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The Bitter Harvest
The year is 1825, and a small Native American village has lost many of its people and bravest warriors to a pack of Lofa; huge beasts humanoid in shape but covered with coarse hair. The creatures are taller than any normal man, and fiercer than even the wildest animal. Rather than leave the land of their ancestors, the tribe chooses to stay and fight the beasts. But they're losing the war, and perhaps more critically, they're almost without hope.
The small community grasps for anything to help them survive. There is a warrior on the frontier known as Orenda. He's already legendary across the west for his bravery and honor.
Onsi, a young villager, sets out on a journey to find the warrior.
Orenda will be forced to choose between almost certain death, not just for himself, but also his warrior wife Nazshoni and her brother Kanuna, or a dishonorable refusal that would mean annihilation for the entire village.
The crucial decision is only the beginning, and Orenda will soon face the greatest test of his life; the challenge that could turn out to be too much even for a warrior of legend.
The small community grasps for anything to help them survive. There is a warrior on the frontier known as Orenda. He's already legendary across the west for his bravery and honor.
Onsi, a young villager, sets out on a journey to find the warrior.
Orenda will be forced to choose between almost certain death, not just for himself, but also his warrior wife Nazshoni and her brother Kanuna, or a dishonorable refusal that would mean annihilation for the entire village.
The crucial decision is only the beginning, and Orenda will soon face the greatest test of his life; the challenge that could turn out to be too much even for a warrior of legend.
92 pages, Paperback
Published February 29, 2016
33 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Oliver Phipps
20 books1,531 followersOliver served as a Paratrooper in the United States Army and studied at MSC. In the late 1980s through mid 90s Oliver pursued his love of music. He enjoyed traveling, playing percussion and writing lyrics for popular bands. During this time Oliver also began writing short stories and articles.
After playing for thousands through the fall and winter of 1996 Oliver's band abruptly disbanded. In early spring of 1997 Oliver along with a good friend who was a guitarist got together with the intention to form a new group. But rather than form a new band the two put together an expedition plan for traveling to Northern Canada and Alaska in order to prospect for gold.
Leaving in April of 1997 Oliver and company traveled up the historic AL-CAN highway. After exploring the Yukon and Northwest territories of Canada as well as the Arctic Circle the team traveled over the Top of the World highway to Alaska.
1999-2000 Oliver traveled through Asia, visiting Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan among other countries.
In 2004 Oliver published his first book and continues to write books, articles and short stories. Currently Oliver and family reside happily in the U.S.
After playing for thousands through the fall and winter of 1996 Oliver's band abruptly disbanded. In early spring of 1997 Oliver along with a good friend who was a guitarist got together with the intention to form a new group. But rather than form a new band the two put together an expedition plan for traveling to Northern Canada and Alaska in order to prospect for gold.
Leaving in April of 1997 Oliver and company traveled up the historic AL-CAN highway. After exploring the Yukon and Northwest territories of Canada as well as the Arctic Circle the team traveled over the Top of the World highway to Alaska.
1999-2000 Oliver traveled through Asia, visiting Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan among other countries.
In 2004 Oliver published his first book and continues to write books, articles and short stories. Currently Oliver and family reside happily in the U.S.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 14, 2016
see full review @ Katie's Corner
I remember I got my very first book by Oliver Phipps around a year ago. It was “A Tempest Soul” and after reading the first 2 chapters I knew that the author would become one of my favourites. I have read nearly all books by him and am always excited when he publishers new books. When I received the news that Bitter Harvest was out, I forgot anything that I was doing and started it right away.
Oliver Phipps never disappoints, he tries new genres, but his fantastic way of telling the story, keeping the tension on maximum and making us turn the pages very fast to know what is going to happen next is ever present. The story throws us into 1800s native Indian village. We get to know how hey lived and the dangers they faced.
As a mythology and native legends junkie, this story was a fresh view on native legends and trust me I was hooked as soon as I read the words “demon” and “Lofa”. However, do not forget that we are talking about Oliver Phipps here, and we will not be just seeing a supernatural story. You’ll get to see what it means to be a warrior. We are shown on example of Onsi, that sometimes a person needs to be a warrior, sometimes a leader, and maybe sometimes even a follower.
This story is less than 100 pages, however, it holds much more for such a short story. I hope everyone will read it, as it shows a different view on many aspects and the realism of fights is something that will make even a total action junkie impressed.
I remember I got my very first book by Oliver Phipps around a year ago. It was “A Tempest Soul” and after reading the first 2 chapters I knew that the author would become one of my favourites. I have read nearly all books by him and am always excited when he publishers new books. When I received the news that Bitter Harvest was out, I forgot anything that I was doing and started it right away.
Oliver Phipps never disappoints, he tries new genres, but his fantastic way of telling the story, keeping the tension on maximum and making us turn the pages very fast to know what is going to happen next is ever present. The story throws us into 1800s native Indian village. We get to know how hey lived and the dangers they faced.
As a mythology and native legends junkie, this story was a fresh view on native legends and trust me I was hooked as soon as I read the words “demon” and “Lofa”. However, do not forget that we are talking about Oliver Phipps here, and we will not be just seeing a supernatural story. You’ll get to see what it means to be a warrior. We are shown on example of Onsi, that sometimes a person needs to be a warrior, sometimes a leader, and maybe sometimes even a follower.
This story is less than 100 pages, however, it holds much more for such a short story. I hope everyone will read it, as it shows a different view on many aspects and the realism of fights is something that will make even a total action junkie impressed.
May 15, 2016
Oliver Phipps is one of my favorite writers specially become a fan of his writing after reading A Tempest Soul. After starting the book, I completely lost myself in The Bitter Harvest. I read the whole book without a single break. All the characters are well developed. The suspense created by the writer remains in the last. If you want to get excitement, I think this book would be a great choice.
December 4, 2017
Awesome book
This book tells the story of how a man named Onsi’s tribe was getting attacked by beasts. His chief Hakane sent him to find the great warrior named Orenda. Onsi arrived at a trading market and found Orenda his wife and her brother. They agreed to go back to his tribe with him and try to kill the beasts.
The beasts are called Lofa. They have been ravaging Onsi's village. They are about 7 feet tall, body similar to humans, fur so think arrow heads can barely penetrate. Orenda’s wife and brother make arrow heads on the way to the tribe. Some are soaked with snake venom. He also has a musket and tomahawks.
They arrive at the village and plan for the first attack. The beast come out at dusk so during the day they find a good area near the caves to fight and places to hide. At dusk, they attack. 3 men die. Only one beast was killed. They agree to fight again soon. They want to kill them all.
But you will have to read this book to see if they succeed. I really enjoyed this book. If you like werewolf books, I am sure you will like this book. This Authors writing is great and very detailed. I highly recommend this book.
This book tells the story of how a man named Onsi’s tribe was getting attacked by beasts. His chief Hakane sent him to find the great warrior named Orenda. Onsi arrived at a trading market and found Orenda his wife and her brother. They agreed to go back to his tribe with him and try to kill the beasts.
The beasts are called Lofa. They have been ravaging Onsi's village. They are about 7 feet tall, body similar to humans, fur so think arrow heads can barely penetrate. Orenda’s wife and brother make arrow heads on the way to the tribe. Some are soaked with snake venom. He also has a musket and tomahawks.
They arrive at the village and plan for the first attack. The beast come out at dusk so during the day they find a good area near the caves to fight and places to hide. At dusk, they attack. 3 men die. Only one beast was killed. They agree to fight again soon. They want to kill them all.
But you will have to read this book to see if they succeed. I really enjoyed this book. If you like werewolf books, I am sure you will like this book. This Authors writing is great and very detailed. I highly recommend this book.
November 7, 2016
The writing wasn't the greatest but the story was pretty enjoyable. I thought the story started out a little slow but when the main characters finally started addressing the apelike monsters (the Lofa) who were attacking the village, the story got much better. The strength of this book is definitely the action scenes. For anyone who likes Native American history, cryptozoology/bigfoot, and action, this is a fun and fairly quick read.
December 26, 2016
Very thrilling work by one of my favorite authors. I was surprised and entertained by this old west story concern native Americans and strange beasts that I think are what we call Big Foot.? Five stars!
April 24, 2016
I love this book. But, I love all of OP's work so far. I really loved the fearless woman warrior Nazshoni. I hope there's a second and third book.
Want to read
October 2, 2021#ad currently free on Amazon https://amzn.to/3Bg5Xz6
May 6, 2017
Exciting story. I loved it.
February 20, 2019
Another great story by Oliver Phipps. As usual with Oliver's works there are a few typos. But considering the bargain price, I don't mind. And, it doesn't distract from the story.
November 18, 2023
Such a good book...couldn't put it down! Wanted to read it before watching the film and now I don't want to watch the film in fear I'll hate it! I finished this book front to back nonstop in about 4 hours!
March 18, 2021
Hard to put down I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see what happened and at the same time I didn’t want it to end. Enjoy!
April 3, 2021
This was definitely a page turner, finished the book in less than one week which is a big deal for me. 😉
April 19, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I like that the ending was surprising. This author always gives a good read. Thanks Oliver Phipps. 💓
May 5, 2021
The Bitter Harvest really grabbed me from the first few pages. This is a book that will keep you up at night.
May 22, 2021
What a beautiful story, so well written. Oliver Phipps can weave a story that you feel in your very soul.
June 6, 2021
One of the best. The writer does not waste a word. I absolutely couldn’t put it down. Great entertainment!
June 22, 2021
Kept me on my toes at the same time I felt like I knew where it was going my first digital book really enjoyed it.
September 28, 2021
Great read, a definite page turner. The twists and turns were greatly described and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. Can't say much more, don't want to leave any spoilers!
June 1, 2022
Great twist. Quick read.
June 2, 2022
It's a lot to take in, but so artfully written. Definitely following this author. Thank you!
June 28, 2022
Couldn't put it down. Loved the story.
June 28, 2022
One of the best books I've read in a long time! If you only read one book this year, make it this one!
September 4, 2022
WOW! Amazing book. Highly recommend and will definitely be reading again.
September 4, 2022
Fabulous Book! It’s one of my favorites.
October 30, 2022
This is a great book, I couldn’t put it down, definitely a page turner 😊
October 30, 2022
Loved the ending! I highly recommend.
March 2, 2023
So many unexpected twists that had me guessing the entire time. Enjoyed the whole time.
March 2, 2023
It is the first book that has kept me on the edge of my seat! So many unexpected twists and turns.
March 2, 2023
This book kept my interest the whole time I would recommend this book to all my friends 10 out of 10.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews