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Bian's Tale #1
The Harvest of Lies
An Athanate Novel of Nineteenth Century Saigon
Saigon at dawn, they say, is like waking from an opium dream.
But dreams become nightmares when monsters can take any shape – even a human one.
It’s the end of the nineteenth century, in the French colonial empire of the Far East. Bian is a young Annamese girl whose father is a disgraced mandarin. The family is hounded by lies that he stole the emperor’s gold, and criminal gangs hunt for them through the shanty towns and floating villages. In a desperate bid to save all their lives, Bian’s parents have to flee the South, even if it means leaving their daughters behind.
They plan for Bian’s elder sister to be a maid, disappearing into the anonymity of service to the French. Bian is sold to the Beauclercs, a French couple high in the administration, who are looking to adopt a child.
For a few wonderful years, the scheme seems to work, but just as French designs for the colony change, Bian leans the awful truth about what truly happened to her sister. Nothing will stop Bian finding her, not even discovering that underneath the civilized facade of Saigon seethes a different world of human predators, shape-shifting tigers and blood-drinking vampires.
Alone, betrayed, neither truly Annamese nor French, Bian must reap the harvest of lies.
Saigon at dawn, they say, is like waking from an opium dream.
But dreams become nightmares when monsters can take any shape – even a human one.
It’s the end of the nineteenth century, in the French colonial empire of the Far East. Bian is a young Annamese girl whose father is a disgraced mandarin. The family is hounded by lies that he stole the emperor’s gold, and criminal gangs hunt for them through the shanty towns and floating villages. In a desperate bid to save all their lives, Bian’s parents have to flee the South, even if it means leaving their daughters behind.
They plan for Bian’s elder sister to be a maid, disappearing into the anonymity of service to the French. Bian is sold to the Beauclercs, a French couple high in the administration, who are looking to adopt a child.
For a few wonderful years, the scheme seems to work, but just as French designs for the colony change, Bian leans the awful truth about what truly happened to her sister. Nothing will stop Bian finding her, not even discovering that underneath the civilized facade of Saigon seethes a different world of human predators, shape-shifting tigers and blood-drinking vampires.
Alone, betrayed, neither truly Annamese nor French, Bian must reap the harvest of lies.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2018
73 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Mark Henwick
42 books363 followersI was born in Africa and left out in the sun too often.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
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July 30, 2018
Bian’s Tale is an offshoot from Henwick’s Athanate series, with THE HARVEST OF LIES the first in a planned 5 book series. The main series is contemporary urban fantasy with a unique take on vampires – the Athanate are not the undead, but the undying, and the complex social structure of Athanate society is world building at its best.
Though not the protagonist of the main series, Bian is one of the most intriguing characters. An Asian Athanate, skilled in many martial disciplines and also languages and politics, her back story begged to be told and I was thrilled when this book appeared.
The daughter of a disgraced mandarin, in the late 1800s Bian is adopted by a highly placed French family in French ruled Saigon. She fears for her birth family’s safety as they are hunted by a legendary villain, and she realises too late that her older sister has been sold into prostitution after the woman recruiting ‘maids’ is executed for her crimes.
Bian sets out to find her sister, but politics force a change of administration and suddenly her privileged life proves to be a fragile façade that crumbles away with alarming haste.
The supernatural elements of this story do not surface until about two thirds of the way through the book. Despite that, the story is mesmerising. Henwick’s richly layered descriptions and detailed historical and geographic research deliver a fully immersive read, and you cannot help but be swept up by Bian’s unique mixture of innocence and worldliness. I am waiting impatiently for the next one.
Though not the protagonist of the main series, Bian is one of the most intriguing characters. An Asian Athanate, skilled in many martial disciplines and also languages and politics, her back story begged to be told and I was thrilled when this book appeared.
The daughter of a disgraced mandarin, in the late 1800s Bian is adopted by a highly placed French family in French ruled Saigon. She fears for her birth family’s safety as they are hunted by a legendary villain, and she realises too late that her older sister has been sold into prostitution after the woman recruiting ‘maids’ is executed for her crimes.
Bian sets out to find her sister, but politics force a change of administration and suddenly her privileged life proves to be a fragile façade that crumbles away with alarming haste.
The supernatural elements of this story do not surface until about two thirds of the way through the book. Despite that, the story is mesmerising. Henwick’s richly layered descriptions and detailed historical and geographic research deliver a fully immersive read, and you cannot help but be swept up by Bian’s unique mixture of innocence and worldliness. I am waiting impatiently for the next one.
June 12, 2018
I can't go on enough about what a fantastic story Mark Henwick brings to paper every time he hits the publish button. Most definitely on my auto buy, never fails to disappoint list, Mark Henwick always manages to combine fascinating world building, political intrigue, relatable and familiar characters and a story that won't let you put your kindle down.
For those of us that have long been fans of the Athanate world in the Amber books, Bian will not come as a surprise. If you have not read those books do not be put off though, as this is a prequel and you can start with this offering. Bian as we know her is a strong, kick ass woman but everyone has a journey to tell and this is hers, from small vietnamese villages to sprawling exotic cities, as a young girl unaware of the world around her. She has two families, one by birth and one by adoption and they both manage to involve her in the politics and dangers of the world as it exists in the 19th century. Her story is heart breaking and tragic, the supernatural slowly weaves its web around her and before long it's too late and she will not get out.
I loved every second of this thrilling tale and would imagine that it would capture all those who like a strong character who can save herself and learn from the word around her. The supernatural is a slow build up, but once it arrives you feel as captured as Bian does! Highly recommended.
For those of us that have long been fans of the Athanate world in the Amber books, Bian will not come as a surprise. If you have not read those books do not be put off though, as this is a prequel and you can start with this offering. Bian as we know her is a strong, kick ass woman but everyone has a journey to tell and this is hers, from small vietnamese villages to sprawling exotic cities, as a young girl unaware of the world around her. She has two families, one by birth and one by adoption and they both manage to involve her in the politics and dangers of the world as it exists in the 19th century. Her story is heart breaking and tragic, the supernatural slowly weaves its web around her and before long it's too late and she will not get out.
I loved every second of this thrilling tale and would imagine that it would capture all those who like a strong character who can save herself and learn from the word around her. The supernatural is a slow build up, but once it arrives you feel as captured as Bian does! Highly recommended.
February 27, 2021
Wonderful Historical Fantasy of 19th cent Vietnam
Rich in historical detail, complex, compelling characters and an amazing writing style that left me wanting MORE!
The first half of the book delves into vintage descriptions of the French dominated area we now call Vietnam. The story is seen through the eyes of a young Annamese girl, Bian, who grows up on a sampan with her parents and siblings who once lived a much more affluent life. After her adoption by a loving, politically important French couple I found the story surprising because I didn’t realize the scale of French “high society” there nor did I understand the intricacies of the political rivalries and expectations that caused such upheavals in that era.
Though Bian is part of this French society she still experiences hurtful racism from some narcissistic, narrow minded white people much as many Asian Americans occasionally do today, my own Vietnam born daughter included. I will never forget how appalled and angered I was when my daughter came home from fourth grade and asked me what gook meant, and that was just the beginning.
As the story matures and Bian nearly dies, life as she knows it completely changes again. Introduced to the world of the Athenate, she continues on a relentlessly demanding path that requires great courage as she faces greater challenges. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Can’t wait for the next one!
Rich in historical detail, complex, compelling characters and an amazing writing style that left me wanting MORE!
The first half of the book delves into vintage descriptions of the French dominated area we now call Vietnam. The story is seen through the eyes of a young Annamese girl, Bian, who grows up on a sampan with her parents and siblings who once lived a much more affluent life. After her adoption by a loving, politically important French couple I found the story surprising because I didn’t realize the scale of French “high society” there nor did I understand the intricacies of the political rivalries and expectations that caused such upheavals in that era.
Though Bian is part of this French society she still experiences hurtful racism from some narcissistic, narrow minded white people much as many Asian Americans occasionally do today, my own Vietnam born daughter included. I will never forget how appalled and angered I was when my daughter came home from fourth grade and asked me what gook meant, and that was just the beginning.
As the story matures and Bian nearly dies, life as she knows it completely changes again. Introduced to the world of the Athenate, she continues on a relentlessly demanding path that requires great courage as she faces greater challenges. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Can’t wait for the next one!
May 30, 2018
Fantastic addition to the Athenate universe
There is a lot to like about this book, and I would highly recommend it to fans of UF.
This book is the origin story of one of the major characters in the Bite Back series. I do not think having read that series is a requirement for enjoying this book. It is fully capable of standing on its own, and in many ways may be a better introduction to this world than the author's earlier books.
The author's greatest strength, in my opinion, is his ability bring to bring the world to life through character interaction. There are no jarring info dumps that distract from the story. Instead we get to ride along with Bian as she picks up bits of information along the way. If anything I was left always wanting more.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
There is a lot to like about this book, and I would highly recommend it to fans of UF.
This book is the origin story of one of the major characters in the Bite Back series. I do not think having read that series is a requirement for enjoying this book. It is fully capable of standing on its own, and in many ways may be a better introduction to this world than the author's earlier books.
The author's greatest strength, in my opinion, is his ability bring to bring the world to life through character interaction. There are no jarring info dumps that distract from the story. Instead we get to ride along with Bian as she picks up bits of information along the way. If anything I was left always wanting more.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 30, 2018
Another brilliant installment in the bite back universe!
I was waiting for this book for quite a while and had high expectations and, oh boy, Mark delivered..... again! The style of the book is more along the other side stories with a rich environment and interesting characters. Also, the paranormal stuff is waiting on the sidelines for a while till the basics story is laid out. I am sure a lot of research was necessary to be able to fit the story into that time and place.
The story fits the character we know from the main series really well and gives a lot of insight about the youth of Bian and what lead to her becoming what she is (in many layers).
The editing is on the same level as always.
Mark's writing skills are still expanding which is quite noticeable in the "flow" of the story. The first third of the book has a bit of a different feel to it regarding world descriptions and choice of words which is likely due to the setting and the way the story evolves. That took a bit of getting used to in a positive way.
Highly recommended!
I was waiting for this book for quite a while and had high expectations and, oh boy, Mark delivered..... again! The style of the book is more along the other side stories with a rich environment and interesting characters. Also, the paranormal stuff is waiting on the sidelines for a while till the basics story is laid out. I am sure a lot of research was necessary to be able to fit the story into that time and place.
The story fits the character we know from the main series really well and gives a lot of insight about the youth of Bian and what lead to her becoming what she is (in many layers).
The editing is on the same level as always.
Mark's writing skills are still expanding which is quite noticeable in the "flow" of the story. The first third of the book has a bit of a different feel to it regarding world descriptions and choice of words which is likely due to the setting and the way the story evolves. That took a bit of getting used to in a positive way.
Highly recommended!
May 28, 2018
Bian’s Origin Story, Part 1 - Wow!
I’ve been a big fan of the Bite Back series for years now and have enjoyed the complex relationship between Amber and Bian. This first book of Bian’s origins has the most amazing level of detail to the history of the time. The story plants you right there - in French controlled Saigon - and pulls you deeply into the storyline. Loved every moment!
I’ve been a big fan of the Bite Back series for years now and have enjoyed the complex relationship between Amber and Bian. This first book of Bian’s origins has the most amazing level of detail to the history of the time. The story plants you right there - in French controlled Saigon - and pulls you deeply into the storyline. Loved every moment!
May 28, 2018
I read this as a Bite Back veteran and liked it a great deal.
It also works, I think, though I'm not sure, as an introduction to Henwick's Athanate universe, because that's what the story is for Bian.
Bian is, obviously, awesome, even as a very young girl in a difficult situation.
(Based on the Wordpress serial edition.)
It also works, I think, though I'm not sure, as an introduction to Henwick's Athanate universe, because that's what the story is for Bian.
Bian is, obviously, awesome, even as a very young girl in a difficult situation.
(Based on the Wordpress serial edition.)
December 20, 2019
Insert Obligatory Title Here
A bit slow in the beginning like many first books, but very good read. I'm always a bit disappointed when, Asian names are used and arranged like Western names. But that doesn't distracted from the story, I burned through the Bite Back series in a week and looking forward to the next in this series!
A bit slow in the beginning like many first books, but very good read. I'm always a bit disappointed when, Asian names are used and arranged like Western names. But that doesn't distracted from the story, I burned through the Bite Back series in a week and looking forward to the next in this series!
May 29, 2018
Excellent!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone. I have read all the Bite Back novels and look forward to many more installments. No pressure.... lol!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone. I have read all the Bite Back novels and look forward to many more installments. No pressure.... lol!!
May 30, 2018
Another amazing book from Mr. Henwick.
Emotionally charged, draws you in and doesn't let go. Drive stars are not enough for this book. I woulda give this eleven out of ten stars.
Emotionally charged, draws you in and doesn't let go. Drive stars are not enough for this book. I woulda give this eleven out of ten stars.
May 31, 2018
Great story very well written. I can't speak to the authenticity of the Vietnamese history, but it feels very authentic. Very sympathetic main character.
October 30, 2018
very good, look forward to the next
June 6, 2024
will there be a book two?
This was a riveting tale, but it ended too abruptly! Bian’s backstory is full of tragedy and sorrow, yet she shows incredible resilience and grit. The picture painted of nineteenth century colonialism is quite damning but adds immeasurably to Bian’s tale.
This was a riveting tale, but it ended too abruptly! Bian’s backstory is full of tragedy and sorrow, yet she shows incredible resilience and grit. The picture painted of nineteenth century colonialism is quite damning but adds immeasurably to Bian’s tale.
March 17, 2021
To see the beginnings of Bian is brilliant. I enjoyed and recommend this book.
December 3, 2019
Wonderful series
Imaginative, poetic, violent, wise. Everything I could wish for. The Vietnamese history during French occupation was fascinating. Love this author.
Imaginative, poetic, violent, wise. Everything I could wish for. The Vietnamese history during French occupation was fascinating. Love this author.
December 27, 2023
This is Bian's start in life.
I must say I started this all wrong. I read Bite Back Amber Carroll's series then read this book. I had no idea there was a whole series for Bian. I wish I had known that. I have to say reading it the way I did I expected this to be filled with horrors. Now that I know it's the first of a series I am feeling better about this. Yes there were some bad things & the worst atrocities were committed by her birth parents & her adoptive parents cousins! I mean who sells their child into prostitution? It's appalling! They don't deserve to have children and least of all as many as they had. I know her older brother seems callous to her when she sees him after five years. However, I think he understood what was going on more than she did at the time she was adopted. And since he was no longer with his parents I'm sure he decided to cut ties with them before they sold him too. I can't remember why they claimed to need the money. I think they said it was moving costs. There is nothing in this world that would cause me to sell my child let alone to something so horrible as prostitution. I can't wait to see how the next part of Bian's life goes.
I must say I started this all wrong. I read Bite Back Amber Carroll's series then read this book. I had no idea there was a whole series for Bian. I wish I had known that. I have to say reading it the way I did I expected this to be filled with horrors. Now that I know it's the first of a series I am feeling better about this. Yes there were some bad things & the worst atrocities were committed by her birth parents & her adoptive parents cousins! I mean who sells their child into prostitution? It's appalling! They don't deserve to have children and least of all as many as they had. I know her older brother seems callous to her when she sees him after five years. However, I think he understood what was going on more than she did at the time she was adopted. And since he was no longer with his parents I'm sure he decided to cut ties with them before they sold him too. I can't remember why they claimed to need the money. I think they said it was moving costs. There is nothing in this world that would cause me to sell my child let alone to something so horrible as prostitution. I can't wait to see how the next part of Bian's life goes.
February 5, 2025
I am an history fan
Being there, immersed in the heat, the crowds, the scent of blood, the smell of charcoal fires and sizzling meat, the smell of the salt sea and stench of rotten fish- that is what Mark Renwick has evoked in this fabulous series. Your five senses are engaged and you can't help but be swept away by this amazing plot with its suspense, twists and turns. You empathize with the heroine and share in her fear and rage.
Being there, immersed in the heat, the crowds, the scent of blood, the smell of charcoal fires and sizzling meat, the smell of the salt sea and stench of rotten fish- that is what Mark Renwick has evoked in this fabulous series. Your five senses are engaged and you can't help but be swept away by this amazing plot with its suspense, twists and turns. You empathize with the heroine and share in her fear and rage.
February 22, 2025
Wow!
I have read the entire Bite Back series and then 2 of the novellas and now this. This was VERY different but in a good way. It is another shining example of how amazing Mark is. He apologized for “writing so slow” in his afterward, but if the quality remains this high, it is a small price to pay!
Just builds the anticipation; a bit more to savor when the next installment comes!
Great book! I am glad I read it last!
>^..^<
I have read the entire Bite Back series and then 2 of the novellas and now this. This was VERY different but in a good way. It is another shining example of how amazing Mark is. He apologized for “writing so slow” in his afterward, but if the quality remains this high, it is a small price to pay!
Just builds the anticipation; a bit more to savor when the next installment comes!
Great book! I am glad I read it last!
>^..^<
June 11, 2020
4++. No! I need more of Bian's story! This was amazing and powerful and heart wrenching and I need more!
January 31, 2023
4.5 stars. Great first book of a new side series of the Bite Back collection.
December 2, 2024
A good read
I liked this introduction to Bian. I look forward to seeing how she became who I know her to be.
I liked this introduction to Bian. I look forward to seeing how she became who I know her to be.
October 9, 2025
Finally, a prologue for Bian.
I loved this. At no point could I predict where things were going to go solidly. So much fun, can't wait for book 2.
I loved this. At no point could I predict where things were going to go solidly. So much fun, can't wait for book 2.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews