Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
In the aftermath of Elijah’s fiery ascension, the mantle of prophecy rests heavily on Elisha’s shoulders. Called to shepherd Israel through turbulent times, he faces challenges from rulers, prophets, and even the people closest to him.

Jaedon, who has shadowed Elisha since boyhood, is torn between loyalty to the prophet and his deepening desire to right a grievous wrong. As the young vintner struggles to understand why Yahweh allowed his family’s murders, he considers a step toward revenge that will jeopardize his relationship with the man he regards as an elder brother.

Gehazi, whose faith sometimes flickers, is tempted by the promise of wealth and power. His actions threaten to tear him away from the very blessings he sought to protect.

Meanwhile, Ziva, an innocent girl in the sleepy settlement of Gischala, is swept into a world filled with uncertainty and danger. With unimaginable loss behind her, she struggles to look beyond her grief to find God’s will. It is then she realizes only one path remains.

Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle?

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

21 people are currently reading
79 people want to read

About the author

Dana McNeely

4 books206 followers
Dana McNeely dreamed of living in a world teeming with adventure, danger, and romance, but she had a problem—she also needed a lot of peace and quiet. She learned to visit that dream world by stepping into a book. Better yet, hundreds of books. Soon, she began writing her own stories, fact and fiction.

Inspired by the Bible stories of Elijah, Dana wondered why the prophet came to stay with the widow of Zarephath and her son. Who were they? What was their life, before? How did the boy change after he died, saw the other world—and came back?

Those questions led to Dana writing RAIN, in which she built her dream world of adventure, danger, and romance. Peace and quiet, however, have remained elusive.

No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies.

Her debut novel RAIN spins the tale of a mysterious prophet, a desperate youth, and a relentless queen. RAIN and a second novel in the "Whispers on the Wind" series are contracted by Mountain Brook Ink.

Sign up for Dana’s newsletter to get book updates, garden exploits, butterfly effusions, and writerly fiascos.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
50 (80%)
4 stars
10 (16%)
3 stars
2 (3%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Alana (AlanaLoves2Read).
56 reviews15 followers
April 8, 2025
“I’ve always wanted to ride in a chariot” –Elijah the Prophet

I absolutely loved this 3rd and final book of this series! This Biblical trilogy has been a huge blessing to me – I have learned so much about the prophets Elijah and Elisha in addition to learning more about the wicked Kings and people at that time. Mantle was every bit as engaging as the first 2 books – with a powerful and satisfying conclusion to this unforgettable story. I highly recommend you read all 3 books in the series, however, each book can be read as a standalone story.

Mantle opens with a dramatic scene – it is the final days of Elijah who is being taken away to heaven in a chariot of fire. After this event, the story follows the life of the prophet Elisha who takes Elijah’s place (takes up his 'mantle') and must guide Israel through dangerous and turbulent times. I am so impressed with the level of research that Dana McNeely has poured into these books. She has seamlessly woven many well researched details into the overall story – details that enrich the main plot along with the subplots – bringing everything to life. For me, reading this series was like visiting a Biblical historical museum and being given a three-dimensional experience.

I am finding it hard to say ‘good-bye’ to this amazing trilogy. The characters, setting and details were so, so good. What I think I appreciated the most was the overall theme running through this story: God has a purpose for each of our lives – all in His perfect timing.

Reviewer’s note: Something I learned from this story I had not known before is when Elisha asked for a double portion of his mentor Elijah’s spirit, God also granted him the ability to perform twice as many miracles as Elijah did. So Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit and performed double the amount of miracles.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
815 reviews
April 7, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the series about the prophets Elijah and Elisha. I love those Bible stories and really enjoyed how Dana McNeely has handled writing their stories and adding other characters to the narrative.
The author has obviously done a lot of research to write these books and I really appreciate that. She stays true to the Biblical narrative and although she adds to it, she is careful to be consistent.
I do recommend this book will be enjoyed best if Rain and Whirlwind are read first, as the story does build on itself.
Recommended.
Thank you to Dana McNeely and Mountain Brook Ink for my ARC.
Profile Image for Womanwithin06.
11 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2025
This book is undeniably a captivating page-turner that you won’t want to put down.
2,006 reviews19 followers
April 2, 2025
Exceptional reading. What I love about Dana's books, is they are true to Scripture, yet weave a seamless story out of it all, and you live it out with them. So - blessed by the Scriptures, the lessons, and a great read as well. Who could ask for better than that?!
Highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed. Finishes well.
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,154 reviews12 followers
February 12, 2025
I have always appreciated what the Holy Bible tells us about the prophet Elisha. Dana McNeely has taken the brief stories of his miracles and activities and added so much depth to them, bringing it all together in a beautiful story woven around what we read in the Bible. I view it as sharing Bible stories with a sanctified imagination. She makes the events come alive and walks the reader through the daily lives of Elisha and the characters in the first few books of 2 Kings. Then she fills in the story with fictional characters that enhance the reading of the stories. The book does not add to nor take away from the Bible but fills in many gaps with what could have happened. The actual events recorded in holy writ are not modified. I enjoyed the way she expands on the events to give them an ebb and flow like experienced in daily life. Just like the Bible, this story continuously points the reader to Yahweh, the one true God. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
189 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2025
This was the third (and last) book in Dana McNeely’s, “Whispers on the Wind” series. It starts in the aftermath of Elijah’s ascension to heaven in a chariot! As Elijah was taken he left behind his mantle for his disciple - Elisha. He prophesied over Elisha, leaving him a double blessing. I loved how Dana McNeely takes scriptures from the Bible and weaves them into a wonderful story. After Elisha, the main characters were Jaedon and Ziva (not discounting many other wonderful characters) and oh what paths circumstances took them both on - filled with uncertainly and danger. A wonderful read.
Profile Image for Charity.
575 reviews74 followers
May 15, 2025
Wow. While this book was a little slow at times, I loved seeing how the author weaved this tapestry of Biblical truth and what might have happened. I enjoyed seeing how each character circled around to another, eventually circling back. And can you IMAGINE seeing Elijah taken up in the chariot of fire???
8 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2025


Mantle (Whispers 0n the Wind #3) by Dana McNeely

A Book Review by Emily Shanahan

Dana McNeely is a Christian Biblical novel author. Please consider following Dana McNeely on Facebook and Instagram.

I heard about Dana McNeely’s desire for launch team members from a post in the launch team Facebook group for Mesu Andrews. I had heard of Dana McNeely as she is friends with my other Biblical novel authors pals, Mesu Andrews and Coni Cossette. Even though I do not yet have the privilege of knowing Dana personally, outside of being internet friends, I know that Dana is passionate about pointing others to God’s Word through writing novels anchored in Scripture.

The novel Mantle covers the story of Elijah and Elisha found in 1 Kings 17 and 19. While Elijah himself makes a brief appearance in the story, the majority of the novel follows the journey of Elisha as he comes into his own as a prophet of the Lord after Elijah’s taken up to Heaven. The main theme of the novel was to choose to follow the Lord in His calling on your life particularly when that calling doesn’t make human sense. I found this exhortation by Dana McNeely to be a positive spiritual challenge in my own life.

Mantle was actually the third book in the Whispers on the Wind series. The first book, Rain, can be found here. And the second book, Whirlwind, can be found here.

Honestly, I enjoyed reading Mantle immensely. Dana McNeely’s latest book was a fresh take on a not frequently talked about story from the Old Testament: the story of Elijah and Elisha.  

A thought I wanted to leave you with is Dana McNeely’s novel was undergirded with Scripture as a creative launch point to help her readers think about following the Lord and His calling on your life even when that calling doesn’t make sense. I recommend you order this book by clicking on this link.

I was provided with an advance copy of Mantle to review as part of a launch team. My opinions are my own and I was not financially compensated in any way.

**Cover photo taken from Amazon

***This review was lovingly typed by Emily Herbst.
896 reviews20 followers
April 16, 2025
Such a great story! I enjoyed reading this story that combines Bible stories with fiction. It really makes the stories in the Bible come alive. A good book for those who enjoy Biblical fiction. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,269 reviews40 followers
April 21, 2025
When a story touches you deeply, you want to share it with everyone. Well, I have to say, this book and the previous books in this series are so powerful.
The author has woven the Biblical stories and truths in a way that will stay with you for a long time.
I have enjoyed reading Dana McNeely’s books. Her writing is smooth and colorful. Each page drops you into the Biblical timeline and culture in such a way that you feel you are living with these characters. Each of her books is an invitation to travel back into this time, to an era we can only read about in the Bible. From the pageantry of customs to the action of surviving in tough times, there is nothing left amiss.
This story has an underlying theme of faithfulness, acceptance, God’s forgiveness, and healing. There is romance woven into this book in a gentle and tender way.
The words she used, spoken by the prophet Elisha, have impacted my daily thinking. I hope to apply them to my life. I know they will sit in my heart and mind for a while.
I love it when a fiction story brings me back to my Bible to dig a little deeper.
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it. It just might profoundly touch your soul, like it did mine.
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Stacey Cochran.
570 reviews
May 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this story! There were a lot of ups and downs for the characters which although they are ancient people and ancient problems, I related to their struggles and turning to (or away) from God. I enjoyed the characters. I will say that the first half of the book was a little slow for me, but the setup really pays off in the last half, and it is fantastic conclusion to this series! Highly recommend!
78 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2025
Mantle is the 3rd book in the "Whispers of the wind" series and what an enthralling book to end this trilogy with! I've read the other 2 and while this could be read as a stand alone, you have a better understanding of the characters and their relationships by reading them in order.
This one is based on the Elijah the prophet passing on the "mantle" of responsibility to Elisha, and his life as a prophet through the spiritual turmoil of highly political times in Israel.
Dana's gift for research is showcased as she stays true to the biblical truth and her engaging storytelling weaves a vivid story with both fictional and historical characters in a manner that brings the biblical story to life.
Mantle starts of with a bang and continues with laying the foundation of the various characters with increasing intensity as a variety of subplots unveil and intersect.
There is danger, intrigue, romance, friendship and war with thought provoking challenges of faith, forgiveness and steadfast commitment for the characters that will resonate with the reader. While there is a bit of violence that is accurate and biblical, it is a clean book, free from profanity, sex or anything offensive.
This is an outstanding book, not only entertaining and informative, it is inspiring and brings to life beautiful biblical truths.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series for those who want to read biblical stories brought to life, that leave you with deeper understanding of God's faithfulness to us individually and collectively.
My deepest appreciation to Dana for the advance copy of Mantle to review as part of a launch team, it was a privilege. All opinions expressed are mine own.
I enjoyed the book so much, I purchased a copy as well.
Profile Image for Mesu.
Author 35 books1,862 followers
June 20, 2025
In 2021, Book #1 in her Whispers on the Wind series, Rain, earned a spot among the Christy Award finalists for “First Novel.” I read Rain and immediately knew why it ranked among the finalists. Rain put flesh and bones on the story of Elijah, God’s prophet during the days of King Ahaz and Queen Jezebel.
Ideally, I would like to have read Book #2 in the Whispers on the Wind series, Whirlwind, that continued Elijah’s story and introduced the prophet Elisha as his successor. I haven’t read it yet, but after reading Mantle, I would still like to go back and read Book #2.
You need not have read Rain or Whirlwind to enjoy the gripping story of Mantle. The story begins with Elijah’s transition to the heavens in God’s fiery chariot. McNeeley’s vivid description of 2 Kings 2 tugged on my emotions and placed me among those who witnessed the one-of-a-kind send-off and transition of prophetic power to Elisha.
I was also impressed by the way the author formed the story around the same family I met in Rain, and how she seamlessly wove them together with new characters. In the style of Connilyn Cossette novels, Dana McNeeley has created a family saga that I hope she’ll continue! Perhaps the most memorable thing about this book—the lasting impact of it—was Dana’s portrayal of Jaedon (who was only a boy in Book #1). His faithfulness, steadfast love, and determination made him a hero we could all cheer for!
A great read for fans of Connilyn Cossette, Jill Eileen Smith, Heather Kaufman, and Jamie Ogle.
Profile Image for Nina Ruth.
17 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2025
While this is part of a series, it still works as a standalone. This book continues the story of the prophet Elijah through his chosen successor, Elisha.

I love how the author, Dana McNeely, uses the medium of biblical fiction bring the true stories of the biblical account to life.

It is lyrical and beautiful, leaving the reader with a bittersweet ache for a closer walk with the one true God, the god that Elijah and Elisha knew!

I give any major plot points away, but within the main thread of Elisha's story, Dana McNeely beautifully weaves in threads of subplot with characters that, while most had been familiar with previous books in the series, again a new reader would not need to have necessarily read the previous books in the series to love this story.

And I must say, one of the threads beautifully woven in is a subplot involving a real Biblical character whom I've always loved from this short one sentence description we get from her in the scriptures, and she is brought to joyful and inspiring life in this redemptive and relatable tale, although I don't think most would guess who she is until much later in the book!

For anyone who ever struggles with wondering if you are enough to step into what God is calling you to, for anyone who might be going through a season where you wonder why things turned out the way they have so far, or for anyone who simply just loves a gorgeously crafted story, Mantle is for you!
Profile Image for Naomi Craig.
Author 8 books242 followers
April 18, 2025
Outstanding!
Welcome back to a world teaming with intrigue and fraught with danger.
Mantle paints a bleak picture of what happens to a nation when the leaders and people don't follow God's commands. This message is parallel to today, and challenges me to hold fast to the Lord's ways.

I loved the theme of the generational mantle---will I take up the mantle of those who seek their own way or the legacy of those who walk faithfully with the Lord?

Mantle was fast paced and descriptive and filled with deep characters. The story picks up right as Elijah is taken up to heaven (where Whirlwind ends---but mantle can be a stand alone). We see the double portion of Elijah's Spirit manifested in the miracles and prophecies God does through Elisha.

I was so invested in the characters and stories that I didn't want it to end. Dana McNeely 's writing will sweep you up in a whirlwind of political intrigue, relatable characters and reactions, and the Word of God will rain down on you as you turn the pages.

The imagery is beautiful and sent me back to my Bible and convicting my heart.

Readers of Biblical Fiction will love Mantle!

I received a copy of this book from the author/ publisher. It in no way affected my thoughts. This book earned every one of its 5 *'s on its on merit
1 review
March 20, 2025
Dana McNeely's 'Mantle' from her Whispers on the Wind series is a must read! This author just continues to get better and better as she hones her craft. This is by far her best work, in my opinion. Let's just say that I stayed up literally all night because I couldn't put it down.

This story picks up right before Elijah is caught up in a whirlwind. His successor, Elisha, knows that today is the day that Elijah will leave the earth, and he refuses to leave his precious mentor. He asks Elijah for double the blessings.

You will read Elisha's story as never before. You'll also be treated to a little romance, some intrigue and a bit of God-ordained bloodshed.

McNeely is a star researcher. Everything in her books feasibly could have happened. She takes everything known about a biblical character, the craftily weaves a great story around them. I find I learn so much while enjoying it so much!

This novel is definitely a standalone title, but it's a little more fun if you've read the first two in the series, 'Rain', and 'Whirlwind.

Can't wait to see what this author does next!
Profile Image for HAL.
394 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2025
A Beautiful Biblical Love Story!

The story covers the harshness of war, death, separation, disappointment in others that is overcome by the love for God, the Prophet of God, family and needy which drive several characters to do wonderful things! All this shows the mighty love and works of the God of Israel.
The book is based on two fictional characters but follows closely the Bible account of Elisha's life. McNealy writes skillfully and draws the reader into the lives of Diva and Jaedon as well as that remarkable prophet Elisha.
I loved the character development and story flow. In spite of the mention of all the acts of war, love and violence, it is a clean book, free from swears, sex scenes or describing any violence. I can easily and most heartily do recommend this for teens and adults. I will keep this on my Kindle for another read and know you will enjoy reading it as much as I did.
57 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2025
Awakened early. A mysterious trip to Bethel. Where was His Master going? Why had Yahweh called? Mantle by Dana McNeeley commences with a mysterious journey and features the Biblical accounts of 2Kings, Chapters 2-7 in this fictional book. These stories are brought to life by vibrant characterizations and engrossing scenes. Mrs. McNeeley weaves these timeless narratives with skill and believable possibilities. Mantle is a great conclusion to the Whispers on the Wind Series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it. Although I received a free copy of this book, I have given honest, unbiased, and unsolicited reactions to the story and all my thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Barbara M. Britton.
Author 12 books236 followers
May 27, 2025
The last days of Elijah and the ministry of Elisha come alive in Mantle. How Dana McNeely wrapped them in a beautiful bow was heartwarming and quite a feat! I had recently studied the book of II Kings and was excited to read about the accounts in this fictional story.

Jaedon and Ziva were my favorites because love stories are on the top of my list. The storyline is easy to follow, and you will be reading furiously to find out how all the stories are interwoven. Elijah's ministry is well-done. McNeely makes biblical history come alive.

Don't miss a whirlwind of adventure and family sagas from the Old Testament.
93 reviews
May 6, 2025
“The Mantel” provides a fictional portrayal of the life and times of the prophet Elisha. Dana McNeely’s walks the reader through the biblical account of Elisha filling in many details that could have happened.

This is a good biblical fiction read, and provides the reader a glimpse into the culture and time period with ideas to ponder. I especially enjoyed chapter 19. Gehazi is having a lesson with Elisha and he is reading the beginning scroll and he and Elisha are discussing Adam and Eve’s eating from the forbidden tree.
Profile Image for Robyn Seitzler.
211 reviews4 followers
May 22, 2025
Amazing Read

There are some authors whose books I buy automatically. Dana McNeely’s are among them and with good cause. Her research into the Bible and the culture make the books true to life and her characters wrestle with age-old problems that make them relatable today.
I especially liked Ziva. This gal experienced some of the worst of life and demonstrated how to do so walking in faith.
All three books of this trilogy deserve to be on your bookshelf, whether literal or digital. May you be blessed as you visit the days of Elisha.
46 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2025
The Mantle by Dana McNeely was the third in a series of of books called Whispers on the Wind. This was a retelling of the Biblical story of Elisha picking up Elijah’s mantle and continued his ministry. It follow a young couple, a young prophet who is following Elisha, and his love who has had a horrifying experience. This book will find its home on your Biblical fiction shelf. I give it 5 stars. I received a review copy of this book from the author.
57 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2025
Elijah’s story has came to an end but Elisha’s story is just beginning. Dana brings the Bible stories to life and we can live in their world a short time. All thanks to Dana McNeely’s wonderful vision. #danamcneely #mantle #whispersonthewind
Profile Image for Barbara Beebe.
130 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2025
This third book in the series continues with Elijah and Elisha. To me the story was enjoyable. It does follow the story of 2Kings. Also to me, the fiction parts did not alter the true parts in any way.
51 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2025
I love a book that makes me smile in the last few pages! This is a wonderful story filled with adventure, miracles and romance-I sat here, grinning like an idiot at the very end of this book!
Thank you Dana for a wonderful book and for making me smile!
Profile Image for Malgorzata.
360 reviews7 followers
April 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It's biblical fiction, and the action takes place in Elisha's lifetime. It is an encouraging and inspiring book.
2 reviews
May 15, 2025
A Beautiful Read

At first I couldn't quite get what or where this story was leading but as I continued to read I fell into the Bible story as this wrapped me in it's pages.
Profile Image for The Bookish Pilgrim.
93 reviews3 followers
May 7, 2025
Mantle is the third book in the Whispers on the Wind series, the other two being Rain and Whirlwind. However, each book can be read as a stand alone.

The novel begins with Elijah's ascension to heaven, God having granted Elisha's wish for a double portion of Elijah's spirit.

The novel essentially chronicles a part of Elisha's life, ministry and miracles seen through the eyes of ordinary Israelites living nearby. These are characters introduced into the series from Rain itself. I found it a little difficult to place them since I'd read Rain a few years ago and barely remembered the details. A short list of characters giving their histories briefly at the beginning of the book as a reminder, would not come amiss. I found something similar at the end of the book.

The charm is in seeing how ordinary lives unfold and their interactions with the prophet.

Enter Ziva. Remember the little servant girl who told Naaman's wife about Elisha's abilities. Dana gives her a beautiful back story. Personally, I felt the storyline seemed to pick up speed with her abduction, whereas earlier, it seemed to meander a bit.

Dana's characters are well thought out, and develop and evolve through the novel, mentally, emotionally and spiritually as they face and overcome challenges.

I enjoyed the book and I heartily recommend it if you love biblical fiction, well, if you read Christian fiction. I was given an ARC for my perusal. But the opinions expressed here are mine alone.

The ebook is available for just ₹343/- on Amazon India on May 5th. Preorder using the link. https://amzn.in/d/2JaLQrL

Check this universal link to the novel.
https://books2read.com/u/m080yP
Profile Image for Malia Wong.
359 reviews69 followers
May 28, 2025
I’ve been a fan of Dana’s writing since the first book in the series, RAIN. I’ve loved following all the character arcs and learning more about the culture and time period. Dana’s research is excellent and her writing is very immersive. I will say that think it was also some events in my personal life that put me in a mini reading slump, but the pacing felt a bit slower than the first two books. I liked both MCs, especially since we’ve known Jaedon since he was a boy in the first book. Ziva was a great FMC and I wish we had more scenes of her experiences. I would have liked more scenes with Jaedon & Ziva together, but I also understand that may not have been culturally appropriate at that time 😅The ending was a satisfying conclusion for the series, but I am sad that it’s over 🥲 I guess that just means I’ll have to reread in the future!

And, because God’s timing is perfect, after I finished reading this, my church started a series on Elijah & Elisha!

*Thank you to the author for an advanced ebook copy. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.