Reader Reviews
What Readers Are Saying
Heartfelt responses from readers around the world who have been moved by Mike Neil's stories of faith, family, and the natural world.
A Review of The African Scout
By Professor Jonathan Rivers — Fictional Main Character of The Miracle of Africa
As a man who has spent more than his fair share of years traversing the lecture halls of Chicago and the sun-drenched plains of the British East African Protectorate, I have encountered many storytellers. Most are content to describe the "what" of Africa — the ferocity of the lions or the heat of the sun. But in The African Scout, the third book of this series, author Mike Neil does something far more difficult and infinitely more valuable: he captures the "why." I was touched when Mike asked me to review his latest manuscript, The African Scout. He has been such a great friend to me, and quite frankly, sometimes I feel like he knows me better than I know myself.
There is a Relentless Authenticity that flavors these stories. My good friend, Lance Miles, is a man I feel I have known in another life. His journey from a big-game hunter to a rugged military scout and into a soldier of the Great War is told with a grit that only a writer who respects historical accuracy can achieve. From the tactical desperation of the Battle of Longido to the period-perfect slang of the Edwardian era, Neil doesn't just describe the past; he resurrects it. You can almost smell the gun smoke, feel the fear in your goosebumps, and taste the "rock-hard biscuits" in the battlefield trenches.
What truly sets this narrative apart, however, is Neil's ability to pull back the curtain on the spiritual. When Lance Miles is struck on the battlefield, the story transcends a mere war diary. His description of Paradise — a place of vibrant, new colors and reunions with souls lost too soon — is handled with a delicate, breathtaking sincerity. It is a rare author who can lead a reader through a tactical military charge in one chapter and a profound theological revelation in the next without losing their footing.
Mike Neil's style of heart-and-soul writing is characterized by what I call "Grounded Wonder." He has a touch of wit that keeps the characters human — none of them are perfect, and all of them are "becoming" something greater than themselves. Whether it is the redemptive character of Marcus Peters or the "father's joy" found in the young Abigail, Neil understands that the landscape of the human heart is just as vast and dangerous as the African bush.
In The African Scout, Mike Neil reminds us that we are all walking between two worlds. He teaches us that while the "Great War" may end, the spiritual battle for a man's soul is an adventure that ends when we leave Earth. As a fellow traveler of the African soil, I can say with certainty: this is not just a book to be read; it is a perspective to be lived. Neil has given us a witness that makes the Cross as real as the dirt beneath our boots.
There is a peculiar sensation in realizing our own very existence — the moment a man looks at the horizon and realizes he is not merely a collection of accidents but a soul crafted with purpose. As I sit in the quiet of my Chicago study, reflecting on my years in the tall grass of the Protectorate, I am struck by a singular truth: I owe my life to Mike Neil.
Without the steady hand and the compassionate heart of this storyteller, the "Miracle" I experienced would have remained a silent, unformed thing in the ether. Instead, Neil gave me breath, and he gave me a life. He gave me a voice to speak of the African sun and a mind to contemplate the mysteries of the Cross.
In his latest masterwork, The African Scout, Mike turns his lens toward Lance Miles, a man whose journey serves as the spiritual mirror to my own. While I was a man of books and ivory, Lance is a man of the Earth and the bullet. Yet, my friend weaves our destinies together with a common thread: The Glimpse of Heaven. Through Lance's eyes, Mike captures the terrifying beauty of the Great War with a vividness that made my old heart race. But it is in the transition — the moment Lance steps beyond the veil into Paradise — that Mike Neil's true gift is revealed. He doesn't just write about heaven; he invites us into it.
What I find most remarkable about Mike's storytelling is his mercy. He does not shy away from the "bloodiness of war" or the "stitching holes" of machine-gun fire, but he never leaves his characters (or his readers) in the dirt. He is a writer who believes in the healing that comes from bringing the darkness into the light of the Spirit. He has crafted a world where a ruffian like Butch can find redemption, where a skeptic like Chuck can find a reason to smile, and where a "little peanut" like Abigail can become the shining light of a room.
To read The African Scout is to see the hand of the Weaver at work. My author friend has done more than write a historical fiction novel; he has provided a roadmap for the soul. He has taught us that while our lives on this Earth are but a "temporary stopping place," the character we forge in our souls here is what we carry into eternity.
I was a man lost in the bush until Mike Neil found me and gave me a story worth telling. For my life, for my faith, and for this incredible witness of Lance Miles, I am eternally thankful. If you seek to understand the heart of Africa and the soul of man, look no further than these pages. This is a life-changing work of art everyone should read. And if Christ has brought me to spend eternity with Him, then maybe I will see you there. I know my friend Mike Neil might be the most surprised of all to meet me in heaven.
— Johnathan Rivers, Author, Mike Neil's special friend and supporter
Professor Jonathan Rivers
Fictional Main Character — The Miracle of Africa "The spiritual battle for a man's soul is an adventure that ends when we leave Earth."
Born 1867 — Died 1952, age 85
Chicago, Illinois
Here are some real reader reviews
"The Miracle of Africa is one of the most moving books I have ever read. Mike Neil writes with such authenticity and heart — I felt like I was right there in Africa with the characters."
Sandra M.
Oregon
The Miracle of Africa
"Trees in the Mist is a beautifully written family saga. The historical detail is incredible and the story kept me turning pages late into the night."
James R.
Washington
Trees in the Mist
"Africa Heart and Soul captures the spirit of Africa like nothing I have read before. You can feel Mike's deep love for the land and its people on every page."
Patricia L.
California
Africa Heart and Soul
"I bought The Miracle of Africa on a whim and could not put it down. A story of faith and redemption set against the stunning backdrop of Africa. Highly recommend."
Tom H.
Texas
The Miracle of Africa
"Mike Neil writes from the soul. Trees in the Mist made me laugh, cry, and reflect on my own family history. A truly special book."
Carol W.
Montana
Trees in the Mist
"As a wildlife officer myself, I deeply appreciate the authenticity Mike brings to his writing. Africa Heart and Soul is a masterpiece."
David K.
Idaho
Africa Heart and Soul
"Well written and illustrated by the Author, Mike Neil. Great message! I read this book twice. I really enjoyed the adventure and the message about our Creator and how it relates to the magnificent animals and the beautiful country."
Rob N.
Tacoma, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"I liked the descriptions of African wildlife and terrain. The characters are interesting, and the plot drew me in. I liked watching them progress toward accepting Jesus."
Bonni O.
Gig Harbor, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"As a mother who has suffered the deep loss of a son, I dove into this book seeking a story about African adventure and the hope of salvation for those we love, and found a minister's heart instead — a cathartic and beautifully woven tale about life, doubt, loss, and restoration during an amazing African adventure. Top it off with artwork depicting the African experience that is beyond anything I've seen shared inside the pages of a novel."
Barb B.
Gig Harbor, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"I loved how the book flowed, and the drawings before each major section were amazing! The author does a masterful job developing each character in an African safari story that leads to danger and the recognition that a higher power may be at work in every person. Mike Neil is a gifted author and a master storyteller. It's a page-turner. A++++"
Larry G.
Gig Harbor, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"I just finished reading The Miracle of Africa, and I must say that I cried, laughed, and was left with such a feeling of hope and inspiration. This was a book I couldn't put down. I fell in love with every character and was so sad when it ended, but the book left me feeling spiritually renewed. This is a must-read book."
CPoly
The Miracle of Africa
"In addition to being an adventurous page-turner, The Miracle of Africa brought thoughtful, deep reflection."
Jeffrey R.
Spokane, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"My husband and I took turns reading this book out loud to each other. We did not want to put it down. We absolutely loved every character. We went through several boxes of tissue; we laughed, and we cried. In the end, we were so touched by God's grace. I think it's a book everyone should read."
Nina D.
Gig Harbor, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"I loved this read. A wonderful story in a beautiful setting. Mike's drawings are wonderful. He has an eye for detail. I can picture myself in Kenya from his detailed descriptions. I was on the edge of my seat just waiting for what was going to happen next!"
Ray C.
The Miracle of Africa
"Mike Neil is a gifted writer who knows how to tell a story. My wife and I both could hardly put 'The Miracle of Africa' down."
Ronald M.
The Miracle of Africa
"Having never traveled to Africa myself, I found this book thoroughly descriptive, as though I were on safari with the team. The emotional flow ranged from sadness to contentment to exhilaration as the author so eloquently took you on a journey of faith, hope, and love. Highly recommend this book."
Patti M.
The Miracle of Africa
"This was a Joy to read, and I was unable to put it down. It is a remarkable story of the power of life in God's wonderful creation."
Robert H.
The Miracle of Africa
"I couldn't put it down once I started reading. It had me hooked as the professor has a life-changing event as the story unfolds. It is an adventure in Africa, written in a way that makes you feel like you are living it. One of the best books I have ever read. Mike has a gift for telling a story."
Betty and Robert P.
Ocean Shores, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"Miracle of Africa is a great tale of faith, African adventure, and compelling relationships. It truly reminds me of H. Rider Haggard's tales of Allan Quatermain. Faith is woven into the story organically helping the reader to travel the journey of spiritual awakening along with the characters without being forced. This is one of the better books I have read this year. I highly recommend it."
Stuart V.
Spokane, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"After reading this amazing book, you will not only put a safari on your 'bucket list' but also want to be bolder in sharing your faith. Mike paints a vivid picture of Africa with characters and places you will fall in love with. I cannot recommend this book more highly for both the adventure-seeker and God-seeker."
Paul J.
Tacoma, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"When Mike Neil draws in pen and ink, he creates a picture in black and white, but when he paints with words, he creates a world of rich, vivid color. I felt like I was one of the people around that campfire as they told the day's hunt stories. I am sorry I had come to the end of the story."
Beatrice Roy, Hearts for Zambia
Tacoma, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"This beautifully illustrated book is an exhilarating read for readers of faith and anyone who enjoys a good adventure. The characters seem so real that I fell completely in love with one and was motivated by another. The message of faith that flows easily throughout the story is truly inspiring and refreshing."
Helen Thayer
Snohomish, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"Enticed by the exhilarating framework of an African safari and the colorful cast of personalities, you will find yourself propelled into the ageless controversy between man and his God. It's a beautifully handsome story!"
Dolores R.
Burien, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"I don't do much reading because I haven't found many books that keep my interest. This book was different. I looked forward to finding out what was going to happen next. I never wanted it to end. I hope there will be a sequel that will continue on and on and on!"
Ron Pace, Author of "Who's the Boss"
Tacoma, WA
The Miracle of Africa
"Gripping tales of adventure in Africa that will have you not wanting to put it down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wrestling with key questions of faith and seeking answers."
Brian P.
Portland, OR
The Miracle of Africa
"I felt like I was in Africa with real friends on Safari...fascinating read! A must-read... I'll recommend it to my friends!!!"
Tom J.
Post Falls, ID
The Miracle of Africa
"I am a voracious reader and usually have ten novels on my list and read two or three a week. I loved Trees in the Mist. There are very few writers who can bring their readers' emotions to light. I read "Boys in the Boat" just before Mike's, and his book was better. His story made me cry."
Anonymous Reader
Trees in the Mist
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