forwards.
On the other hand, the very fast pace meant that there was no character development and no time truly spent on the overall conflict. Jun is praised as a natural leader without much information given on why; as well, Jun and Ling's friendship/rivalry would have been far more interesting if more context was given and if the dissolution had been more slowly portrayed. Finally, the author chose to set this book hundreds of years ago in China, but moved too quickly to really set up this time and place.
In all, this book has an interesting concept but falls flat on the delivery. I would likely only recommend it to readers who enjoy action-packed books and who can overlook that aspect over anything else.
"Heng Mountain" tells the story of Jun- a young man living in China in the seventeenth century. When the emperor's forces come to destroy his village, Jun, his best friend/rival Ling and several other men in the village mount a successful attack that ultimately brings the full force of the emperor's army in search of them. Determined to save themselves and further their rebel cause, Jun and his followers end up in a temple in Heng Mountain, where they are housed and taught to fight by the temple's monks.
For me, the best and worst part of this book was the timing. The book is incredibly fast paced right from the beginning, and doesn't take a moment to pause or reflect. This was good in the sense that everything moved quickly and was action packed. Everything happened quickly and the story continuously moved forwards.
On the other hand, the very fast pace meant that there was no character development and no time truly spent on the overall conflict. Jun is praised as a natural leader without much information given on why; as well, Jun and Ling's friendship/rivalry would have been far more interesting if more context was given and if the dissolution had been more slowly portrayed. Finally, the author chose to set this book hundreds of years ago in China, but moved too quickly to really set up this time and place.
In all, this book has an interesting concept but falls flat on the delivery. I would likely only recommend it to readers who enjoy action-packed books and who can overlook that aspect over anything else.
July 29, 2017
I won this book in a good reads giveaway. I found the book hard to get into and the characters difficult to identify with. The story just did not grasp me to want to read more.
May 12, 2021
Great read, not my usual type of book but I read this is quite enjoyed it :)
April 21, 2016
I received a free copy through Goodreads.
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I had high hopes for this book, unfortunately it fell short of its potential.
From the get go, everything goes by quickly. We meet Ling and Jun, two hot headed young men, who are determined to fight back against the new Emperor and protect their lands. But that leads to the army breathing down their necks. So the rebels are forced to go on the run for months.
There were no characters developments what so ever, each and every character was so one dimensional, most don't have names (some only known as ox master, horse master, rebel, soldier, etc) and time goes by too quickly (sometimes weeks or years fly by in a blink and nothing really concrete has happened <- the army is still pursuing the rebels and the peasants are suffering under the new Emperor). The dialogues were messy and all over the place. It felt like teenagers arguing amongst themselves throughout the entire book, from the moment the rebellion started, all the way past the training sessions at the temple.
Seriously with the whole magic gemstones and mysterious sword got a little too handy at reviving people near the end. And the eagle.... always swooping in whenever they really need help or rescuing, yawn. OK, I get it, these are important characters, they can't die. The "ending" was really rushed and told through Wing's perspective, like...14+ years after the hot pursuit by the general and commander and then we are left with a cliffhanger, oh great.
There are numerous potentials that was not grasped here. I enjoyed the bits about the various animal kung fu techniques, but everything else just dragged on and seemed to be aimless. It provides a short and interesting introduction to animal Kung Fu, that would interest some readers. The strategies that the army and rebels came up with at the beginning and near the of the book were very detailed and well thought out. I enjoyed details like that over all the rivalry between Jun and Ling and the army.
I think focusing more on character development (like why is Jun a born leader, why would Mea unquestionably follow Jun, etc) and an actual concrete storyline would be a good idea. Sure, the story is basically about the people of Hunan trying to fight back against the invader (currently Emperor Narchi), but it seems all those riddles and pretty words of wisdoms everyone keeps sprouting out and hot headed words from men who think they can conquer the world keeps getting in the way of what could be a decent story.
Overall, there is potential here. If you are looking for a somewhat historical book with fantasy elements in it and don't mind a quick read, this may be the book for you. But if you want a solid storyline and characters that leap off the page, then I suggest a different book, like "River of Stars". It is entirely up to you what type of read you are looking for. This type of read would probably be well suited for younger teenage audience, as they may be able to relate to the characters better than I did.
---
I had high hopes for this book, unfortunately it fell short of its potential.
From the get go, everything goes by quickly. We meet Ling and Jun, two hot headed young men, who are determined to fight back against the new Emperor and protect their lands. But that leads to the army breathing down their necks. So the rebels are forced to go on the run for months.
There were no characters developments what so ever, each and every character was so one dimensional, most don't have names (some only known as ox master, horse master, rebel, soldier, etc) and time goes by too quickly (sometimes weeks or years fly by in a blink and nothing really concrete has happened <- the army is still pursuing the rebels and the peasants are suffering under the new Emperor). The dialogues were messy and all over the place. It felt like teenagers arguing amongst themselves throughout the entire book, from the moment the rebellion started, all the way past the training sessions at the temple.
Seriously with the whole magic gemstones and mysterious sword got a little too handy at reviving people near the end. And the eagle.... always swooping in whenever they really need help or rescuing, yawn. OK, I get it, these are important characters, they can't die. The "ending" was really rushed and told through Wing's perspective, like...14+ years after the hot pursuit by the general and commander and then we are left with a cliffhanger, oh great.
There are numerous potentials that was not grasped here. I enjoyed the bits about the various animal kung fu techniques, but everything else just dragged on and seemed to be aimless. It provides a short and interesting introduction to animal Kung Fu, that would interest some readers. The strategies that the army and rebels came up with at the beginning and near the of the book were very detailed and well thought out. I enjoyed details like that over all the rivalry between Jun and Ling and the army.
I think focusing more on character development (like why is Jun a born leader, why would Mea unquestionably follow Jun, etc) and an actual concrete storyline would be a good idea. Sure, the story is basically about the people of Hunan trying to fight back against the invader (currently Emperor Narchi), but it seems all those riddles and pretty words of wisdoms everyone keeps sprouting out and hot headed words from men who think they can conquer the world keeps getting in the way of what could be a decent story.
Overall, there is potential here. If you are looking for a somewhat historical book with fantasy elements in it and don't mind a quick read, this may be the book for you. But if you want a solid storyline and characters that leap off the page, then I suggest a different book, like "River of Stars". It is entirely up to you what type of read you are looking for. This type of read would probably be well suited for younger teenage audience, as they may be able to relate to the characters better than I did.
July 31, 2016
I'm indifferent and both enjoyed the story and didn't. It moved along at a pretty good pace, so that wasn't it-- I think I needed more background knowledge but it did try to teach me a thing or two. I enjoyed the connection and words of wisdom that inspired Jun and think that's what I can appreciate in stories from authors like Lisa See, because I learn something. Robinson strives to teach his readers something which I can appreciate though it was not in the vein of books I typically read.
Received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2016
Great book
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews