Robert Michael Leslie
Author & Storyteller
Latest Release
Song of the Butterflies
1973. Rhodesia is at war.
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The Rhodesian Bush War burns across deserts and jungles, as factions fight to wrest control from European colonialists. One man, who calls himself iLunga, will stop at nothing to drive the whites from his country. Ruthless, calculating, and feared, he has the people’s support and the power to cross borders at will.
Standing against him is Sion Michael, a South African soldier in the elite Selous Scouts. Leading a team of Zulu trackers, Sion and his men—known as Uvemvane, or Butterflies—move through the bush like shadows, leaving no trace. Their mission: stop iLunga before he arms thousands of insurgents waiting in neighbouring camps.
But for Sion, what began as another man’s war soon becomes personal. His destiny and iLunga’s are intertwined in ways neither could have foreseen—changing not just the course of the conflict, but their lives forever.
Why you'll love it
If you enjoy fast-paced historical thrillers filled with danger, loyalty, and moral complexity, Song of the Butterflies will grip you from the first page. It’s not just a story of war—it’s a story of people, choices, and the price of survival.
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“This book has a particular significance for me. As a young student in Cape Town during the late 1960s and early 1970s, I shared accommodation with several Rhodesians, including a Captain in the Rhodesian Army Reserves, who had seen hectic action in the Kariba Valley and suffered from PTSD."
Leonard Smuts
5 Star review
Reader Reviews
“Song of the Butterflies by Robert M. Leslie offers a gripping fictional account of the Rhodesian Bush War. Blending historical fact with vivid dramatisation, it plunges readers into the brutal realities of combat while capturing the larger struggle for Zimbabwe’s independence.”
Carol Thompson
5 Star Review
“Song of the Butterflies thrusts readers into the raw, real, and barbaric Rhodesian Bush War. Follow Sion Michael and the Selous Scouts as they infiltrate enemy camps, track rebels through jungles and salt pans, and face insurmountable dangers in a saga of grit, courage, and survival.”
Lucinda E Clarke
5 Star review
Second Release
Devil's Throat
After years of fighting in Zimbabwe, Sion returns to South Africa and reunites with Charlie Westray. Their future is uncertain - Charlie isn’t sure she can leave her high-pressure corporate law career for life on the land.
When a family crisis takes her to London, she discovers that her mother is dying and decides to delay her return, leaving Sion in limbo.
To clear his head, Sion joins his friend Rudi for a fishing and hiking trip in Namibia’s vast, unforgiving Naukluft National Park. A ranger tells them about a hidden phenomenon called Devil’s Throat - feared by locals and accessible only by helicopter and shows them an old German gold coin linked to a legendary fortune. Rudi is captivated; Sion is wary.
Their flight over the mountains reveals the mysterious site, prompting Rudi to impulsively land the chopper. But Sion spots a massive sandstorm bearing down on them, and he urges Rudi to abandon the treasure hunt. They lift off too late.
The storm slams the helicopter off course, crashing it into the towering dunes. Lost and disoriented, the men begin a desperate trek guided by one truth: keep the Naukluft Mountains at their backs - or die trying.
Why you'll love it
If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers packed with danger, survival, and adventure, Devil’s Throat will draw you into a gripping journey of courage, loyalty, and endurance.
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“If you are looking for a historical adventure novel flavored with drama, suspense, and thrills, Devil’s Throat by Robert M. Leslie is a must-read. This page-turner kept me on the edge of my seat, forced me to hold my breath, and left my heart pounding hard."
Keith Mbuya
for Readers’ Favorite
Reader Reviews
"Devil’s Throat by Robert M. Leslie is a captivating adventure. Leslie’s writing definitely shines brightest during the most nerve-wracking moments, where his descriptions become very sharp and evocative. If you’re a fan of gradually intensifying survival thrillers, you’ll find yourself completely swept away."
Alija Turkovic
for Readers’ Favorite
“Robert Michael Leslie delivers a fast-paced, believable adventure that blends romance, family drama, and South African history. Through Sion's journey of love, self-discovery, and survival, Devil's Throat offers rich cultural detail, engaging characters, and subtle life lessons that keep readers captivated.”
Essien Asian
for Readers’ Favorite
About Robert Michael Leslie
Delve into the world of Robert Michael Leslie, an accomplished author dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. Through his unique storytelling prowess, Leslie invites you to explore the intricate tapestry of 'Song of the Butterflies' and embark on a literary journey unlike any other.
