It's been four or five years since I've read any of H. Rider Haggard's novels. So this was a good chance to go and pick up one of his relatively early works. With The People of the Mist, Haggard produces a variation on King Solomon's Mines. Like that work, he has his hero, Leonard Outram, undertake a perilous journey to the edge of an African desert wherein lies a Lost Civilization, the People of the Mist. In this case, however, the goal is to gain a fortune in rubies rather than diamonds. Another faithful African attendant, Otter the dwarf, stands by Leonard's side, just as Umbopa the giant did for Quatermain in Mines. There is also a hidden identity story leading to an overthrow of the ruling power. Here, it is Soa, the exiled daughter of the high priest, Nam, who initially seems to support Leonard and his new wife, Juanna. But jealous of Leonard's theft of Juanna's affections, Soa being her servant since childhood, the newly returned exile masterminds a plot to gain supreme power of the kingdom of the Mist through her father. At least in Mines, Umbopa remained true and faithful to Quatermain after revealing himself to be the rightful king of his land. Both stories also have the principals returning from the quests with wealth and success. Although also in both cases, there is a melancholy ending, where things still seem amiss. Money, titles, and land aren't enough without family and love. And in the case of People of the Mist, a hand reaches out from the grave to bring unease to Leonard and Juanna's life together.

An enjoyable time with this fantasy adventure. Amazing it is that Haggard can take the same storyline from earlier works and keep them fresh and full of tension and mystery.

A young English man begins a quest to redeem his family name with his faithful companion Otter. His adventures take him to an African slave camp, a mysterious "lost" people who worship a giant snake god, and a Victorian beauty who seems to need rescuing every other week.
Standard English adventures in Africa fare but the hysterical woman and her massive mood swings dragged down the story at times. Despite being a fantastic character, even Otter is unable to counteract her effect.

One of the most memorable adventures I've read to date. From the proud Briton in a forgotten land filled with traps, tribal superstition and hidden wealth.

I felt a great desire to explore the world after reading this tale, yet, in the same train of thought, I was comforted by my surroundings of spearless men who are not cannibals or mythical gods who desire the blood of the innocent.

This was Indiana Jones before Indiana became a thing. I loved the story and highly recommend it.

Another great adventure story by Haggard, who never fails to entertain.

One the best books I have ever read. If anyone love the combination of love, adventure, betrayal, Mystery then this book is highly recommended for you.

A young English man begins a quest to redeem his family name with his faithful companion Otter. His adventures take him to an African slave camp, a mysterious "lost" people who worship a giant snake god, and a Victorian beauty who seems to need rescuing every other week.
Standard English adventures in Africa fare but the hysterical woman and her massive mood swings dragged down the story at times. Despite being a fantastic character, even Otter is unable to counteract her effect.

I'm reviewing this as part of my "Same Title- Different Book" project! This particular People of the Mist is a 'turn of the century' novel in which the adventures of an Englishman in the 'Dark Continent' are recorded. Free on the Kindle, this novel is certainly entertaining but you have to put aside any modern notions in order to enjoy it. First of all, any non-white characters are mostly depicted in gross stereotypes. It must be read within its context. The plot lines are also sometimes silly in the context of information we have now and all the movies and 'adventure' novels we have been exposed to....but I'm sure many of the escapades in the narrative were quite thrilling and innovative to readers in 1894.