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Fire on the Mountain
When NGO worker Nick drops unexpectedly into the lives of Pieter and Sara Lisson, he feels he has found the parents he never had. Nick is enraptured by their lives of splendour and acclaim as much as the stirring setting of the African city where they live, but he soon senses a secret at the heart of his new family. Nick then meets Riaan, the Lissons' son, and so begins an intense connection that threatens to erupt into a relationship neither had ever considered. In the shadow of the Brandberg, the glowing mountain that stands at the heart of the desert, Nick will discover that his passion for Riaan is not the only fire which threatens his newfound home.
256 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2018
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47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 21, 2018
4☆ Poignant and Compelling read
Fire On The Mountain is a heartfelt and Poignant read.
It's a nice paced book that draws you in perfectly.
For me the story really comes into its own when Nick the main character meets Riaan. You see Riaan lives in the African bush. They are so very different. Yet as their friendship blossoms then so does the chemistry between them.
You are captivated into their private world.
Nick is a very complex character. I was never quiet sure how to take him.
He was Definetly an adventurous character. But I found him opposing on people's generosity somewhat odd. But without his need to meet people he would never of met Riaan.
I adored reading about the African Bush. Jean has done an amazing job and bringing it to life.
It was almost as if I was right there. Well I wish i was as the thought of the African heat in the dreary UK weather sounds divine right now!
I'm not entirely sure how to sum up Fire On The Mountain as it is very different from anything I have read before.
What I will say is give it a try you might be pleasantly surprised just how good it is.
Thank you to Legend Press for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Fire On The Mountain is a heartfelt and Poignant read.
It's a nice paced book that draws you in perfectly.
For me the story really comes into its own when Nick the main character meets Riaan. You see Riaan lives in the African bush. They are so very different. Yet as their friendship blossoms then so does the chemistry between them.
You are captivated into their private world.
Nick is a very complex character. I was never quiet sure how to take him.
He was Definetly an adventurous character. But I found him opposing on people's generosity somewhat odd. But without his need to meet people he would never of met Riaan.
I adored reading about the African Bush. Jean has done an amazing job and bringing it to life.
It was almost as if I was right there. Well I wish i was as the thought of the African heat in the dreary UK weather sounds divine right now!
I'm not entirely sure how to sum up Fire On The Mountain as it is very different from anything I have read before.
What I will say is give it a try you might be pleasantly surprised just how good it is.
Thank you to Legend Press for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
February 4, 2018
I liked reading Fire On The Mountain. The story was so well written that I Could picture the view in the house high up on the mountain. The place names in this story do not correspond to any one country or place which exists . Some of the names are from particular countries there is a Nova Friburgo in Brazil and a Quelimane in Mozambique. The Iwi tree does not exist, although this word means atonement in Hawaiian.
February 24, 2018
The thing that most struck me about this book was the beautiful, vivid descriptions of the African landscape. I felt that I could really see it in my mind’s eye, see the sun sparkling on the water and feel the intense African sun on my face. I visited Africa in my early twenties and these descriptions have made me want to go back again!
Nick is a very conflicted character who goes on a real journey throughout the book as he discovers who he is. We learn near the beginning that he is running from something but he is a fairly mysterious character, who comes across as slightly moody and we don’t discover until later what this is. Despite this I felt sorry for him as he was obviously struggling with something but I also wanted to shake him and tell him to snap out of it and appreciate where he is.
The love story between Nick and Riann was wonderful to read about and definitely my favourite bit of the book. It is very tender and nervous at first but soon develops into something more passionate and it was great to go on the journey with them and watch their relationship developed. It seemed very realistic and it was great to see Nick come out of his shell.
My only slight criticism of this book is that it was quite slow to start with and I initially struggled to get into it. I do think the beginning was necessary though as it helps to set the scene for the book and helps the reader learn more about the characters and Africa. I’m glad I stuck with it though as I ended up enjoying reading about Nick and Riann and their trip into the bush.
This is Jean McNeil’s 13th book but the first I have read and I will definitely be looking out for future books from her. If you like books with lots of fantastic description and character development or love books about Africa you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to Imogen Harris and Legend Press for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour.
Nick is a very conflicted character who goes on a real journey throughout the book as he discovers who he is. We learn near the beginning that he is running from something but he is a fairly mysterious character, who comes across as slightly moody and we don’t discover until later what this is. Despite this I felt sorry for him as he was obviously struggling with something but I also wanted to shake him and tell him to snap out of it and appreciate where he is.
The love story between Nick and Riann was wonderful to read about and definitely my favourite bit of the book. It is very tender and nervous at first but soon develops into something more passionate and it was great to go on the journey with them and watch their relationship developed. It seemed very realistic and it was great to see Nick come out of his shell.
My only slight criticism of this book is that it was quite slow to start with and I initially struggled to get into it. I do think the beginning was necessary though as it helps to set the scene for the book and helps the reader learn more about the characters and Africa. I’m glad I stuck with it though as I ended up enjoying reading about Nick and Riann and their trip into the bush.
This is Jean McNeil’s 13th book but the first I have read and I will definitely be looking out for future books from her. If you like books with lots of fantastic description and character development or love books about Africa you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to Imogen Harris and Legend Press for my copy of this book and for inviting me onto the blog tour.
February 27, 2018
This isn’t a fast paced book and not one to be rushed. I must admit to have been very intrigued by the main character Nick throughout the book, though I didn’t particularly like him at first. He made me feel uneasy. He was like a chameleon that seemed to make himself into what he thought people would like rather be who he was. Nick had been an aid worker that travelled the world to disaster areas but he dropped off the radar. He literally jumped ship and headed to find people he had never met before.
When Nick first arrived at Pieter and Sara’s home in Africa, it was unannounced, he had been just friend of one of Sara’s nieces, but he was welcomed into their home by them. He developed a closeness with Pieter, a successful and controversial writer and soon took on the role a surrogate son. When Riaan, one of Pieter and Sara’s sons, arrives home Nick and him strike up a friendship. Riaan lives in the bush and when he goes back Nick goes along with him.
It is here that the story came to life for me. The descriptions of the African landscape, from the vibrant colours of the rivers to the skies, to the traditions, fears and customs they all just seeped off the pages and into my mind. Everything heightened my senses as it was just so intense. Surrounded by a timeless and ageless African landscape the story turns into one of self discovery for both the men as their lives take an unexpected turn.
The more I read about Africa the more I fall in love with the savage beauty of it all, even the hypnotic snakes that refuse to make way for man and their technology. This is a passionate story in so many ways and so beautifully written on every page.
When Nick first arrived at Pieter and Sara’s home in Africa, it was unannounced, he had been just friend of one of Sara’s nieces, but he was welcomed into their home by them. He developed a closeness with Pieter, a successful and controversial writer and soon took on the role a surrogate son. When Riaan, one of Pieter and Sara’s sons, arrives home Nick and him strike up a friendship. Riaan lives in the bush and when he goes back Nick goes along with him.
It is here that the story came to life for me. The descriptions of the African landscape, from the vibrant colours of the rivers to the skies, to the traditions, fears and customs they all just seeped off the pages and into my mind. Everything heightened my senses as it was just so intense. Surrounded by a timeless and ageless African landscape the story turns into one of self discovery for both the men as their lives take an unexpected turn.
The more I read about Africa the more I fall in love with the savage beauty of it all, even the hypnotic snakes that refuse to make way for man and their technology. This is a passionate story in so many ways and so beautifully written on every page.
February 23, 2018
Nick’s arrival at Pieter and Sara Lissen’s will leads to truths too difficult for some to bear.
Fire on the Mountain is a complex, mesmerising read that doesn’t fully uncover itself until the very last word. The structure, themes and the extremes of emotion are as intricate as the political Africa of its setting.
There’s fear, violence and threat as well as passion, obsession and true friendship woven throughout so that reading Fire on the Mountain is actually quite a draining experience. This is not a negativity, but rather that Jean Mc Neil has created so authentic a narrative that the reader becomes utterly immersed.
There are undercurrents of evil, foretelling portents and second sight so that, regardless of the reader’s opinion of such beliefs, the potentially devastating signs are there. I loved the literal and metaphorical fire on the mountain for example that gives a hellish feel to the story so that I kept wondering just who might burn in hell.
I found the structure to the novel mirrored its contents very cleverly. Jean McNeil’s use of tenses is quite fluid and past and present tenses merge into one another in the same way past and present actions overlap and are gradually revealed. I found this very skilful writing that added to a sense of both mystery and unease.
The three men Nick, Pieter and Riaan are striking characters. The reader’s experiences their flaws and extremes first hand, making them fascinating and spellbinding.
Fire on the Mountain can be read as a straightforward narrative ostensibly about love, but it is so much more besides. I feel it needs re-reading several times to uncover all its nuances and meanings. It’s a triumph of a book. I really enjoyed it.
Fire on the Mountain is a complex, mesmerising read that doesn’t fully uncover itself until the very last word. The structure, themes and the extremes of emotion are as intricate as the political Africa of its setting.
There’s fear, violence and threat as well as passion, obsession and true friendship woven throughout so that reading Fire on the Mountain is actually quite a draining experience. This is not a negativity, but rather that Jean Mc Neil has created so authentic a narrative that the reader becomes utterly immersed.
There are undercurrents of evil, foretelling portents and second sight so that, regardless of the reader’s opinion of such beliefs, the potentially devastating signs are there. I loved the literal and metaphorical fire on the mountain for example that gives a hellish feel to the story so that I kept wondering just who might burn in hell.
I found the structure to the novel mirrored its contents very cleverly. Jean McNeil’s use of tenses is quite fluid and past and present tenses merge into one another in the same way past and present actions overlap and are gradually revealed. I found this very skilful writing that added to a sense of both mystery and unease.
The three men Nick, Pieter and Riaan are striking characters. The reader’s experiences their flaws and extremes first hand, making them fascinating and spellbinding.
Fire on the Mountain can be read as a straightforward narrative ostensibly about love, but it is so much more besides. I feel it needs re-reading several times to uncover all its nuances and meanings. It’s a triumph of a book. I really enjoyed it.
February 3, 2019
Nick, an international aid worker, suddenly, inexplicably and on impulse jumps ship whilst waiting to embark on his next mission. He makes contact with Pieter and Sara, the uncle and aunt of one of his friends, who has assured him they would be glad to have him visit them. And indeed they take him in, no questions asked, and he becomes more and more involved in their lives. Then he meets their son Riaan and for Nick everything changes, as he enters into an unarticulated but intense relationship with him. This is indeed a very intense book. Emotions, even if they remain unspoken, are at the core of it, and the author with insight and empathy explores how the characters are ruled by them. Extreme emotions, extreme conditions form the backdrop. Set in South Africa, with a simmering political conflict reflected in the simmering heat, it’s a novel almost overpowered by the sense of place and the intense heat. The descriptions of the African landscape are vivid and evocative. There’s a constant feeling of dread and danger, both in the characters’ internal worlds and the real world in which they live. Reading this novel is a totally immersive experience, and one I found largely compelling. Sometimes I felt I needed a little relief from the heat and intensity, but overall I found the book original, well-written and absorbing.
January 11, 2018
To be honest I couldn't put myself into the main character Nick. He randomly meets people and decides they're like his second parents. Goes to concerts with them and even takes family pictures ... what?!
Other than that the story is well written and you can feel Jean McNeils heart in it. I love how Riaan and Nick are quite the opposites but still fit perfectly together. Also, this book really make me want to travel the world and meet new people.
Other than that the story is well written and you can feel Jean McNeils heart in it. I love how Riaan and Nick are quite the opposites but still fit perfectly together. Also, this book really make me want to travel the world and meet new people.
February 16, 2018
Who is Nick? Why did he suddenly jump ship and abandon his successful career jetting into the problem spots of the world, providing relief? Is he ill or is it something else?
These are the questions that confronted me as I started McNeil’s novel. It is not until Nick flees to the parents of a friend, their house sitting in the shadow of the Brandberg Mountain, that his story slowly begins to unravel. Pieter and Sara’s house provides the opportunity for Nick to look inwards on himself, to question who he is, what he is doing and what his future may hold. The interspersed chapters littered throughout slowly filled in the gaps giving more meaning to Nick’s current dilemmas. Indeed Nick is quite a complex character, not hugely likeable, and quite cold, but reading of his distant parents and family background I do not think there is any other way that Nick can be or knows how to be. His relationship with Pieter and Sara soon develops into that of surrogate son, stepping into the vacant shoes of their own two sons who live faraway and rarely visit. He strikes up an interesting relationship with Pieter, an eminent and often controversial novelist. Nick shows great interest in Pieter’s writing and novels where perhaps his sons had not, and their ensuing conversations and differing perspectives were interesting to read.
The story takes an even more complex turn when Nick meets Pieter and Sara’s son Riaan, who lives in the African bush. Their upbringing and worlds are so far apart yet there is something that draws them together. When Riaan invites Nick to spend some time with him in the bush there is the anticipation that something is going to happen but you are not entirely sure what it is. It is at this point that one of the main characters in the novel comes into its own, that of the African landscape.
McNeil’s vivid imagery and descriptions are brilliantly done. I could taste the arid desert sand, feel the intensity of the heat, and see the beauty of the night sky. The intensity of the heat and the chill of the night perfectly mirrored the relationship between Nick and Rican. I could sense the fluctuating mix of emotion, and confusion as they tried to make sense of their feelings, questioning themselves and each other. I found this to be my favourite part of the novel. It was so wonderfully written and enthralling that I did worry how it would end, where McNeil would take us next.
I needn’t have worried, as McNeil seamlessly guided the novel to its conclusion, and although I did anticipate the outcome it in no way detracted from my enjoyment.
This is not a novel of huge drama, instead it is a novel of emotion, of life, of how we make sense of whom we are, how the landscape and circumstances in which we live can mould us. It is about breaking free, making changes, discovering who we are, and having the courage to live as we want to.
It is an intense and enthralling novel that I enjoyed immensely.
Thank you to Imogen Harris and Legend Press for the review copy and inviting mybookishblogspot to take part in the blogtour.
These are the questions that confronted me as I started McNeil’s novel. It is not until Nick flees to the parents of a friend, their house sitting in the shadow of the Brandberg Mountain, that his story slowly begins to unravel. Pieter and Sara’s house provides the opportunity for Nick to look inwards on himself, to question who he is, what he is doing and what his future may hold. The interspersed chapters littered throughout slowly filled in the gaps giving more meaning to Nick’s current dilemmas. Indeed Nick is quite a complex character, not hugely likeable, and quite cold, but reading of his distant parents and family background I do not think there is any other way that Nick can be or knows how to be. His relationship with Pieter and Sara soon develops into that of surrogate son, stepping into the vacant shoes of their own two sons who live faraway and rarely visit. He strikes up an interesting relationship with Pieter, an eminent and often controversial novelist. Nick shows great interest in Pieter’s writing and novels where perhaps his sons had not, and their ensuing conversations and differing perspectives were interesting to read.
The story takes an even more complex turn when Nick meets Pieter and Sara’s son Riaan, who lives in the African bush. Their upbringing and worlds are so far apart yet there is something that draws them together. When Riaan invites Nick to spend some time with him in the bush there is the anticipation that something is going to happen but you are not entirely sure what it is. It is at this point that one of the main characters in the novel comes into its own, that of the African landscape.
McNeil’s vivid imagery and descriptions are brilliantly done. I could taste the arid desert sand, feel the intensity of the heat, and see the beauty of the night sky. The intensity of the heat and the chill of the night perfectly mirrored the relationship between Nick and Rican. I could sense the fluctuating mix of emotion, and confusion as they tried to make sense of their feelings, questioning themselves and each other. I found this to be my favourite part of the novel. It was so wonderfully written and enthralling that I did worry how it would end, where McNeil would take us next.
I needn’t have worried, as McNeil seamlessly guided the novel to its conclusion, and although I did anticipate the outcome it in no way detracted from my enjoyment.
This is not a novel of huge drama, instead it is a novel of emotion, of life, of how we make sense of whom we are, how the landscape and circumstances in which we live can mould us. It is about breaking free, making changes, discovering who we are, and having the courage to live as we want to.
It is an intense and enthralling novel that I enjoyed immensely.
Thank you to Imogen Harris and Legend Press for the review copy and inviting mybookishblogspot to take part in the blogtour.
September 30, 2024
This isn’t a fast paced book and not one to be rushed. I must admit to have been very intrigued by the main character Nick throughout the book, though I didn’t particularly like him at first. He made me feel uneasy. He was like a chameleon that seemed to make himself into what he thought people would like rather be who he was. Nick had been an aid worker that travelled the world to disaster areas but he dropped off the radar. He literally jumped ship and headed to find people he had never met before.
When Nick first arrived at Pieter and Sara’s home in Africa, it was unannounced, he had been just friend of one of Sara’s nieces, but he was welcomed into their home by them. He developed a closeness with Pieter, a successful and controversial writer and soon took on the role a surrogate son. When Riaan, one of Pieter and Sara’s sons, arrives home Nick and him strike up a friendship. Riaan lives in the bush and when he goes back Nick goes along with him.
It is here that the story came to life for me. The descriptions of the African landscape, from the vibrant colours of the rivers to the skies, to the traditions, fears and customs they all just seeped off the pages and into my mind. Everything heightened my senses as it was just so intense. Surrounded by a timeless and ageless African landscape the story turns into one of self discovery for both the men as their lives take an unexpected turn.
The more I read about Africa the more I fall in love with the savage beauty of it all, even the hypnotic snakes that refuse to make way for man and their technology. This is a passionate story in so many ways and so beautifully written on every page.
When Nick first arrived at Pieter and Sara’s home in Africa, it was unannounced, he had been just friend of one of Sara’s nieces, but he was welcomed into their home by them. He developed a closeness with Pieter, a successful and controversial writer and soon took on the role a surrogate son. When Riaan, one of Pieter and Sara’s sons, arrives home Nick and him strike up a friendship. Riaan lives in the bush and when he goes back Nick goes along with him.
It is here that the story came to life for me. The descriptions of the African landscape, from the vibrant colours of the rivers to the skies, to the traditions, fears and customs they all just seeped off the pages and into my mind. Everything heightened my senses as it was just so intense. Surrounded by a timeless and ageless African landscape the story turns into one of self discovery for both the men as their lives take an unexpected turn.
The more I read about Africa the more I fall in love with the savage beauty of it all, even the hypnotic snakes that refuse to make way for man and their technology. This is a passionate story in so many ways and so beautifully written on every page.
January 14, 2026
A slow, dithering read that teeters upon being interesting at times and fades into overly descriptive but bland relationships. The protagonist is unlikable yet an enigma, and there are some absolutely bizarre descriptions of what could be exciting encounters that are completely unbelievable. Whilst the surroundings are intriguing, and the book reels you in, awaiting the finale, it is ultimately a long account of nothing in particular, and the protagonist feels aimless in an unrelatable way. This book could have been good if it had been more succinct and perhaps linear, but it instead jumps from place to place and situation to situation with no real agenda or solid plot line.
February 23, 2018
It's a slow-paced book that gives you time to think and appreciate the lyrical quality of the writing and the unique landscapes that the gentle journey will take you on, rather than a high-octane, action-packed thriller that will leave you emotionally and mentally drained.
Full review on my blog ; http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
Full review on my blog ; http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
June 26, 2023
It took a little while to get into the book but when you do, it's captivating. I was drawn in by the blurb due to my own experiences. It captures the intensity of that first queer experience- confusion, intrigue, self discovery, uncertainty- so so well. If you're able to understand, you will. Really enjoyed it.
May 7, 2020
Readable and unexpected in some ways, but the writer father i found to be a bit of a cliché and the son too. Faux untamed spirits... Main voice, Nick, and his backstory was interesting & more convincing.
December 25, 2025
This really could not decide what it wanted to be: Love story, esoteric thriller, character study, political diatribe?
In the end although it was largely enjoyable, it didn't really succeed at any, and as admirable as the ambitious nature of this book is, it just ended up being a bit of a mess.
In the end although it was largely enjoyable, it didn't really succeed at any, and as admirable as the ambitious nature of this book is, it just ended up being a bit of a mess.
July 7, 2022
There were some good chapters but it took a long time to get there.
April 9, 2023
I really really struggled to get into this book.
October 9, 2024
Ok but lacking something - that is about the kindest thing I can say about this novel. To be frank it barely held my attention and I was just not convinced by any of the characters. Ultimately it is not a book I will ever read again and I doubt I will read anything else by the author.
(update 2024)
Still don't like the novel, it just brings to mind boredom and pretentious obscurantism. But everyone else loved it.
By the way this novel is by Jean McNeil - who is on Goodreads - and this novel should be listed there. Anyone interested in hassling the Librarians to make a correction? I didn't like the novel so don't care.
(update 2024)
Still don't like the novel, it just brings to mind boredom and pretentious obscurantism. But everyone else loved it.
By the way this novel is by Jean McNeil - who is on Goodreads - and this novel should be listed there. Anyone interested in hassling the Librarians to make a correction? I didn't like the novel so don't care.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews