What do you think?
Rate this book
Forgotten Tales of China
For the first time, author Lisa April Smith merges her proven skill at delivering unforgettable characters, page-turner suspense and a scientist’s insistence on accuracy. "Forgotten Tales of China" is an epic saga of survival, sacrifice, lust and love, indomitable perseverance, bravery and betrayal. The location is the fertile Yellow River basin near modern-day Beijing – the Chinese Cradle of Civilization. For tens of thousands of years this unique river alternately rewarded its inhabitants hard work, then unpredictably swept away everything in its path with deadly unbridled fury. Each of six tales has its own characters, conflicts and story. The first tale, “The People,” is set 40,000 years ago, with a small band who communicate almost solely through sign language. Their lives are shattered by the loss of precious fire – which they have not as yet learned to create. In response to this crisis, Storm, their inexperienced eighteen year old leader, takes four men to steal it from feared Strangers. The result of this chilling lethal exchange will forever alter the People’s lives. And then there’s low-ranking Berry, the first to be beaten and the last to eat, a nine year old girl who imagines herself to be the successor to Wise Old Mother, the troupe’s revered shaman. The following five tales - "Giants", "Squint", Shing's Daughters", "The Temple of the Goddess" and "The Bronze Worker and the Discarded Conqubine" - each address a quantum leap in social and technical development, from the beginnings of spoken language, to the invention of new weapons and tools, to the advent of dynastic government and its inevitable consequence, the fight for vast wealth and power. But the stories are always about human their singular genius, frailties and strengths, passion, love and loss, desires and dreams. If you’re interested in China, or if good historic fiction is among the genres you enjoy, this one is for you. If you’re a fan of Clan of the Cave Bear, the first two stories of Forgotten Tales are sure to delight. And if you are the rare individual who insists on accuracy in historic fiction, this one was written for you. “L. A. Smith’s characters radiate the fear and wonder of discovering for the first time so much of what we today accept as ordinary – and the essence of what it is to be human.” “ . . . heartbreak and triumph, victimization and courage, power and compassion, reading these stories is like feeling a spark between your own fingertips and those of your most distant ancestors.” Author and reviewer Valley Brown
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Lisa April Smith
8 books66 followersLisa April Smith is the award winning author of "Dangerous Lies," "Exceeding Expectations" first in the 'Charlie' series, "Paradise Misplaced," second in the series and her latest, "The Second Best Time," third in the series - launch date 1/1/2016- all in the genre she playfully calls “Suspense with Sizzle." But perhaps one reviewer succinctly said it best: “Lisa April Smith’s books have the pace and heat of Jacqueline Susann and the style and sophistication of Dominick Dunne.”
Her fourth book, "Forgotten Tales of China," is her first venture into historical fiction, and has received reviews. Epic in scope, it skillfully blends scientific data with Smith’s acknowledged gift for storytelling.
Her fourth book, "Forgotten Tales of China," is her first venture into historical fiction, and has received reviews. Epic in scope, it skillfully blends scientific data with Smith’s acknowledged gift for storytelling.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 5, 2014
THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :
"Forgotten Tales of China" is a novel that will absolutely catch you up from the first chapter forward. It completely drew me in as I walked the plains with the leader of a pre-historic clan, hovered in a cave with a young girl who was learning her way to survival, and as other parts of the story of early China grew vivid and real before my inner eyes.
Lisa April Smith is not only an anthropologist by education, but she is one by nature and imagination. Her characters leap from the pages, coming alive with their thoughts and actions. I was particularly captivated and had an early allegiance to Berry, whose life depended upon her learning the art and craft of medicinal plants and herbs. And leaders such as Watchful Eye and other primary characters are most interesting and will grab your attention, too. Lisa is a master at characterization.
Yes, this book is very reminiscent of "Clan of the Cave Bear," but it stands alone in its own category and with its own laurels. The research behind the novel is more exact. The obvious work in reality scaffolds the story, creating a more believable world with more believable characters. And while this scholarship is quite evident, it is never boring or unreachable. Ms Smith's novel has an easy flow with a completely accessible, readable storyline.
I highly recommend this book to all those who love the exotic and the Orient, but also to those who are looking for a story that is unusual and absorbing. This is a book that will keep you transfixed for hours!
5 stars Deborah/TheBookishDame
"Forgotten Tales of China" is a novel that will absolutely catch you up from the first chapter forward. It completely drew me in as I walked the plains with the leader of a pre-historic clan, hovered in a cave with a young girl who was learning her way to survival, and as other parts of the story of early China grew vivid and real before my inner eyes.
Lisa April Smith is not only an anthropologist by education, but she is one by nature and imagination. Her characters leap from the pages, coming alive with their thoughts and actions. I was particularly captivated and had an early allegiance to Berry, whose life depended upon her learning the art and craft of medicinal plants and herbs. And leaders such as Watchful Eye and other primary characters are most interesting and will grab your attention, too. Lisa is a master at characterization.
Yes, this book is very reminiscent of "Clan of the Cave Bear," but it stands alone in its own category and with its own laurels. The research behind the novel is more exact. The obvious work in reality scaffolds the story, creating a more believable world with more believable characters. And while this scholarship is quite evident, it is never boring or unreachable. Ms Smith's novel has an easy flow with a completely accessible, readable storyline.
I highly recommend this book to all those who love the exotic and the Orient, but also to those who are looking for a story that is unusual and absorbing. This is a book that will keep you transfixed for hours!
5 stars Deborah/TheBookishDame
January 8, 2014
When I was asked to read FORGOTTEN TALES OF CHINA by author Lisa April Smith I was expecting a suspense book from her like the great read EXCEEDING EXPECTAITIONS. What I read turned out to be a historical fiction about pre-historic China. Not something I would have normally agreed to read. I was sure glad that I did. I fell in love with this book. The characters jumped off the pages and I fell in love with them. The story telling is superb. We learn of the peopke that lived in caves and had to learn to hunt for food and even fire. They had a "mother" that taught them the old ways. She passed on her knowledge to a young girl, Berry with low ranking who turned out to be a great help to the tribe. My favorite story was of the man that came onto the tribes land looking for a place for him and his small group to stay. The men agreed to let the man his women and children from his group to stay on for a year to prove his worth and re-evaluate the decision. He brought with him the knowledge of fishing. Normally a woman would fish, but the stranger had an extensive knowledge to catch many fish and feed many people. He showed his worth above and beyond what the people expected. If you have a fondness for China and/or historical fiction I highly recommend this book. I really feel if you are a fan of Lisa's you would enjoy this. Like I previously stated this book would not have been a first choice pick to review, but I would have been wrong not to read this wonderfully written read.
Rating 4.5
Heat Rating Sweet
Reviewed By Rae
Courtesy Of My Book Addiction And More
Rating 4.5
Heat Rating Sweet
Reviewed By Rae
Courtesy Of My Book Addiction And More
January 9, 2014
Lisa April Smith has once again, with her unique and sophisticated writing style, written a book filled with historic fiction and compelling characters that take the reader on a picturesque and historically accurate journey. Forgotten Tales of China is filled with captivating characters along with six tales that will transport you and compel you to experience the journey while absorbing the history and complexities of the time period.
It is evident that a tremendous amount of research went into the writing of this book which I as a reader greatly appreciate. The Authors dedication to the accuracy and content of the stories serves to enhance and bring to life the background and people who are depicted and the rich historical content.
I also appreciated the Author's Notes at the end of each tale. They allow the reader to be privy to the Author's appreciation of the time in history and the thoughts and pertinent facts surrounding the tales as well as sources used for historical accuracy.
Each of the six tales in this book are written with such strength of character and the Author's appreciation of this time comes thru to the reader. The characters are very well defined as are the circumstances and lives they are living. Each one will get you fully involved with the characters, their lives and all the experiences they encounter.
I highly recommend this book for all readers. It is filled with history, drama and unbelievable situations.
It is evident that a tremendous amount of research went into the writing of this book which I as a reader greatly appreciate. The Authors dedication to the accuracy and content of the stories serves to enhance and bring to life the background and people who are depicted and the rich historical content.
I also appreciated the Author's Notes at the end of each tale. They allow the reader to be privy to the Author's appreciation of the time in history and the thoughts and pertinent facts surrounding the tales as well as sources used for historical accuracy.
Each of the six tales in this book are written with such strength of character and the Author's appreciation of this time comes thru to the reader. The characters are very well defined as are the circumstances and lives they are living. Each one will get you fully involved with the characters, their lives and all the experiences they encounter.
I highly recommend this book for all readers. It is filled with history, drama and unbelievable situations.
June 21, 2014
Although a different genre from her previous books, this is one of Ms Smith's best. Some very exciting stories in intriguing backgrounds will keep you fascinated, and you may even learn a thing or two about early Chinese culture and development.
May 2, 2014
This is my fourth book and the one I had to write. Can't wait to hear from fans and readers I haven't as yet met.
Lisa
Lisa
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews